Bards & Brews Open Mic Poetry Event to Be Held Friday, February 5, at Central Library

WHO: Birmingham Public Library
WHAT: Bards & Brews Poetry Performance/Beer Tasting
WHEN: Friday, February 5, 2016, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
WHERE: Central Library, 2100 Park Place
TIME: Music starts at 6:30 p.m. and poetry performances begin at 7:00 p.m.

 Birmingham Public Library's (BPL) popular Bards & Brews poetry performance/beer tasting series will host an open mic event Friday, February 5, at the Central Library.

Usually held the first Friday of each month, the event will feature free craft beer provided by Sweet Water Brewing Company. The J. Clyde will handle the pouring. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. with live music from Susan Lawrence, beer tasting, and light refreshments. The poetry begins to flow at 7:00 p.m. with Brian "Voice Porter" Hawkins serving as host.

The event is made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Admission is free and open to the public; however, attendees must be at least 18 to enter and 21 to participate—ID is required.

“Bards & Brews open mics are a great way to unwind at the end of the week with good drinks and good poetry,” said Allie Graham, a librarian in the Arts, Literature and Sports Department at the Central Library. “The poetry can be a bit lower-key than at the slams with more diversity in styles and performers. From young first-timers to seasoned professionals, it’s a great way to start the weekend.”

Poets wanting to participate need to sign up beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday or e-mail agraham@bham.lib.al.us. The next event in the series (Bards, Brews & Haiku) will be Friday, March 4, at the Central Library. For more information, call 205-226-3670, e-mail hm@bham.lib.al.us, visit the Bards & Brews Facebook page, or go online to www.bplonline.org/bardsbrews.