Calling all musicians, poets, and performers! Join us for an electrifying Open Mic Night at the Chill Room every Wednesday. Show off your talent, share your creativity, and enjoy a night of unforgettable entertainment and of course killer Mocktails!
Event Specials:
February 15, 2026 | Esso Coffeehouse
The Esso Poetry Open Mic is a recurring, community-focused event held every third Sunday of the month at Esso Coffeehouse & Roastery (4700 N. 12th St., Phoenix),. The event typically begins at 5 p.m., with sign-ups for performers opening around 4:45 p.m.. Readers are generally given 5 minutes each to share their work.
Check their Instagram (@essocoffeehouse) for specific, up-to-date monthly details and featured artists.
Want to make time to write and meet other like-minded people in the local writing community? Don’t miss Ghost Poetry Show’s free monthly writing prompt night!
Here’s how the evening works. We’ll pick an attendee-submitted prompt, set a timer for seven minutes while everyone writes, and give an opportunity to share for those who want to do so before moving on to the next prompt. All you need is something to write on—smartphone, laptop, notebook, it’s up to you. If you’d like to make more time to write or meet a new friend, you won’t want to miss it.
This event is at our Phoenix location at 300 West Camelback Road, steps from the uptown Light Rail stop and directly across from the Park and Ride at Third Ave and Camelback.
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed 10 minutes total. This includes set-up and take down. Musicians must provide their own instruments or recorded music. CDs and iPods are preferred. Covers and original music are welcome. Microphones, music stands, P.A. system provided. No cover charge.
About host, Walt Richardson: Walt Richardson is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He is most known for his work with reggae and world music ensembles Driftwood and Morning Star. He is a celebrated music veteran in the Tempe, Arizona area where his humanitarian contributions to the music community and music in schools (with an emphasis on cultural diversity) have been recognized with numerous awards.
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed 10 minutes total. This includes set-up and take down. Musicians must provide their own instruments or recorded music. CDs and iPods are preferred. Covers and original music are welcome. Microphones, music stands, P.A. system provided. No cover charge.
About host, Walt Richardson: Walt Richardson is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He is most known for his work with reggae and world music ensembles Driftwood and Morning Star. He is a celebrated music veteran in the Tempe, Arizona area where his humanitarian contributions to the music community and music in schools (with an emphasis on cultural diversity) have been recognized with numerous awards.
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed 10 minutes total. This includes set-up and take down. Musicians must provide their own instruments or recorded music. CDs and iPods are preferred. Covers and original music are welcome. Microphones, music stands, P.A. system provided. No cover charge.
About host, Walt Richardson: Walt Richardson is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He is most known for his work with reggae and world music ensembles Driftwood and Morning Star. He is a celebrated music veteran in the Tempe, Arizona area where his humanitarian contributions to the music community and music in schools (with an emphasis on cultural diversity) have been recognized with numerous awards.
Musicians (acoustic preferred) and poets are welcome. Performers are allowed two songs or two poems not to exceed 10 minutes total. This includes set-up and take down. Musicians must provide their own instruments or recorded music. CDs and iPods are preferred. Covers and original music are welcome. Microphones, music stands, P.A. system provided. No cover charge.
About host, Walt Richardson: Walt Richardson is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He is most known for his work with reggae and world music ensembles Driftwood and Morning Star. He is a celebrated music veteran in the Tempe, Arizona area where his humanitarian contributions to the music community and music in schools (with an emphasis on cultural diversity) have been recognized with numerous awards.
Every third Sunday of the month | 738 N 5th Ave Tucson, AZ
Hosted by Ken Weene, author and poet. All arts and artists are welcome for poetry, prose, music, dance, comedy, and performance. 5 minute slots, unless arranged beforehand. If artists wish to vend their artwork or literature, please contact Ken at kweene1941@gmail.com for arrangements.
January 20, 2026 | Changing Hands Bookstore
Want to make time to write and meet other like-minded people in the local writing community? Don’t miss Ghost Poetry Show’s free monthly writing prompt night!
Here’s how the evening works. We’ll pick an attendee-submitted prompt, set a timer for seven minutes while everyone writes, and give an opportunity to share for those who want to do so before moving on to the next prompt. All you need is something to write on—smartphone, laptop, notebook, it’s up to you. If you’d like to make more time to write or meet a new friend, you won’t want to miss it.
This event is at our Phoenix location at 300 West Camelback Road, steps from the uptown Light Rail stop and directly across from the Park and Ride at Third Ave and Camelback.
January 18, 2026 | Esso Coffeehouse
Join us for the first Esso Poetry Open Mic of 2026! Sign-up to read begins around 4:45 p.m. Hosted by Russ Kazmierczak, Jr.
About this month’s feature, Jonathan Oak:
Jonathan Oak is a writer and a musician. He was born and raised in the Phoenix area and was on the Phoenix and Mesa National slam poetry teams. He was also the founder and front man for bands Paper Box, Bright & Shiny, and Three Penny Walnut. He’s recorded two albums and an EP, and published three chapbooks.
