
March 2025 Mill City Speaks Workshop Online
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
It’s the third Wednesday and we are hosting the Mill City Speaks Slam Finals, featuring our top qualified poets from across our 24-25 slam circuit.
This will be hosted at our new venue! It’s also the first showcase event of the year, all about love? Valentine’s Day was not so long ago, and we are always in somewhat a love-me or love-me-not mood.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
This will be the first event at our new venue! It’s also the first Wednesday which means we have a poetry slam as our main event. This slam will be our last qualifier of the season and opportunity to earn your spot at Finals and Mill City Speaks 2025 Poetry Slam Team! S
It’s the third Wednesday which means we have a guest feature as our main event. Kenny Bradley, a member of the ProvSlam 2023 Slam Team and winner of 2023 NorthBeast Regional, will bless us after the open mic with a showcase.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Up 6 poets will compete against each other for a shot at 6 differently sized wrapped surprises in our festive main event. It will be in the style of a Samurai Slam, where poets will score each others work.
Join other youth poets from the Greater Lowell area, in a drop-in style setting, kickback, write new stuff, work on old stuff, and more.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.
Our usual process has three main pieces:
Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.
Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.
Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.
Schedule with Approximate times:
6 pm: Zoom Opens
6:30: Intro Check In
6:45 Prompt Presentation
7:00 Freewrite
7:15 Sharing Freewrites
7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.
8:30-9:00 Workshop ends
// ZOOM DETAILS ///
Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details
Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download
How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to lowellpoetry@gmail.com with questions regarding the workshop.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
We are getting the slam season rolling with our qualifiers to form our 2025 Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to hold a space in our Mill City Slam Finals. Second to last qualifier. Top 4 poets move to Finals, Top 3 win cash prizes.
This upcoming Untitled Open Mic on November 20th we will be coming together as a community to share in Douglas’ memory.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.
Our usual process has three main pieces:
Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.
Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.
Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.
Schedule with Approximate times:
6 pm: Zoom Opens
6:30: Intro Check In
6:45 Prompt Presentation
7:00 Freewrite
7:15 Sharing Freewrites
7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.
8:30-9:00 Workshop ends
// ZOOM DETAILS ///
Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details
Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download
How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
Third Wednesday in October must be
THE UNTITLED HALLOWEEN POETRY PARTY
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
6:00 PM 9:00 PM
Coffee and Cotton
Mill No. 5 250 Jackson St. No. 401 Lowell, Mass. 01852
AND Online! -
Streaming on Youtube Live @lowellpoetry
Featuring
Kerouac Winners from Lowell High School
Dead Poets Poetry Slam
Costume Contest
Pumpkin Poetry
Plus our metaphorically ever-ghoulish goulash of an open mic!
Do whatever you like, but we encourage you to bring something on the theme.
Also join us for a workshop, in themed with Halloween celebrations, before the open mic in the Parlor Room!
Led by Andrew Tarantino Harrington
/// Format ///
6:00 pm: Sign up sheet available (for in person folks only at this time);
6:30 pm: Open reading begins; livestream to Youtube starts
Featured reading/Slam begins after open mic
8:30pm: Event wraps up, closing comments; stream ends
Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.
/// Details ///
Free Admission
Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale
@ Coffee & Cotton
250 Jackson St. No. 401
Lowell, Mass. 01852
https://millno5.com/directions/
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the American Rescue Plan, as administered by the City of Lowell’s office of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.
Our usual process has three main pieces:
Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.
Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.
Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.
Schedule with Approximate times:
6 pm: Zoom Opens
6:30: Intro Check In
6:45 Prompt Presentation
7:00 Freewrite
7:15 Sharing Freewrites
7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.
8:30-9:00 Workshop ends
// ZOOM DETAILS ///
Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details
Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download
How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
It’s the 1st Wednesday so it must be Untitled!
October 2, 6 to 9 pm
Our second Mill City Speaks Team Qualifier of the season!
We are getting the slam season rolling with our qualifiers to form our 2025 Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to not only hold a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also for $100 in Cash Prizes!
Plus our unfeigned, unfiltered, un fathomable
Untitled Open Mic!
