Alivio Open Mic
About: In a community where the sense of community
doesn’t exist, Alivio was created to provide a space for all members of
the Southeast L.A. region to unite and share their truths, expression
and courage. This space was opened in the humble abode of a Bell
resident to give people an outlet to express themselves safely through, poetry, music, and any other art form one brings to the stage. Due to
the fact that Southeast is brewing with artists but lacks platforms to
showcase their talents, Alivio was a necessity. By creating this space,
and inviting a community that lacks resources, a creative collaboration,
bonding and community is made possible.
When: 4th Friday of the month: 8:00 pm
Where: Private Residence
Address: 6328 Orchard Ave., Bell, CA 90201
Website: facebook.com/alivio.openmic
ArtShare-LA: Word Play Weekend
About: Word Play Weekend is an open-mic night hosted
at ArtShare-LA in the arts district of Downtown Los Angeles. WPW was
established as a platform for artists to express themselves both
verbally and visually while networking in an environment full of
creatives. their goal is to empower the “starving artist” as we provide a
supportive atmosphere for growth and development. Their event opens the
floor to performers of all varieties including but not limited to
Poets, Rappers, Comedians, Vocalists, Dancers, Actors, Film Makers and
Visual Artists.
When: 2nd Saturday of the month: 8:00-11:00 pm
Where: ArtShare-LA
Address: 801 E. 4th Place, Los Angeles 90013
Cost: $10
Website: instagram.com/wordplayweekend
Askew Reading Series
About: Askew is a monthly open mic reading series
hosted by Seven Dhar and Slim FitzGerald in Pasadena. The open mic
series is unique as it takes place at a luxury facility. Past
readers have included: Ron Koertge,
Nicelle Davis, Poet Laureate Thelma Reyna, and Don Kingfisher Campbell. Top notch experimental with music and comedy and well sourced word talent.
When: Every Second Saturday: 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: The Pasadena Highlands
Address: 1575 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena 91104
Website: askewlit.com
Cost: Free
Avenue 50 Studio/Chingona Fire Open Mic
About: "
Chingona Fire. Noun. The alchemy that occurs when badass women of color [WOC]come together and set shit aflame." Created by Angela Aguirre and Yesika Salgado, this collective of
body positive WOC are coming together with Ave 50 studios to celebrate
the beauty and power of mujeres in our community. These ladies have been
busy empowering mujeres all across Los Angeles with their bold words
and sassy sense of humor and Avenue 50 Studios is very proud to showcase an
open mic of
chingonadas with these lovely ladies! The event is open to everyone. WOC get first preference on the open mic.
When: 4th Saturday of the month: 7:00 pm
Where: Avenue 50 Studio
Address: 131 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park 90042
Website: facebook.com/ChingonaFire
Avenue 50 Studio/La Palabra Poetry
About: La Palabra, a program at Avenue 50 Studio,
has been taking place since 2001. They invite the community to come out
and read their poetry through an open mic series, followed by a featured
poet and, if the poets have a book, an author signing. It is is hosted
by
Angelina Saenz.
When: Last Sunday of the month: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Avenue 50 Studio
Address: 131 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park 90042
Website: facebook.com/pages/La-Palabra-Poetry/236744426369598...
Beatnik Poetry
About: Beatnik Poetry hosts a monthly night of
hearing truth from lesser heard perspectives! Please only read poems at
the open mic. You could read poems by you, by your dog or by people you
respect. If you don’t have any poems you want to read at the open mic,
please use the monthly writing prompt. Hosted by
Hanna Pachman.
When: 4th Sunday of the month: 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Hey Hey
Address: 1555 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Website: Facebook
Beyond Baroque/First Sunday Open Reading
About: Beyond Baroque is the leading independent literary arts center in the United States. This is their
popular monthly open reading. Features each month. Hosted by Steve Goldman. Sign ups begin at 4:45 PM. Five-minute limit.
