When funding for “SlamU!,” a spoken word and slam poetry performance outlet for youth halted in 2014, Eric Odum decided to resurrect it.
Odum, founder and host of One Mic Open, partnered with Daniel Gray-Kontar, a poet, teacher and founder of Twelve Literary Arts, to begin a monthly slam poetry series for artists and storytellers in Cleveland. The first show was at the bookstore Guide to Kulchur in Gordon Square in May 2014, he said.
“I was a 2009 graduate of Cleveland School of the Arts, and I was still involved with poetry and connected to the art students at the time,” Odum said. “They trusted me to recreate the space that was missing in the city.”
Odum said that over the years the series has evolved into a gathering space for Cleveland artists of all disciplines and experience levels to read their writing, essays and poems.
“Whether you’re the poet laureate of Cleveland Heights or you just started writing last month, you’re more than welcome to come and share your work and not feel judged,” Odum said.
One Mic Open (July 12 canceled)
The next open mic is Friday, July 12, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at Literary Cleveland’s headquarters, 13002 Larchmere Blvd. Artists and poets interested in reading their work can sign up for a slot when they arrive. Poetry readings begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit Literary Cleveland’s website.
Cain Park Arts Festival (July 12-14)
Hundreds of artists, local and from across the country, will gather at Cain Park to showcase their sculptures, paintings, jewelry and other art pieces. Many of the pieces will be available for sale. The 47th annual festival is curated by award-winning local artist George Kozmon. There will also be food trucks and live music from local bands JD Eicher, The Shootouts, Charity Evonna, Loconti and East Wind. For more information, visit the park’s website.
GardenWalk Cleveland 2024 (July 13-14)
Enjoy a free self-guided tour of neighborhood gardens throughout Cleveland on July 13 and July 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Participating neighborhoods include Glenville, Collinwood, Detroit-Shoreway, Old Brooklyn, West Park, Fairfax, Little Italy, Tremont, Broadway-Slavic Village, Clifton-Baltic/Edgewater and Ohio City.
GardenWalk guides are available at garden centers, coffee shops and other locations throughout the city. Meet your neighbors while hearing the stories of their gardens or learn more about a new neighborhood.
For additional information, such as maps and garden descriptions, click here. Be sure to check the schedule to confirm which day each neighborhood will be participating.
Cleveland Burger Week (July 8-14)
Cleveland Burger Week is underway. From July 8 to 14, burger enthusiasts can enjoy $8 burgers at participating restaurants. Throughout the week, participants can check in at restaurants and earn points using the burger week app for prizes. After checking in at five participating locations, individuals will be eligible for a special drawing to win up to $250 in gift cards, a two-night stay at Hocking Hills and more. To download the burger week app or for more information, such as participating restaurants, click here.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to reflect that One Mic Open this Friday, July 12 is canceled. The next event is Friday, Aug. 9.
