PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- There are plenty of artists in the greater Portland area, and many of them got into the holiday spirit to compose new Christmas carols this weekend.

The city's first Carol Slam was held at Bull Feeney's on Saturday.

The slam, modeled after a poetry slam, was created by Benjamin Heasly as a way for local artists to compose new carols, or at least a new twist on an oldie, then showcase  their work in a café setting to a small audience.

The audience picked a winning composer.  Heasly says he hopes to make this an annual event.

NEWS CENTER