WAYE: A Poetry Reading Series returns on Wednesday, August 26 with our third group feature of 2026!

OUR FEATURED GROUP
Poets & Storytellers Open (P&SO) is a monthly poetry open mic series in Hopewell, NJ, hosted by Gregg Yupanki Bautista. P&SO reflects the mission of Gregg’s indie poetry press, Echo Thread Books, providing space for people from all walks of life to share their poetry and prose. Known for its sit-down interview format with the poet features, P&SO discusses craft and experience with them and does not shy away from discourse around contemporary social issues.

The three readers Gregg has included in this showcase brings varied approaches to using craft to challenge systemic issues, and each shares an urgency to bring awareness to the interconnectedness of the collective human experience.

FOR THE OPEN
Sign-up for our open mic sessions begins at 7:30 PM. Once you arrive at Sure Things (561 Palisade Avenue), please print your name on the list, which has an initial cap of 15 poets who will each poet will have 5 minutes to showcase their work. (Basically, one to three pieces of short to moderate length, including any prep, prologues, and plugs.) IF THE LIST IS FULL, we'll bump the cap to 20 so more poets can be heard; in that case, each poet will recite one poem to ensure we are be done by 10 PM. (It is a school night, after all.)

Again, be sure to arrive at 7:30 PM to secure a spot on the list, since it does fill up quickly; and please keep in mind that the list will be set out no earlier than 7:30.

Also, this is a poetry reading series and open mic, which means spoken word, slam, performance poetry, short prose pieces, and similar forms of poetic expression are welcome. As much as we love music, musical accompaniment, and comedy, this is not the venue for these forms of expression.

SOME QUICK SHOPKEEPING
First, the shop is small and seating is limited. If you want/need a seat, please arrive early to claim one; otherwise, it's standing room only.

Second, there's a $5 CASH ONLY cover, 100% of which goes directly to our feature. Again, this is CASH ONLY; no Venmo, Cash App, Zelle or other forms of electronic payment will be accepted at the door, so please bring some paper money with you.

As always, We Appreciate Your Enthusiasm and look forward to seeing you all on the 26th!

THEME: OPEN MIC / FEATURES
HOST: Sure Things
FEATURES: Poets & Storytellers Open (P&SO)
PRICE: $5 CASH ONLY cover, 100% of which goes directly to our feature.
CONTACT: FB - Sure Things