Open Mics
We’re often asked about Open Mics and where poets can share their work, so we wanted to list the Open Mics that we are aware of currently taking place in the Twin Cities. This is by no means a complete list; we will continue to update it as often as we can. If your open mic is not listed, or if our information needs to be updated, please email us information about the open mic to mnswa.mail@gmail.com.
Mondays
• Voices Merging Open Mic (2nd and 4th Monday of each month)
Moos Tower Room 2-650 (University of Minnesota)
7:30pm sign up / 8:00pm open mic • All Ages
Voices Merging is a multicultural student based artist coalition dedicated to providing venues, workshops and comfortable atmosphere for all types of artists. Starting in April 2002, VM has grown to be a driving force not only for young performance artists but has also continued a tradition of spoken word in Minnesota. VM is best known for its bi-weekly open mics (2nd and 4th Mondays of each month) on the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus located at Moos Tower Room 2-650. We also hold bi-ennial poetry/hip-hop conferences that bring well renowned authors, poets, writers and publishers. There has yet to be any student group on the University of Minnesota campus like us that brings poets, singers, dancers, rappers, actors, musicians of all generations into one room and create a exhilarating experience. More info: www.voicesmerging.com
• Soap Boxing Poetry Slam (First Monday of each month)
Artist Quarters (408 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, MN)
8:00pm (Slams) / 9:30pm (Open Mic)
$5 (Slams) / No Cover (Open Mic)
18+ (Slams) / 21+ (Open Mic)
This monthly series has both an open mic and slams to determine the Soap Boxing Slam Team to compete in the National Poetry Slam. Sign ups begin between 7:00pm and 8:00pm, and the Slam begins at 8:00pm. For the open micas, the band Head Space plays live jazz until the open mic at 9:30pm. The Slams are 18+ and the open micas are 21+. The Slams are $5 and the open micas are no cover but a two drink minimum. The Slams take place between once a month between September and April. The September – December Slams will also qualifiers for the 2011 Women of the World Poetry Slam. The first place winner of the Soap Boxing Grand Slam will also represent St. Paul at the 2011 Individual World Poetry Slam. Hosted by Matthew Rucker. More info: www.soap-boxing.com
• Freedom of Xpression Open Mic (First Monday of each month)
Capri Theater (2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411)
7:00 – 9:00pm
Presented by Plymouth Christian Youth Center and the Capri Theater. Hosted by Crystal “Azteca” Ruiz. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the theater will be open for tech rehearsals and workshops between 6 and 7 p.m. “Freedom of Xpression” is free and open to the public. Artists can sign up between 5:30 and 7 p.m. the night of the event. For information about the upcoming “Freedom of Xpression” session, please visit the Capri Calendar. Contact Crystal at cruiz@pcyc-mpls.org. More info: www.thecapritheater.org
Tuesdays
• The Poet’s Groove
Blue Nile (2027 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404)
10:00pm • 18+ • Free
One of the most popular and longest running open micas in the Twin Cities. Sign ups for the open mic begins at 9:00pm, with 16 slots. There is a mix of spoken word, hip hop, singer songwriters, comedy and more. Hosted by Kevin Washington + Desdamona. More info: The Poet’s Groove
• Story SlamMN! (First Tuesday of each month)
Kieran’s Irish Pub (600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55479; in Block E)
7:00pm doors / 8:00pm show • All Ages
More info: www.slammn.org
• Word Ninja Open Mics (Second Tuesday of each month)
Kieran’s Irish Pub (600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55479; in Block E)
8:00pm sign-up / 8:30pm show • All Ages
For this open mic, you have ’7 minutes to do what you’d like in the name of words’. More info: www.slammn.org
• Youth Poetry Slam + Open Mic (Second Tuesday of each month)
Golden’s Deli (275 East 4th Street, Suite 102, St. Paul, MN 55101; Right next to the Farmers Market in Lowertown)
5:30 – 8:00pm • Ages 5-20
A new youth slam and open mic in St. Paul. Golden’s Deli is right next to the Farmer’s Market in Lowertown. More info: www.goldensdeli.us
• SlamMN! Poetry Slams (Fourth Tuesday of each month)
Kieran’s Irish Pub (600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55479; in Block E)
7:00pm doors / 8:00pm show • All Ages
More info: www.slammn.org
Thursdays
• ‘Speak On It’ Teen Open Mic (Last Thursday of each month)
The Canvas (1610 Hubbard Avenue West, St. Paul, MN)
6:00 – 8:30pm • All Ages
More info: www.canvas651.com
Fridays
• South City Cafe Open Mic (Every other Friday)
South City Cafe (3405 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407)
7:00 – 9:00pm
The open mic is open to the public and all types of performers are encouraged to attend. Hosted by Tish Jones. More info: www.southcitycafe.com
• Talk Story Salon (Second + Fourth Friday of each month)
Common Roots Cafe (2558 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405)
7:00pm • All Ages
An open space in which poets, emcees and writers & artists of all kinds can share their work, hear some constructive criticism and offer their opinions on others’ work as well. Hosted in a warm, informal space away from the stage lights and mic feedback, the TALK STORY SALON is a perfect opportunity for both seasoned pros and newcomers to performing to improve their work. Whether you’re looking for feedback on a hot new slam piece or just want to write about something that’s been affecting you and don’t even know where to begin, the other salon participants will be there to help out. More info: Talk Story Salon
Saturdays
• Balls Cabaret
Southern Theater (1420 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454)
12:00am • $5 • 18+
Hosted by Leslie Ball, this legendary open mic is open to just about everything, and when they say you never know what will happen, it’s fact–you really never know what while happen at Balls. Each performer has 5-7 minutes to present whatever they want, however, you have to attend at least one Cabaret as an audience member before you can sign up to perform. More info: Call 612-340-0155 x 25.
