Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry

Thursday, August 20th, 2026 ~ 8:00 - 10:00 pm

When checking in at the door, be prepared to share your table and seat number.

Tickets in Advance Online: $5-members, $8-nonmembers, $3-poets + fees (till 6pm day of event)

If an event is not sold out, tickets will also be sold at the door.

Tickets at the door*: $9-members, $12-nonmembers, $5-poets

(*No money will be taken at the door unless we don’t reach our max capacity)

Choose a member or nonmember level ticket. ONLY Members of Contemporary Art Center may purchase member level tickets. A member purchasing tickets on behalf of a nonmember must choose a nonmember ticket. Buying Member tickets for nonmember friends is not a benefit of membership. A ‘Friend’ membership is for an individual, entitling only that individual to receive a discount. A ‘Family’ membership or higher-level memberships entitle the Individual and a Spouse and children under16 years of age of their household to purchase member level tickets. Household is defined as those living at the same address.

*Please Note that purchasing a Poet Ticket is a commitment to share your poetry on stage.

If you don't plan to read, then don't purchase a poet level ticket.

Water and Pop for $1.00 is offered at the bar.

Attendees may bring their own food and drink or bring in food and drink from the Rhythm Kitchen.

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.

Hosts: Ryan Lowry and Whitney Jensen with DJ YV

Featured Poet: She.Unapologetic

She.Unapologetic is a performance entrepreneur and educator from Chicago’s South Side. She has participated in the performing arts since she was 3 years old, singing and acting with Chicago Opera Theater and performing with dozens of other organizations across the country. She has been featured in many shows across the country and performed on hundreds of stages. Sabrina is the founder of Go! Creative Arts Collective in Nashville, Tennessee; co-founder of Nommo Poetry Collective in Chicago; and is an alumni of the Grammy-award winning Fisk Jubilee Singers. Through poetry, song, and storytelling, Sabrina has captivated audiences around the world with boldness and authenticity. Her mission is to encourage people of all walks of life to be their most beautiful selves without apology.

How to Choose Seats on www.309tix.com

Click on any blue dot. (blue dots = available seats, gray dots = sold seats)

Hold mouse over any blue dot on the floor plan.

Click on the seat of your choice.

Choose a member or nonmember level ticket. ONLY Members of Contemporary Art Center may purchase member level tickets. A member purchasing tickets on behalf of a nonmember must choose a nonmember ticket. Buying Member tickets for nonmember friends is not a benefit of membership. A ‘Friend’ membership is for an individual, entitling only that individual to receive a discount. A ‘Family’ membership or higher-level memberships entitle the Individual and a Spouse and children under16 years of age of their household to purchase member level tickets. Household is defined as those living at the same address.

After clicking on the seat, the floor plan indicates your choice with a √.

Choose another seat or proceed to ‘checkout’