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Open Mics and Poetry Slams in Rahway

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 02/25/2021


(RAHWAY, NJ) -- “ What’s the Word in Rahway ?” The word is Poetry, and it’s happening right here in Rahway, New Jersey! As the weather breaks, ACP Arts and the Rahway Arts + Business Partnership are ready to once again lift your soul and take you on a lingual journey during their outdoor poetry shows for adults and our youth.

Before the pandemic kept us all inside, every 1st Saturday of the month, The Association for the Creative and Performance Arts (ACP Arts), in conjunction with Atelier Rosal Art Gallery put on dynamic shows full of spoken word and slam poetry titled, What’s the Word on Cherry Street!? It has been a challenge to continue in person art events, but on Saturday, March 20th Rahway will be holding an open mic and poetry slam beginning at 6:00pm in the Rahway Arts District Park across the street from The Union County Performing Arts Center on Main Street.

The evening will be filled with poets and performers from all walks of life. The last event held in October brought out a diverse, socially distanced crowd sitting in lawn chairs and wrapped in blankets. Braving the cold was worth it! One youth poet spoke of her struggle with identity, while adult Slam winner, RADI, won her Third New Jeru Grand Slam and took the crowd on a journey with her poems about body positivity, self awareness and education.

“It is ACP’s hope that with Spring beginning, we will be graced with another great audience to show their support to the artists and neighboring businesses in this still vibrant downtown area.”, said host and ACP Arts Co-founder, Mike Bertram.

The adults are not the only ones with an opportunity to share their talents. On Friday, March 26th, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Bertam will host a youth open mic outside for students of all grade levels. For the last 3 years, ACP Arts, Rahway Prevention Coalition, and Rahway Arts + Business Partnership have sponsored Poetry at the Pit. The past shows have been jam packed with tweens, teens and adults who are there to promote and support the talented young artists in the area. Due to the pandemic, they will be holding the event outdoors on Cherry Street across from the World Famous Waiting Room. This event is open to young people of all ages. 




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As Winter ends and Spring begins, come out and be a part of the Arts Movement in Rahway! Both events, What’s the Word?, on March 20th and, Poetry Outside the Pit, on March 26th begin at 6:00pm and are FREE! 



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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) proudly welcomes legendary poet, musician, author and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Patti Smith for a special performance during the Dodge Poetry Festival on Friday, October 16, 2026. Returning to her home state of New Jersey, Smith brings together poetry, music and storytelling in a performance by one of the most influential creative voices of the past half-century.
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