Tonight, Feb. 1, Alex’s Place at the YMCA will host Outloud, an introduction to poetry slams.

For those not already in the know, poetry slams are not your Robert Frost type of gatherings. Or maybe they are, as they definitely take the road less travelled where poetry is concerned. Think of it as non-contact verbal sparring. Writers perform their original poems on-stage and are judged in the moment by audience members.

Dig it, words rule.

Showtime is 8 p.m. and admission is $5.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, Alex’s Place is hosting a dance party for the Vineyard’s middle school kids. This Groundhog Day Dance Party begins at 7 p.m and runs until 10:30 p.m. and features DJ Buttafingaz (a popular summer DJ at the Lampost).

Call 508-696-7171, extension 128.