When: 1st Sunday of the month: 5:00-7:00 pm
Where: Beyond Baroque
Address: 681 Venice Blvd., Venice 90291
Note: Free, but donations welcome (goes towards paying the feature)
Website: beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html
Beyond Baroque/Duende Nights Open Mic
About: DUENDE NIGHTS OPEN MIC is a multimedia poetry
performance experience, with no intros, no explanations before the poem
for the multicultural underground word babelic dreamer beats of today. A kiss the ground spit your fire melting pot gathering of tribes and
beyond for the artivists of the creative written word. Organized by
Américas Poet Society founder Antonieta Villamil. Original poetry, short story, song, painting projection, music. One
piece. 5 minute limit. Sign ups at: americaspoetsociety@gmail.com.
DUENDE NIGHTS OPEN MIC es Multilingüe Underground Word Beat Babélico
Hervidero Cultural de Artivistas de la Palabra y Poesía Féstival es una
Revista Anual Impresa con lo Significativo Intenso de la Poesía Viva!
Beyond Baroque/Soap Box Open Mic
About: The second of Beyond Baroque’s poetry open
mics. Includes a feature each month. Come early and enjoy the art on
exhibit and the troves of poetry at the Scott Wannberg Bookstore. Hosted
by the founder of the L.A. Poet Society Jessica Wilson Cardenas.
When: 2nd Sunday of the month: 2:00-4:00 pm
Where: Beyond Baroque
Address: 681 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Website: beyondbaroque.org/calendar
Beyond Baroque/Nebraska Girl Open Reading
About: The third of Beyond Baroque’s open mics,
referred to as a monthly open reading. Includes a feature each month.
Hosted by Wyatt Underwood. Five-minute limit. Sign ups at 1:45 pm.
When: 4th Sunday of the month: 2:00 pm
Where: Beyond Baroque
Address: 681 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Website: beyondbaroque.org/calendar
Corazon del Pueblo/Flowers of Power
About: Flowers of Fire is a monthly open
mic. Flowers of Fire showcases aspiring and established writers, poets,
and those who wish to verbalize words on paper. Sometimes we forget that
poetry is like throwing spells into the universe and the energy we put
out is the energy we receive. We invite you to come listen and if
inspired enough, participate.
When: 4th Wednesday of the month
Where: Corazon del Pueblo, 8:00-11:00 pm
Address: 2003 E.1st Street, Boyle Heights, CA 90033
Website: corazondelpueblo.wordpress.com/programming/wednesday/flowers-of-fire-poetry-night
Da Poetry Lounge-Open Mic
About: All you have to do is put your name on the
signup list. The first half signup happens outside before doors open
(around 8ish). Signing up for first half does not guarantee entry, so
stay in line! For the second half signup, line up next to the microphone
on stage during the five minute break in between halves and wait for
the list to get to you. Keep in mind that each half has its own signup
list. So if you don’t get called during the 1st half, you
need to re-signup for
the 2nd half. Sorry, you can only perform at one half per
night. They usually call up about 12-15 people each half at an Open Mic,
depending if they have a special feature or not. Sadly, they cannot
guarantee that all who signup will read. So, remember: arrive early.
There is a TIME LIMIT. You have
3 minutes at the mic to do your poem. Please be respectful of time as we try to accommodate as many people as possible.
When: Every Tuesday: 9pm-12pm
Where: Greenway Court Theatre
Address: 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Fairfax District, CA 90036
Cost: $10 ($5 for under 12)
Website: dapoetrylounge.com/visiting-dpl/open-mic
Da Poetry Lounge-Slam!
About: A poetry slam is a competition at which poets
perform their own original work, and are then judged on a numeric scale
by previously selected members of the audience. In a standard slam,
there are
five judges. Before the competition begins, the host will often bring up a
sacrificial poet. A
sacrificial poet is not competing in the slam, but is scored by the
judges in order for them to calibrate their judging. After each
competing poet performs, judges award a score to that poem. Scores
generally range between zero and ten. The highest and lowest score are
dropped, giving each performance a rating between zero and thirty
points. A single round at a slam consists of performances by all
eligible poets. Most slams last multiple rounds, and many involve the
elimination of lower-scoring poets in successive rounds. A standard
elimination rubric might run 8-4-2, with eight poets in the first round,
four in the second, and two in the last. Some slams do not eliminate
poets at all. Additionally, most slams enforce a
time limit of
three minutes (and a grace period of ten seconds), after which a poet’s
score will be docked according to how long the poem exceeded the time
limit.
