The best thing about spoken-word events is the cost -- free! Well, sometimes the venues request a small donation, and you may want to sip a beer or a coffee drink, but any way you look at it, open mics are an interesting and inexpensive alternative to whatever's been boring you. These events are also great for meeting new people, expanding your social circle, or checking out new parts of town. Try a few different venues to find one you really love, and then support it by attending regularly and reading work of your own.

While the following list is up to date, it's always a good idea to call ahead and make sure the venue will be open that night. Also, many venues schedule featured performers in addition to open mics, so you should inquire about scheduled readings. All events are free and open to all ages unless indicated otherwise.

MONDAYS

BARK!
Starting Monday, April 7, and every Monday following. Put on your dancing shoes, break out your poems and fire up your jaws and booty for an audience interactive word and stomp romp with "BARK!" --the new weekly open mike reading series/game show and dance at the Tenderloin's sultry Jezebel's Joint. Activities include Wheel of Poets (audience: bring your own poem!), Boom Box Dance Party, Music by CLYDE, Bestowal of Trashy Prizes and a chance to tell the world what BARK! means. Entrance free to Sergeant Pepper look-a-likes. From 9:30 pm - midnight. Cost: $1. BYOP -- Bring Your Own Poem & Take a Chance on the Wheel of Poets. For info call 415.431.3983 or e-mail beth_lifson@hotmail.com
Location: Jezebel's Joint, Larkin b/w Ellis and Eddy, SF.

Simple Pleasures Café Open Mic
This Richmond poetry reading is open to all genres and styles. Performers can read original work or someone else's published work. Every fourth Monday of the month at 8 pm; sign-ups at 7:30 pm. For more information, subscribe to the mailing list (mmusika@earthlink.net) .
Location: Simple Pleasures Café, 3434 Balboa St. (between 35th and 36th Aves.), SF, 415.387.4022

Celebration of the Word
Voted Best SF Reading in 1998! The host, Jeanne Powell, presents featured readers at 7 pm, followed by an open mic. Sign-ups at 7 pm; every Monday.
Location: Perry's Joint, 1661 Fillmore @ Post, SF, 415.931.5260

Nameless Café & Theater
This eponymous-less little space features music, poetry, comedy and dance improv on stage the first and third Monday of every month. 8 pm, $5 cover.
Location: Nameless Café & Theater, 3906 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (@ 40th St.), Oakland, 510.547.8318

Not So Open Mic
Weekly open mic ... poetry, music, whatever you want (mostly music). Look for a featured reader every two or three months, during announced poetry-only events. 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm. 21+ after 8:30 pm.
Location: The Bistro, 1001 B St. (at Main), Hayward, 510.886.8525

SheSpeaks SF
Sister to Oakland's SheSpeaks, SheSpeaks, SF is an open-mic event for female artists, a space for women to feel comfortable and safe sharing their souls. Recite poetry? Play flute? Sing? Come share your art and enjoy the creative spirit that is unique to San Francisco. If you want to sign up for the open mic portion of the evening, please send an email to juicy_me@shespeaks.com. Every second Monday from 8 pm to 10 pm; $3 donation (this is how the featured artist/s is paid). Women 21+ only.
Location: Cherry Bar, 917 Folsom St. (@ 5th), SF

Yarn Spinners
Christi and Ashli's Yarn Spinners - a literary hootenanny held the 3rd Monday of each month. Write a 2 minute piece (no more, or you'll face the "cowbell of silence") and come join in the fun. 7:30-10pm, $1 donation. For more info, visit http://www.attagirlsevents.com/spinners.html or e-mail spinners@attagirlsevents.com
Location: Edinburgh Castle, 950 Geary St. (@ Larkin), SF, 415.885.4074

TUESDAYS

The Beanery
After two featured readers, this coffee house is all about open mic. Second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Location: The Beanery, 2925 College Ave., Berkeley, 510.665.1404

Berkeley Summer Poetry
Tuesdays 7-9p.m. Free. Open Mic Poetry, Prose, Short Fiction Eclectic, Diverse, Amateur and Advanced Artists Welcome! June 17th-September 2nd For more info contact: lucifersmuse@hotmail.com
Location: Mediterranean Cafe, 2475 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, 510.549.1128

