SAVANNAH — In honor of National Poetry Month, Spitfire Poetry Group presents the Fifth Annual Savannah Spoken Word Festival, May 1-3.

The event is different from other poetry festivals, because it puts an emphasis on spoken word instead of traditional text work. The Savannah Spoken Word Festival looks to offer a fresh look at one of the cities best kept secrets, as well as highlight the hard work of those keeping the craft alive. It will also feature activities for the entire family.

This year’s festival will kick off tonight with the Friday Night Fix Open Mic. The Open Mic begins at 8 p.m. at the Metro Coffee House, 402 MLK Blvd., with hosts Ms. A.T.M. of W.O.R.D and Marquise Williams of Spitfire Poetry Group Junior Company (JuCo).

All Slam Saturday — Youth and Adult Poetry Slam will be held May 2. Both events award $500 in prize money and take place at the Sentient Bean, 13 East Park Ave. The Youth Slam begins at 10:30 a.m. Participants must pay a $10 registration fee, but admission is free. The Adult Slam will start at 7:30 p.m. Contestants must pay a $25 registration fee and admission is $5. The Adult Slam will be hosted by last year’s headliner, international poet Queen Sheba.

The festival wraps up May 3 with So Long Sunday featuring The Charlotte National Slam Team (2008 National Champions). The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the International Longshoremen Association 2046, 191 Main St., Garden City. Admission is $10. The Charlotte Nation Slam Team has blazed mics across the country with electrifying and thought-provoking poetry.

The Spitfire Poetry Group was founded by Clinton D. Powell and RenaZance in 2000. Since that time, the organization has reached out to kids and other members of the community by presenting workshops and open mics throughout Savannah.

For more information on the Fifth Annual Savannah Spoken Word Festival or Gospel Spoken Word Shows contact Clinton D. Powell at (912) 704-3586 or visit www.savannahspokenwordfestival.com or www.myspace.com/savannahspokenwordfest.