April is National Poetry Month, and downtown Joliet is ready to put words into action! Poets and Musicians are invited to the very first Poetry Open Mic night at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre on Friday, April 5 from 7:00-10:00 pm in the indoor theatre. This event is free to participate in and attend!
The theatre is seeking original, acoustic acts only. No cover songs or reading someone else’s work will be permitted. Exceptions may be made for special circumstances. Please communicate with our event coordinator for compliance details. Performance slots are on a first come, first serve basis. Everyone will be allotted five minutes. Performers are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance with the event coordinator, Uxmar Torres. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the door for anyone who didn’t sign up early. Due to the nature and content of the event: performers and audience members under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This new event was inspired after Park Manager Lori Carmine heard one poet at this year’s Playwright’s and Poets Festival: Uxmar Torres. He performed his original pieces (“Release Yourself” and “The Garden”) combining spoken word and song. After the event, Lori learned Mr. Torres had recently moved to Joliet from Chicago, where he hosted dozens of open mics, especially for poetry and music. “(Uxmar’s) passion for spoken word is very apparent. His creativity in mixing poetry with melody brought something to our stage we haven’t had before,” smiles Lori, “I knew the energy he brought to the stage would inspire others to take to that stage and share their own work. We’re so glad he’s here!”
This year the park starts the tradition of providing a platform for our local poets during National Poetry Month. “My favorite aspect of hosting open mics,” recalls Uxmar, “is seeing someone perform for the first time. Once they get the courage to share, you can feel the energy of a whole room shift. Some people become addicted to it: that sharing. Once you’ve shared on the mic you understand how important it is to do so. Poetry is a lot like a medicine people didn’t know they needed, a dish they didn’t know they craved.”
The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is proud to have Uxmar Torres as the first open mic coordinator. Those signing up or need more information, please contact him at: uxmar@outlook.com / 815-674-9982.
For the audiences’ enjoyment, a cash bar with other refreshments will also be available for sale.
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre is located at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet. Parking is free and available within the park and south of Jefferson Street. To contact the theatre: 815-724-3761, bipark@joliet.gov and social media while the website is under repair.