Black Rainbow Poetry Club
The CoffeeSmith hosts Black Rainbow Poetry Club, which holds an all-ages open reading every Tuesday, from 5 pm to 7 pm. They keep things simple at the Black Rainbow Poetry Club: no signup is required; the coordinator makes introductions and passes the mic around. For more information, call 415.381.3987.
Location: The CoffeeSmith, 190 Donahue St., Marin City, 415.332.6712

El Rio Open Mic
Spoken word, rappers, poets, writers, comedians, musicians and artists of all kinds are welcome. Featured performers vary from week to week, with a weekly open mic following. Every Tuesday at 8 pm; sign-ups at 7:30 pm. 21+ only.
Location: Club El Rio, 3158 Mission St. (near Cesar Chavez), SF, 415.282.3325

LiveWire Literary Salon
The LiveWire Literary Salon is a showcase for writers and artists, emceed by Jordan Rosenfeld. Currently housed Zebulon's, a fabulous, European-inspired jazz lounge in Petaluma, LiveWire showcases established local poets and writers in a great format for readers, with stage, microphone, ambience and beverages at the ready. Every first and third Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm. If you'd like to perform, contact Jordan at writelife@earthlink.net.
Location: Zebulon's, 721 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707.769.7948

Locus Open Mic
Sign-ups and music from DJs Rich and Dai starts at 7:30 pm, with tasty snacks available and candles lit to get the audience in that open-mic mood and to grease the wheels of social interaction, fostering a get-to-know-everyone vibe. Fourth Tuesday of the month; readings begin at 8 pm, with more beats from 10 pm to 11 pm; suggested donation $5.
Location: Locus Arts, 1640 Post St. (between Buchanan & Laguna), SF, 415.786.0698; locusarts@hotmail.com

MindGrind
Featured poets and an open mic grace this North Bay poetry and performance series hosted by Carl Macki, Oceana, Lori Rouse and Dan McKenzie. Every Tuesday at 7 pm.
Location: GroundUp Café, 144 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707.762.8798

Mission Coffee Open Mic
1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month. Mission Coffee provides a great atmosphere for performers to share there talent. We have a full PA system with mic, and a strong group of local supporters. Performances start at 6:30 and usually last from 5-20 min.
Location: 151 Washington Blvd. Fremont, CA, 510.623.6920

Poetry at the 33
Let your poems ring, and become part of the 3300's poetry scene. Enjoy a spirited welcome at this legendary pub, where generations have slaked their verse and liquid thirsts. Featured reader followed by an open mic. Sign-ups at 6:45 pm; reading at 7 pm. Last Tuesday of the month; 21+. For further info, email Keanes3300Club@aol.com.
Location: 3300 Club, 3300 Mission St. (@ 29th St.), SF, 415.826.6886

Poetry Diversified
Listen to a featured reader and stay for open mic every first and third Tuesday of the month. All ages. 7 pm to 9 pm.
Location: World Ground Café, 3726 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, 510.482.2933

TODCO Senior Poets
SUMMER ONLY: The TODCO Senior Poets, South of Market's favorite poetry team, is responsible for "Dare We Dream in Concrete," the Official Poem of Yerba Buena Gardens. Read it in its entirety, etched in stone, on Mission St. between Third and Fourth. The Poets -- ranging in age from 70 to 90 years old -- reflect the vibrant diversity of San Francisco, sharing the poetry of their lives and giving voice to universal themes of aging, culture and community. Hear them read on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm.
Location: Yerba Buena Gardens, 701 Mission St., SF, 415.978.ARTS

San Jose Poetry Slam
The South Bay's only weekly poetry slam is brought to you by Aural Tradition. Sign-ups are open to all for these two round competitions for cash prizes and fun is guaranteed wether you perform, judge, or just relax with BBQ, a full bar, and "The Word". Every week we also have a touring poet come in for a featured reader slot. And the first Tuesday of every month is College Night! Students get priority sign-up and an extra dollar off at the door! Every Tuesday at 8:30 pm. Sign-ups at 8 pm, $6 cover/$5 students, 18+ only.
Location: WAVES Smokehouse & Saloon, 65 Post St., San Jose, 408.885.9283; sanjoseslam@auraltradition.com

