OLD BAYBY is an original poetic memoir written and starring Unique The Word. This one womxn show will highlight key moments, lessons in healing, and poetic milestones from Unique's life as a 20+ year Black queer performer, educator, lover, and ex-hot mess in recovery, expressed through humor, passion, and grace.

Special opening acts include local Baltimore/DC multimedia literary & performance artists: Nicola Uatuva, Niara, Lou WNDR, Vetiver, and Jade Flower Foster, with sounds by DJ Black Reignbow.

A 20-minute talkback and Q&A will follow.

This isn’t a traditional slam. The Underground is cypher-style—eight poets, head-to-head rounds, and the audience decides every winner. Bring your voice, your energy, and help crown the poet who takes home $1,000.

Sixteen nationally recognized poets team up for the Tag Team Slam, forming eight duos that will go head-to-head in a fast-paced, collaborative battle. Expect chemistry, synchronicity, and unforgettable performances as teams compete for a $1,000 prize.

The renowned Baltimore City Poetry Slam Team has competed nationally and internationally on world poetry stages, earning multiple titles individually and collectively for over ten years. For two years, a film production team documented this journey from coaching to stage, and the Slam Team is excited to debut this film.

A talkback will follow the film, featuring the cast and production crew, moderated by Unique The Word.