Louder Than a Bomb

( Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune / February 14, 2013 )

Young Chicago Authors' Louder Than a Bomb poetry festival gets under way with more than 700 poets from area schools competing in preliminary slams at Columbia College Chicago (finals at Cadillac Palace Theatre on March 9). There are a variety of performances by veteran poets, authors and musical guests that take place throughout this festival created by YCA artistic director Kevin Coval. For a schedule of events go to youngchicagoauthors.org.

Why go: A mix-tape release party with Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa (Kids These Days) at Lincoln Hall (March 3) and a reading and conversation with author Adam Mansbach (March 6) are some of the events going on during the festival.

Reconsider: Even after seeing the creative talents of these young performers in Chicago-based filmmakers Greg Jacobs and Jon Siskel's documentary about the festival, you still can't get into poetry.

Saturday through March 9 at various locations; ticket prices vary by event; 773-486-4331