Experience a diverse open mic with artists from all backgrounds in a positive and inspiring atmosphere. Peoria’s Open Mic for Poetry is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, hosted by Ryan Lowry with DJ Yvaine Washington.

It is truly astounding what talented locally based poets that one will hear on any given night. Each night the open mic also features a popular regionally known poet. Poets from as far away as Maryland, Missouri and Florida have graced the stage. Regardless of a poet’s level of experience, everyone is welcome to share his or her work. Join us on the 2nd floor, in the Preston Jackson Gallery.

Audiences experience more than just someone reading from a page. Poets often memorize the piece and perform it as in a stage play. These are often soul-baring performances that might make you weep or laugh out loud. One thing is for certain, this is an entertaining and stimulating event.

Featured Poet: John ‘Rewind’ Gunter, Jr.
Hailing from Rock Island, IL, John ‘Rewind’ Gunter, Jr, is a versatile spoken word artist and hip-hop lyricist currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. A distinguished graduate of both Illinois & Georgia State Universities, Rewind has earned acclaim within both spoken word and hip-hop spheres. He has captivated audiences across the Midwest at University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign and Ohio State University, as well as frequenting the poetry scenes in Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas. Rewind’s unique fusion of poignant realism and melodic delivery has led him to share the stage with acclaimed artists and perform at prominent events. Paired with his career work in engineering, he recently moderated at the 2022 ESPN Black Sports Business Symposium. As a distinguished voting member of the Grammys and a multi-certified songwriter, Rewind boasts an impressive portfolio including collaborations with Ace Hood and Mick Jenkins, along with contributions to the 2023 MTV Video & Music Awards. His work has also been prominently featured on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, BET and Paramount+. With an unwavering commitment to delivering thought-provoking narratives and inspiring others to reach new heights, Rewind continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of spoken word and hip-hop and encourages others to ‘Lift as They Climb’.

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