Piano Slam

Experience the creative synergy of classical music, Afropop rhythms and powerful youth poetry in a unique performance format. Piano Slam returns to the Adrienne Arsht Center on Wednesday, April 23, showcasing 20 talented teenage poets selected from among 1,000 Miami-area submissions.

Under the direction of award-winning Miami writer, actor and director Teo Castellanos, the event brings together this selection of young poets with acclaimed piano duo Jeroen van Veen and Mike Del Ferro, alongside DJ and synthesizer player Anthony "Smurfio" Laurencio. This collaborative presentation by Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion and the Adrienne Arsht Center creates a dynamic intersection of literary and musical expression.

New for this year's edition, the performance will feature a live judging panel similar to popular television talent competitions. The panel will be led by presidential poet laureate Richard Blanco and includes respected literary figures Mecca "Grimo" Marcelin, Miami-Dade poet laureate Caridad Moro-Gronlier and Miami Book Fair executive director Lissette Mendez.

Attendance requires first-access passes, which do not guarantee entry and expire 15 minutes before the performance begins. These passes must be obtained for each attendee regardless of age, with a limit of four passes per household. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis as seating becomes available.