From the creators of the annual, sell-out Ill List Poetry Slam comes the hottest spoken word event of the summer: The Chill List, scheduled at the State Theatre in Modesto.

The Chill List will feature four of the best poetry slam teams in the country competing for a $2000 prize. The State Theatre is at 1307 J St., Modesto and doors for the Saturday, July 21 show open at 6:30 p.m.; the show is at 7:30 p.m.

Poetry slam teams are comprised of the top-ranked poets in a particular city who have competed and won their respective slams. As a team, poets choose to compete in pairs or as a full ensemble of up to five voices through four rounds of performance poetry.

Randomly selected judges from the audience will award points to teams based on the strength of their poems and the quality of their performance. Audience participation remains essential. Laughter, tears, snaps, applause, and inspiration are sure to be had by all who attend this world-class literary battle royale.

This is a Free Speech event. Tickets are $35, $25 and $20.

For online ticket sales go to www.thestate.org. To purchase your tickets by phone, call The State Box Office at 209-527-4697 from noon to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. If still available, tickets may also be purchased the night of the event up to the start of the presentation.