Last year our local Barnes and Noble hosted an open mic evening once a month from January to April. It was fantastic. A family-friendly space in the book store, set with chairs, where student poets could perform their work. We brought the microphone and the community coordinator at the store, set up the space.
It honored students' voices. They looked forward to it, loved it.
Poetry and appreciation for it, blossomed on campus. Unfortunately Barnes and Noble couldn't host us this year--chair rental was too expensive and though we offered to bring our own chairs, we couldn't work out any dates that didn't clash with the store's calendar. We've been searching for a space, opportunities to in front of a microphone.
We decided we would meet once a month at a local open-mic venue. Shoulder willing, I'll meet the poets there this month. The venue is a coffee-house, adult open mic night. One dream I have is to host our own teen open-mic night twice a month, weekly, once a month. What would it take? Surely I should be able to find time and a space--a coffee house, a book store, somewhere cozy, free and friendly. If you have ideas, or know someone who knows someone, please share by leaving a comment.
No ideas, just love the idea. Such an authentic experience for the kids. And what bravery they have - that's scary to stand up in public like that!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. I've done it in class, but never outside of school. Our local library has lots of meeting spaces that could work for something like this. One year we put up a poetry/art exhibit at our library. Good luck finding a space.
ReplyDeleteYou should keep looking. It disappoints me that B&N wouldn't support this project again. I will be hosting a poetry night at a local art gallery. I know the owner and we borrow the chairs from the city. The space is full of art, so it's inspirational. Good luck in your search.
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting experience for your students! It's too bad the B&N didn't work out this year. Keep searching! Something will turn up to make your dream a reality! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhen poetry is promoted in our schools and communities, we are all beneficiaries. Wishing you every success with your efforts to give voice to the poets among us.
ReplyDeleteI remember when you wrote about this last year and thought it so exciting for those students. Hope you find somewhere! Would a post on Facebook be helpful?
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