The Open Mike session at Corner Bar attracted an eclectic and often times very funny mix of amateur poets, some of whom actually wrote new pieces to fit the theme of the Festival.

Hosted by well known local Spoken Word performer, Muhammad Muwakil, the ‘Open Mike' turned out to be an excellent mix of seasoned performers and novices.  Muhammad is also the host of ‘U. We Speak' the UWI Open Mike sessions, so Corner Bar was filled with a number of students, professionals and academics such as noted novelist Merle Hodge. The Corner Bar event also drew participation from a group of overseas students from the Pacific Lutheran University Study abroad programme.

Patrons were treated to performances by Muhammad himself, Collis Duranty and the Unlimited Soul Project, Amilcar Presi Sanatan from ‘U. We Speak', Keegan Maharaj from the group ‘Washikong', Kyle ‘Skeeto' Ames from the group ‘One Mike' and even ExTempo champion, Black Sage.

This was the first time that such an event had taken place at the Bar and the organizers received complete support from Chris, the owner. The event was due to finish at 10pm; patrons were still having fun at well past 11pm!

In the final update on the Poetry Festival, we will share the vibes with you from the Conscious Poetry event at the Phase 11 Pan Yard in Woodbrook.

Stay with us on our journey …