The Whole Note Poetry Series
This Berkeley open mic is hosted by Jesse Beagle on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Featured reader at 7 pm followed by open-mic readings.
Location: The Whole Note, 2925 College Ave. (near Ashby), Berkeley, 510.549.9093

WEDNESDAYS

10 Kweens & A Mic!
Every fourth Wednesday, 7pm. Featuring 10 of the Bay's most Fenominaly Female performing artists, and open mic for women and those who love them. Host/coordinator Paradise. For more info contact paradise@promoteunity.com
Location: La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley

Berzerkeley Open Slam
A multi-round of open slams, featuring local and touring poets grace the Berzerkeley Open Slam. Spontaneous eruptions of haiku have been known to occur, so be warned! For a friendly, enthusiastic crowd in an Irish pub-type atmosphere, poets compete for not only audience love, but scores, cash or prizes, and a chance to represent Berkeley at the Nationals in 2003 in Chicago! Hosted by Nazelah Jamison, Karen Ladson, Charles Ellik & Dani Eurynome. Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Sign up at 7:30 pm, show from 8:30 pm to 11 pm. $7 admission, $5 with student ID. All ages before 9 pm, 21+ after.
Location: Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510.841.2082

Canvas Cafe
Hey all you performing artists out there, a new Open Mic is starting at The Canvas Cafe every Wednesday Evening beginning in April. This is a great venue that has had music in the past (without permit). They have just gotten the official OK to have music again (with permit) and are planning to do it right. Local bands and DJs will fill out the week of events and this Open Mic could be your opportunity to play for some of those exciting events. The Canvas features tasty food and beverages, including beer and wine, has an on-going Art Show of local artists and in general has a really nice vibe. Because the Canvas is a Cafe this is an all ages venue(a rarity). There are 4,000 square feet of space filled with lots of great people ready to enjoy your performance. So come on out and show us what you got. All types of performance art are welcome, Live music, Poetry and Spoken Word, Dance; they are even planning special film screening nights. Additionally we will be offering live CD recording of this Open Mic with possible inclusion on a new Music Publishing Website and other promotions. Sign up will begin at 7pm on Wednesday evenings (beginning 4/16) and we will plan to start at 7:30. The current format will include 2 previously booked feature acts and at least 2 hours of Open Mic performers, so come early for a good spot. If you are not a performer, come out anyway and enjoy some of the best undiscovered talent (not for long!) the Bay Area has to offer.
Location: The Canvas is located at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, directly across the street from Golden Gate Park, on the Sunset side. 415.504.0060. With GGP so close parking should be easier than other parts of the city and if you're on Muni it is only one block from the N Judah line.

Chicken Grease
Open slam, features and DJ Funklore give an edgy style to this popular event applauded by an enthusiastic crowd. Hosted by Nazelah Jamison and Karen Ladson. First Wednesday of the month. Sign up at 7:30 pm, show from 8:30 pm to 11 pm. $7 admission, $5 with student ID. All ages before 9 pm, 21+ after.
Location: Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510.841.2082

Cultural Café
At the Javah House, you can hear live jazz most nights, but on Wednesdays, it's poetry. Experience open mic from 8 pm to 11 pm. 21+ only; two-drink cover.
Location: The Javah House, 3306 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, 510.836.5282

Mandela Arts Center's Hiphop Lyricism Sessions
Mandela Arts Center was opened by youth and youth adults with the mission of reclaiming hiphop as a culture promoting knowledge, unity, community, social justice, respect and love. Every Wednesday @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm; free, ages 14-22 years old.
Location: Youth Empowerment Center, 1357A 5th St., Oakland, 510.451.5466 x 316

The Poetry Circle
"The Finest Open Mike in the Bay Area" since 1974, Sacred Grounds has hosts this long-lived poetry reading, which includes a featured reader followed by an open mic. Every Wednesday from 7 pm to 9:30 pm.
Location: Sacred Grounds, 2095 Hayes St. (at Cole), SF, 415.387.3859

