It’s time to announce the poetry open mic schedule for the beginning of 2014 , which takes place at the Belden Noble Memorial Library in Essex, NY. This free event will take place monthly at the library during the winter (maybe spring as well) and allows poets and poetry lovers a chance to get together and share finished works, works in progress, and poems by their favorite poets.
If you’ve never attended before you can read Kathy Reccia’s review of a previous poetry open mic event at the Essex Library to see what you can expect at the event.
Mark your calendars! The upcoming poetry open mic schedule is Thursday, January 16 (7pm); Thursday, February 20; and Thursday, March 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it really an open mic?
A: Yes. And no. Next Thursday’s community poetry reading is wide open to the public. But you’ll find no microphone. The space is intimate. And the acoustics are groovy. No microphone is needed. So, strictly speaking the Poetry Open Mic in Essex is not reallyan “open mic.”
Q: Is it actually a poetry slam?
A: No. They are actually just informal, public readings in which everyone is invited to share their own poetry aloud with a friendly and supportive audience. Poetry slams are competitive.
“Simply put, poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. It puts a dual emphasis on writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it. A poetry slam is a competitive event in which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience.” (Poetry Slam – General FAQ)
You’ll witness no competition, only encouragement and admiration from your peers.
Q: Is it child friendly?
A: Although poets are invited to decide for themselves whether or not their material is appropriate for the audience, there are sometimes children in attendance and even reading or reciting their own poems. I attended all of the poetry last summer and never once did I witness poetry that was inappropriate for children.
Q: Is there a fee to attend? To read?
A: Although similar events elsewhere often require payment for attendance, it is totally free to attend and/or read at the Poetry Open Mic in Essex. (FYI, the Belden Noble Library does accept/encourage donations.)
Q: Do I have to be a published poet to read?
A: Certainly not. Most of the poets reading write poetry for fun rather than profit. (Excuse the cheeky aside to all writers who’ve grown rich publishing poetry!)
Gallery: December Poetry Open Mic
We hope to see you in the photos next time! Please pass this poetry open mic schedule along to your friends, and together you can experience the appreciative literary atmosphere for yourself.
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