Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest at Lisner Auditorium

Ever wondered what "American Idol" would look like with a more erudite talent pool? Wonder no more. At the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest on Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 53 high school students from across the country will recite classic and contemporary poetic verse, from authors such as Walt Whitman as Natasha Trethewey. The top nine competitors will advance to the national finals Tuesday at 7 p.m., when they will verse-off for more than $50,000 in awards and school stipends before a panel of judges including Garrison Keillor and Alfre Woodard. George Washington University, Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. 202-994-6800. http://www.lisner.org. Free.