SEASON 37 | june 2025
FREE VERSE: A Juneteenth Open Mic
June 19th, 2025 7:30-10:30 PM
An Evening Honoring Black Liberation Through Spoken Word, Music, and Community
In celebration of Juneteenth, every.Word Poetry, an artistic program of The Poet House, invites the community to FREE VERSE: A Juneteenth Open Mic, a powerful evening of performance, reflection, and joy.
Hosted by the magnetic poet and organizer Jay Writes, the open mic will feature voices from across the city including a special set by award-winning poet Jasmine Games. The night will conclude with a live DJ set from DJ Jo keeping the celebration going in honor of Black freedom and creativity.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, marking a significant moment in American history. This event provides a platform for expression, reflection, and unity, aligning with the spirit of the holiday.
This Juneteenth, come ready to witness and share poetry that heals, music that moves, and stories that liberate.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or a supportive audience member, "Free Verse: A Juneteenth Open Mic" welcomes all to participate in this evening of artistic expression and community connection.
ABOUT THE HOST
Jonathan Ezemba, known on stage as Jay Writes, is a writer, model, educator, and performer of spoken-word poetry, hip hop, and MC of events. As a fierce advocate for liberation through expression, Jay curates all poetry events at Richesart Gallery, Austin’s only Black-owned art gallery. His work cultivates safe and expressive spaces for Black and Brown creatives.
ABOUT THE FEATURE
Jasmine Games is a Black queer spoken word poet and theater practitioner from Houston, TX. She holds a BA in English and Performance Studies from Texas A&M University and an MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities from The University of Texas at Austin. An award-winning artist, she received the 2021 Sexton Prize for Poetry and the Winifred Ward Award for excellence in theatre education. Jasmine is the Artistic Director of The Poet House and Director of Education & Social Justice at The VORTEX. Her debut poetry collection, Somebody’s Daughter, is available online. Follow her @jasminegamespoetry or visit jasmineigames.com.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
every.Word Poetry is a program of The Poet House, a nonprofit based in Austin, TX committed to cultivating a national community of spoken word artists. The Poet House centers poets of color, queer poets, youth, and poets with disabilities through performances, workshops, and wellness-based programs.
The VORTEX, one of Austin’s longest-running alternative performance venues, is a cultural anchor dedicated to inclusive and innovative art. Home to The Eloise Stage, a nationally certified butterfly garden, The Butterfly Bar, and Patrizi’s, The VORTEX supports diverse artists and communities through bold new works and collaborative partnerships.
FREE VERSE is proudly sponsored by The VORTEX.
Come celebrate liberation, resistance, and the beauty of Black expression this Juneteenth.
Open mic sign-ups are first come, first served. Get there early and bring your voice.
For more, visit:
thepoethouse.org | vortexrep.org
Join us in celebrating freedom, culture, and the power of the spoken word.
Media Contact:
Jasmine Games
The Poet House & The VORTEX
info@thepoethouse.org