Bring your own musings or just sit back and enjoy the show!
The Untitled Open Mic is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.
/// About the Slam ///
This is the second (out of six) qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2025 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winner gets $70, and runner-up gets $30 (Real Cash! American Dollars!).
Limited to 8 Poets; interested competitors should sign up in advance (email lowellpoetry@gmail.com),
But judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible.
/// Format ///
Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm
Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm
Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.
All Done @ 9:00pm
/// Details ///
Free Admission
Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale
@ Coffee & Cotton
250 Jackson St. No. 401
Lowell, Mass. 01852
https://millno5.com/directions/
Also streaming online
Lowell Poetry is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled w Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam Time: Oct 2, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85756555240
Passcode available on request: email lowellpoetry@gmail.com
Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the American Rescue Plan as administered by the Lowell office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.”
The Third Wednesday is Untitled!
September 18, 6 to 9 pm
@ Coffee & Cotton in Mill No. 5, Lowell, MA
Featuring poet, journalist, dancer, magic mogul…
Meg Smith
Also,
An in-person poetry workshop…
"How to Give a Poetry Reading with Impact"
Led by Meg Smith
This workshop will explore tips for giving a reading to make a lasting impact, become more comfortable sharing poetry with any audience, and how reading your work aloud can make your written work stronger.
You have a voice, and the world needs to hear your voice! Make it strong, proud and empower you and your audience!
Wednesday, September 18
5 to 6 pm
The Parlor on the 4th Floor of Mill No. 5 (near Coffee & Cotton)
Sign up or inquire at lowellpoetry@gmail.com
Plus our undeniable, undebatable, undecipherable
Untitled Open Mic!
All voices and styles welcome!
Untitled is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, and community events, including our Untitled Open Mic.
/// About our Feature ///
Meg Smith is a writer, journalist, dancer and events producer living in Lowell, Mass. She will have copies of her poetry books available for sale, as well as some artwork and fantastical arts from Midnight Mews.
Her poetry and fiction have appeared in publications such as The Cafe Review, Muddy River Poetry Review, Poetry Bay, The Lowell Review, Raven Cage, The Horror Zine, Dark Moon Digest, and many more. She is a longstanding committee member of Lowell Celebrates Kerouac!, which holds an annual festival to honor Lowell native Jack Kerouac.
In producing events, she loves to bring together her passion for spoken word, music, visual art, and dance. This year, she is producing the first-ever Poe in Lowell festival, taking place Oct. 19-20, celebrating Poe's three visits to Lowell, in 1848 and 1849.
As a journalist she has won numerous awards, including this year, a first-place award for coverage of religion and a second-place award for coverage of history from the New England Newspaper and Press Association. She currently serves as content editor for Worcester Magazine, the award-winning alternative weekly serving the Worcester County area in Massachusetts.
As a Middle Eastern dancer with the stage name Morgana Mirage, she has danced in night clubs, festivals and special events throughout the region. Recently, she began channeling her love of creating fabric art, and drawing and painting, into her arts enterprise, Midnight Mews. She welcomes visits to [megsmithwriter.com.](http://megsmithwriter.com./)
Social media: Instagram @megsmithwriter, Facebook.com/megsmithwriter
Poe in Lowell
/// Format ///
Poetry Workshop 5 to 6 pm
Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm
Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm
Poetry Feature begins after the open reading.
All Done @ 9:00pm
/// Details ///
Free Admission
Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale
@ Coffee & Cotton
250 Jackson St. No. 401
Lowell, Mass. 01852
https://millno5.com/directions/
Also streaming online… Lowell Poetry is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled Open featuring Meg Smith Time: Sep 18, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87208914114
Meeting ID: 872 0891 4114 Passcode: 521825
/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)
Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.
2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.
3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.
4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.
6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.
7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.
8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.
