The Olive Tree: A Santa Cruz Poetry Open Mic

The Olive Tree is a public gathering space that honors the deeply rooted tradition of spoken word poetry in Santa Cruz.

Each monthly event includes a free writing workshop, poetry open mic, with a featured reader at the end, highlighting new publications from local writers, as well as the works of touring poets.

Informed by previous public offerings like The Word Church, Kinetic Poetics Project, and Poetry Santa Cruz, host and organizer Gabriel Kittle-Cervine hopes to create a new opportunity for local poets of all ages and cultural backgrounds to express themselves honestly and emphatically on a public stage.

The title of this event — The Olive Tree — is an intentional reference to a living symbol of life and resilience that has been cherished by many cultures for thousands of years, in particular among peoples around the Mediterranean. It is also meant to be a re-imagining of the "olive branch" metaphor, a community experience meant to challenge the differences that keep us in conflict, while presenting an opportunity for us to gather in mutual care for that which gives us life.

Follow @olivetreepoetrymic on Instagram to learn more, and we hope to see you there!

Program

4:30pm - Free Workshop
5:30pm - Sign Up List Opens
6:00pm - Poetry Open Mic
7:00 - Break
7:15pm - Featured Poet

$10 suggested donation for entry
4 minutes per performer
All Vinyl House Music