Mic Check Poetry Fest Showcase
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Mic Check Poetry Fest is proud to partner with The Hancher to present our festival showcase featuring Rudy Francisco, Outspoken Bean, and teen poets from IC Speaks.
With: Rudy Francisco, Outspoken Bean, IC Speaks
Date: Friday, Nov 8
Time: 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm
Location: Hancher Auditorium / Strauss Hall / Cabaret
Tickets:
- $15 for adults 19+
- $10 for college students with college ID
- Pre-paid to Fest Pass holders
- Free to youth 13-18 with ID
Register Now
Advance registration is required even if you are a teen or have purchased a Fest Pass.
Rudy Francisco
Rudy Francisco is one of the most recognizable names in Spoken Word Poetry. He has been the 2009 National Underground Poetry Slam Champion, the 2010 Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, and the 2017 National Poetry Slam Champion. He’s performed his poems on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and penned six collections of poetry, including Excuse Me As I Kiss the Sky (Button Poetry 2024), I’ll Fly Away (Button Poetry 2020), and Helium (Button Poetry 2017). The accolades are impressive, but his performances are another thing altogether. His viral poetry videos have won millions of views, and he tours the United States performing his work to sold out crowds. Blending social critique, introspection, honesty, and humor, Francisco’s performances light up the stage while illuminating the interconnectedness of us all.
Outspoken Bean
Spoken word poet Emanuelee Bean is known—appropriately enough—as Outspoken Bean, and has been Houston’s Poet Laureate (2021-2023) and a recipient of an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship. He champions diverse voices and fosters emerging talent by coaching Meta-Four, Houston's youth slam poetry team that was twice crowned International Champion at the 2023 and 2024 Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam. With a global presence, Bean's impact extends beyond poetry, encompassing public speaking and mentorship, culminating in performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall.
IC Speaks
IC Speaks seeks to develop and sustain an inclusive, thriving spoken-word poetry community in Iowa City that empowers youth from all backgrounds to speak their truths.
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