With the assistance of the ACLU chapter of Utah and Equality Utah, Spy Hop Productions will hold an election-themed poetry slam, concert and non-partisan political power party Friday, Sept. 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the courtyard of Spy Hop Productions location at 511 W 200 S, conveniently accessible from the TRAX Old GreekTown station.

The SLAM competition starts at 7:30 p.m. with DJ Divine, super slam poet and co-host of 33 1/3 Vintage Jazz at KRCL, as the host. Among the prizes will be the opportunity for the winner to perform at the opening of “Liberties Under Fire,” an art exhibit of nationally-recognized artists opening at the Salt Lake Art Center next month. DJ Tri, host of Jazz:Sol on KRCL, will spin between slam rounds.

The winner of the slam will be determined in the standard poetry slam competition format as audience members will be selected to judge the performances in three rounds and each round will bring eliminations. “The impetus for the event is an opportunity for young people 16-22, namely first-time voters, to get familiar with the voting process, voter rights, register to vote, and celebrate democracy in an non-partisan, open and safe environment,” Liz Coleman, Spy Hop’s youth radio instructor and outreach coordinator, says. “The ACLU of Utah and Equality Utah and Spy Hop Productions have put in great work to create a positive and safe atmosphere where first time voters can learn about voting, how to vote, how to register, the importance of voting, what to expect at the polls as well as created a space to speak freely in participating in the slam.”

Coleman adds that the range of potential topics is wide, spanning immigration and the cost of gas and solar energy as well as youth empowerment in the political scene, gay rights, religious freedom, racial profiling, and overcrowded prisons. “The most important thing to get across is that, more than anything, this is just meant to be a big party moving with the momentum of the election this year,” Anna Brower, ACLU’s development director, explains. “There have been so many newly engaged young people - and even older people who just haven’t been excited about voting in their first one or two presidential elections. We want to make sure they don’t lose the chance to vote just because they weren’t sure where to go or what to do. Also, even for people who don’t think they want to vote, it’s a great time to share some of their ideas about the process and where power lies in our country.”

After the Slam, live music from the local hip hop crew Blue Collar Theory will be featured. The event is free. For more information, check here.