When: Every 3rd Tuesday: 9:00 pm-12:00 am
Where: Greenway Court Theatre
Address: 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Fairfax District, CA 90036
Cost: $10
Website: dapoetrylounge.com/visiting-dpl/slam
Downbeat 720-High School Performers
About: Downbeat 720 is LA’s premier open-mic for
high school performers. They’ve created a very safe space where students
from all different backgrounds can develop their skills as artists.
They offer advice and direction with each individual. In addition, a
special guest (a professional artist) is invited to perform for the
students.
Includes: Poets, singers, musicians, dancers, bands, and so on.
When: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays: 7:20 pm
Where: Miles Memorial Playhouse
Address: 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica 90430
Website: facebook.com/groups/downbeat720
Faitelink Open Mic
About: Fatelink open mic is an evening of poetry and
storytelling. Each month performers read an original piece (poem, short
story, or narrative fiction excerpt) or perform something from the
public domain related to their monthly theme. They’re especially excited
by the idea that their evening can be an incubator of new material. To
get on the roster, sign ups begin at 6:30 p.m. There is a time limit of
four minutes per reader, so kindly choose your material with both their
theme and the time limit in mind. If you are going to sing, sing an
ORIGINAL song only. No covers allowed.
When: 4th Saturdays of the month: 7:00-8:30 pm
Where: Sabor y Cultura Cafe
Address: 5625 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90028
Website: facebook.com/fatelink
Feedback Open Mic
About: Join us every last Sunday of the month for
our monthly open mic! Feedback Sunday is a community open mic series
hosted by ANSWER Coalition (
ANSWERcoalition.org) Los Angeles. At a
time where all sectors of society are being attacked by President Donald
Trump and the ruling class we need to unite, organize and fight back.
Feedback Sunday is a monthly open mic event that allows artist from all
walks of life to share their struggle and unite. There will be a sign-up sheet for those interested in sharing their
art, poetry or their story. Be sure to come early to get your spot! Free admission! Come and support your local artists and poets!
When: Last Sunday of each month: 3:00-5:00 pm
Where: The 2nd floor of the First Unitarian Church
Address: 2936 W. 8th St., Los Angeles 90005
Website: Facebook
Feminist Open Mic
About: Join G.R.R.R.L. Collective for their monthly
feminist and queer open mic! Each Month there is a theme, but there will
still be space for performances unrelated to the prompt! Your response
to the theme may be a song, spoken word piece, short story,
dance/movement performance (of about 5min or less, please), etc. Create
however you create, but consider using this as a prompt! The courtyard behind Rainbow Juices is concrete, so please BYO blanket or camping chair to be more comfortable! *All G.R.R.R.L. Collective events strive to create a safer space
for all and are completely sober. We ask that attendees of the open mics
be sensitive to performers’ courage and vulnerability in sharing their
performances — please do not take video or photos of performers without
their explicit consent.* Come and support your local artists and poets!
When: First Wednesday of each month: 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Rainbow Juices
Address: 246 E. 3rd St., Long Beach, 90802
Website: facebook.com/lbgrrrlcollective
Fox Coffee House/The Definitive Soapbox
About: The Definitive Soapbox is a FREE Open Mic in
Long Beach, CA every Last Friday of the month. They’ve created community
and engaged hope around poetry in Long Beach for nearly a decade. Come
out to create community and maintain this community and celebrate
expression and the written word.
When: Every Last Friday of the month: 7:00-9:30 pm
Where: Fox Coffee House
Address: 437 W. Willow St., Long Beach 90806
Website: facebook.com/thedefinitivesoapbox
Friday Night Poetry: They’re Just Words
About: Friday Night Poetry: They’re Just Words is a
FREE Open Mic in Highland Park, CA every Third Friday of the month. Host
Ingrid Calderon has created community and is excited for everyone to
come share their powerful words.
When: Every Third Friday of the month: 8:00 - 10:00 pm
Where: Bookshow Books
Address: 5503 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park, L.A. 90042
Website: facebook.com/bookshowla
Get Lit’s Bimonthly Open Mics for Youth
About: Get Lit hosts bi-monthly Open Mics for
community youth each month at The Actors’ Gang in Culver City and at
LocoL in Watts. The open mic is a great chance for newer poets to get on
stage (some for the first time!), and the open forum is usually
preceded by a showcase featuring experienced poets such as the Get Lit
Players or Literati Fellows.
