The PoetSmiley’s inaugural Bless the Mic slam poetry contest was held on June 14 at the WCR Center for the Arts in Reading.
The sold-out event drew poets and audiences from across Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, Pottstown, Lancaster, New York and Pittsburgh, creating a powerful showcase of spoken word talent that left a lasting mark on the city’s cultural landscape.
The high-energy competition brought together current and former Poet Laureates, alongside rising stars of the slam poetry scene. The poets delivered raw, passionate performances that captivated both judges and attendees, demonstrating the transformative power of the spoken word.
The winners: First, Tiara Baines; second, Alonzo Harris; and third, Anthony Orozco.
In addition to the poetry, the event featured live painting and local vendors, creating an immersive arts experience that blended visual, literary and community expression.
Organizers and participants alike hope that the success of Bless the Mic will inspire continued collaboration and growth within Reading’s creative community and beyond.
The contest was judged by award-winning author Lizette Epps; City Councilman Jaime Baez; Seleda Simmons of The Real Deal 610; Tiffany The Poet Fairy (New Jersey); Brad Waples of CustomIT; and poet Jay Smoov (New Jersey).
Art
Abilities In Motion will be holding an art show on July 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with the theme of Celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Abilities in Motion invites submissions of artwork from Pennsylvania residents with disabilities. Participating artists can submit up to three pieces of art for the open call by emailing AimArtShow@abilitiesinmotion.org of mailing a printed application with printed photos of their artwork to Abilities In Motion, 755 Hiesters Lane, Reading, Pa. 19605. The submission deadline is June 30.
A diverse team of disability advocates and arts professionals will jury submissions based on creativity, originality and craftsmanship. Submissions must represent the artist’s response to this year’s theme.
Events
Evil Dead in Concert is coming to the Santander Performing Arts Center on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Get tickets at ticketmaster.com.
Music
Owen Kueny-Rongione, a student at Gov. Mifflin Middle School has been selected for the Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Owen will perform on Friday with the Honors Junior Choir. Participation in the Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated young performers from across the world.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime, I am excited to experience this with my fellow musicians at Carnegie Hall this summer,” Owen said. “I am so thankful for the support of my family and my music teachers, especially Sanna Wooten and Jennifer Scott.”
He auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was recently accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication and achievements demonstrated in the application and audition recording.
“Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing,” said Marion Gomez, music director for the Honors Performance Series. “We processed nearly 10,000 nominations this year and have selected the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at these renowned music halls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians will never forget.”
Tickets can be purchased through the Carnegie Hall box office.
