Austin’s poetry scene will come alive this Saturday with a special open mic event titled “Free Verse,” celebrating Juneteenth at The Vortex. Renowned poet Jasmine Games is set to perform, bringing her unique perspective on freedom, social issues, and personal struggles to the stage.
“Juneteenth is a celebration, marking the freedom of slaves who did not know that they were free,” Games explained. “For me, I feel like right now what we need is joy. What we need is a reason to be able to breathe, to celebrate and to commune.”
From 8 to 10 p.m., Games and fellow poets from the every.Word collective will come together for this vibrant celebration. Hosted by Tender René, the event aims to spotlight Black poets and musicians, featuring a musical set from DJ Jo.
“The event is going to be a really good time,” said Melissa McKnight, managing director of The Vortex. “There will be some remarkable poetry, fantastic music, and an opportunity to connect with the community in a relaxed celebration of Juneteenth.”
Poets interested in performing can sign up at the box office outside the theater. Games, who is also a finalist for Austin poet laureate and co-executive director of The Poet House, will be among those reading their work.
The Poet House established the every.Word initiative, which Games describes as filling a crucial gap in Austin’s poetry community by uplifting a historically Black and underfunded art form. The program hosts open mic events on the first three Mondays of each month, culminating in the annual “Free Verse” event to honor Juneteenth.
Following the main event, an afterparty at the Butterfly Bar will take place from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., featuring drinks and a DJ set.
Games emphasizes that the event is meant to be a joyful protest, celebrating community and connection. “I think sometimes when we think about protest, we see it as angry and sometimes violent, and I think there are ways for the Black community to protest that looks like our happiness,” she said. “That protest looks like us getting together, having fun, sharing stories, dancing, having something to drink, having something to eat and being a community that holds each other.”
“Free Verse” is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, with tickets ranging from $15 to $39.
