The "Inspired Word" of NYC

 "Looking for a special open mic in downtown Manhattan?

Come to one of the hottest open mics in the country - a stage graced by Grammy nominated singers, HBO Def Poetry stars, American Idol finalists, Golden Globe Award-winning actresses, and poets from The Best American Poetry anthology." - The Inspired Word Blog

Deemed the "country's top venue of the year" by the annual spoken word billboard awards, the Inspired word is an elite open mic series open to all NYC performing artists. Michael Phillip Geffner (founder, producer, and director of the series) has brought together a family of lyrical, poetic, and musical artists in the tri-state area of New York to create this authentically fulfilling open mic experience.

The Inspired Word Family 10.01.2012

This weekly open mic founded in 2009 lives up to it's name. Performing with the Inspired word family has been continuously educating and inspiring. Several times a week I am provided with the opportunity to show case my talents, network with fellow artists, gain exposure, and perfect my craft/ stage presence.

Performing at the Inspired Word 09.19.2012

My first encounter with the Inspired Word family was on Wednesday, September 19th at their weekly venue on 116 Macdougal St (between Bleecker St and Minetta Lane). It was a cozy little cave in Greenwich Village, equip with a small stage, scattered seating, and full bar. The environment reminded me of a speakeasy,  invoking the feeling of revolutionary secrecy. I had done a little research on Geffner before attending the event and he gave me a firm and pleasant hand shake when I walked in and signed up for the open mic.

The show and overall evening was well worth the 10$ cover charge. I nervously sipped on affordable cocktails and wine from the bar while awaiting my turn to perform. The talent was more and more engaging and amusing as the night went on. There were performances from polished comedians such as David Rey Martinez and Pierre Fontenelle. I was in awe of the amazing featured artists of the night, award winning Mariposa (Maria Teresa Fernandez) and Sandy McIntyre (aka Astmaat). Blown away by the energetic performance by musical artist Keon Torres, I realized I might be closing out the show. Turns out I actually was the very last performer of the night, but I was met with friendly and encouraging applause before and following my performance.

Since that first time I have been faithfully attending the Inspired Word open mic events and performing weekly with my Inspired word family. I can honestly say that I have grown as an artist and a performer by being involved in this series and anyone with 10 bucks and something to say can equally benefit from participating.

The Inspired word weekly venues currently include; 

• 116 MacDougal Street (between Bleecker Street and Minetta Lane), Manhattan NY -- Every Wednesday night 7 - 10pm NO AGE LIMIT.
• One and One / Nexus lounge, 76 East 1st Street (corner of 1st ave), Manhattan, NY -- Every Monday night 7-11pm NO AGE LIMIT.
• Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street (between Avenue B and C), Manhattan NY - The FIRST Tuesday of every month, 9pm - Midnight NO AGE LIMIT.
• The Gallery at LPR (le Poisson Rouge), 158 Bleecker Street (Between Sullivan and Thompson), Manhattan NY Please check the website: http://inspiredwordnyc.com/ for more info and dates of this venue.
• Soho Playhouse: Titillating Tongues erotic series, 15 Vandam St Manhattan NY. Certain Tuesdays of the month (Check website) 7:30pm - 8:00pm 18+++

There is a cover charge for each venue and for more information visit the inspired word website; http://inspiredwordnyc.com/ or blog; inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/

Photo taken by Michael Geffner