Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere. Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, hosted by Ryan Lowry with DJ Yvaine Washington.

It is truly astounding what talented locally based poets that one will hear on any given night. Each night the open mic also features a popular regionally known poet. Poets from as far away as Maryland, Missouri and Florida have graced the stage. Regardless of a poet’s level of experience, everyone is welcome to share his or her work. Join us on the 2nd floor, in the Preston Jackson Gallery.

Audiences experience more than just someone reading from a page. Poets often memorize the piece and perform it as in a stage play. These are often soul-baring performances that might make you weep or laugh out loud. One thing is for certain, this is an entertaining and stimulating event.

Featured Poet: Sheri Purpose Hall

Sheri Purpose Hall is a highly decorated writer, performance artist, the CEO of Poetry for Personal Power and founder of East of Red ArtHouse. She is the author of four books: “Mélange du Femme Noir” (2019), “Black Girl Shattered” (2017); “Chosen for Both” (2015); and a workbook “Writing Wrongs: Writing to Heal” (2016) which won an award from Bike for the Brain. She is the 2020 National Spoken Word Awards Female Artist of the Year, 2019 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Awardee and previous 2-year Studios Resident, and an Arts KC Inspiration Grant recipient (2017/2019). She has also represented Kansas City at the Women of the World Poetry Slam (2017/18), at the National Poetry Slam (2015/16/17/18), at Rustbelt Poetry Slam (2019), and with the Writer’s Den at Southern Fried Poetry Slam (2021).