Kick off your week with poetry, music and more at The Poet

Poetry is still relevant in a time where technology reigns over all and the written word is used and abused in more ways than one. These days, it’s rare to find an event where genuine bodies of work are created not for fame & riches, but are the sake of creating. That’s what I found at The Poet in New York.

Every Monday night at Bowery Poetry off, people of all kinds gather to hear an unique collection of poems and music. The open mic started off as a monthly show called “BOWWOW” (no relation to the host of 106th & Park) at the Bowery Poetry Club. But now, hosts Nikhil Melnechuk & Liz Peters have been holding the event on a weekly basis since last year.

“In honor of Lorca, one of the many poets who has come to this city to blow open his work, we call it The Poet in New York,” said Melnechuk.

Each participant competes to have their work published on the event’s official website for all to read. From poetry to music, each entry is unique in their own way. This past week, there was a tie for first place based on the audiences’ feedback. “Evergreens” by Erica Sylvie Astrove and “Knives of Peace” by Quincy Scott Jones dominated the night of talent.

You can catch the event every Monday at Bowery Poetry. Cover is only $10 and you may just get your work published. Their next event will feature poets Matt L. Rohrer, Cody Carvel, and Musician Asa Horvitz. Check out more on the event here.

Tony Centeno (@_tonyMC)