The Chicago Poetry Center presents BLUE HOUR, a free, public monthly in-person reading series and generative writing workshop.
Each event takes place at Haymarket House (800 W. Buena) and features two readers from Chicago and beyond, preceded by a brief open mic and limited-space workshop that includes a guided generative writing practice.
2023-2024 Season:
- August 16: Maggie Queeney and Brittany Rogers
- September 20: Courtney LeBlanc and Cynthia Manick
- October 18: Kenyatta Rogers and Marcy Rae Henry
- November 15: Jason Bayani and Jacob Saenz
December 17: Poetry Publishing Workshop with Stevie Edwards
- January 17: Teresa Dzieglewicz and C. Russell Price
- February 21: S. Yarberry and Dan “Sully” Sullivan
- March 20: Edgar Kunz, Megan Sungyoon and Seo Jung Hak
- April 17: Scott Woods and Alicia Mountain
- May 15: Angelique Zobitz and George Abraham
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
The Blue Hour generative writing workshop begins promptly at 6 p.m., ends at 7 p.m., and is designed for writers and poetry fans of all levels. Each workshop includes discussion of a poem by one of the night’s featured readers, followed by guided individual writing using an exploratory prompt that draws on themes from the poem. Registration is required, and the workshop is sliding scale with a suggested donation of $10.
ABOUT THE READING:
The Blue Hour reading includes a brief open mic followed by two featured poets from Chicago and beyond. Pre-registration is free and recommended. The open mic includes five readers drawn lottery-style from a hat that goes out at 7:15. The reading starts promptly at 7:30. Each open mic poet reads one poem or for three minutes, whichever comes first.
ABOUT THE SPACE:
Location, Accessibility, Health & Safety
Haymarket House is a community space in the heart of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood committed to uplifting the work of writers, artists, thinkers, activists, and educators who are committed to all struggles for a better world.
All restrooms at Haymarket House are gender-neutral, including single-user and stalled restrooms.
Each event includes ASL interpretation. Haymarket House is ADA compliant and fully wheelchair-accessible; email curator@poetrycenter.org to ensure ramp access and with any other accessibility needs.
Masks are currently strongly encouraged for all indoor events, and the space is equipped with a professional air filtration system.
OUR HISTORY:
Learn more about the series and history here.
