4 Virtual Open Mics Events Perfect for Poets to Share Their Work
Wednesday Night Poetry
Hosted by Kai Coggin, the “WNP Virtual Open Mic, Poetry Through the Pandemic” series runs weekly from 7:30 to 10 p.m. EST on Facebook. According to the event page, “WNP, founded by the late Bud Kenny, is the longest running consecutive weekly poetry open mic series in the country, never missing a single week of poetry since February 1, 1989.” Those wanting the chance to participate can send a three-minute-long video of their poem or song to Coggin, who curates the list of poets each week. Past readings are available to watch through their Facebook event.
Good News
Hosted by Sabrina Benaim, this open mic takes place the first Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. EST. Attendees have the opportunity to share their work with the community or even just listen to the incredible readers, which occasionally includes special guests. Workshop weeks are also held once in a while. Signups for the open mic are sent in the weekly email and a $5 donation is suggested.
Speak Your Truth
Hosted by Soda City Youth Slam, this open mic series, geared towards people ages 12-19, takes place monthly and their event is taking place on Sept. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. EST. Admission is free and currently open via Eventbrite. They also offer writing and performance workshops, as well as poetry slams monthly for young writers.
Brooklyn Poets Yawp
This poetry workshop and open mic event occurs monthly through Brooklyn Poets on the second Monday of the month from 7 to 9:30 p.m. EST. Signs-ups are available on the Brooklyn Poets site and tickets are on Eventbrite, $5 for the open mic or $10 for the open mic and workshop. Per their site, there are 20 reserved spots and readers have three minutes to perform one poem. The next Yawp is taking place Sept. 13 via Zoom. Brooklyn Poets also organizes reading series, workshops, and retreats.
