The Nickel City Poetry Slam returns for a spoken word competition for all ages this weekend as part of the Gusto at the Gallery series at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. A do-not-miss event for spoken word fans, Friday’s slam features a performance by the powerful slam poet, Dawn Saylor (pictured). An original member of HBO’s “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry,” Saylor first got involved with spoken word in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she led three poetry slam teams to the National Poetry Slam championships. She then spent time in New York City managing the Bowery Poetry Club, eventually moving on to Austin, Texas and several major cross-country tours. Dawn has appeared on many National Poetry Slam stages around the country, and is known for her mastery of the “group piece,” or multi-voiced poem. The winner of Friday’s slam earns a little cash and the chance to compete with Buffalo’s first-ever National Slam team, which travels to Austin for the national competition this August. Come out and support the troops, or sign up to read at least three of your own original poems.

Friday, January 6. Sign-ups at 7:30pm, show starts at 8. Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s Clifton Hall,

1285 Elmwood Avenue (for slam details, call Gabrielle Bouliane at 884-0225). Free.