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: Aaron (Just Aaron) Bell
Aaron (Just Aaron) Bell is a national spoken word artist, host, and creator of the Hustle City poetry slam team, all based out of Saint Louis, Missouri. He first explored and expressed his freedom through spoken word in 2022 and since then has traveled across the nation. His inspiration comes from young black men and their unhealthy relationship with their emotions. His goal is to get men to acknowledge their emotions and communicate them more effectively. He has been featured at Living Legends at the Missouri History Museum where 7 Black Men were being Acknowledged for doing positive things in the community. He has also presented poems at Guns Down Hoops Up, a gun violence prevention or intervention event curators by Mission Saint Louis, as well as the Stay Power Awards which acknowledged and encouraged members of the community to continue striving to be a positive influence in their community.