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: Wesley Frazier-Keys
Wesley Frazier-Keys is a native of the south side of Chicago and a paraprofessional educator at Art In Motion Creative Arts School. Poetry and spoken word have led him all over the country to teach and compete. He is the 2015 Chicago Grand Slam champion and the 2015 Southern Fried Poetry Festival, finishing 10th out of 200 poets. Again in 2018, he was the Chicago Grand Slam champion and coached the team representing Chicago at the National Poetry Slam. Competing once again in the 2021 Southern Fried Regional Poetry Festival, Wesley was able to finish 8th out of almost 250 other poets. Writing and performing became a passion for Wesley at a young age and he cannot wait to see where the Creator leads him on his spoken word journey.