Poetry Open Mic
Details
# Our featured poet this month is Ryan Files!
- He is a writer, editor, poet and inspirational educator who teaches high school English Language Arts for his local community in Arizona. Ryan received his Master of Education degree in 2024 from Grand Canyon University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology, specializing in cognition and instruction. He has used his expertise in education to lead countless workshops in association with groups such as Arizona State University, One-n-ten, and Phoenix Public Libraries.
- As an accomplished spoken word poet, Ryan believes poetry should be expressed and not just studied. He was selected to represent Ghost Poetry Show at the Arizona State Poetry Slam in 2023, where he finished as a semifinalist. He continues to feature at open mics in and around the city of Phoenix, Arizona.
Ryan has had his poetic works featured in several anthologies from publishers such as Kinsman Avenue Publishing, Middle West Press, and Moonstone Publishing. Ryan was announced as a finalist for the Writer’s Digest 2023 National Poetry Competition Award for his poem “Harlem Noir”. His chapbook, Half Dollar Moments, was selected to be a part of Indie Arizona, a collection of books administered by BiblioBoard to libraries across the state. His most recent works are featured in the 2025 Sandcutters Anthology published by the Arizona State Poetry Society.
**As a teacher, writer, editor, and spoken word poet, Ryan Files is always looking for the next interesting opportunity. Please feel free to reach out to him at fileswrites@gmail.com.**
Purchase his chapbook, Half Dollar Moments, here: https://a.co/d/09L0OcdC
This is a free event thanks to the generosity of Jarrod’s Poetry, Tea & Gallery. They only ask that attendees purchase any of their many delectables. As a host, I’m requiring it. Please show your appreciation to Jarrod’s and all they do for the community by supporting this small business with your dollars. We'll be meeting in the 2nd house across the parking lot.
See you Sunday, My Lovelies!😍❤️😘
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FIRST TIMERS ALWAYS WELCOME!!! We love our newbies!
Test out your poetry, spoken word, flash fiction or monologue in front of a live audience! Every first and third Sunday of the month we host an open mic event at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea and Gallery. This is a place of kindness, compassion, and respect. You are safe to speak your truth.
Whether you perform or support us in the audience, we'd love to see you there!
If participating, please leave a comment and/or find Margot when you get there to get on the sign-up sheet.
Here is a general FAQ, but please feel free to add questions in the comments below or send the organizer a private message.
FAQ:
How many pieces can I read? What is the expected length?
There's no limit on length or quantity of works, but please keep your overall performance in the vicinity of 5 minutes so that everyone has time to participate. If there is leftover time at the end, you're welcome to return to the stage to share additional material.
My piece isn't exactly poetry or spoken word... is that okay?
Most short pieces are acceptable, but if you're worried it may not be appropriate for this venue please throw in a comment or send a private message to the organizer.
If I RSVP do I have to perform?
Nope! You're welcome to join us as an audience member as well. If performing, please leave a note in the comments and/or let the organizer know when you arrive so they can put you on the list of performers.
Can I perform published material?
The open mic is designed for sharing original material, whether published or unpublished. If you would like to perform something written by another author and you have their permission / it's a published work, that is also okay.
Does it cost $$ to participate?
No way! This is a totally free event. We only request that you buy a coffee or yummy snack while you're there to support Jarrod's.
I'd love to perform but my work still needs editing.
No worries! Only perform when you're ready. We also have workshop groups in poetry and prose that may help. Check out our "Events" to see what all we have coming up.
Can I follow Red Sands on social media?
Oh yeah! Find us on all these fun platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters
https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/