Café Poetry
This Berkeley cultural center hosts a lively blend of poetry, prose, open mic and music. The first, second and fourth Wednesdays are for featured readers and open mic, the third Wednesday is for poetry accompanied by live acoustic music and the fifth Wednesday, when it occurs, is for prose open mic. $2 to $5 donation requested. First Wednesdays are hosted by Youth Speaks/Living Word. Every Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
Location: La Peña Cultural Center, Vafé Valparaiso, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510.849.2568

Savoy Tivoli Reading Series
Wednesdays (except no reading 3rd Wednesday of the month), 8 p.m. Feature is followed by an open mike hosted by Mark Schwartz. Free. For info, 510.526.5985, or Email sciaf@yahoo.com. Every Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
Location: Savoy Tivoli, 1434 Grant Ave. (bet. Green & Union), San Francisco, CA 94133, 415.362.7023

SheSpeaks Oakland
Hosted by Mama Bears Women's Books, SheSpeaks occurs every Wednesday, with a different format each week: the first Wednesday is strictly open mic, hosted by Juicy Me; the second Wednesday, hosted by founder Shauna Brown, features a performer followed by open mic; the third Wednesday, hosted by Karen X, also features a performance and open mic. Featured performances run 30-45 minutes and begin at 7:45 pm; open-mic participants are asked to limit their material to 5 minutes. Women 18 and over, $5 donation requested.
Location: Mama Bears Women's Books, 6536 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 510.428.9684

Soul Sistah's Kitchen
Women rule the roost at this montly open mic + dinner performance. Only female artists say, sing, drum, dance or whatever is on their minds and in their hearts! Spoken word on Wednesday and Friday. Call for full details.
Location: The Jahva House, 3304 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, 510.836.5282

Spoken-Word Salon
On Wednesdays, this café/Laundromat becomes a forum for spoken word. Hosted by Diamond Dave Whitaker. Sign-ups at 8 pm; show at 8:30 pm. For more information, read Sophia Hanifah's Poetics Profile.
Location: Brainwash Café & Laundromat, 1126 Folsom St., SF, 415.864.3842

Walden Pond Books
This Oakland used book store opens its doors to open-mic poetry and the occasional featured reader on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at, from 8 pm to 10 pm.
Location: Walden Pond Books, 3316 Grand Ave. (@ Mandana Blvd.), Oakland, 510.832.4438

The Word Dancing Project
From poetry diva Jeanne Powell comes this new monthly event: foot-stomping poetry and prose. Second Wednesday of every other month (Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec), from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm. 21+ only, $5 cover.
Location: Edinburgh Castle, Upstairs at the Castle, 950 Geary St. (@ Larkin), SF, 415.885.4074

THURSDAYS

Where Words Sustain Us
This Oakland slam, the first weekly Bay Area show, exists as a platform to empower the voices of Oakland and the Bay Area. The show features open slam, performance spoken word and open mic, plus a great band and local and touring features. Hosted by Sonia Whittle & guests. Best Open Mic in Oakland, hosted by YADDOS, takes place the first and third Thursdays of the month. The Oakland Poetry Slam, hosted by Sonia and Kenny, is on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Doors at 9 pm; show at 9:30 pm. $6 (except during Slam Finals).
Location: Black Box Theater, 1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 510.451.1932; info@oaklandpoetry.net

BeatsFlowsVideos Young Emcees Open Mic
Come check out the some of the rawest, most innovative word artists this side of the Mississippi. Hosted by various students of Black Dot Artists' Beats, Flows & Videos Afterschool Program. Every Thursday at 7 pm; $5.
Location: Black Dot Café, 1431 23rd Ave. (@ International Blvd.), Oakland, 510.532.8559, mdiallo@pcmagic.net

Dishwater Cabaret
This spacious Potrero Basin café serves delicious food and boasts a cozy back patio open to smokers and dogs alike. Open mic poetry and music. Sign up at 7:30, performances at 8 pm.
Location: Atlas Café, 3049 20th Street (near Florida), SF, 415.648.1047