When: Bi-monthly
Where: The Actors’ Gange and LocoL
Address: 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City 90232 and 1950 E. 103rd St., Watts 90002
Website: getlit.org/events/open-mic
Haiku Workshop
About: Monthly haiku study group workshop. Open to all people interested in learning more about haiku.
When: Every third Saturday of the month: 2:00 pm
Where: Hill Avenue Branch of the Pasadena Library
Address: 55 S. Hill Ave, Pasadena 91106
Website: facebook.com/SoCalHaiku
HOUSE Open Mic
About: A safe space for people who need a safe
space, the HOUSE Open Mic is a *FREE* monthly open mic dedicated to
amplifying under-heard voices. Previously known as “EAT Art,” the HOUSE
open mic invites writers and performers to share their work in an
intimate gathering.
When: Every 1st Friday: 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Where: Bookshow Books
Address: 5503 N. Figueroa St, Highland Park 90042
Website: bookshowla.com/events
Last Saturday of the Month Open Mic at Encino/Tarzana Library
About: A congenial and hospitable community of
more-or-less regulars and frequent visitors collected around Ron Dvorkin
over 16+ years, and continue to meet, with Ron Gregus and Wyatt
Underwood now co-hosting.
When: Every Last Saturday of the month: 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Where: Encino/Tarzana Library
Address: 18231 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana 91356
Website: Facebook
Loose Lips Poetry Reading Series
About: Loose Lips Poetry Reading Series occurs at
the Topanga Library. LOOSE LIPS is dedicated to bringing a diverse array
of the best contemporary poets to Topanga and to provide audiences and
authors with a poetic forum and community. Our commitment is to deliver
literary events which are edgy, spiritual, inspiring and at times
irreverent. The reading is followed by an open mic.
When: Quarterly: 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Where: Topanga Library
Address: 112 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Website: lacountylibrary.org/topanga-library
Los Angeles Public Library: Westwood Branch
About: An evening to have your voice heard. Come
share your masterpiece! Everyone welcome. Experience diverse voices.
Come join everyone at the Westwood Branch Library. Or just listen and
enjoy. Hosted by Wyatt Underwood.
When: Every 2nd Tuesday: 6:00 pm
Where: Westwood Branch Library
Address: 1246 Glendon Ave., Westwood 90024
Website: lapl.org/whats-on/events/poetry-open-mic-1
Lyrical Flames
About: They welcome Open-Mic guests past and
present, and are appreciated! Thank you to everyone who as either
presented, sang, made us laugh, came through as a supporter of friends,
or artists and family…They are so excited to see each of you! Pizza
available next door for purchase. Donations accepted, and appreciated!
Coffee and wine offered to guests. Hosted by: Lida Parent-Harris.
When: Last Saturday of the month: 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Jones Coffee Roasters
Address: 693 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 91105
Website: Facebook
A Mic & Dim Lights
About: The warm vibrations at this open mic
make this a favorite of not only locals in Pomona, but poets from all
across Southern California. DJ JB spins records between poets. Hip hop
lives here, but the lineup also includes political poets, spoken word
artists, and page poets. Besskepp is open to all, and he is also known
for mentoring hundreds of teen poets from high schools across the San
Gabriel Valley
. Mike “The Poet” Sonsken calls this open mic “one of the crown jewels in the Pomona Arts District.”
When: 1st Thursday of each month: 9:15 pm
Where: A Mic & Dim Lights
Address: 300 2nd St., in Pomona’s Art Colony
Cost: $5 cover charge
Website: facebook.com/pages/A-Mic-And-Dim-Lights/134971316564113
Moonday Poetry
About: Moonday Poetry, in its 15th year, services
the local, national and international poetry community, and has a
reputation for high quality open readers. Hosted by poets Alice Pero and
Lois P. Jones.
