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Poet's Midwest Tour Guide
This list is designed to help poets touring to Minneapolis find additional shows to make their midwest tour the best butt kickin' tour ever.
If you have a change or addition to the list, please email it to slamminnesota@yahoo.com
QUICK
LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa
* Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska
* Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin
* Canada
MINNESOTA
Kieran’s
Irish Pub - SlamMN! and Kieran’s Open Mic
330 2nd Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN
Poery Slam 2nd Tues. of the month, Open Mic - every other Tues.
Time: Slam - 7:30 sign ups / Open mic - 8:30 sign ups
Amount of time to features: Slams: 20 minutes, Open Mics: 10 minutes
Send a short bio and sample poem with dates you are interested.
How much features get paid: Slams - $100 for out-of-towners, $50 for in
town guests. Open mics - pass the hat (Average $40)
Who to contact: Cynthia French,
Slam Master
How to contact: slamminnesota@yahoo.com
Additional information: Merchandise sells at our venue. Sales (with books
and CDs) average between $60-120. We are an all ages venue with food and
beverages available.
Write
on Radio with KFAI (90.3 FM Mpls, 106.7 FM St. Paul)
1808 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Day(s) events occur: every Thursday, 11 am - noon live radio
What kind of show/program it is: RADIO SHOW
Amount of time to features: 10-20 minute interviews
What the artist needs to book with you: bio & performance or reading
material, send book or CD if possible to preview
How much does the feature get paid: VOLUNTEER, free promotion, though!
Book about a month ahead, the earlier the better. MINIMUM 2 weeks.
Contact: Jules Nyquist 612-215-2579 or Lynette Reini-Grandell 952-487-7455
http://www.kfai.org/programs/write_on.htm
Duluth, Minnesota
- "Circular Muse" run by Bob Monahan: duluthpoetry@yahoo.com
QUICK
LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa
* Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska
* Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin
* Canada
ILLINOIS
Uptown
Poetry Slam Green Mill, 4802 North Broadway
Sundays
7 PM sharp hosted by Marc Smith
Must have extensive performance experience. Send a promo package plus
an audio demo to Marc Smith, 2120 W. Giddings, Chicago, Il
60625
Books 6-8 months in advance
Acts get paid from $50 to $200.
slampapi@slampapi.com
Polyrhythmic Open Mic
Type of event: Open Mic
Location of event:(773) 477-3400 3714 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Day (s) it occurs: Every Tues
Time it occurs: 10 PM CST
Amount of time given features: 30 min
What you need to book a feature: Audio or Book sample
How much features get paid: Depends on crowd size and door donations
Who to contact to book: Polyrhythmic (it's a group)
How to contact: (773) 477-3400 is the bar's phone number
Any additional info: Musicians also welcome, 4 min time limit for open
mic'ers
Candy
Slam and Open Mic
the coffee house, 114 E. Beaufort, Normal, IL
2nd and 4th Tuesdays Sept - May
once or twice a month, special shows, 7:30 PM
Features are paid $100-150 depending on donations
contact Joel Chmara crowclem@yahoo.com
Mental
Graffiti - Chicago
Every Monday at Big Horse
7 : 30 PM 1558 N. Milwaukee
Contact: Dan Sullivan at sulliface@aol.com
Info required: writing samples and referneces
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
IOWA
Java
Joe's Coffeehouse
214 4th Street, Des Moines Iowa
Slam followed by an open mic
Day(s) it occurs: Third Tuesday of Each Month
Time: signup 6:30 pm, slam starts at 7:00 pm
Amount of time to features :usually 2, 10-15 minute sets (before rounds
2 and 3)
What you need to book a feature: background, references, bio, proof!
How much features get paid :pass the hat
Who to contact: Heather Cottington
How to contact: iowaslam@hotmail.com
Slam
Iowa City
The Green Room
509 South Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA
1st and 3rd Wednesday's of the month
Features are paid from the door: average $100
Contact Information:
SLAMiowacity@mchsi.com
Joe Mirabella
Word
of Mouth Productions' Literary Open Mike Night
Boheme Bistro 2900 West St Ames, IA
7pm last Sunday of every month during the school year
There is no budget for paid features. It is, however, a good opportunity
to sell chapbooks. contact Jim Coppoc at jim@jimcoppoc.com or (515)290-5796
Features at both events are provided a free bed/couch, shower, and meal
(as long as whatever happens to be in my fridge is acceptable).
Bohemian
Poetry Slam
First Tuesday of the month
7:30 signup 8:00 Slam
Boheme Bistro 2900 West St Ames, IA
Pays up to $50 (provided donations meet or exceed that amount)
Merchandise table provided for chapbooks, CDs, etc
features scheduled 6 months to 1 year in advance
must provide bio, B/W photo, and audio or video sample (unless you know
someone we respect who will vouch for you)
contact Jim Coppoc at jim@jimcoppoc.com or (515)290-5796
Features are provided a free bed/couch, shower, and meal (as long as whatever
happens to be in my fridge is acceptable).
