Fourteenth season of the Inspired Word Café sees an increase in Open Mic events
What: Open Mic/Open Slam Events
When: Thursdays, September to April, 7:00 pm
Venue: BNA Burger, 1254 Ellis Street, Kelowna
What started as an intimate gathering for writers to share their poetry at local cafes, has grown into a much anticipated open mic and open slam event where local writers and poets come to share their work.
Now in its fourteenth season, the Inspired Word Café (IWC) is pleased to plan more events giving local literary artists more opportunities to share their writing.
For over a decade, IWC has hosted monthly five spot open mic and eight spot open slam events. People can sign up on a first come, first served basis, and all styles, genres, and forms are welcome, explains IWC Executive Director, Cole Mash.
“We have hosted these open mic events at a variety of venues around Kelowna over the years, and in the last two years, have made a home thanks to our partnership with BNA Burger (formerly The Tasting Room). This venue matches perfectly with our easy-going and accessible vibe,” says Mash.
The open mic is for anyone to perform music, poetry, stand-up comedy, a sketch, or any genre you can think of to share in our positive space. The open slam invites people to come prepared with three original poems in any style to compete in rounds to win cash prizes.
Due to high demand to get on stage and share work during last year’s season, IWC will offer 10 open mic events this year between September-April to ensure people can take the mic.
“We had people lining up an hour before the doors opened just to sign up, and some nights we even had to turn audience members away as the space was at full capacity,” notes Mash.
IWC is a non-profit who serves the needs of the artistic community through inclusive and accessible programming. We also need the support of our community members, and invite people to become a member of our organization. More details about the cost and advantages to membership can be found here: www.inspiredwordcafe.com/membership
Open mic events happen on select Thursday evenings at the BNA Burger starting on September 28. For a full schedule of events, visit www.inspiredwordcafe.com/events
Doors and sign up opens at 6:30pm, and entry is a $6-$10 sliding scale, or $5 for IWC members. Sign up is first come, first serve, and in high demand, so if you want to read make sure you mark your calendars!
IWC programming is made possible by the City of Kelowna, the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBC Okanagan, and BNA Brewery.
Media Contact: Britt MacKenzie-Dale, britt@inspiredwordcafe.com
Photo credit: Corinna Chong at the April 2023 launch of Chong’s The Whole Animal and IWC’s Open Mic. Photo by Travis Andrews.
Photo credit: Mackenzie “Ken” Shaw (left) and Travis Andrews (right) at IWC’s November 2022 Open Mic. Ken is dressed up as Travis. Photo by Erin Scott.
About IWC
Inspired Word Café Society (IWC) is a community arts-organization that provides accessible, low-cost literary and performance art programming (including events, education, and mentorship) for local writers, performers, and word lovers from many walks of life, including youth and other equity deserving groups across the Okanagan.
We believe that participation in the literary and performing arts is not only a right for everyone, both as consumers and to creators, but is also a vital part of the creative and emotional well-being of our local community.