What Is the ISPS Monthly Open Mic and Reading at Brewed Awakenings?

The Illinois State Poetry Society (ISPS) sponsors a monthly open mic and reading at Brewed Awakenings in Westmont, Illinois. It takes place on the last Sunday of the month from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., features two featured poets, and is free to attend. Wilda Morris leads the event, and ISPS has sponsored it for almost twenty years.

Event Details at a Glance

What Happens at the Event

The session combines two elements:

• An open mic — attendees can read their own poetry.
• Featured poets — two poets are spotlighted at each monthly gathering.

Because the format pairs an open mic with featured readers, it suits both poets who want to share work and listeners who want to hear poetry without performing.

How to Attend

1. Note the date: the last Sunday of the month.
2. Arrive at Brewed Awakenings, 19 W Quincy, Westmont, IL, around 12:30 p.m.
3. The reading runs until 2:30 p.m.
4. No fee is required — the event is free.

If you plan to read at the open mic, arriving at the start gives you time to sign up and settle in before the featured poets begin.

Common Questions

Do I need to be an ISPS member? The source describes the event as free and open, with no membership requirement stated for attending.

How do I confirm a specific month's date? Check the ISPS events calendar, since the last Sunday shifts each month. The organization also maintains a full calendar of events and a chapters and meetings page for other gatherings across Illinois.

Who do I contact with questions? ISPS lists [email protected] as its contact address.

Beyond This Event

ISPS also runs chapter meetings and poetry critiques in public venues and online across Illinois, with chapters including North Suburban, Southern, Champaign, Lisle (Founding), West Suburban, Haiku, and Pontiac (North Central). If the Brewed Awakenings reading doesn't fit your schedule, a chapter meeting may be a closer alternative.