The
Oskaloosa, IA Slam
A new slam has begun in Oskaloosa Iowa.
The Oskaloosa, IA Slam is held at the Midnight Drip Coffee House the
second Friday of the Month. Sign-up begins at 8:00. Show at 9:00. We
are looking for features to expand the horizons of the cornfields.
The Midnight Drip is on the corner of Highway 63 and Iowa Highway 92.
For more info or if you are interested in featuring e-mail Mike
Rather, Jr. and the Osky Slam Poets at oskyslampoets@yahoo.com.
SayYes2Poetry
- www.sayes2poetry.org
Mondays@ the Cellar - 8pm
320 E. 4th Street
SaYes2Poetry c/o, Jus' Chillin' , PO Box 1782, Waterloo,
Iowa 50704-1782
319-504-9131 319-291-1587 sayes2poetry@yahoo.com
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
MICHIGAN
Ann
Arbor poetry slam
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Features on 1st Tuesday of the month (3rd Tues. a consideration, not a
rule)
Dates fill up fast
Contact Erik Daniel at edaniel@covad.net
Poets
Anonymous K-Zoo
1st and 3rd Tuesdays
8:00 to 11:00 PM
open mic, slam, poetry workshop
Papa Pete's, 502 South Burdick
Slammasters: Todd Bannon, 269.372.5799, tabannon.geo@yahoo.com
Dan Stevens, 269.492.9002, damncatfish@yahoo.com
Camillian
Cafe, 300 Monroe Street in Greektown, Downtown Detroit, MI 48226
313 964-4815
Type of event: Open Mic
Location of event: downtown Detroit, Michigan
Day (s) it occurs: Every Thursday
Time it occurs: 8pm to 11:30pm
$3.00 general admission. $3.00 to Slam
Amount of time given features: @ 30 minutes
How much featuresget paid: Pass the hat, sell your product
Who to contact: Cassie Poe, (248) 213-3909 (9-3pm Mon - Fri)or (313) 823-3680
How to contact: By phone or e-mail MsCassiePoet@aol.com or blackinkllc@aol.com
Slamtramck
Type of event: Open microphone and slam
Location of event: 10020 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck MI
Day (s) it occurs Every Saturday
Time it occurs: 9 p.m.
Amount of time given features: not currently doing features
How to contact: kleinscott@yahoo.com
Jacoby's 624 Brush Street in Greektown. Downtown Detroit,
MI 48226 313 964-4815
Every other Wednesday of the Month. 8:30 p.m- 1:00 p.m.
Open Mic, Slam and Acoustic Music.
Host: Blair.
SlamMaster: Aurora
$4.00. admission.
Contact: dblare@yahoo.com or auroradet2@yahoo.com. for features.
Send short bio.
Pay varies.
736 Java Jam at 736 Lothrop. Detroit, MI 48202 313 875-5282.
Second Fridays of the Month. 8:00p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Open Mic, Slam, 3 DJ House-Electronic-DRS sets.
$5.00 before 9:00 p.m., $7.00 after 9:00 p.m.
Featured readers and Book release parties.
Features are paid $25.00 - $100.00
Send bio info to: auroradet2@yahoo.com.
Hosts: Aurora, Masai, Joe.
Will book 1 - 2 months in advance due to this is an emerging artist series.
Sponsored by 736 Java and World Voice Cultural Arts in conjunction with
Leadfoot Press.
Zeitgeist Theatre 2661 Michigan Avenue. 6 blocks
West of Old Train Station in SW Detroit. A monthly series which
is scheduled around the the Theatre's play schedule.
Info: zeitgeistpoetry@hotmail. auroradet2@yhaoo.com
Open Mic, Featured Readers and Slam.
