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: Kaiserrific
Kaiserrific has been writing since a very young age and performing with his poet family in other cities. Starting in 2010, he began featuring on several open mic shows in his hometown of St. Louis. Since 2012, Kaiserrific has self-published over 13 books and has been featured in several compilations with other authors. Hosting open mic shows in St. Louis since 2016 led him to launch his own show in 2019, Dat New Shit Poetry Open Mic to provide poets with an unlimited platform to perform without judges, critics and censorship. Kaiserrific is an award recipient for his outstanding performance at the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park & Cultural Center in Florida and a two-time award winner at the 2021 Yours Awards for Spoken Word Male Artist of the Year and Spoken Word Artist for the Year. In his spare time, the St. Louis based artist spends time with his son, prepares for appearances, and attends open mic shows to give his love and support for all artists.