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The first Wednesday is Untitled!

Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam

February 7

6 to 9 pm

• Our Final Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!

This is it! Our last qualifier for our 2024 Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also $100 in cash prizes!

The Untitled Open Mic is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// About the Slam ///

This is the final qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winners divide $100 (Real Cash! American Dollars!). The top three qualify for our Mill City Speaks SLAM TEAM FINALS on March 6, 2024!

Poets are encouraged to sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.

However, judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible. For more info, as we said, contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm

Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm

Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.

All Done @ 9:00pm

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee & Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions/

Also streaming online

ZOOM Info

Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Untitled Open Mic w Mill City Speaks Slam Team Qualifier Time: Feb 7, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87227642520

Meeting ID: 872 2764 2520

Passcode available on request; email lowellpoetry@gmail.com

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1. Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the American Rescue Plan, as administered by the office for Cultural Affairs and Special Events of the City of Lowell.”

The first Wednesday of the New Year is Untitled!

Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam

January 3

6 to 9 pm

• Our Fourth Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!

The slam season continues into the New Year with another qualifier for our 2024 Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also $100 in cash prizes!

The Untitled Open Mic is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// About the Slam ///

This is the fourth qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winners divide $100 (Real Cash! American Dollars!). The top three will qualify for our Mill City Speaks SLAM TEAM FINALS on March 6, 2024!

Poets are encouraged to sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.

However, judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible. For more info, as we said, contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm

Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm

Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.

All Done @ 9:00pm

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee & Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions/

Also streaming online

ZOOM Info

Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Untitled Open Mic w Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam Time: Jan 3, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81905169370

Meeting ID: 819 0516 9370 Passcode available on request; email lowellpoetry@gmail.com

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1. Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The first Wednesday of the last month remains Untitled!

Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam

December 6, from 6 to 9 pm

• Our Third Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!

Another qualifier for our 2024 (we’re almost there) Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also the $70 Grand Prize!

The Untitled Open Mic is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// About the Slam ///

This is the third qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winner gets $70, and runner-up gets $30 (Real Cash! American Dollars!). Both will qualify for our Slam Team Finals, coming up in March of 2024.

The Poets should sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (but maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.

However, judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible. For more info, as we said, contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm

Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm

Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.

All Done @ 9:00pm

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee & Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions/

Also streaming online

ZOOM Info

Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Untitled Mill City Speaks Qualifier Time: Nov 1, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86401480425

Meeting ID: 864 0148 0425 Passcode available on request;

email to lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1. Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The first is the first!

Untitled Open Mic with Mill City Speaks Qualifier Slam

Wednesday, November 1

6 to 9 pm

• Our Second Mill City Slam Team Qualifier of the season!

The slam season is blooming in full flower with another qualifier for our 2024 (yes, it’s coming!) Mill City Slam Team. Poets compete with original works for a chance to win not only a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also the $70 Grand Prize!

The Untitled Open Mic is hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// About the Slam ///

This is the second qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2024 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winner gets $70, and runner-up gets $30 (Real Cash! American Dollars!).

The Poets should sign up in advance because there is no guarantee (but maybe a chance) to have a space open on the night of the event. Contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com if you’re interested in competing.

However, judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible. For more info, as we said, contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm

Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm

Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.

All Done @ 9:00pm

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee & Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions/

Also streaming online

ZOOM Info

Mill City Speaks is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Untitled Mill City Speaks Qualifier Time: Nov 1, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86401480425

Meeting ID: 864 0148 0425 Passcode available on request;

email to lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1. Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The 1st WEDNESDAY MAY be UNTITLED!

May 3, 2023

6 to 9 pm

Featuring…

An Inter-generational Team Slam

Mill City Speaks (the Elders)

with

Greater Lowell Technical High School (the Upstarts)!

Plus our unabashed, unbalancing, unbelievable open mic

For all readers of all ages.

All Styles and Voices Welcome!

Hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is: home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made-to-order, locally-sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups for the Open @ 6pm

Open Reading begins @ 6:30 pm

Teen Team Slam after the Open… All Done @ 9:00pm

/// About Our Slam ///

Greater Lowell Tech is sending a slam team to the Mass Poetry Festival for the first time, but first they are coming to Untitled to try out their stuff. This will also be a first test for the 2023 Mill City Speaks team as they prepare for multiple slams (in Cambridge, Boston, and at the Lizard Lounge) in the spring and summer. If you’ve never seen a team poetry slam, you have to check it out; if you know, you know why you got to be there!

