Mr. Dave is a beloved figure in the Austin poetry community known for his dynamic energy as a poet and host. He regularly engages audiences with his hosting prowess with humor, creativity, and an inclusive spirit.  He has been publishing poetry since the age of 8 and more recently, held the title of Austin Poetry Slam Champion, AIPS  Haiku Deathmatch Champion, as well as landing final stage at many national Poetry Slam competitions. He has a spoken word music project called Postwriter and also does magic! Mr. Dave’s commitment to fostering an environment where poets of all backgrounds feel welcome shines through, making him a vital presence in Austin’s spoken word scene.​

Christopher Michael (Poet For Hire), has been a regular at Austin Poetry Slam since he won his FIRST Grand Slam title in 2005. MC, champion, host, writer, author, educator, publisher, pappy, professor veteran, nurse and international literary artist. Christopher Michael uses poetry to address mental health, relationship accountability, and black American history.  He’s done more in poetry than most poets know can be done. He’s the resident host at Austin Slam, EncoreATX and Master Piece’s For Love of Words (F.L.O.W.) Show case and F.L.O.W. International. His latest book “Black Type Poems” will take you the poetic ride that you deserve. HOOTIE HOOO…

Rachel Z. joined the Austin Poetry Slam family in 2022, first as a fan who never missed a Wednesday show and soon after as a regular on the mic. Now serving as APS’s Public Relations and Social Media Manager, Rachel is passionate about presenting poetry in ways that honor the artists and the community behind them. A lifelong lover of spoken word (since probably too young to be watching it), she believes poetry is as much about belonging as it is about art. For Rachel, building and fostering community through APS isn’t just part of the job, it’s the heart of it.

Joe B | Element 615

Sunni Soper

Lorelei