**The Art of Piano Slam: Fusing Poetry and Music**
In the vibrant city of Miami, a unique event is taking place that combines the art of poetry with the power of music. The Piano Slam, a fusion of creative writing and classical and contemporary music, has been a staple of the Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion program since its inception in 2007. This year, the event will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on April 23, featuring a live judging panel and a dynamic performance. The Piano Slam program is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for young poets in Miami-Dade County to express themselves creatively. Since its inception, the program has been adapted in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public School educators and administrators to ensure that it aligns with the annual theme and is integrated into classroom activities. This STEM-integrated creative writing program inspires confidence and self-expression in students, propelling them to believe in the power of their opinions and express them in a creative way.

“The Piano Slam program was a turning point in my life—it truly saved me; this opportunity arrived during one of the darkest periods I’ve faced,”

says Brenis Bostick, a former student who was a finalist in the 2020 competition with his poem “Mother Miami.”

1. Established in 2007 by Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion, the program has been a platform for young poets to merge their creative writing with classical and contemporary music.
2. The program’s name draws inspiration from the performance-based poetry movement, “slam,” which emerged in the 1980s.
3. The theme of this year’s event, “Music of My Past … Sounds of the Future,” challenges students to explore their cultural musical heritage while envisioning the future.

The Piano Slam program requires students to integrate music and science terms into their poetry writing, making it a unique and challenging experience. The event’s musical direction is led by Martin Bejerano, a Miami-born Afro-Cuban jazz pianist who outlines his approach to blending classical, jazz, and pop music elements for the show.

The live judging panel, led by presidential poet laureate Richard Blanco, will assess the performances based on their technical merits and emotional impact. Blanco emphasizes the importance of live performance in capturing the essence of a poem, stating, “No matter what, there’s nothing like hearing a poem recited. When we hear a poem out loud, especially in the voice of the poet, we catch all the nuances, cadences, pauses, etc. that make the poem come alive in a new way.”
“Poems can be over-performed. I’m looking for honest performances—that is to say performances that are informed by real and honest emotions. Not merely performances for the sake of performance. That can come across as disingenuous,” says Blanco. Director Teo Castellanos, returning after a seven-year hiatus from Piano Slam, highlights the unique challenges of directing an event that fuses live music with spoken word poetry. “The challenge is working with non-traditionally trained performers. I’m speaking of the students, not the professional musicians, dancers, choreographers, or adult poets,” he says. Despite the challenges, Castellanos finds the experience “exciting” as it brings together professionals and young talent. He notes that the involvement of experienced coaches and musicians helps elevate the performances. “Dig. Dig into your soul. Express yourself to your fullest capability. Never mind being judged. Do you, and have fun doing it,” advises Castellanos to the students performing. The Piano Slam 2025 event promises to be an unforgettable experience, with its unique blend of poetry and music. What: Piano Slam 2025
When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 23
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center’s Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Cost: Free with reservation; $80 VIP Seating and After Party
Information: (305) 572-9900 or www.Dranoff2Piano.org

• Piano Slam 2025 will feature a live judging panel led by presidential poet laureate Richard Blanco.
• The event will showcase a unique blend of classical and contemporary music selections.
• The program inspires confidence and self-expression in students.

“Piano Slam combines classical and contemporary elements in a way that aligns with Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion’s broader mission to bring together different cultural expressions through the arts.”—Emily Cardenas, Executive Director of Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the power of Piano Slam 2025.