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee and Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions

Volunteers Needed: We are looking for judges for the slam.

Please email lowellpoetry@gmail.com

For more information lowellpoetry.com

/// ZOOM DETAILS ///

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85991508093

Meeting ID: 859 9150 8093

Passcode: Contact us here

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines (Online) ///

1.) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.

5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to Ricky Orng or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the open mic or slam at lowellpoetry@gmail.com

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The First Wednesday is the First!

Extra-special extravaganza!

Mill City Speaks Poetry Slam Team FINALS!

We will choose our slam team for 2023 in a no-holds barred metaphorical mash-up featuring the winners from our monthly slam series which started in the Fall of 2022.

Only the best of the best will compete for glory — and cash prizes — in our Lowell, Massachusetts version of the internationally famous poetry slam!

Special Guest Host: Ryk McIntyre

Preceded by, of course, our unsurpassed, unparalleled, unrivaled UNTITLED OPEN MIC!

Bring your own musings, sketches, songwriting or whatever to share with our listening community.

Hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// About the Slam ///

We have ten poets who qualified by making it to the last round of one of our monthly open slams, reaching back to October 5, 2022, so everyone on the mic is sure to have serious skills. We will go two rounds so you can clap for your favorites twice, and the poetry will be doubly delicious. Cash prizes and chocolate are guaranteed.

If you want to know more about slamming or judging for this event, please contact us at lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm

Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm

Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.

All Done @ 9:00pm

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee & Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions/

Also streaming online:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87647285203

Meeting ID: 876 4728 5203 Passcode: 800200

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksnx4vg44

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1.) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Lowell Poetry Wheel Presents

Two Poetry Slams! @ Winterfest

Saturday, February 18, 2023, 5 to 7 pm

Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell, MA

If you’ve never seen one, a poetry slam is a competition among performance poets scored Olympic-style using numbers with decimal points! It brings out the best in the poets and transforms the poetry into something more engaging than you’ve ever seen. If you haven’t seen one, you have to check it out! If you know, you know you’ve got to be there!

We will do one all-ages slam with Mill City Speaks and one youth slam with FreeVerse!

Cash Prizes! Judges from the audience!

Open reading following the slams; sign up on the day of the event.

If you are interested in participating as a poet or a judge, contact lowellpoetry@gmail.com

/// Also Streaming Online ///

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83229066044

Meeting ID: 832 2906 6044 Reach out to lowellpoetry@gmail.com for passcode

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1.) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The 1st Wednesday of the month must be

UNTITLED!

February 1st, 6 to 9 pm

Another Mill City Slam Team Qualifier!

Moving toward our 2023 Mill City Slam Team, poets will bring their best for a chance to not only claim a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also take home the night’s CASH PRIZES!

Also included: our undomesticated, unbroken, still unnamed UNTITLED OPEN MIC!

Hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// About the Slam ///

This is the fourth qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2023 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winner gets $70, and runner-up gets $30 (Real Cash! American Dollars!).

We have a number of Poets signed up in advance, but spaces are still available if you contact us at lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

Judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm

Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm

Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.

All Done @ 9:00pm

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee & Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions/

Also streaming online:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83687025794

Meeting ID: 836 8702 5794

Passcode: Please reach out to us for passcode

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1.) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The 1st Wednesday of the New Year must be

UNTITLED!

January 4, 6 to 9 pm

Another Mill City Slam Team Qualifier!

Moving toward our 2023 Mill City Slam Team, poets will bring their best for a chance to not only claim a space in our Mill City Slam Finals but also take home the night’s CASH PRIZES!

Also included: our undomesticated, unbroken, still unnamed UNTITLED OPEN MIC!

Hosted at Coffee and Cotton at Mill No. 5. Located in a historic downtown textile building, Mill No. 5 is a destination into what Lowell is; home to independent shops, The Luna Theatre, the Farm Market, and Coffee and Cotton. Coffee and Cotton is the heart of the building, serving up coffee, espresso, and lattes, wine, local craft beer, delicious, made to order, locally sourced options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also a venue for live music, game nights, community events, and now our Untitled Open Mic.

/// About the Slam ///

This is the fourth qualifying slam for the Mill City Speaks 2023 Poetry Slam Team. Poets will go three rounds, leaving only the best of the best for the final MONEY round. Winner gets $70, and runner-up gets $30 (Real Cash! American Dollars!).