When: Bimonthly, off for the Summer: 4:00-6:00 pm
Where: Flintridge Bookstore & Coffee House
Address: 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada/Flintridge 91011
Website: Facebook
Obsidian Tongues
About: Obsidian Tongues, hosted by William Gonzalez
and Ceaser K. Avelar, is an open mic where everyone is welcome and
everyone’s voice is a part of community. As co-host, Ceaser K. Avelar
says, “Bring your poems, your stories, music, opinions, and especially
yourselves. Our voice is power, but only together we are heard!”
When: Second Saturday of the month: 7:00 pm
Where: Café Con Libros
Address: 280 W. Second St., Pomona 91766
Website: facebook.com/cafeconlibrospress
The Open Door Poetry Reading
About: The Open Door Poetry Reading is an open mic where people can share their powerful words. Each month there two to three features.
When: Last Thursday of the month: 8:00 pm
Where: Battery Books Pasadena
Address: 26 South Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101
Website: facebook.com/opendoorpoetry
Open Words
About: Open Words is a poetry/spoken word open mic hosted by Mari Werner and Terry Wilhelm. They
welcome
all kinds of spoken word artists! Your work can be read or performed,
and they also appreciate those who just come to listen! Open Words time
frame usually allows about 5 minutes per reader (this is typically about
3 short poems or 1 longer poem). First time readers – this is a very
supportive environment for you! Prose is welcome, too. Come to Claremont
and share, hear other artists, and feed your muse!
When: First Sunday of the month: 5:00 pm
Where: Ironbark Ciderworks, 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Ste. 107B, Claremont 91711
Website: Meetup.com or
Facebook
Open Your Mic
About: Open Your Mic is common to your traditional
open mic experience: artistic individuals share their art and/or
talent(s) to a group of onlookers, but the difference in the experience
of J.Raul Productions’ Open Your Mic is that this is ONE event for all
forms of art: poets, spoken word artist, singers, dancers, comedians,
musicians, and so much more. Anyone with any talent can come up and
‘Bless the Mic’; after all it’s YOUR mic, and who are to tell you what’s
inside.
When: Last Saturday of each month: 7–10 pm
Where: The Family Center of Love
Address: 8959 S. Western Ave.
Cost: $10 tickets
Website: Facebook
One Mic Collective
About: One
Mic Collective is a poetry and open mic night focused on featuring
artists in support of art, education, inspiration, community-building
& sharing. 6:00PM Sign Up.
5 Minutes or 2 Pieces (whichever comes first).
When: Last Saturday of the Month: 6:30 pm
Where: Corazón Contento
Address: 13523 Francisquito Avenue #D Baldwin Park, CA
Website: facebook.com/onemiccollectiveofficial
Pilipino Workers Center/Sunday Jump
About: Sunday Jump is a Filipino-founded community
open mic. Mike Sonksen calls it “An important platform for young Asian
American poets in the city.” This open mic takes pride in providing a
safe space for marginalized voices. Every first Sunday, they provide a
safe space for artists to share their poetry, music, and more. In order
to ensure a welcoming space for everyone, they have two community
guidelines: 1) Express not impress and 2) Free speech not hate speech.
The organization’s leaders are award-winning poets and community
activists who have shared their work across the nation. Open mic-ers
have 4 minutes max. First ten performers on the list are guaranteed,
with the rest on-call. They may randomize the first ten performers to
improve the flow of the show. For those on-call, priority is given to
first timers. All are welcome! Hosted by Stephanie Sajor and Eddy M.
Gana Jr., sign-ups begin at 4:30 pm.
When: 1st Sunday: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Pilipino Workers Center
Address: 153 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Website: Facebook
Poets Jazz House
About: A Spoken Word and Music Lounge where spilling
your heart is art and searching your soul is mandatory to get in the
door. They are a beatnik Tea House where there’s snapping instead of
clapping. The atmosphere is lax but it Sssizzles. They invite you to
come touch, be touched, hear the answer and heed the call. They’re just a
cozy little house where everyone feels at home.
When: Every Thursday: 7 – 10pm
Where: Irie Vibes ArtSpace
Address: 6563 Normandie Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044
Website: Poets Jazz House
Poetry y Pan
About: Community open mic hosted by Irene Sanchez and Matt Sedillo. “Poetry like bread is for everyone” - Roque Dalton.