Features are paid $25.00 -$75.00
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
MISSOURI
Rhyme
& Reason Open Mic & Poetry Slam at the Bruce R. Watkins
Cultural Heritage Center
3700 Blue Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64130
Slams every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month
Open Mic every Wednesday
Open from 8 p.m. to midnight
Feature fee negotiable
Need bio & clip of poetry (either on VHS or link to streaming video
on the internet)
Contact Larry Lurks to book. Office # 816.363.9276, Cell # 816.668.9440
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
NEBRASKA
The
Omaha Healing Arts Center (website)
Type of event: Slam, some open mic, often a feature
Location of event: Omaha, NE
Day (s) it occurs: 2nd Saturday
Time it occurs: Doors open at 7:30, event at 8
Amount of time given features: 20 minutes
What you need to book a feature: References and sample poems
How much features get paid: $50
Who to contact to book: Matt Mason
How to contact: poetrymenu@novia.net
Any additional info: More details on the event can be found at poetrymenu.com
Crossroads
Poetry Night
Mick's Music & Bar
5918 Maple Street, Omaha, NE
Open mic with feature
Every Thursday, 7:30-9pm
features get 20 minutes - send references and sample
pass the hat
Nat Derickson - subterraneanpeacetribe@yahoo.com
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
OHIO
Black
Pearl Poetry
The Brownstone
122 E Main St, Columbus, OH, 43215
Hosted by Ed Mabrey
Every Tuesday 8p-11p
For Features contact William Evans: william.evans@yahoo.com
or 614-352-0681
Writers'
Block Poetry Night
Wednesdays
31 E. Gay St.
Skambo Café
Columbus’ most irreverent poetry night and only certified poetry
slam event. Open mic every week.
$3 at the door, 7:00 pm start time
Contact Scott Woods at sewoods1@yahoo.com
Classic
Cleveland Poetry Salm
Type of event: open mic - feature - slam
Location of event: cleveland ohio - beachland ballroom - 15771 waterloo
cleveland -216-383-1124
Day (s) it occurs: every third sunday
Time it occurs: doors open @ 7 open mic starts @7:30 SHARP
Amount of time given features: 20-40 minutes
What you need to book a feature: by invitation
How much features get paid: 50 bucks plus we push product
Who to contact to book: salinger@ameritech.net, michael salinger slam
master
Any additional info: www.clevelandpoetryslam.com
Dayton
Poetry Slam
Canal Street Tavern
last sunday of every month
Features are guaranteed $40 and around 20 minutes.
Contact Slammaster Lincoln at eibou2@netzero.net
Toledo
OH
Monthly slam first Saturday of the month, 8pm
Brewed Awakenings Coffee House.
We're taking all comers right now, contact me at
emswinkey@hotmail.com, pay is variable depending on audience (base rate
is $30). 20 min, feel free to sell your merchandise.
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
PENNSYLVANIA
the
Shadow Lounge
Type of event: Poetry Slam
Location of event: (city/state) Pittsburgh, PA
Day (s) it occurs: 3rd Tues. of every month, open mic every Friday, other
dates/features possible with advance notice
Time it occurs: 8pm - whenever
Amount of time given features: 30 min. (flexible)
What you need to book a feature: sample poem, bio - I'll try to pass pretty
much anyone off to the venue.
How much features get paid: For slams, features get 1/4 door plus pass
the hat, Friday open mics aren't paying, for independent feature poet
gets half the door and pass the hat
Who to contact to book: Shadow Lounge - SL7thmovement@aol.com or dj brewer
- completely_unhinged@yahoo.co
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
WISCONSIN
Mecca
Still Waters Open Mic Poetry
3801 W. Hampton Ave., Milwaukee
www.meccanightclub.com
Day(s) it occurs: Sundays
Time: 9-11:30 pm
Amount of time to features: 20 min
What you need to book a feature: product and one referral
How much features get paid: $50, plus hotel
Who to contact: Dasha Kelly
How to contact: kdk_inc@ameritech.net or 414.228.7554
Additional information: Can also set up linkages to other Milwaukee venues
on Mon, Tues, Wed and some Fridays
Poets
Without Borders, Madison (website)
1st & 3rd tuesdays - 8 p.m
cafe montmartre, 127 e. mifflin st.,we have a new website,
Mission: fundraising for international relief efforts of Doctors Without
Borders & connecting with like-minded poets in other countries (primarily
Mexico and LAting America).
Features: limited. Prefer features that can generate buzz and fit into
general scene. Pay is $50 and merch sales. Free place to stay for those
who can handle a cat.
Contact: Rusty, swimminglight@yahoo.com
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada
Winnipeg
Poetry Slam
Academy Coffee Company
414 Academy Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba
2nd and 4th tuesday of each month - can be changed with enough notice.
T ype of event: Slam.
P ayment for features: TBA (we're applying for grants and sponsors)
Easiest: Guest spot after intermission in Slam, up to 20 min.
Possible with time to organize: Feature bill, we can arrange local
poets to perform as well, set as long as you wish. Need time to negotiate,
organize, promote, etc.
Contact: Kevin Matthews, Slammaster . ktm7mac.com . (204)229-2027
Our city is notoriously cold in the Winter, and we are notoriously warm
of heart. Call me if you are going through our neck of the woods!
QUICK LINKS: Minnesota * Illinois * Iowa * Michigan * Missouri * Nebraska * Ohio * Pennsylvania *Wisconsin * Canada