Listen & Be Heard
Listen & Be Heard, a weekly open mic and jam session, includes a featured reader and a featured band, followed by open mic for both music and poetry. Thursdays, 9 pm - 12 am, $5.
Location: Rafael's Bar, 301 Nebraska St. (corner of Nebraska & Sonomo Streets), Vallejo, 707.645.1333

Poet Skool!
With featured readers, open mic, and live music, poetry, theater, improv is still happening every Thursday night. The new time is 6 to 9pm! Hosted by Paradise. Workshops and Open Mic sign-ups from 6 to 7pm. For more info contact paradise@promoteunity.com
Location: Cafe 1428, 1428 Alice street, in the Alice arts center, downtown Oakland

Poetry at San Francisco's Hippest New Arts Hotel
EVERY THURSDAY 6-8PM. Hosts: Jeanne Powell, Phillip T. Nails, with special guests each week. $3 donation requested, no one turned away. For more info, visit http://www.artworksf.com
Location: HOTEL COSMO, 761 Post/Jones, SF

Poetry Mission
The Poetry Mission started in June of 2000 with a small group of five lounging in the living room of San Francisco attorneys Phoenix Streets and Thorn Ndaizee Meweh. The diverse group of newly acquainted writers quickly formed a lively bond of friendship dedicated to expressive and abundant writing. That night, ideas of guerilla poetry, soap box proclamations, poetry TV, educational programs and open mic sessions were tossed around and exchanged. The poetry dreamers decided that they were going to take poetry out of the usual venues and take it where it's never been before. Today, The Poetry Mission offers a weekly open mic hosted by Harvey on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 7 pm to 9 pm. 21+ only.
Location: Dalva, 3121 16th St., SF, 415.252.7740

Poetry Saloon
Poetry Saloon is where people get drunk on poetry. Bring your own poems and poems by others to share. Host Gail Ford opens her home to this poetry reading circle every second Friday of the month at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit www.matson-ford.com, email gail@matson-ford.com or call 510.450.0640.
Location: 472 44th St. (near Telegraph Ave.), Oakland, 510.450.0640

Poetz Skool
Even poets have to learn their trade ... join host Paradise for a weekly spoken-word workshop and reading. Paradise provides tips on topics ranging from memorization to writing on themes, and is happy to answer any questions from the audience. Sign-ups at 7 pm, workshop and reading from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
Location: Café 1428, 1428 Alice St., Oakland, 510.251.1428

Tourettes Without Regrets
Psychotic Vaudeville hosted by Jamie Kennedy & Geoff Trenchard featuring: The Suicide Kings, freestyle battles, freakshow performers, and more! First Thursday of the Month, 8:30 PM, $6-$10 Oakland Metro- 201 Broadway (@ 2nd street, Jack London Square, Oakland).
Tourettes Without Regrets: voted best of the Bay 2003 by The SF Bay Guardian!
Location: The Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway St., (@ 2nd St., near Jack London Square), Oakland, 510.763.1146; tongueartillery@hotmail.com

FRIDAYS

Arise...
Arise... is a monthly open-mic joint for conscious hip hop, spoken word and poetry in Oakland that strives to provide a friendly, positive environment in which to build a strong, revolutionary, anti-authoritarian culture. Arise... is a not-for-profit event; all proceeds go to benefit RACE (Revolutionary Anti-Authoritarians of Color), a Bay Area-based group for anti-authoritarian activists/organizers of color. Open-mic sign-up at 8:30 pm. All ages. Third Friday of the month. $5; no one turned away for lack of funds.
Location: Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, 510.540.0751

Café International
A mix of poetry and music every Friday. Featured reader at 8 pm followed by open mic (sign-ups at 7:45 pm).
Location: Café International, 508 Haight St., SF, 415.474.6159

