Our monthly open mic night invites emerging artists from campus and the community to showcase their work alongside engaging, intriguing, and always impressive spoken word poets from the national scene.
Hosted by acclaimed spoken word performer Lyrical Faith, Bright Moments Spoken Word Night invariably offers a mix of lively, inspiring, and thought-provoking poets as well as DJ entertainment and more. Details on each month’s featured guest performers are announced on the Fine Arts Center website as soon as they’re confirmed.
Wesley Frazier-Keys
Thursday, September 25, 6 p.m.
Two-time Chicago Grand Slam champion Wesley Frazier-Keys is a native of Chicago's South Side, a proud graduate of Chicago Public Schools, and a prominent poet and spoken word artist and educator. In 2015, Frazier-Keys placed sixth out of two hundred poets at the Southern Fried Poetry Festival; in 2018, he coached Chicago’s team at the National Poetry Slam; and in 2021, he once again reached the finals at the Southern Fried Poetry Festival. Frazier-Keys is a member of the nonprofit poetry organization, The Collective. His work often reflects personal experiences and cultural heritage, as showcased in performances like "Granny's Pie.”
Open mic sign-up 5:30 p.m.
Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts lobby
Free and open to the public. Registration required.
Ten Thousand and Bianca L. McGraw
Thursday, October 30, 6 p.m.
Bianca L. McGraw is a multimedia installation/performance artist, poet, educator, higher education advocate, and diversity presenter. They use art, poetry, and performance to discuss identity, diversity, and personal, societal, and communal experiences. McGraw has showcased their messages in the United States, Canada, France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Marquis “Ten Thousand” Burton is a poet, visual artist, and educator from Buffalo, New York. He dedicates his creative energy to helping adults and children discover their creative voices, while mentoring local poets and poetry teams competing on international and national stages. Offstage, Ten Thousand collaborates with artists to curate multimedia experiences that explore healing, joy, and the human experience.
Open mic sign-up 5:30 p.m.
Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts lobby
Free and open to the public. Registration required.
Carvens Lissaint
Thursday, February 26, 6 p.m.
Carvens Lissaint is a Haitian American award-winning poet, actor, and speaker best known for portraying George Washington in Broadway’s Hamilton. His work spans stage, screen, and the classroom, including features on Hulu, TV One, and NBA on TNT, and three poetry collections: The Inspiration: From Heart to Page, Golgotha, and Target Practice. A dedicated arts educator and minister, Lissaint has taught and spoken at schools and organizations nationwide, merging artistry, faith, and purpose to inspire audiences of all ages.
Open mic sign-up 5:30 p.m.
Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts lobby
Free and open to the public. Registration required.
Arrie Lane
Thursday, April 30, 6 p.m.
Detroit native Arrie Lane, 2023 Motown Mic Spoken Word Artist of the Year, is an award-winning poet, actress, writer, and educator whose work bridges performance, mental wellness, and community impact. Her poetry appears in films on Amazon Prime; her spoken-word short UnTIE-tled centers mental health awareness; and her debut album Organized Chaos Vol. 1 and book Unorthodox Paradox explore faith, identity, and intentional living. Beyond the stage, Lane partners with schools and organizations to lead youth workshops, internships, and creative learning experiences, empowering the next generation to find their voice, power, and purpose.
Open mic sign-up 5:30 p.m.
Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts lobby
Free and open to the public. Registration required.