When: 3rd Friday: 7:30pm
Where: Cafe con Libros
Address: 280 W. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766
Website: Facebook
PondWater
About: PondWater Society hosts a monthly event featuring poetry, music, prose, visual art, comedy, theater, or any other fantastic form
of communication we can find. There is always lots of food and wine and
we have dinner after the event for anyone who would like to stay. The
host is Hanna Pachman.
When: Every first Saturday of the month: 5pm – 8pm
Where: Pondwater
Address: 16504 E Masline St., Covina, California 91772
NOTE: Free, but there is a tip jar to help defray the costs.
Website: facebook.com/PondWater-169019323137990
Rapp Saloon
About: Since
2000 a Santa Monica open mic presenting three featured speakers and a
night of Poetry, Prose, Music, Theater, Dance, and Comedy, in the oldest
historical building in Santa Monica–the Rapp Saloon.
When: Every first Saturday of the month: 8:30pm
Where: 1436 2nd Street
Address: 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: facebook.com/Rapp-Saloon-Reading-Series-122145672327
Recess
About: Filipino open mic hosted by Lady Baso
When: Every Wednesday: 8:00pm
Where: Search to Involve Philippino Americans (SIPA)
Address: 3200 W. Temple St., Filipino Town, CA 90012
Note: $10 entrance fee
Website: facebook.com/ariannaladybasco
Redondo Poets
About: The Redondo Poets hosts a weekly poetry
reading that’s been going strong for nearly two decades. The founder and
original host is Larry Colker who was a diehard of the Los Angeles
Poetry Community and worked very hard to bring in great features from
all over the city and county
. Redondo Poets is recommended by Mike “The Poet” Sonksen, a mainstay of the Los Angeles Poetry scene since the mid 90s.
When: Every Tuesday: 7:30 pm
Where: Coffee Cartel
Address: 1820 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, California 90277
Website: facebook.com/RedondoPoets/info
A Rose In A Prose
About: Each quarter, D.M. Collins corrals a talented
flock of novelists, essayists, comedians, musicians, poets, critics,
bloggers, eroticists, playwrights, screenwriters, rappers, gossip
columnists, drinkers, fuckers, queers, punk rockers and punk artists,
all in the name of the
word. And the word is love. And love is free. So’s this event. Patrons at A Rrose in a Prose are book nerds who know the value of putting just the right words into just the right places.
When: Once a quarter: 7:30 – 10:00 pm
Where: Stories Books and Cafe
Address: 1716 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, CA 90026
Website: arroseinaprose.org
Second Sunday Poetry Series
About: This Open Mic poetry show, hosted by
Alex M. Frankel,
happens on the second Sunday of every month. Great poets perform their
work, sell and sign books, plus mingle with audience members and open
mic participants.
When: Second Sunday of the month: 5:00 pm
Where: Studio Theatre at St. Denis Building
Address: 3433 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles 90068
Website: secondsundaypoetry.com
Shades of Afrika: Griot Café Open Mic
About: Each week join hosts Slim Da Reazon, Shy But
Flyy and Subject Matter as they welcome the community to share their
important words and music.
When: Every Saturday: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Shades of Afrika
Address: 1001 E. 4th St. Long Beach 90820
Note: $5; Bring friends $3
Website: shadesofafrika.com/events/griot-cafe
SHOUT! The Open Mic Poetry Night
About: Come share your poetic voice and talents in a
great locale in Fullerton. SHOUT! is a recurring poetry open mic that
takes place the 2nd Thursday of each month hosted by poet Eric Morago. A
free event, it has developed quite a following, so get there early to
ensure you read.
When: Every 2nd Thursday: 7:00 - 10:00 pm; sign ups no later than 6:30 pm.
Where: Half Off Books
Address: 141 W. Wilshire Ave. Ste. A, Fullerton 92832
Website: facebook.com/HOBRF
Sideshow Books Presents: Poetry Night
About: Join Sideshow Books for their first ever open mic series. Poets, spoken word performers, and musicians all welcome (They have an amp, speakers, and mic, but any other equipment will need to be brought with you).
NOTE: Their mission is to create an inclusive space to bring community together where local artists can be heard and supported.
