Benefriends

Local authors Tonie Fitzgerald, Eric Aston and Bill Dienst will read and discuss their work, sign book copies and answere questions. May 18 from 11 am-4 pm. Free. Bookpeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow. bookpeopleofmoscow.com (208-882-2669)

The Spokane-based author will sign copies of her new book, "Word Play: A New Approach of Understanding." May 18 at 1 pm. Free. Monkeyboy Books,

See eight of Spokane's best poets compete to land spots to move on to the National Poetry Slam in Boston. Finalists include: Chris Cook, Mark Anderson, Jazlyn Jacobs, Tim Johnson, Lauren Gilmore, Kurt Olson, Travis Naught and Drew Coffin. May 19 at 8:30 pm. $8. Scout Tavern, 1001 W. First Ave. spokanepoetryslam.org (747-3434)