REGISTER HERE Sounding the Heart of the poem Sounding the Heart of the poem is a workshop by The Institute of Public Scholarship poet, playwright, and fiction writer, Denise Miller, that is focused on sound devices like assonance, alliteration, and consonance, combined with the concept of echolocation, to explore how poets can use sound to […]
Craft Talk Featured Poets Denise Miller and Aaron Coleman participate in a Craft Talk moderated by KPF board member Nancy Nott. The poets will discuss their writing process and thoughts on poetry and writing in general. There is no way to describe where the conversation will lead, so come check it out! Accessibility: - This […]
Featured Poets Aaron Coleman and Denise Miller will each read their work for 25 minutes. The Finale Read will be followed by a reception catered by Kalamazoo local JaRay Reese. Come down, hear some beautiful poetry, and partake in some merry-making and networking after the event. Accessibility: - This even strives to be SCENT-FREE. Please […]
*During the pre-show of this event, you can listen to four local performers share their poetry and music as they represent The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival. There will also be a collaborative poem being written during the run time of this event that will be published on our website after the event! Come and add your […]
THIS EVENT IS FREE! What is Air Poetry? A poetry and music performance event, complete with open mic, DJ, and refreshments. The event takes place outdoors at Kazoo Books located at 2413 Parkview Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 on August 23, 2025 from 4-6pm. Featured performers are local musician Jessica Ivey, local poet Markeva Love, and […]
Looking for a space to share your music, poetry, or spoken word? Or just want to enjoy a night of local talent, creativity, and community? Summer Jams is a three-part summer series at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), designed to bring people together through live performances and artistic expression. Each night will feature a […]
Step into an evening where words and flavors intertwine. Poetry & Potions brings together soulful spoken word, open mic performances, and the art of craft cocktails for a night of creativity and connection. Featured Poet: Biscuit – known for dynamic delivery and thought-provoking verses that leave audiences moved and inspired. What to Expect: Featured performance […]
Join us at 3025 Brown Hall on the WMU Main Campus for and open mid and refreshments. Open to students and the community!
Use the website link below to sign up for free! Writing For Ourselves and Each Other, Not the Critic Poetry is a one-way ticket deeper into the moment; into observation, sensation, and interpretation, which are the raw materials of meaning. Too often, our own inner critic arrests us on the surface of experience, begrudging us […]
This Open Mic sponsored by KPF takes place every third Friday of the month at The Institute of Public Scholarship. September's feature artist is hip hop musician Lipsey! Come on out, enjoy the creativity, and maybe even add your own into the mix!
It’s that time again! Join us for First Fridays Open Mic in collaboration with @kzpoetryfestival featuring the incredible Sypher as our feature artist! Friday, October 3rd Fire, 1249 Portage St 6–8 PMBring your poetry, your art, your music—or just come enjoy the community vibes. Open to all!
The words return, the music flows, and the cocktails are waiting. Join us at Green Door Distilling for an evening of poetry, live performance, and community connection. Friday, October 3rd 6:00–8:00 PM Come ready to share your own work at the open mic, enjoy crafted drinks, and connect with Kalamazoo’s vibrant creative community.