Before heading to Nashville this week, I did what any traveling poet might do—I searched for gluten-free pizza and open mics. While I found plenty of pizza, most open mics were geared toward singer-songwriters. A helpful Reddit thread led me to Matt Awesome, a local storyteller and spoken word artist who hosts a welcoming, genre-blending stage at Fran’s Eastside. Fran’s is a cash-only dive bar with a big-hearted vibe—a regular crew that earnestly welcomes fresh faces through the door. I imagine any space Matt curates carries that same generous spirit. I had ten minutes on the mic alongside a great mix of performers (yes, several singer-songwriters—and we love them too!) to represent Vermont poets. I hope I delivered at least a sprinkle of our magic!
Joy
she/her
[Photos: Fran’s Eastside, Nashville TN, May 2025.]