Final Fridays
Come kick it with the poets, DJs and friends with a little music, some poetry and lots of good times at Youth Speaks's Teen Poetry Slam. The last Friday of the month. This under-21 open mic was conceived, run and presented by members of Spokes, Youth Speaks's all-youth Board and internship program. Open to anyone -- but no one over the age of 21 is allowed on the microphone! The evening begins with a poetry slam at 7 pm and ends with a groove session afterward.
Location: Youth Speaks/Living Word Center, 2169 Folsom St. (between 17th & 18th), SF, 415.255.9035

mikl-em's First Frickin' Fridays
This series is focused on artists of the moment from the area codes near the Bay. Writers and performers in close view and in conversation on the first Friday of every other month at 21 Grand in downtown Oakland, curated and hosted by playwright, poet and Tentacle Session co-creator mikl-em. It's like seeing an artist on a talk show, but without the TV glass getting between you. 8:30 pm, every first Friday of the month. $5 to $10, sliding scale.
Location: 21 Grand, 449B 23rd St. (between Broadway and Telegraph), Oakland, 510.444.7263

Ohana Open Mic
Open mic by Asian/Pacific Islander, American & other communities of color: performance, commentary and more. the second Friday of the month; sign up at 7 pm. Donations welcome.
Location: Pro Arts Gallery, 461 9th St., Oakland, 510.693.9766

Old-New Poets Open Reading Series
Open mic for poets old and new, with an occasional featured reader. Every Friday from 1 pm to 2 pm.
Location: North Berkeley Senior Center, Workshop A, 1901 Hearst (at MLK Way), Berkeley, 510.981.5190

Open Shout
Rumor has it that frustrated stand-up comedians frequent this reading. Open poetry, comedy, spoken word and staged readings, hosted by Tony Sparks. Every Friday, 10:30 pm - 12 am; free.
Location: Java Source, 343 Clement St. (at 5th Ave.), SF, 415.387.8025

Poetry & Pizza
Poetry & Pizza meets the first Friday of each month at Escape from New York Pizza. Free pizza to all comers. Donations benefit an organization of the featured poets' choice. Your $5 also gets you free pizza ... hence the event's slogan, "pizza is free; poetry is priceless!" The first Friday of the month at 7:30 pm.
Location: Escape from New York Pizza, 333 Bush St. (at Montgomery), SF, 415.421.0700

SATURDAYS

Bay Area Poets Coalition
Bay Area Poets Coalition (BAPC) open reading, everyone welcome, the first Saturday of each month, 3 pm to 5 pm. Call 510.527.9905 or email Poetalk@aol.com.
Location: Berkeley Public Library, West Berkeley Branch, 1125 University Ave. (at San Pablo), Berkeley, 510.981.6100

Coffee Break R & R
Opera Piccola presents a staged reading and open mic for poetry. Third Saturday of the month from 4 pm to 5:15 pm. Free -- and includes refreshments!
Location: Oakland Public Library, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave., Oakland, 510.658.0967

Dishwater Cabaret
This spacious Potrero Basin café serves delicious food and boasts a cozy back patio, welcome to smokers and dogs alike. Open mic poetry and music. Sign up at 6:30 pm, performances at 7 pm.
Location: Atlas Café, 3049 20th St. (near Florida), SF, 415.648.1047

Fierce Words Tender
Because your inner goddess wants to come out and play! Spoken word, music, storytelling and more abound at this sizzling yet supportive venue for ANY WOMAN who wants to share her work. Newcomers welcomed! TS/TG women get a spe-shul smile. Fierce Words Tender takes place the second Saturday of each month, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. For more information, email FierceMiri@aol.com or visit www.angelfire.com/de/fierceness.
Location: Sisterspirit Bookstore, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, 408.293.9372

Mango Mic
The Bay Area's Asian American open mic is on every second Saturday of the month. 8 pm to 11 pm, sign ups at 7:30 pm. Hosted by SF Station's Ching-In Chen. All ages welcome; donation requested. For more information, email aaopenmic@yahoo.com
Location: Pusod, 1808 Fifth St., Berkeley, 415.883.1808

New Poetry Series
Mark Schwartz hosts this poetry series with a weekly featured reader, followed by an open mic. For more information, call 415.905.8837. Every Saturday from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Location: Caffe Sempione, 641 Vallejo (bet. Stockton & Columbus), San Francisco, 415.362.6317