We have a number of Poets signed up in advance, but spaces are still available if you contact us at lowellpoetry@gmail.com.

Judges will be chosen on the night itself! No particular qualification except wanting to participate in the fun. Anyone willing to put numbers to poetry is eligible.

/// Format ///

Sign-Ups Open @ 6pm

Open Mic Starts @ 6:30 pm

Poetry Slam begins after the open reading.

All Done @ 9:00pm

/// Details ///

Free Admission

Food, Drink, and Merch for Sale

@ Coffee & Cotton

250 Jackson St. No. 401

Lowell, Mass. 01852

https://millno5.com/directions/

Also streaming online:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82984635303

Meeting ID: 829 8463 5303

Passcode: Please reach out to us for passcode

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdjylyi9fQ

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1. Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to here with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The 1st WEDNESDAY is always UNTITLED!

WEDNESDAY

12.07.2022

6 to 9:00 pm ET

In Person -

Coffee and Cotton

Mill No. 5 250 Jackson St. No. 401 Lowell, Mass. 01852

AND Online! -

Virtually on Zoom and streaming on Facebook Live

(In Person)

Stop by to share on the open and/or listen and enjoy…

6:00 pm: Sign up sheet available (for in person folks only at this time); Zoom opens

6:30 pm: Open reading begins; livestream to Facebook starts

Featured reading/Slam begins after open mic

8:30pm: Event wraps up, closing comments; stream ends

(Online)

Sign-on to share on the open and/or listen and enjoy…

6:00 pm: Zoom opens

6:30 pm: Open reading begins (stream starts on Facebook)

Featured reading/Slam begins after open mic

8:30pm: All done! (stream ends)

/// About the Slam ///

The format is as follows: order chosen by random, and then all poets do one poem. The top four scorers from the first round go on to do a second poem. Then the top two scorers from the second round do a third poem to determine the winner.

The winner gets $70; second place gets $30.

Slam rules are standard: poems must be original (read by the author); they must run three minutes or less, including any introductory remarks (there is ten second grace period, but if you go over 3 minutes and 10 seconds, you lose 0.5 points for every 10 seconds over that time); no props or musical accompaniment, other than what you can do with your own body (it's OK to sing, clap hands, or beat your chest, but no harmonicas, recorded backing, etc.). It's OK to read off a text, tablet, phone or other device, but poets that perform without a net tend to get higher scores.

This is the third qualifier slam for our Mill City Speaks 2023 slam team. The winner and runner-up earn a place in our finals, which will happen in April or May. We will be doing other qualifying slams into the new year.

/// ZOOM DETAILS ///

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82737651357

Meeting ID: 827 3765 1357

Passcode: Contact us here for the passcode

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.

5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to [here](https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact) with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The 1st WEDNESDAY is always UNTITLED!

WEDNESDAY

11.02.2022

6 to 9:00 pm ET

In Person -

Coffee and Cotton

Mill No. 5 250 Jackson St. No. 401 Lowell, Mass. 01852

AND Online! -

Virtually on Zoom and streaming on Facebook Live

(In Person)

Stop by to share on the open and/or listen and enjoy…

6:00 pm: Sign up sheet available (for in person folks only at this time); Zoom opens

6:30 pm: Open reading begins; livestream to Facebook starts

Featured reading/Slam begins after open mic

8:30pm: Event wraps up, closing comments; stream ends

(Online)

Sign-on to share on the open and/or listen and enjoy…

6:00 pm: Zoom opens

6:30 pm: Open reading begins (stream starts on Facebook)

Featured reading/Slam begins after open mic

8:30pm: All done! (stream ends)

/// About the Slam ///

The format is as follows: order chosen by random, and then all poets do one poem. The top four scorers from the first round go on to do a second poem. Then the top two scorers from the second round do a third poem to determine the winner.

The winner gets $70; second place gets $30.

Slam rules are standard: poems must be original (read by the author); they must run three minutes or less, including any introductory remarks (there is ten second grace period, but if you go over 3 minutes and 10 seconds, you lose 0.5 points for every 10 seconds over that time); no props or musical accompaniment, other than what you can do with your own body (it's OK to sing, clap hands, or beat your chest, but no harmonicas, recorded backing, etc.). It's OK to read off a text, tablet, phone or other device, but poets that perform without a net tend to get higher scores.

This is the second qualifier slam for our Mill City Speaks 2023 slam team. The winner and runner-up earn a place in our finals, which will happen in April or May. We will be doing other qualifying slams on the first Wednesday of December, as well as into the new year.

