Fola's Favorite Things: Charlotte's Open Mic Night Scene

To know me is to know I love poetry! It’s probably my first writing love. It took me a very long time to gather up the courage to share my words with others, and it wasn't until I started exploring the open mic night scene in Charlotte earlier this year, that I learned just how many amazing poets there are in the city.

And it’s not just poetry, some open mic nights are geared towards comedians, who bare their souls to make us laugh. Some of my favorite open mics are held at Black-owned locations, and with the variety of shows for all tastes, you could fill your whole weeknight calendar with open mics alone.

Here are some my favorite open mics in the city, and maybe I’ll see you on the stage!

Release Therapy

Who to Know: Hosted by 2020 and 2021 Poetry in Motion Queen City Award-winner, A Poet Named Superman (yes, you have to say the whole thing, like A Tribe Called Quest).

Resident DJ: DJ K-mil

What to Know: Doors open at 7pm every Wednesday with a $5 cover at the door at Red@28th in Dilworth. (All Black-owned everything and we love to see it.)

Why I Love It: Release Therapy will always be special for me, because it’s where I started really fighting my stage fright.

Release Therapy is the spot for the church kids who need a little something extra for their midweek service. Sup is the perfect host for this chill, relaxed vibe. There’s hookah, food, drinks, jokes, and lots of dancing.

The poetry is superb! There are so many great regulars, and even newcomers will leave you snapping. Come at 6:30pm for the Writers’ Workshop if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at poetry in a supportive and nonjudgmental space.

Eclectic Soul Sessions

Who to Know: Hosted by the eclectic soul visionary himself Sir Abstraxxx.

What to Know: Doors open at 8pm every Thursday with a $10 cover at the door of Black-woman-owned Members Only in Plaza Midwood.

Resident DJ: DJ Bezzie Beatz

Why I Love It: Eclectic Soul Sessions is a great open mic to ease into your weekend. Put on something cute and sexy, come with the homies or your boo, light a hookah, and vibe out. You’ll hear some talented poets, singers, rappers, and instrumentalists.

And every week, there’s a different theme to keep things fresh. There’s a food truck stationed out front, so feel free to come hungry.

Also, I met my friend Kimberlee here after she did a public tarot reading as her performance, so you never know what you’ll hear on stage!

Spoken Word & Wine Down Wednesday

Who to Know: Hosted by the legendary BluzBluzBluz

What to Know: Starts at 8pm on the last Wednesday of each month at Starlight on 22nd in NoDa. $1 membership fee for newcomers.

Why I Love It: This open mic just kicked off, but it’s got a special place in my heart because it’s where I recently introduced myself under my stage new name rosegold for the very first time.

If you have something on your heart that you’ve been dying to share and need a safe, welcoming space to do it, this is one of those spots. Even if you’ve never performed anything and just want to get some shit off your chest, the crowd will cheer you on the whole way.

Lyrics & Love Wednesday

Who to Know: Hosted by “Party Enthusiast and Sexy Lifestyle Specialist” Iz-Real the Poet

What to Know: Doors open at 7pm every Wednesday with a cover at the door of Section CLT near the Plaza area. You can also get a VIP table if you’re feeling fancy. Also Black-owned!

Why I Love It: The live music at Lyrics & Love is my favorite part!

If you like your poetry very hot and very steamy with some good music, hookah, and food on the side, this is the one for you.

While the open mics above are comedian friendly, here are two open mics specifically geared towards stand-up comedy. Disclaimer that I haven’t actually been to either of them yet, but they are on my list of places to check out soon!

Warmack Comedy

Who to Know: Hosted by Doc Love

What to Know: Doors open at 8pm every Thursday at The Warmack in Plaza Midwood. Free general admission!

Open Mic Comedy

Who to Know: Hosted by “2022 NC’s Funniest Comedian Competition Finalist” Jordan Centry

What to Know: Doors open at 7pm each Tuesday night at Starlight on 22nd in NoDa.