Vice Verses

Spoken-word nights can be mostly about hip-hop bravado, but Raenaldo Torres sticks with a self-deprecating approach — and his content usually surpasses that of his confident competitors. Torres has taken home more cash than almost anyone on the local slam scene, but this self-proclaimed “25-year-old who’s made 50 years of mistakes” is in it for the expression.

His poems suggest that he’s unlucky in love, but Torres doesn’t resort to the transparent self-auctioning that spews from other star-crossed romantics. Instead, he puts his problems in perspective by addressing serious issues (he performs a riveting piece about domestic abuse) and poignantly giving thanks for what he has. After Torres’ showcase slot at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Blue Room (18th Street and Vine, 816-474-8463), other wordsmiths (walk-ups welcome) disperse verses in pursuit of a $100 prize.

Third Tuesday of every month, 7-10 p.m., 2004