Top Poetry Venues In Philadelphia
Big Blue Marble Bookstore
551 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 844-1870
www.bigbluemarblebooks.com
At Big Blue Marble Bookstore in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, the Mad Poets Society sponsors "Poetry Aloud & Alive" on Friday once a month. Presented by host Mike Cohen, the event includes a featured poet who starts out the night with a reading of his or hers work. Afterwards, an open reading follows for local poets to share their work. Big Blue Marble Bookstore has a cozy room that holds many poetry gatherings and book clubs. Its second floor has a café where you can enjoy hot tea and other beverages.
H.O.W.L. Awareness Center
6901 Castor Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19149
(267) 627-4695
www.howlwellness.com
H.O.W.L. Awareness Center is perfect for artists and writers looking to try out their material on a welcoming and eager stage away from the typical bar environment (it is drug and alcohol free). Its open mic night runs every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 5-minute mic limit (a second piece may be performed if time allows). The events at H.O.W.L. are free, but a donation is recommended, with a $1 suggested minimum. The night includes $1 unlimited tea.
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 686-5322
www.freelibrary.org
The first Monday of every month, the Parkway Central Library (room 108) at 19th and Vine Streets hosts the Monday Poets Reading Series from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The event, moderated by Lamont Dixon, features two local and regional writers and poets willing to share their work with the audience and has been going on for 20 years. If there is time after the readings, a short open-mic might take place, so you should come prepared with your own work.
PhilaMOCA
531 N 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 519-9651
www.philamoca.org
PhilaMOCA is a multipurpose art space that hosts the Pigeon's Poetry Slam every first Friday from October to May. The event features an out-of-town poet, a talented local poet and three-rounds of elimination slam. The night begins with a writing workshop at 7:30 p.m., where writers of all levels can hone their skills. Competitors can sign-up at 8:30 p.m., and the show commences at 9 p.m. Compete to represent the Pigeon at the National Poetry Slam.
Studio 34 Yoga/Healing/Arts
4522 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 387-3434
www.studio34yoga.com
In West Philadelphia, Stuido 34 Yoga/Healing/Arts hosts the Fuze's Poetry Slam every 2nd and last Friday of the month. Come as a performer or an audience member. The Fuze presents both talented local and national poets. A PSI-certified slam, poets compete for cash and the chance at performing at the national level.
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Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.