Open mic nights generally stand in contrast to slam, wherein poets approach the mic at their own peril. They offer artists a chance to grow in their craft without the horror of scorecards. The audience can then enjoy without the soundtrack of whooping and hollering coloring the whole experience. It is a place to inspire and to be inspired.
Jazz Poets of San Antonio
Join in a night of talk ‘n’ roll jazz hosted by Eduardo Garza while the Jazz Poetry Band improvises music behind your poetry. Jazz poetry, also known as spoken word, has been presented by Garza since 1977. The poet and the band decide what music will suit the poem and jam out. Free, 8pm Tuesdays, Espresso Gallery, 529 San Pedro, facebook.com/jazzpoetsofsa.
2nd Verse
2nd Verse is the premier spot for sophisticated and soulful spoken word poetry in San Antonio. Hosted by Vocab, F.Y.I. and Glo, the event features some noted national poets and musicians in addition to a welcoming open mic. Come and entertain your intellect with grooves and rhythms, voice and diction. $5, 9pm second Fridays, Continental Café, 6390 Fairdale, 2ndverse.net.
Uncorked Open Mic Poetry
Among the newest of the open mics, Uncorked was created especially for poetry fans on the Northeast side. Hosted by J. Alejandro, the event brings poetry to the ’burbs every second and fourth Wednesday. Free, 9pm, Rocky’s Tavern, 11403 O’Connor.
Sun Poet’s Society
Members of Sun Poet’s Society consider themselves artists for peace, promoting the peaceful exchange of ideas through poetry recitation and discussion. Any poet is invited to come and read his or her work, and there is no name-calling, jeering, heckling or food throwing involved. Free, 7pm Tuesdays, Barnes and Noble, 18030 San Pedro, Ste 140, facebook.com/sunpoetssociety.
Poetic Seduction Open
Mic Spoken Word
Hosted by poetry heavy hitter Tasha Green, this open mic features the jazzy sounds of musician Mr. Brandan Judahl Keys. Poetic Seduction recently settled into a new home at the comfy PHX Lounge. $5, 9pm third Thursdays, PHX Lounge, 7959 Broadway, Ste 500.
Blah Blah Blah Poetry Spot
Blah Blah Blah’s mission is to share, teach, develop, promote and collaborate on the literary endeavors of the many diverse voices in San Antonio. Also hosted by the busy J. Alejandro, the spot is open to all ages but offers an uncensored environment. Free, 8pm first and third Wednesdays, Deco Pizzeria, 1815 Fredericksburg, blahpoetryspot.org.
Poet Tree Jam at Viva TacoLand
Also new on the scne is Viva TacoLand’s bi-monthly Poet Tree Jam. Poet and host Don Mathis will share his beloved poems and also open the mic to other San Antonio voices. An open jam session led by local musicians follows. Free, 7-9pm, TacoLand, 103 W Grayson, check for upcoming dates by visiting “Viva TacoLand” on Facebook.
Open Mic Poetry Night at Luna
This event is hosted in collaboration with the Blah Blah Blah Poetry Spot, because these folks clearly can’t get enough poetry. Interested poets are encouraged to bring their work, bless the mic and soak up the good vibes, adult beverages and loungey atmosphere at Luna. Free, 9pm third Thursdays, Luna, 6740 San Pedro, blahpoetryspot.org.