Rhythm & Muse
Rhythm & Muse takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month in the Berkeley Art Center gallery. The series consists of featured readers and open mic with sign up at 6:30 pm and the performance commencing at 7 pm. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Location: Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St., Berkeley, 510.644.6893

Second Saturdays' Spokenword Spectacular!
Every second Saturday of the month, 3pm. Have your performance video taped for Tv and your own personal archives. Hosted by paradise. For more info contact paradise@promoteunity.com
Location: House of Unity, located on the 2nd floor of Eastmont Mall, adjacent to the library, on 73rd and Bancroft, Oakland

SUNDAYS

Hubbub: Queer Spoken Word
Open mike follows featured readers; bring one piece (prose, poetry, or whatever) of not more than five minutes to read. Third Sunday of the month; signup is at 2:30 pm; reading at 3 pm. Hosted by Larry-bob. All ages; $3 donation -- no one turned away for lack of funds. For more information, visit www.holytitclamps.com/hubbub or email larrybob@io.com.
Location: Hyena Playhouse, 2390 Mission Street, Suite #10, cross st. is 20th., SF, 415.821.3601

InVerse
A new show hosted by Karen Ladson, formerly of Birth of Verse, which kicks off on Sunday, March 16th (and every third Sunday of the month thereafter).The show formerly known as Strictly Slam is now called InVerse. DJ Manny Black spins. The cover is $6, 21+. Doors @ 7:30, show @ 8:00.
Location: Club Galia, 2565 Mission St. (@ 22nd), San Francisco

Kepler's Open Mic
Read your own work or listen to the many talented poets in our community. Time limitation depends upon the number of people reading. First Sunday every month at 7 pm; sign-ups at 6 pm.
Location: Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650.324.4321

Last Sunday Poetry Reading
The San Jose Art League poetry reading is held on the last Sunday of the month, 7 pm to 9:30 pm. A featured poet is followed by an open mic. All genres and styles are welcome. For more information, visit http://www.sjal.org/.
Location: Barda's Coffee and Cafe, 1820 W. Campbell Ave. (in the Kirkwood Plaza), Campbell, 408.370.1477

Marin Poetry Center Open Reading
The Marin Poetry Center, in coordination with Artisans Gallery, presents free monthly readings on the last Sunday of each month, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Please bring five minute's worth of poems relating (or not) to the theme. To read, or for information: RSVP Gloria Rodriguez, 510.758.4604 or gr9540@juno.com.
Location: Artisans Art Gallery, 78 East Blithedale, Mill Valley, 415.388.2044

Open Mic with Girl George
Girl George hosts open mic for poets & other performance artists every Sunday at 10 pm.
Location: The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave. (between Grand & 24th), Oakland, 510.444.6174

Q'vetsh: Queer Open Mic
Lynn Breedlove and Tara Jepson host SF's longest-running queer-only open mic. The first Sunday of every month. $1 - $3 donation, over 21 only. Sign-up at 7:30 pm, show at 8 pm.
Location: Sadie's Flying Elephant, 491 Potrero St. (on the corner of Mariposa), SF, 415.551.7988

Second Sundays
Open slam intermingled with open mic. Art, music, the living word and features, including Youth Speaks superstars, local favorites and touring poets. At 350+ enthusiastic audience members per night, Second Sundays is easily the largest regular poetry slam in the world today. Hosted by SeeKing & Darcy Harris. Sign up at 7:30 pm, show from 8 pm to 11 pm. $6 before 9 pm, $10 after, 21+ only.
Location: Storyville, 1751 Fulton St., SF, 415.441.1751

Second Sunday Poetry at Crockett
Featured poet(s), followed by open mic, then jazz from the Terry Henry trio. Every second Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Features have included Ruth Daigon, Forrest Hamer, Lynne Knight, Robert Sward; open mic from dozens of Carquinez Strait and wider Bay Area poets. For more information, e-mail the host at davidalpaugh@attbi.com.
Location: Valona Deli, 1323 Pomona Street, Crockett

Sweetie's Open Mic
Sweetie's hosts a weekly open mic. Every Sunday at 6-8 pm.
Location: Sweetie's, 475 Francisco St. (between Powell & Mason), SF, 415.433.2343. For more info call 510.526.5985