Flex your creative muscles at these 5 poetry slams, workshops and open mic nights
Roses are red, violets are blue, Springfield may have the perfect poetry event for you.
If you've ever wanted to explore the world of poetry or share your writing with others, now is the time to do it. Springfield poets like Gemma Campanini and Rex Ybañez are hard at work organizing poetry events throughout the city for writers of all skill levels.
Events like Campanini's "Free Verse" Poetry Workshop Series encourage poets to think critically about their writing through group discussion and Ybañez's "Poet's Corner" open mic nights provide a space for budding and experienced writers to share their poetry with the community.
The News-Leader compiled a list of five poetry slams, workshop and open mic nights in Springfield that are hosted monthly.
'Show Me Poetry'
When: Last Sunday of every month at 7 p.m. (except May, November and December)
Where: Nathan P. Murphy's at 218 S. Campbell Ave.
The monthly "Show Me Poetry" poetry slam competition is held at Nathan P. Murphy's every last Sunday of the month. Poets are encouraged to bring three poems that can all be read in three minutes or less. Poets are judged by a panel of community member volunteers. The first place poet receives $50 and the second place poet receives $20.
The competition begins at 7 p.m., but participating poets should arrive at 6:30 p.m. to register. The event is for adults 21 and up and admission is $3 for participating poets and $7 for audience members.
'Free-Voice' Poetry Workshop Series
When: Second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m.
Where: Green House Coffee + Affogato Bar at 431 S. Jefferson Ave. Suite 172
The monthly "Free-Voice" Poetry Workshop Series offers a free interactive, collaborative experience for writers to engage with a variety of writing prompts and discuss the artform of free-verse poetry. Participants should not bring their own poetry to read to be critiques. Rather, the workshop is dedicated to creating new poetry with others.
The "Free-Voice" Poetry Workshop Series is open to all experience levels. Poetry will not be censored, so adult-only participants are preferred.
'Poets' Corner' open mic nights
When: First Friday of every month at 7 p.m.
Where: Green House Coffee + Affogato Bar at 431 S. Jefferson Ave. Suite 172
Held during each First Friday Art Walk, the "Poets' Corner" open mic nights are open for poets, writers and performers of any skill level. Slots for five-minute intervals are available and a 10-15 minute intermission will be held during the middle of the event for folks to mingle.
The event begins at 7 p.m., but participating poets should arrive at 6:30 p.m. to sign-up. The event is free, but a tip jar will be available to help fund further "Poets' Corner" events.
Poetry Slam (BAM!)
When: Second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Shoe Tree Listening Room at Arrow Art Annex at 1342 E. St. Louis St.
Arrow Creative Reuse hosts its monthly Poetry Slam (BAM!) competition every second Thursday of the month. Participating poets should only read original work; no music or props are allowed. Winners will receive prizes and attendees are encouraged to make a $5 donation to benefit Arrow Creative Reuse.
Open Mic at Arrow Creative Reuse
When: First Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Shoe Tree Listening Room at Arrow Art Annex at 1342 E. St. Louis St.
Poetry, comedy, music, improv and storytelling are all allowed during Arrow Creative Reuse's open mic nights every first Thursday of the month. Attendees are encouraged to make a $5 donation to benefit Arrow Creative Reuse. A snack table will be available with items for purchase.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Read or enjoy a line of poetry at these workshops and open mic nights