When: Second-to-last Sunday of the month
Where: Sideshow Books
Address: 1639 La Cienega Blvd., Mid City, Los Angeles 90045
Website: sideshowbookstore.com/events
Poets & Allies for Resistance
About: The Sidewalk Café in Altadena holds Poets
& Allies for Resistance, a social justice themed poetry event and
open mic. It happens bi-monthly on the first Monday of the month. Some
past features have been the poets V Kali and Jawanza Dumisani. Hosted by
Khadija Anderson.
When: Bi-monthly on even months (Feb., Apr., June, etc.): 7:30 pm
Where: Sidewalk Cafe
Address: 2057 N. Los Robles, Altadena 91001
Website: Facebook
Sierra Club: Sunset Poetry Hike/Griffith Park
About: Climb to the top of Mt Hollywood, enjoy
poems, watch the sunset, then come down a different way, past the
Observatory. Return to Red Line station about three or four hours later.
Hike at your own pace, about 3 miles and 800 feet of gain. Newcomers
welcome. Bring water, hat, snack/dinner, comfortable hiking boots or
trail shoes, and a warm jacket. Poetry provided or bring your own. A
flashlight or headlamp, and hiking stick or trekking poles, are
optional. In case of rain we’ll visit the Observatory instead.
When: 3rd Saturday, November through March. (12/15/18 @3:10 PM, 1/19/19 @ 3:50 PM, 2/16/19 @ 4:10 PM. 3/16/19 @ 5:50 PM)
Where: Meet at the Vermont/Sunset Metro Station, where we’ll board the Observatory DASH (fare $.50 or use Metro Card)
Website: vault.sierraclub.org/online-activities/iframe-entity
Spell Cast
About: Bringing the heat are new features every
month. Come for the poetry, music, food and wine, but stay for the
community. Hosted by Rob “Poetry” Morrow/Queen Tasha Auset.
When: Every Second Saturday; 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: KRST Unity Church
Address: 7825 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles 90047
NOTE: Admission $5
Website: krstunitycenter.org/current-events-at-krst
Soapbox Sessions
About: Soapbox Nation’s adventure began in 2006 when
founder, Jason Brain, started an open mic at the Coffee Bean & Tea
Leaf in Encino, CA.
This event for musicians, poets,
and comedians began slowly building a word-of-mouth following and really
hit its stride in 2008. Now Soapbox is at a new location, but still in
the Valley.
When: Every Tuesday: 8:00 – 12:00 am
Where: Maui Sugar Saloon
Address: 18389 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana 91356
Website: Facebook
Story Salon
About: Story Salon is
Los Angeles’s longest running storytelling venue. What began as an
alternative to stand-up clubs and self-conscious performance spaces has
been challenging performers and audiences for two decades. Created in a
North Hollywood coffee house
Story Salon now reaches the globe through Podcasting, publishing, and recordings. The rules of the
Story Salon haven’t changed since it started: Five to seven minutes of original material performed by the author.
When: Every Wednesday: 7:30 pm
Where: The Art Parlor
Address: 5302 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village 91607
Cost: $5
Website: storysalon.com
SWAAM Open Mic
About: Where a plethora of Artistic, Eclectic, and
Creative individuals Present Positive Pieces of Profound work. Come
Experience the Passion of these Poets…
When: Every first and third Fridays: 8:00 – 12:00 am
Where: WHIP Community Service Project
Address: 7617 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles
Website: Facebook
Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore
About: Tía Chucha’s Open Mic is a welcoming,
creative sanctuary where people are encouraged to share their thoughts,
feelings and talents through various styles of expression. This can be a
poem, story, song, joke, freestyle, or just something they feel the
need to express. Everyone is welcome to be themselves. It’s
FREE. Participants sign up on arrival.
When: 2nd, 4th, and 5th Fridays: 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore
Address: 13197 Gladstone Ave., Unit A, Sylmar 91342
Website: tiachucha.org/programming
Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore: Noches de Canto y Poesia
About: Noches de Canto y Poesía son un tiempo
dedicado a músicos, poetas y cantantes de la comunidad para que expresen
su arte en español o con influencia Latina. Esto incluye pero no es
limitado a boleros, baladas, rock en español, folklórico,
latinoamericano, ranchera, trova, canto nuevo, jarocho, huapango, y más.
