Open Mic

In the original Furious Flower Conference in 1994, an Impromptu Poetry Slam for Young Poets, was organized and hosted by Carmen R. Gillespie. This event saw poets in the earlier stages of their careers who have since blossomed into stars as well as stars that have since blossomed into legends reading their work in an inviting environment filled with peers, mentors, and poetic inspirations. Award-winning poet Kwame Alexander and MacArthur Genius Award winner, Ta-Nehisi Coates both shared their work at this poetry slam in 1994. 

Seeds & Stars: Furious Flower IV Open Mic
Thursday, September 19 & Friday, September 20   |   9:30-11:30pm   |    Drum, Festival Conference & Student Center
We encourage you to join the ranks of the many seeds and stars that shared their work with us at the decennial Furious Flower Conference over the years and sign up for the Furious Flower IV Open Mic hosted by Kwyn Townsend Riley. Sign-ups will begin at 9:30pm both Thursday and Friday night in the Drum in Festival Conference & Student Center and are first-come, first-served. Each reader will be given approximately three minutes to share their work. Enjoy the cash bar, complimentary snacks, and some great performances!