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: 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.