Whisper & Shout: Open Mic for Poetry
Thursday, February 19, 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)
*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: Wesley Frazier-Keys
Wesley Frazier-Keys is a native of the south side of Chicago and a paraprofessional educator at Art In Motion Creative Arts School. Poetry and spoken word have led him all over the country to teach and compete. He is the 2015 Chicago Grand Slam champion and the 2015 Southern Fried Poetry Festival, finishing 10th out of 200 poets. Again in 2018, he was the Chicago Grand Slam champion and coached the team representing Chicago at the National Poetry Slam. Competing once again in the 2021 Southern Fried Regional Poetry Festival, Wesley was able to finish 8th out of almost 250 other poets. Writing and performing became a passion for Wesley at a young age and he cannot wait to see where the Creator leads him on his spoken word journey.

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/whisper-shout-open-mic-for-poetry-2-19-2026-214849