Word Jam

Stepping up to the mic at the Jazzhaus in Lawrence usually involves more than a voice. Performers tend to be musical, accompanying themselves on their favorite instruments or backed by a band. On the first Wednesday of the month, however, the coolest second-story bar on Mass Street opens its stage to wordsmiths. The rhymesayers, slam poets and haiku masters who take advantage of the venue’s monthly Poetry Jam are allowed to jam musically, too. But if that epic poem about the withering blossom of youth in the digital vacuum of modern life is meant to be performed a cappella, then the Jazzhaus (926-1/2 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-3320) is the place to be tonight. The metaphors start flowing around 10 p.m. Cover is $3.

First Wednesday of every month, 9 p.m., 2009