Liner Notes is back with the next showcase taking place on Thursday, May 14, 2026! 

Periodically, we take a break from competitive performance to sit back, appreciate some good music, and all write a new poem. (NEW SH!T) For our return May 14, 2026 we will be gathering in the Wigle Whiskey Reserve Room (downstairs, accessible) and writing to The Midnight – Endless Summer.

What on earth is Liner Notes?

Liner Notes is a poetic tribute to a musical selection and a showcase of new work by local writers. It works like this:

The Pittsburgh Poetry Collective community picks an album; a poet signs up in advance to be randomly assigned a track from that album. The poet composes a new poem ‘inspired by’ that track in any way they choose, which they then read in the Liner Notes showcase! We have seen form poetry, lyrics erasure pieces, the most tenuously related subject matter – pretty much anything goes at Liner Notes and that means props and costumes are welcome! Hashtag We do what we want!

Nationwide, Liner Notes was inspired by Mashed Poetics in Vancouver B.C. and brought to the Steel City from Rain City [Seattle Slam] by Shanna Blackwood. 

To participate and receive a track assignment for this Liner Notes showcase, please complete this Google form

Participants receive 2 points towards the Steel City Slam season standings. New sh t is priceless.

Check out our Events page for all our upcoming stuff!

We will have a mini workshop in advance of the event. We’ll be meeting via google to gather, discuss, and most importantly, write!