An every.Word Poetry MLK Day Open Mic | Hosted by Ebony Stewart

Hosted by Ebony Stewart

⚠️ IMPORTANT RSVP INFORMATION

RSVPs for this event must be completed through The VORTEX website. RSVPs made on Eventbrite will NOT grant entry.

👉 Official RSVP link (required for entry):

This Eventbrite page is for information only.

Join us for a special MLK Day edition of the every.Word Poetry Monday Night Open Mic, presented in collaboration with The VORTEX. This annual gathering honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through poetry, music, and performance that uplift Black voices and celebrate art as resistance, truth-telling, and collective liberation

Hosted by acclaimed poet, playwright, and artivist Ebony Stewart, this evening centers Black poets while welcoming musicians and allies into a values-aligned creative space. Together, we gather in community to honor Dr. King’s enduring call for justice, love, and freedom of expression.

“Unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Event Details

Date: Monday, January 19, 2026

Time: 8:00–10:00 PM

Location:

The VORTEX

2307 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722

Inside the Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage

Open Mic Information

• Sign-up is first come, first served at the box office
• Priority given to Black artists
• Primarily poetry-focused, with select musical performances
• General admission seating

Tickets

Pay What You Can

Starting at $5 for listeners

Free for open mic participants

Food & Bar

Make an evening of it!

The Butterfly Bar opens at 5:00 PM (cocktails, wine, beer)

Patrizi’s at The VORTEX opens at 5:00 PM (homemade Italian food)

About the Host

Ebony Stewart is an internationally touring interdisciplinary artivist, award-winning poet, and playwright. A Woman of the World Poetry Slam Champion and one of the most decorated poets in Texas, Ebony’s work explores race, gender, mental health, and liberation through powerful storytelling and performance. Her one-woman shows Hunger and Ocean premiered at The VORTEX and received multiple awards

Support!

The Poet House is home to every.Word Poetry and Courageous Cadence, providing a dedicated space for poets, storytellers, and artists to create, connect, and be heard. As a sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance, The Poet House is committed to fostering spoken word and literary arts in our community. Your contribution is tax-deductible and helps us build and sustain this vital space. Donate today and be part of the movement: https://www.thepoethouse.org/donate

Thank you for supporting the future of spoken word and storytelling!

For more details, follow us on @everywordpoetry @3220poetlane @courageouscadence and @vortex_rep on IG, FB and Tik Tok.

About : every.Word Poetry is a program of The Poet House dedicated to uplifting spoken word artists through workshops, open mics, and live performances. As a community-driven initiative, it provides a platform for poets to refine their craft and share their voices in impactful ways.

: The Poet House cultivates a care centered community of spoken word poets by uplifting the marginalized and building spaces where art is a catalyst for change.

About : We conjure urgent, unashamed art to create action in a shifting age. We embrace diverse communities, break down barriers, and elevate inclusive discourse from our home in Austin, Texas. We enliven humanity with a magical green new theatre at our Butterfly Bar and Sanctuary.

Check out The VORTEX's calendar for more shows and events!

THE VORTEX IS A 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT.

Thank you for joining us. Prepare to be inspired, moved, and entertained. We can't wait to hear your voice!

Info: The Butterfly Bar is open from 5PM-12:00AM. Patiriz's is open from 5:00-9:30PM. Light eats and snacks also available in the bar.

Info: Check-in at the Box Office. Sign-ups open until list closes. Come early to secure your spot!

Info: Enjoy the show!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Road, Austin, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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