The world needs poets. It's a fact that humanity would be nothing without them. Our knowledge of everything from the Trojan War to the vagaries of romantic love and the birth of surrealism has been in the hands of our poets. Actress-author Amber Tamblyn, who grew up eating books in the company of California's best-loved Beat writers and artists, from Lawrence Ferlinghetti to George Herms, understands the importance of the oral tradition to modern culture, and in 2007 she created a big, fancy stage show to promote its potency to new audiences. The Drums Inside Your Chest returns for its fifth installment this Sunday, more badass than ever, assembling some of the best spoken-word performers and poets — and the occasional magician — working in America today. This year's all-star cast includes literary legends and National Slam Champions including “stand-up poet” Jack McCarthy, gender-bending performer Corrina Bain and urban singsong slamming firecracker Mayda Del Valle, plus the tripped-out electro-orchestral pop music of Emily Wells (pictured) and the unpredictable shenanigans of its co-hosts, charismatic poet Derrick Brown and freakishly genius comedian David Cross. Largo, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd.; Sun., Nov. 6, 7 p.m.; $25. (310) 855-0350, thedrumsinsideyourchest.com.

Sun., Nov. 6, 7 p.m., 2011

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