Cost of Admission: $5-10 sliding scale
7:00PM --- Doors Open
7:30PM --- Open Mic Begins
8:00PM --- Community Announcements
8:45PM --- Open Mic Resumes
9:30PM --- Feature
“Ally Ang’s poetry is cutting. You want to feel the pain, rage, and love of these poems.”
About the Feature
Ally Ang is a self-described spooky femme whose roots spread across continents and oceans. A senior at Wellesley College, Ally studies Sociology & Asian American Studies and hopes to work towards decolonizing academia. Their work has been published in journals such as The Fem, Tinderbox Poetry Journal, and Rambutan Literary, and their first chapbook is available from Damaged Goods Press. Preorder "Monstrosity" by Ally Ang here.
“Monstrosity is a powerful, poignant testament to the pains of diaspora, and with them, the struggles of womanhood and sexuality. Ang’s work is not captivating but instead consuming and suffocating, like the fast-receding tide.”
About East Meets Words
In March 2005, EMW Bookstore held its first monthly open mic. Now, over 132 open mics later, East Meets Words is one of the longest running Asian American open mic series in the country, and one of the main hubs of Asian American art and activism on the east coast.
At the open mic, participants can sign up to sing, spit, dance, play music, or share a story. Everyone is welcome. The space is especially appreciative of work that challenges stereotypes and amplifies marginalized voices. Time is set aside at each open mic for community announcements, meant to raise awareness about social justice issues in the greater Boston area.
Each month, we also feature an Asian / Pacific Islander artist or group, who will perform a full-length set after the open mic portion of the evening. Past features have ranged from nationally known artists such as Beau Sia and Kelly Tsai to local creatives like you and me.
We strive to create a safer space and a platform for artists and non-artists to perform work of all stages. Everyone is welcome to attend and sign up on the open mic. The space is especially appreciative of work that challenges stereotypes and amplifies marginalized voices - prioritizing API performers. Time is set aside at each open mic for community announcements, meant to raise awareness about social justice issues in the greater Boston area.
Accessibility
Gallery space is chair accessible. We will prioritize chair access in the aisles. Please find or contact an EMW Staff member for assistance with entry through front door.
Two single-stall, gender-neutral restrooms are available, one up a flight of stairs and one on the main floor with a step from the main entrance.
Please come fragrance free! For the health and safety of organizers, panelists, and other attendees, we ask you not to wear scented products or clothing that has recently been smoked in. More information here.
Wellness Squad members will be present at the event to facilitate emotional and community safety.