Sparks & Wiry Cries presents the ELEVENTH songSLAM in NYC this February!

We will incorporate both recorded and live elements into the 2027 NYC songSLAM. All teams will have their entry professionally video/audio recorded on January 11 & 12, 2027, at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in Benzauen Hall AND all teams will perform in the live songSLAM event on Friday February 12, 2027, at 7:30 pm at National Sawdust in Brooklyn. 

On February 12th, each team will premiere a new song of no more than 4 minutes for voice and piano, in any language, for the live voting audience, who—in the poetry slam tradition—will then vote on their favorite and award $2,000 in prize money as follows: 

 $1,000 for first place, $600 for second place, $400 for third place

The virtual component of the NYC songSLAM is a 50/50 fundraiser. This element will open on March 12th at 8 pm ET and will remain open through March 22nd at 8 pm ET. There will be a "text-to-donate" function on the Sparks & Wiry Cries website via Give Lively for as little as $1. Each team will have a unique text code linked to their account. The funds that each team raises during the virtual event will be split 50/50 with the respective team members and Sparks & Wiry Cries, who will reinvest their portion into larger commissions, future competitions, and new art song initiatives. On March 25th, we will announce total funds raised, along with the prize winner of the 2027 songSLAM commission prize, on our website and social media platforms.

Complete rules for the 2027 NYC songSLAM can be found HERE

Register your team HERE when registration opens on NOVEMBER 6, 2026 at 6:00pm EST

Please note that slots have historically filled up quickly so make sure your team is ready on November 6th!