Step up. Speak out. Stand tall.
Jersey City Writers invites you to One-Mic Stand with SJ—an open mic experience like no other! This is where raw talent meets electrifying energy, and every voice has a chance to shine.
On the 2nd Friday of every month, two incredible featured poets will take the stage alongside a lineup of fearless performers from our vibrant poetry community. Open mic slots are 5 minutes each, giving you the perfect space to share your truth—whether it’s poetry, spoken word, or a story waiting to be heard.
Come for the poetry. Stay for the magic. Join the movement.
$10 Suggested Donation (Cash, Venmo, Paypal)
Doors open at 6:30pm, Open Mic starts at 7pm -- first come, first served!
Our Host Steve Willett (SJ) is a sound poet who is actively involved in the poetry community and has had several feature performances around New Jersey. His poem ‘Petulance’ was a shortlisted selection for the University of Grimsby’s Hammond House International Poetry Competition in 2019. Steve serves as moderator for the Jersey City Writers (JC Plums) poetry group, which meets online every week to discuss poetry and improve participants' works. He was also one of the producers for the Jersey City Writers JC Poetry Festival in 2023 and is currently working on the 2025 festival. He is also a teaching artist at Newark School of the Arts. He lives with his wife, 2 daughters, and 5 cats in the Heights. He is excited to have his own Open Mic, (One-Mic Stand with SJ), and give back to a community that has given so much support to him.
05/08 FEATURED ACTS: Josie Libero & SNC
Josie Libero is a Jersey City based poet, event curator, community organizer and sex educator. By day, she works in health education at Rutgers Newark and by night she is the founder and host of the Cozy Curations- both the Cozy Slam and Cozy Open Mic.
Josie has been featured at Mocha Mic with Millie, JC Poetry Festival and Ko Cafe Open Mic. She has slammed at OutCry the Slam, Nuyorican Poetry Cafe and Creative Soul House. She is a part of the 2026 Rose Gardens Freshman Class. Josie is a page poet turned stage using her experience and nuanced perspective to educate, share and grow with her community.
Simple N’ Clean — But the poetry isn’t.
Simple N’ Clean (SNC) is a nationally ranked spoken word artist, poetry slam champion, writer, and educator from Jersey City, New Jersey.
In 2017, SNC joined the poetry slam team at Montclair State University, where they competed at the College Union Poetry Slam Invitational (CUPSI), earning 1st place in the nation. From 2018–2020, SNC returned as a coach, helping guide the team for three consecutive years.
As a competitor, SNC has represented Jersey City on national stages, including the Individual World Poetry Slam. As a member of the New Jeru Poetry Slam team, they helped secure a 1st place finish in 2021 and consistently ranked top four in the world at the Southern Fried National Poetry Slam from 2021–2023.
SNC has been featured at venues and events such as the Paterson Poetry Festival, Jersey City Poetry Festival, and the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
Through powerful, rhythmic storytelling, SNC explores themes of social justice, mental health, and the human experience. Beyond the stage, they are deeply committed to helping young writers discover their voice and use poetry as a tool for self-expression, healing, and growth.
AND SPECIAL GUEST: Montana Fucci of CRANKY ANGEL
Cranky Angel is a second-hand boutique in downtown Jersey City that curates 90s and Y2K clothing, accessories, and nostalgia. It also offers customization services including airbrushing, bedazzling, studding, pin-back buttons, and charms. It's welcoming atmosphere and frequent community events encourage playfulness, confidence, and creativity.
She will be offering charm bracelets.
$15 phone charms that include 1 word and 1 charm
$15 charm bracelets with $1 per charm
Supported by public funds from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund
THEME: OPEN MIC / FEATURES
HOST: Steve Willett (SJ)
FEATURES: Josie Libero & SNC
PRICE: $10 Suggested Donation (Cash, Venmo, Paypal)
CONTACT: FB - Steve Willett / @sjbythegram
