Literary Death Match, co-created and hosted by Todd Zuniga, marries the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idols judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare.

Each episode of this competitive, humor-centric reading series features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern online, in print or live) who perform their most electric writing in seven minutes or less before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. After each pair of readings, the judges focused on literary merit, performance and intangibles take turns spouting hilarious, off-the-wall commentary about each story, then select their favorite to advance to the finals.

The two finalists then compete in the Literary Death Match finale, which trades in the shows literary sensibility for an absurd and comical climax to determine who takes home the Literary Death Match crown.

Learn more at http://www.literarydeathmatch.com/

ALL HAMMER PUBLIC PROGRAMS ARE FREE. Hammer members receive priority seating, subject to availability. Reservations not accepted, RSVPs not required.

Parking is available under the museum for a flat rate of $3 after 6PM.