Melanated Metaphors: A Poetry Open Mic Ft. Nate Lovell

poetry hits different when you’re in the room.

Pull up to Melanated Metaphors, a free monthly 18+ poetry open mic for wordplay and lines you’ll still be thinking about on the ride home. Bring something fresh from your notes app, dust off that journal, revisit a favorite, or come through with friends and take it all in.

Camari Carter Hawkins and Joe B take turns hosting, welcoming a featured poet and an open mic lineup each month. Light refreshments will be available.

Featured Poet: Nate Lovell
In-Person Sign-Up: 7:00 PM
Showtime: 7:30–9:30 PM
 

Community Agreements

Turn up. Show love. Take care of each other.

1. Bring the Energy. Snap, clap, laugh, and let the poets know when a line hits. Respect the mic. Keep side conversations low so everyone can hear the work.
2. Keep It Grown. Strong language, mature themes, and bold expression are welcome. Grown does not mean anything goes. We want artists to be themselves while respecting that Melanated Metaphors is a public program at a city cultural institution.
3. Respect the People. Challenge ideas, tell the truth, and get messy on the page without targeting, harassing, or dehumanizing people in the room.
4. Share the Mic. Honor your time limit and give every poet the same attention and opportunity you want for yourself.
5. Take Creative Risks. Try the new poem. Go somewhere unexpected. Give yourself and each other room to experiment.

Come ready to feel something, say something, and make some noise.