Name: SPECTRA Reading Series: Local Lovers Open Mic
Start: 2026-02-12T19:00:00-06:00
Location: Rozz-Tox

SPECTRA Reading Series: Local Lovers Open Mic

The SPECTRA Reading Series returns to Rozz-Tox on Thursday, February 12 with the return of our all-local, all-lovers open mic event Local Lovers.
By local, we mean anyone in or around the greater Quad City area on Feb. 13 who has an original poem, song, story, soliloquy, bit, rant, performance art piece, etc. they are willing/burning to share with the one(s) they love and a loving audience at the enigmatic Rozz-Tox.
By lovers, we mean humans with any relationship to the idea/experience/emotion/harness that might be defined as “love,” even if that relationship is more love/hate.
Have something poetic you want to share with your special someone? Want to sing a song about your love for your line-walking partner? Have a hilarious and/or terrible Valentine’s Day story about love gone wrong? Songs about your forlorn love? Then we have a stage and a microphone and a welcoming audience ready to embrace you and anyone else in the QC with the courage get up and testify their love (or lack thereof).
The show will be free and open to the public—come with the one you love, or come ready to love the one you’re with.
If you would like to let us know you’re planning on attending, feel free to send us an email at [email protected]. If you’re feeling more spontaneous, not to worry—there will be a sign-up sheet at the event, and performers will be welcomed to the stage on a first come, first serve basis.
Please note that all performers will be limited to one (1) poem/song (acoustic only)/story/etc. and to no more than 5 minutes of stage time per performance. This event always brings a good crowd, and we want to be sure we have time/space for everyone who wants to perform.
Please contact Ryan Collins at the Midwest Writing Center for more information about SPECTRA or any other MWC programs: (309) 732-7330 | [email protected].
The SPECTRA Reading Series is supported by the Illinois Arts Council.