9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the American Rescue Plan, as administered by the City of Lowell’s office of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
JAZZ POETRY BRUNCH
The First 4D Sunday in 2024
Sept. 15
12 noon to 2 pm
Gallery Z
167 Market Street
Lowell, MA
With Dr. Dougie’s DANGEROUS DELIGHT
DANGEROUS because we challenge your preconceptions;
DELIGHTFUL because we surprise you with the familiar…
Todd Brunel Winds
Ken Paynter Bass
Don Bishop Percussion
Douglas Bishop Poetry & Perspicacity
Classic jazz with new poetry;
New jazz with classic poetry;
Plus Original Jazz-Poems.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.
Our usual process has three main pieces:
Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.
Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.
Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.
Schedule with Approximate times:
6 pm: Zoom Opens
6:30: Intro Check In
6:45 Prompt Presentation
7:00 Freewrite
7:15 Sharing Freewrites
7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.
8:30-9:00 Workshop ends
// ZOOM DETAILS ///
Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details
Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download
How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
The Third Wednesday is Untitled!
August 21, 6 to 9 pm
@ Coffee & Cotton in Mill No. 5, Lowell, MA
Featuring our former great leader,
Zeke Russell
Also,
An in-person poetry workshop…
"Finding The Universal In The Particular " a workshop on the poetry of specific moments.
Led by Zeke Russell
Wednesday, August 21
5 to 6 pm
The Parlor on the 4th Floor of Mill No. 5 (near Coffee & Cotton)
Sign up or inquire at lowellpoetry@gmail.com
Plus our unpredictable, unprepackaged, unprevaricated
Untitled Open Mic!
All voices and styles welcome!
Untitled is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, and community events, including our Untitled Open Mic.
/// About our Feature ///
Zeke Russell grew up in Central Maine surrounded by artists and lumberjacks. Since then he's been a cook, a teacher, a security guard and a social worker. He was a member of the 2016 Boston Poetry Slam Team, and the 2011 Mill City Slam Team. He was the color commentator for the Slam Center podcast which covered the 2013 national poetry slam. His work has appeared in Drink In a Midnight Choir, Wyvern Lit, Maps For Teeth and Printer's Devil Review. He lives in South Boston with his partner Emily and is the second best poet in the apartment. He owns the world's worst behaved pug dog and usually needs a hair cut.
/// Format ///
Poetry Workshop 5 to 6 pm
Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm
Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm
Poetry Feature begins after the open reading.
All Done @ 9:00pm
/// Details ///
Free Admission
Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale
@ Coffee & Cotton
250 Jackson St. No. 401
Lowell, Mass. 01852
https://millno5.com/directions/
Also streaming online… Lowell Poetry is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled featuring Zeke Russell Time: Aug 21, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82625511701
Meeting ID: 826 2551 1701 Passcode: 812267
/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)
1.) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.
2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.
3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.
4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.
6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.
7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.
8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.
9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the American Rescue Plan, as administered by the City of Lowell’s office of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.
Our usual process has three main pieces:
Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.
Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.
Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.
Schedule with Approximate times:
6 pm: Zoom Opens
6:30: Intro Check In
6:45 Prompt Presentation
7:00 Freewrite
7:15 Sharing Freewrites
7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.
8:30-9:00 Workshop ends
// ZOOM DETAILS ///
Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details
Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download
How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
The first Wednesday is always Untitled!
Untitled Open Mic with Someone Else’s Slam
Poets read each other’s poems in a competition of writers and performers (prizes awarded for both). One of our most fun and most unusual slams…
August 7
6 to 9 pm
The Untitled Open Mic is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is: home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, lattes, wine, local craft beer, and delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.
/// About the Slam ///
Poets are asked to sign up in advance because this slam requires special preparation and places have already been reserved. Poets need to bring paper copies of two to three of their own poems, which will then be put into a random drawing and performers will be given someone else’s poetry which they will then read in a no-holds-barred (metaphorically) competition. Cash prizes will be awarded to both the winning author and the winning performer.
Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.
As usual, judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible. For more info, contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com.
/// Format ///
Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm
Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm
Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.
All Done @ 9:00pm
/// Details ///
Free Admission
Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale
@ Coffee & Cotton
250 Jackson St. No. 401
Lowell, Mass. 01852
https://millno5.com/directions/
Also streaming online
ZOOM Info
Lowell Poetry is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled with Someone Else's Slam Time: Aug 7, 2024, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83783672804
Meeting ID: 837 8367 2804
Passcode: 357433
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)
1.) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.
