Whisper & Shout

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, hosted by Ryan Lowry with DJ Yvaine Washington.

It is truly astounding what talented locally based poets that one will hear on any given night. Each night the open mic also features a popular regionally known poet. Poets from as far away as Maryland, Missouri and Florida have graced the stage. Regardless of a poet’s level of experience, everyone is welcome to share his or her work. Join us on the 2nd floor, in the Preston Jackson Gallery.

Audiences experience more than just someone reading from a page. Poets often memorize the piece and perform it as in a stage play. These are often soul-baring performances that might make you weep or laugh out loud. One thing is for certain, this is an entertaining and stimulating event.

Featured Poet: Dubbed the Voice of HolyCity
His hardcore voice formed his stage name Ollie ‘Hoodraised’ Woods. He’s the founder of Team At Ease Entertainment, the host of the National award winning open mic “At Ease Sundays”. He has also released 3 books Jotted Gems, Bits and Pieces , & Therap-HE. Hoodraised has 6 published spoken word albums and several videos of poetry on all video streaming apps. Winner of the 2021 NSWA Host of the Year and the 2021 NSWA Album of the year (The Luminary). Hoodraised formed a course titled “Stages” to help other artists hone their craft. Now he is the co-founder of a national TV network OMTV, which is powered by ROKU and Fire tv. Hoodraised is taking his talent, of spoken word, to new levels. He’s staying true to his words, “I don’t have to change my space in order to change my fate.”