Open Mic

The Yakima Coffeehouse Poets presents Open Mic Night on the second Thursday of each month, September through May. We would like to thank The Seasons Performance Hall, 101 N. Naches Ave, in Yakima, for allowing us the use of its Main Hall. This event is open to the public and people are encouraged to read their original poetry (please keep your reading time to about 4 minutes). Donations are welcome at the door to help us reimburse The Seasons for utility costs.

Like the Poetry contest, Open Mic Night got its start at Allied Arts. The event was initiated in 2005 by local poet Elaine Smith and was encouraged by the former Allied Arts director Elizabeth Herres Miller and her successor Jessica Moskwa.  They felt a monthly forum where local poets could read original work would complement the annual contest. They were right. Poets Cindy Lamb, Ed Stover, Randie Gottlieb, Linda Brown and Chuck Forster have kept Open Mic alive.

Open Mic Night was popular at the outset and remains so as a program now run by the Yakima Coffeehouse Poets.  Come read a poem and meet your fellow Yakima poets.