Downtown Glendale has lots going on this Saturday, Jan. 8.

Everything starts when Valley music legend Walt Richardson performs as part of the city’s ongoing Jam Session. He takes the stage at 5 p.m. at Murphy Park’s Amphitheater, 5850 W. Glendale Ave. An Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame member, Richardson was also the first inductee into Mill Avenue’s new Walk of Music in Tempe, a tribute to the many contributors to the Valley scene.

Right around the time Richardson will be closing his show, walk over to Pizza Old Roma, 5740 W. Glendale Ave., where a poetry slam will take place in the alley next to the restaurant starting at 7 p.m.

Eight poets will compete in three rounds of performance poetry judged by five randomly selected members of the audience.

Poets interested in competing must send an email to glendale@azpoetry.com with ‘GLENDALE’ in the subject line. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the rules and expectations to help you compete.

The event is meant to provide a space for local writers, artists, and performers to explore and perfect their own craft. Persons of any and all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, abilities and ages are welcome.

As writers and literary critics, event organizers value freedom of speech and thus do not limit, moderate or otherwise censor any content, and so there is a blanket trigger warning for all events. However, organizers strive to create a constructive atmosphere of equality, sensitivity, and progress, one that encourages discussion and actively opposes marginalization of any persons or group.

The Glendale Poetry Slam is made possible from funding by the “We Are One” grant from the city of Glendale, and will be hosted by Cisco Torres, the poet in residence from the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center.