HawaiiSlam is kicking off its 2009-2010 season with a First Thursday event on Sept. 3 featuring 2006 National Poetry Slam Champion Paulie Pipman and Mahagony Brown, a memory of the Punany Poets, a crew that has appeared on HBO’s Real Sex.

In addition, the event reverts back to normal slam rules as competitors begin vying for a spot in the 2010 Grand Slam Finals. Last year’s HawaiiSlam team made it to the semifinals undefeated and finished 5th in a field of 68 teams at the national tournament.

The event will also feature DJ Toki at the turntable and live painting by numerous resident artists.

First Thursdays are held at Pipeline Cafe. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30. Anyone in before showtime gets a $2 discount on the $5 admission. Call 387-9664 for information, email info@hawaiislam.com or visit www.HawaiiSlam.com.