Share your poetry, stories and songs at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church’s bi-monthly Poetry & Open Mic Night, Wednesday, Nov. 19. The evening kicks off with a potluck at 6:30 p.m. So get there early to sign in and snack; readings and performances begin promptly at 7 p.m. The church is located at 3747 34th St. S, St. Pete.
Test your street smarts at the University of Tampa’s Urban Dictionary Spelling Bee Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7:30 to 9 p.m. This event is sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Lambda Gamma.
The monthly Oldsmar Alive Open Mic takes place Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., Jack Willie’s Bar, Grill and Tiki. All performers are welcome.
Calling all bards! Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College hosts Pause for Poetry Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m. Enjoy a supportive atmosphere where lovers of poetry share their works and/or read favorite selections aloud.
Felicitous Coffee & Tea House hosts its monthly outdoor Open Mic for poets, spoken word artists, artists and musicians Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 to 10 p.m. Sign-up begins at 7 p.m.; readings and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The open mic will be moved indoors for inclement weather.
First Stop Poetry is back by popular demand! Hosted by R. Mona Leza, the open mic will meet at St. Pete’s Genaro Coffee Company Wednesday, Nov. 19, 8 to 10 p.m. There is a two-drink minimum.
Got a rant or a story or a poem? Pick up the mic and show off your stuff at Oral Fixation’s LGBTQ monthly Open Mic on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Ybor City’s R Bar, 1820 North 15th St., Tampa. Doors open at 9 p.m. Performers of all types are welcome and encouraged to share their art. This month’s open mic is also the release of poet Samira Obeid’s debut album.
Wordier Than Thou brings its Storytelling and Prose Open Mic to Sarasota Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. Come share your finest prose, or if you’re just in the mood for listening, catch some tales from our area’s talented wordsmiths. This month’s featured reader is Jeanne Corcoran, director and film commissioner for Sarasota County’s Film & Entertainment Office. Suggested $5 donation at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Readings begin at 7 p.m.
Meet children’s author Kristen Zajac Friday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m., at Barnes & Noble in Carrollwood. She’ll sing, read from her books and set the mood for the start of the holiday season.
Jessie Ann Foley, the award-winning author of The Carnival at Bray, stops by Inkwood Books Friday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m.
Award-winning author T.W. Krueger (also known as Farmer Tom) stops by Book Swap of Carrollwood Saturday, Nov. 22, 12 p.m. He’ll be joined by two characters from his book, Donkeys Are Special…And So Are You!
Author V.C. Stanley will discuss the craft of writing and sign copies of her book, Jex Malone, a detective novel for teens, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m., at the Dale Mabry Barnes & Noble. James Ponti will also be on hand at 2 p.m. to sign copies of his book, Dead City, a current Sunshine State Young Reader book. Earlier that day, R. Mitchell Scott, author of A Donkey’s Little Tale, will visit the store at 1 p.m. to sign copies of her book.
Meet best-selling Random House author Amy Christine Parker at the Barnes & Noble at the Shops at Wiregrass Saturday, Nov. 22, 3 p.m. She’ll sign copies of her new teen title, Astray. Manga artist Alan McMillian and author Walter Cromartie Jr. will also be on hand at 3 p.m. to discuss their new stories.
The Brandon Square Barnes & Noble welcomes several local authors from 12 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 as part of its Discovery Weekend. They’ll sell and sign books representing a variety of genres, from fiction to cookbooks.
The monthly Black on Black Rhyme poetry slam will take place Sunday, Nov. 23, 8 to 11 p.m., at Alez Haitian Cuisine in Tampa.
This article appears in Nov 13-19, 2014.