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COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Area Arts Council will have a special “Open Mic Poetry & Prose” event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Hotel Indigo. Local poet Skye Nicholson will host the evening, featuring readings by Ron Whitehead, the U.S. National Beat Poet Laureate and Chris Dean, local poet and open mic regular, followed by an open mic session.
Ron Whitehead is a poet, writer, editor, publisher, professor, scholar, activist and
U.S. National Lifetime Beat Poet Laureate. Collections of his works are held in museums, galleries, private collections, and libraries around the world, including the University of Louisville’s Rare Books and Archives in Kentucky, University College Cork’s Boole Library, and many other libraries. He has presented thousands of readings, talks, and performances worldwide, and his work has been translated into 20 languages.
“There is a poetry scene in Columbus,” said Brooke Hawkins, Executive Director of the Columbus Area Arts Council. “Whitehead’s participation in our open mic event is a testament to this growing network of poets and creative writers in Columbus.”
“Open Mic Poetry & Prose” is an opportunity for poets and spoken word artists of all levels to share their work with a live audience in a relaxed and non-judgmental space. The event is free and open to the public, and the audience is welcome to participate by sharing their own poems or by simply enjoying the performances.
Participants are encouraged to bring their poetry on a topic of their choice and share it with the audience.
The event’s theme is open, allowing poets to express themselves freely and creatively.
Sign-ups for poets will begin at 5 p.m. and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are asked to keep language at a PG-13 level. The event is recommended for ages 14 or older.
Local musician Cheryl Liz will play acoustic music throughout the evening, and Hotel Indigo will offer a short-order menu for appetizers and dinner, specialty mocktails, and a full bar available for purchase.
The Columbus Area Arts Council provides community arts leadership through projects and programs, including art exhibitions, community programs, local artist development, and grants to artists and organizations. The nonprofit organization promotes and supports the arts in Columbus, and its surrounding areas.
