Some Upcoming Poetry Events:
UF Guest Poet Series
Thu, April 20, 2pm – 3pm
University of Findlay, 1000 N Main St, Findlay, OH 45840 Join guest poets as they teach a poetry lesson to an Intro to Poetry Class at UF. Free and open to the general public. Meet in the Writing Center, room 135 in the Center for Student Life & College of Business building (CBSL). On this day, Guest Poet Jennifer Moore leads "Persona Poems.https://campusmap.findlay.edu/?id=635#!ct/20133,6855,7320,7321,7322,7323,7324,7325,7328,7647?m/277745?s/
Open Expression Featuring Jim Zalewski
Thu, April 20, 6pm – 7pm
St Paul's United Methodist Church, 1201 Madison Ave, Toledo, OH 43604Come join us for an open expression event that is open to the whole community, with an opportunity to practice your painting skills. There will also be opportunities for poets, musicians, comedians, and storytellers to share their gifts. Dinner will be provided--menu TBD.
Third Thursday Open Mic
Thu, April 20, 8pm – 10pm
Delaney’s, 309 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo
Gather for an Open Mic Night. Music, poetry, comedy, magic--we enjoy it all. This Open Mic is different from the others--this one supports the community. Delaney’s and BeInstrumental are teaming up to help raise money to bring more music programing in our own area. These programs are for youth who may not have had the chance without us. There will be a reverse raffle and some other fun games. So come on out and hop on the mic, and do your community some good. https://www.beinstrumental.org
WritersShop Writing Workshop
Tue, April 25, 6pm – 8pm
Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St., Toledo
Sandra Rivers-Gill leads us this month as we look at incorporating music into our writing. We'll hear some examples and look at how to add music into our poems. Open to all. This ongoing workshop series is hosted by Lucas County Poet Laureate, Jonie McIntire, and features a variety of topics. For the final Tuesdays in May/June/July, we will be meeting at 6pm in the Waterville Branch Library.
Rhythms & Poetry
Fri, April 28, 7pm – 9pm
The Truth Art Gallery, 1811 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604Nikola Colours and The Truth Art Gallery presents “Rythm & Poetry” an evening of live music, poetry and an elegant formal dining experience. Special guest performances by Toledo’s own Singer/Songwriter, Nate Hicks on the guitar, Shawn Highsmith on the Saxophone, Singer, Diane E’laine, Poet Eddie White and JP Dynasty on the drums! $30 charge, includes fine dining food and cocktails.
Collingwood Garden 10-Year Anniversary
Sat, April 29, 4:00pm – 6:30pm
2472 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43620, USA (map)
Join us for a 10 year anniversary celebration at the Collingwood Garden! There will be workshops, music, food, and friends. The entire event starts at 1pm, with a poetry open mic from 4-6:30pm.
Of Rust & Glass virtual reading
Sun, April 30, 7pm – 8pm
Virtual/online Join Of Rust and Glass for 2023's second virtual reading and discussion. April's theme: Roots. "Family is one of the most important things in life. Your roots, no matter how well fed, are what make you who you are. Bare your roots. Let your branches flourish." Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85806233176?pwd=bUppZTBGSWR0dXFGRXZjdzN3TFpVQT09
Artists & Writers @ HEART
Sat, May 6, 1pm – 3pm
Main Library - Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 325 N Michigan St, Toledo, OH 43604
We are learning the art of writing novels, stage plays, screenplays, & creating art in all forms with other artists and writers @ HEART. Please bring art or materials that you're working on at the present time. (Plans to meet 1st & 3rd Saturdays, in-person at different library branches & online.) For info contact C.C. @419.740.4579.
WritersShop Open Mic
Sat, May 6, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo
Join us as we celebrate Spring. 7 minutes per reader, all family-friendly writing welcome. Share some new pieces or old favorites! WritersShop is a monthly workshop series hosted by Lucas County Poet Laureate, Jonie McIntire, welcoming all writers to share their skills and love of writing.
LifeLine Community Dinner
Sat, May 6, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
2364 Robinwood Ave., ToledoThe LCD has become a Toledo icon and the best night of every month. Over the years what began as a meal and voice opportunity for a small group of soul-baring poets became a place for all people. At any given time there are people from all across every human spectrum, all learning to eat and live together with dignity and respect, and giving unvetted, uncensored voice to everyone. We have a menu with multiple dishes for every dietary need, preference, and restriction. The area's longest continuously running open mic is for poets and musicians, storytellers and comedians, dancers, and whatever else people may bring of themselves. And we celebrate them all. Come and join us for what promises to be a very special night. You know you want to be there! https://www.facebook.com/lifelinetoledo
JustWrite State Tournament
Thu, May 11, 8am-5pm
University of Findlay, 950 N Main St, Findlay, OH 45840
State tournament includes competition, presentations and workshops in the afternoon (including two poetry-related presentations by Lucas County Poet Laureate Jonie McIntire), and awards ceremony. JustWrite Ohio is an interscholastic writing competition for high school students that has been honoring and celebrating student writers through a creative writing competition since 2020. JustWrite Ohio has two main levels of competition- a Regional and State competition. Schools in the state sign up their teams (2 Divisions, consisting of a total of 12 writers) to compete against other schools-not just with prompts but within assigned genres as well. Narratives are scored, students are celebrated individually, and teams are recognized for their talent. We also offer a poetry component-writers submit pieces to be reviewed by laureates. Top writers from the regional tournaments attend a state competition in May. For more information about our Ohio program, you can visit www.justwriteohio.org
Lima Land Poetry Slam Open Mic
Fri, May 12, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Vibe Coffeehouse & Cafe, 311 E Market St Suite 107, Lima, OH 45801Poets, musicians, rappers, singers, beatboxers & more. $5 suggested donation for entry. Doors open at 7pm at, event starts 7:30.https://www.facebook.com/LimaLandPoetrySlam
Uncloistered Poetry Live
Sat, May 13, 4pm – 7pm
The Switchboard , 912 Monroe St., Toledo
Join us at The Switchboard for an incredible reading of poetry and fiction by literary artists near and far! Featured readers: Elizabeth Anderson, Dianne Borsenik, Jason Baldinger and Stephanie Kendrick. Features followed by one of Toledo's most welcoming and long-running open mics. The Switchboard does not serve food but you can order/bring what you like, and they have a fantastic bar with art gallery space. Entrance is near the patio. And be sure to check out Culture Clash Records next door. https://facebook.com/events/s/uncloistered-poetry-live-may-1/2884204721711498/
Uncloistered Poetry Online
Sun, May 14, 6pm – 9pm
Join us for an incredible gathering of poets online -- featuring Steve Henn, Michele McDannold and Westley Heine. Open mic (5 minutes per reader) follows features. Follow the Facebook group page to register for the zoom link: https://www.facebook.com/Uncloisteredpoetrytoledo
Third Thursday Open Mic
Thu, May 18, 8pm – 10pm
Delaney’s, 309 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo
Gather for an Open Mic Night. Music, poetry, comedy, magic--we enjoy it all. This Open Mic is different from the others--this one supports the community. Delaney’s and BeInstrumental are teaming up to help raise money to bring more music programing in our own area. These programs are for youth who may not have had the chance without us. There will be a reverse raffle and some other fun games. So come on out and hop on the mic, and do your community some good. https://www.beinstrumental.org