Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, May 21, 2026 ~ 8:00 - 10:00 pm

When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.

Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers, $3-poets + fees (till 6pm day of event)
If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door.
Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets
(*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)
*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage.
If you don't plan to read, then don't purchase a poet level ticket.

Water and Pop for $1.00 is offered at the bar.
Attendees may bring their own food and drink or bring in food and drink from the Rhythm Kitchen.

Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV

Featured Poet: Shy the Poet
Shakeita (Shy the poet) Anderson, from St. Louis, Missouri, is a spoken word artist and event curator, who has hosted “Who-is” open mics, Pen Up or Shut Up poetry battles and Poetic Painting open mics. She is a published author of “Releasing My Hurt” (2019), “Just When I Thought The lady Who Seduced Me”, a book of erotic poetry (2025), and also has 2 poems published in “Roots, Rainbows & Truth: The North County Anthology” (2022). In 2024, she won the “Ollie Hoodraised Award” at the 3rd Annual Survivor’s Ball in Ohio. Currently, she serves as the slam master of Hustle City’s poetry slam team, currently ranked in the nation’s top 10. Learn more