We are facing a new challenge amidst the coronavirus crisis. Social distancing has been helping to flatten the curve. But it has also left some people feeling lonely and anxious, stuck at home and unable to participate in events they’d normally go to. It’s not all dull and grey though: creative communities are coming together to fill the void in our lives through some amazing virtual gigs. So, we at Here Comes Everyone magazine thought of listing some literary open mics, events and workshops. Let’s stay safe at home and STILL enjoy our favourite gigs! This is also the perfect chance to “travel” afar and attend events you never thought you could…

P.S. Our first virtual Fire & Dust in April featured three dogs and a cute baby – you might encounter similar delights in other virtual events!

OPEN MICS

Sunday 3rd May, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive! Online Slam
(For a chance to enter the slam, register your interest by 26th April)
More details are available on the Oooh Beehive Facebook page

Sunday 3rd May – via Facebook group posts
Yes We Cant
(Usually happens in: Walsall, UK)
‘Open mic’ posts can be written text or video
For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page

Tues 5th May, 7.30-9.30PM (GMT)
Testify Poetry: Virtual Open Mic
(Usually happens in: Chester, UK)
You’ll need to sign up to their mailing list for the Zoom URL. Please visit the Facebook page for details.

Thurs 7th May, 7.30-10PM (GMT)
Fire & Dust meets: Tina Sederholm
(Usually happens in: Coventry, UK)
To attend, grab an eventbrite ticket (free). Details re: Zoom URL and how to sign up for open mic will be emailed.
There is also a Facebook events page.

Sun 10th May, 7.30-10pm (GMT)
Poetry From the Grassroots
Headliner: David Lee Morgan
(Usually happens in: London, UK)
Details are on the Facebook event page.

Mon 11th May, 8.30PM (GMT)
Ó Bhéal Poetry: first virtual session
(Usually happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Details of how to access the gig are here on the website.

Thurs 14th May, 8-10PM (GMT)
Run Your Tongue Online! 4
(Usually happens in: Kettering, UK)
For Zoom URL and sign-up details, visit their Facebook event page

Thurs 14th May, 8:05PM (GMT)
Theatre Mix
(Usually happens in: Birmingham, UK)
Poetry/readings/music, etc.
More details are available through the Facebook event page

Sun 17th May, 7-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive! Online 
Headliner: Shian Denovan
More details are available on the Facebook event page

Fri, May 29th, 7:30-10PM (GMT)
Pic n ZooMix
Poetry night – details TBC

 


EVENTS

24th April-17th May
Stay @ Home! Fringe Literary Festival
Check out the programme on the website

Fri 1st May, 2-4PM (GMT)
WORD Staffordshire Libraries Spoken Word Showcase
For more details, please email: melwoodendwriting@gmail.com

Tues 5th May, 8.30-9PM (GMT)
Nymphs & Thugs Insta Sessions: Nafeesa Hamid

Live broadcast on Instagram/watch later on Facebook or YouTube
Check out the Facebook event for more details

Wed 6th May, 7-8PM (GMT)
Apples and Snakes @ Home
A series of five 1-hour spoken word episodes
Watch live here. Or find more info on the website.

Wed 6th May, 8PM (GMT)
Luke Wright: The Remains of Logan Dankworth 

Live verse play performance via Luke’s Twitter account


WORKSHOPS

Sat 9th May, 12-1PM (GMT) via Zoom
Haiku and Tanka Workshop with N. C. Tanabe
Part of the Stay At Home! Fringe Literary Festival
More details on the website.

Sunday 10th May, 7:30-9:30PM
‘Editing Your Poetry’ with Leanne Moden
Tickets available here (£10)

Lockdown Writing Workshops with Jamie Thrasivoulou
Join the Facebook group for more details.
Not on Facebook? Search for the workshops on YouTube.

Write Club: every Monday, 9.30AM via Zoom
Workshop leader: spoken word poet Mark Grist
Join the Facebook group to access the Zoom URL each week

Sun 31st May: Positive Images Festival Poetry workshop
Workshop leader: Emilie Lauren Jones
Every last Sunday of the month – check out Emilie’s YouTube channel for workshop videos