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.
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 an Indie Teen Poetry Slam Prelim for the Mass Poetry Brave New Voices team. Top 4 poets get $50 and sent to finals!
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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. Intergenrational Slam
@ Coffee and Cotton
Every first Wednesday we have a slam.
2024/03/06/Untitled Open Mic Featuring Mill City Speaks Slam Team Finals
<Event Flyer Image>
The first Wednesday is Untitled!
Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam
February 7
6 to 9 pm
Our Final Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!
This is it! Our last qualifier for our 2024 Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also $100 in cash prizes!
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 final qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winners divide $100 (Real Cash! American Dollars!). The top three qualify for our Mill City Speaks SLAM TEAM FINALS on March 6, 2024!
Poets are encouraged to sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.
However, 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, as we said, 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
Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled Open Mic w Mill City Speaks Slam Team Qualifier Time: Feb 7, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87227642520
Meeting ID: 872 2764 2520
Passcode available on request; email lowellpoetry@gmail.com
/// 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)
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.”
The first Wednesday of the New Year is Untitled!
Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam
January 3
6 to 9 pm
Our Fourth Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!
The slam season continues into the New Year with another qualifier for our 2024 Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also $100 in cash prizes!
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 fourth qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winners divide $100 (Real Cash! American Dollars!). The top three will qualify for our Mill City Speaks SLAM TEAM FINALS on March 6, 2024!
Poets are encouraged to sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.
However, 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, as we said, 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
Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled Open Mic w Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam Time: Jan 3, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81905169370
Meeting ID: 819 0516 9370 Passcode available on request; email lowellpoetry@gmail.com
/// 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)
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 Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
The first Wednesday of the last month remains Untitled!
Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam
December 6, from 6 to 9 pm
Our Third Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!
Another qualifier for our 2024 (we’re almost there) Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also the $70 Grand Prize!
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 third qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 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!). Both will qualify for our Slam Team Finals, coming up in March of 2024.
The Poets should sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (but maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.
However, 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, as we said, 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
Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled Mill City Speaks Qualifier Time: Nov 1, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86401480425
Meeting ID: 864 0148 0425 Passcode available on request;
email to lowellpoetry@gmail.com.
/// 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)
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 Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
The first is the first!
Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam
Wednesday, November 1
6 to 9 pm
Our Second Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!
The slam season is blooming in full flower with another qualifier for our 2024 (yes, it’s coming!) Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also the $70 Grand Prize!
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 qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 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!).
The Poets should sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (but maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.
However, 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, as we said, 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
Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Untitled Mill City Speaks Qualifier Time: Nov 1, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86401480425
Meeting ID: 864 0148 0425 Passcode available on request;
email to lowellpoetry@gmail.com.
/// 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)
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 Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”
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.”
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 MAY be UNTITLED!
May 3, 2023
6 to 9 pm
Featuring…
An Inter-generational Team Slam
Mill City Speaks (the Elders)
with
Greater Lowell Technical High School (the Upstarts)!
Plus our unabashed, unbalancing, unbelievable open mic
For all readers of all ages.
All Styles and Voices Welcome!
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, 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.
/// Format ///
Sign-Ups for the Open @ 6pm
Open Reading begins @ 6:30 pm
Teen Team Slam after the Open… All Done @ 9:00pm
/// About Our Slam ///
Greater Lowell Tech is sending a slam team to the Mass Poetry Festival for the first time, but first they are coming to Untitled to try out their stuff. This will also be a first test for the 2023 Mill City Speaks team as they prepare for multiple slams (in Cambridge, Boston, and at the Lizard Lounge) in the spring and summer. If you’ve never seen a team poetry slam, you have to check it out; if you know, you know why you got to be there!
/// Details ///
Free Admission
Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale
@ Coffee and Cotton
250 Jackson St. No. 401
Lowell, Mass. 01852
https://millno5.com/directions
Volunteers Needed: We are looking for judges for the slam.
Please email lowellpoetry@gmail.com
For more information lowellpoetry.com
/// ZOOM DETAILS ///
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85991508093
Meeting ID: 859 9150 8093
Passcode: Contact us here
/// 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 Ricky Orng or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the open mic or slam at lowellpoetry@gmail.com
“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.”