/// ZOOM DETAILS ///

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87315139036

Meeting ID: 873 1513 9036

Passcode: Contact us here for the passcode

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.

5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to [here](https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact) with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

The 1st WEDNESDAY is always UNTITLED!

WEDNESDAY

10.05.2022

6 to 9:00 pm ET

In Person -

Coffee and Cotton

Mill No. 5 250 Jackson St. No. 401 Lowell, Mass. 01852

AND Online! -

Virtually on Zoom and streaming on Facebook Live

(In Person)

Stop by to share on the open and/or listen and enjoy…

6:00 pm: Sign up sheet available (for in person folks only at this time); Zoom opens

6:30 pm: Open reading begins; livestream to Facebook starts

Featured reading/Slam begins after open mic

8:30pm: Event wraps up, closing comments; stream ends

(Online)

Sign-on to share on the open and/or listen and enjoy…

6:00 pm: Zoom opens

6:30 pm: Open reading begins (stream starts on Facebook)

Featured reading/Slam begins after open mic

8:30pm: All done! (stream ends)

/// About the Slam ///

The format is as follows: order chosen by random, and then all poets do one poem. The top four scorers from the first round go on to do a second poem. Then the top two scorers from the second round do a third poem to determine the winner.

The winner gets $70; second place gets $30.

Slam rules are standard: poems must be original (read by the author); they must run three minutes or less, including any introductory remarks (there is ten second grace period, but if you go over 3 minutes and 10 seconds, you lose 0.5 points for every 10 seconds over that time); no props or musical accompaniment, other than what you can do with your own body (it's OK to sing, clap hands, or beat your chest, but no harmonicas, recorded backing, etc.). It's OK to read off a text, tablet, phone or other device, but poets that perform without a net tend to get higher scores.

This is the first qualifier slam for our Mill City Speaks 2023 slam team. The winner and runner-up earn a place in our finals, which will happen in April or May. We will be doing other qualifying slams on the first Wednesday of November and December, as well as into the new year.

/// ZOOM DETAILS ///

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82756272702

Meeting ID: 827 5627 2702

Passcode: Contact us here for the passcode

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

/// Zoom Guidelines /// (Online)

1) Some best practices suggest being somewhere with minimal background noise and good lighting, use headphones if possible, and close any applications not being used on your device to improve Zoom quality.

2.) It is best to have your display on “Speaker View” to see the host and performer. “Gallery View” will allow you to see all guests at once.

3.) Feel free to add a name and pronoun into your display so we can say hello and know who is joining us. Keep in mind that this event is streaming publicly so take any precautions about sharing your identity.

4.) Guests could also have “Video” on or off, as that is optional.

5.) During performances/readings the host will “Mute” all other guests.

6.) Guests are encouraged to show love and gratitude visually on screen or in the chat window.

7.) Please be respectful on screen and in the chat window - and acknowledge the space you can take up in this digital communal platform.

8.) Host will allow guests to un-mute after performances if they choose and able to out loud affirmations or gratitudes.

9.) Any conflicts to the safer space / community guidelines the host may remove you from the Zoom call. If you feel like you have been accidentally or wrongfully removed, please reach out to the organizers.

Please reach out to [here](https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact) with questions regarding the open mic or slam.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Our workshop series, on the second Tuesday of each month, is open to poets at any skill level or stage of interest, from not-yet-beginner to old hand.

Presented online, we invite participation from anywhere you can get a connection.

Our usual process has three main pieces:

• Time to check in, share a little about current events, both personal and global.

• Poetry jump-starters for us to write and share new stuff.

• Opportunity for participants to share work in progress and get feedback.

Schedule with Approximate times:

6 pm: Zoom Opens

6:30: Intro Check In

6:45 Prompt Presentation

7:00 Freewrite

7:15 Sharing Freewrites

7:45 Reading and Feeding: Poets present work in progress for feedback from group.

8:30-9:00 Workshop ends

// ZOOM DETAILS ///

Reach out via https://www.lowellpoetry.com/contact for zoom details

Download Zoom: https://zoom.us/download

How to join a meeting: https://support.zoom.us/.../201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

/// Safer Space & Community Guidelines ///

We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect. We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people's physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.

Please reach out to Rikhav Kothari or Douglas Bishop with questions regarding the workshop.

“This program is supported in part by a grant from the Lowell Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”