Todos están bienvenidos! Entrada gratis. *Conducido por Alejandro
Molina. *
Artistas invitados son bienvenidos. !Llamenos!*
When: 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays: 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Where: Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore
Address: 13197 Gladstone Ave., Unit A, Sylmar 91342
NOTE: Spanish language version of Tía Chucha’s open mic
Website: tiachucha.org/programming
tête-á-tête
About: A queer and ally focused reading series and open mic hosted by Anthony AW!!! Poetry, fiction and non-fiction is allowed!
When: Last Tuesday of the month; 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Book Show
Address: 5503 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park 90042
Website: bookshowla.com/events
Tuesday Night Café
About: This popular Little Tokyo open mic has
garnered a number of awards over the years. Founded originally by poet
and performance artist Traci Kato-Kiriyama, this space has been an
epicenter for Asian-American poets dating back to the last
millennium. The event maintains a passionate, positive space with a
focus on bridging art and community through new original work from Asian
American/Pacific Islander communities and the greater Los Angeles area.
Poet Mike Sonksen says of the open mic, “[Los Angeles City Hall’s]
silhouette looming overhead adds even more atmosphere to the dynamic reading.”
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from April to November: 7:30 – 10:00 pm
Where: Aratani Courtyard at Union Center for the Arts
Address: 210 Judge John Aiso St., Little Tokyo, L.A. 90012
Website: tuesdaynightproject.org
Unbuckled NOHO Poetry
About: If rhythm, rhyme and ricochet are your aim,
look no further than this multi varied bunch for two hours of syllables,
syntax and sentences that fill the air with wonder and your soul with
substance. It is a safe haven away from the rest of the world where
people can all go to unbuckle their poetic energies and talents for
themselves and others. Where they are not judged, but appreciated. Every
race, religion and creed, young and old and in-between are not only
wanted, but welcome at UNBUCKLED.
When: 1st Saturday of the month: 3:45 – 5:45 pm
Where: One Storefront east of Vineland, UT Studios, around the corner from Odyssey Video
Address: 10943 Camarillo St., North Hollywood 91602
Website: Facebook
Unurban Coffee House
About: If it’s the second Thursday of the
month….You’re a poet, inspiring poet, entertainer, lover…Of all
things…Join the Unurban Coffee House for
Velvet Guerrilla Open Mic Poetry
night, one of the longest running poetry and performance open mics in
the Los Angeles area. They advise everyone to leave their ego at the
door, praise all newcomers & continue to support their loyal
performers.
When: 2nd Thursday of the month: 8:00 pm
Where: Unurban Coffee House
Address: 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 90405
Website: Facebook
Viento Y Agua Open Mic
About: Viento Y Agua Open Mic is a weekly open mic
w/mixed acts. Hosted by Alyssandra. List fills up fast, so get there
early. Sign ups begin at 7:30.
When: Every Thursday: 8 – 10pm
Where: Viento Y Agua
Address: 4007 E. 4th Street, Long Beach
Website: facebook.com/Viento-y-Agua-Coffee-House-82733768762 and
localendar.com/public/CadenceCollective
The World Stage/Anansi Writers Workshop
About: The Anansi Writers Workshop was founded in
1990 by Kamau Daáood, Akilah Oliver, Nafis Nabawi, and Anthony Lyons. In
1993, Michael Datcher initiated the development of a three-part format
for the workshop. Their tradition of a community workshop began in the
late 1960s at the Watts Writers’ Workshop, where World Stage co-founder
Kamau Daáood started his writing career. The Anansi Writers Workshop is
coordinated by V. Kali and Conney Williams.
When: Every Wednesday: 7:30 – 10:00 pm
Where: The World Stage
Address: 4321 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles 90008
Note: $5 donation
Website: theworldstage.org/anansi-writers-workshop
The Writers Underground
About: There are no features because the feature is you.
Founded January 2014 at the Eastside Cafe. Hosted by Iris De Anda
When: Every third Thursday, 8:00 pm
Where: Other Books
Address: 2006 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles 90033
Website: facebook.com/thewritersunderground
ANNUAL EVENTS
There are annual literary events in Los Angeles, some big,
some small, some in between. They range from celebrating
poetry to inclusive events for all genres of literature and underrepresented demographics. Everyone is welcome at these events.
Lambda LitFest Los Angeles
