First Fridays 11 pm: Mind's Eye Radio: Madison area poets and writers rant, rave and reminisce on a new topic each month; airs on WORT, 89.9 FM. www.mindseyeaudio.com

Thursday nights 7 pm: Radio Literature: Show with local poets, writers and guest readers airs on WORT, 89.9 FM. www.wort-fm.org

May

5/14, Wednesday, 7 pm: Poetry reading by Tim Walsh, author of Blue Lace Colander, published by Marsh River Editions, and Sara Parrell. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham, 255-4730 for info.

5/16, Friday, 7 pm: The Vellum Collective reads fiction and poetry. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham. 255-4730 for info.

5/16, Friday, 7 pm: Madison National Slam Team Finals. Featuring Kyle “El Guante” Myhre, the 2006 Madison Grand Slam Champion and currently the 2008 Minneapolis Grand Slam Champion. At the Inn on the Park, on the Capitol square. Cover is $10. All ages.

5/17, Saturday, 7 pm: Urban Spoken Word Poetry. Featuring a Local Poets Showcase. Genna's Lounge, Main St. on the Capitol Square. For information, David Hart: 239.0921 or dahiii@hotmail.com.

5/25, Sunday, 2 pm: Poetry reading by Dennis Trudell, author of Lengthening Shriek: Poems for the New Century, and Andrea Musher. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham, 255-4730 for info.

June

6/1, Sunday, 2 pm: Erin Hanusa will be reading from her new book The House of Marriage, joined by Cynthia Hoffman. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham. 255-4730 for info.

6/5, Thursday, 7 pm: Poetry Open Mike. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham. 255-4730 for info.

6/8, Sunday, 2 pm: Book release party: F.J. Bergmann will read from her new science-fiction poetry chapbook, Constellation of the Dragonfly, joined by Ron Czerwien. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham. 255-4730 for info.

6/13, Friday; 7:30 pm: Poetry Open Mike with featured readers. At the Village Booksmith in downtown Baraboo, 526 Oak St., on the square across from the cannon. For info call 355-1001.

6/21, Saturday, 7 pm: Urban Spoken Word Poetry Slam. Genna's Lounge, Main St. on the Capitol Square. For information, David Hart: 239.0921 or dahiii@hotmail.com.

6/22, Sunday, 1-4 pm: The 16th Annual WFOP Invitational Poety Marathon will take place in the Atrium of Olbrich Botannical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin. The program features 15 poets from around Wisconsin, and will be announced soon. For information call Fran Rall at (608) 273-9369 or e-mail Wendy Vardaman, wvardaman@hotmail.com.

July

7/3, Thursday, 7 pm: Poetry Open Mike. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham. 255-4730 for info.

7/11, Friday; 7:30 pm: Poetry Open Mike with featured readers. At the Village Booksmith in downtown Baraboo, 526 Oak St., on the square across from the cannon. For info call 355-1001.

August

3–9: The 22nd Annual National Poetry Slam will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, at a number of downtown venues. Don't miss this exciting week-long competition!

8/7, Thursday, 7 pm: Poetry Open Mike. Avol's Bookstore, 315 W. Gorham. 255-4730 for info.

8/8, Friday; 7:30 pm: Poetry Open Mike with featured readers. At the Village Booksmith in downtown Baraboo, 526 Oak St., on the square across from the cannon. For info call 355-1001.