2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.
3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.
4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.
6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.
7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.
8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.
9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.
Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the American Rescue Plan, as administered by the office for Cultural Affairs and Special Events of the City of Lowell.”
Untitled Open Mic ft. Victoria Holland
a Pushcart Prize-Nominated Author and the lead editor for the mythologically-inspired anthology The Carnation Collection.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.
Our usual process has three main pieces:
Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.
Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.
Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.
Schedule with Approximate times:
6 pm: Zoom Opens
6:30: Intro Check In
6:45 Prompt Presentation
7:00 Freewrite
7:15 Sharing Freewrites
7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.
8:30-9:00 Workshop ends
// ZOOM DETAILS ///
Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details
Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download
How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
The 1st WEDNESDAY is UNTITLED!
PLEASE NOTE: Change of Venue…
We will NOT be at Coffee & Cotton as usual,
But rather at the Teaching Space at Western Ave Studios
(122 Western Ave., Lowell, MA)
Team Poetry Slam Battle Royale!!!
4 Slam Teams fighting (metaphorically) for poetic glory:
Mill City Speaks, Our First Hometown Team
ProvSlam from Providence, RI
Slam Free Or Die from Manchester, NH
Sill Mitty Squeaks, Our Second Hometown Team
If you’re never seen a team poetry slam before, You’ve got to check it out! If you know, You know the kind of energy that gets cooking!
/// Format ///
Sign-Ups begin @ 6pm
Event Starts @ 6:30 pm
Team Poetry Slam & Open Mic
All Done @ 9:00pm
/// Details ///
Free Admission
BYO snacks and drinks
Cash Prizes
@ The Teaching Space
122 Western Avenue
Lowell, MA 01851
NOT in our usual space,
Coffee & Cotton at Mill No. 5.
Also streaming online
/// Zoom Details ///
Lowell Poetry is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled w Team Poetry Slam Battle Royale Time: Jul 3, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89899411824
Meeting ID: 898 9941 1824
Passcode available on request;
Email to lowellpoetry@gmail.com
(Volunteers Needed)
We are looking for judges for our poetry slam!
If interested, please email lowellpoetry@gmail.com.
For more information lowellpoetry.com
Our next event after this is an online Mill City Speaks workshop on Tuesday, July 9, 6 to 9 pm. Hosted on the second Tuesday of each month, the workshop is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand. The log-in details are available by request. Please send an email to lowellpoetry@gmail.com
/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)
Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.
2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.
3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.
4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.
6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.
7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.
8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.
9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the American Rescue Plan, as administered by the City of Lowell’s office of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.
Untitled Open Mic Featuring Nikolai Ralowicz
@ Coffee and Cotton
Every third Wednesday we have a feature. This month we have our lovely cohost as our main act.
For Father’s Day…
JAZZ POETRY BRUNCH
SUNDAY, JUNE 16
12 noon to 2 pm
Gallery Z
167 Market Street
Lowell, MA
With Dr. Dougie’s DANGEROUS DELIGHT
DANGEROUS because we challenge your preconceptions;
DELIGHTFUL because we surprise you with the familiar…
Todd Brunel Winds
Ken Paynter Bass
Don Bishop Percussion
Douglas Bishop Poetry & Perspicacity
Classic jazz with new poetry;
New jazz with classic poetry;
Plus Original Jazz-Poems.
Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.
Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.
Our usual process has three main pieces:
Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.
Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.
Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.
Schedule with Approximate times:
6 pm: Zoom Opens
6:30: Intro Check In
6:45 Prompt Presentation
7:00 Freewrite
7:15 Sharing Freewrites
7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.
8:30-9:00 Workshop ends
// ZOOM DETAILS ///
Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details
Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download
How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///
We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.
Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.
“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
Untitled Open Mic featuring Youth Poetry Night
Untitled Open Mic ft. Michael Linehan
@ Coffee and Cotton.
Every third Wesndesday we have feature.