Rutgers Camden Presents: A Night of Poetry and Prose

Current students from the Rutgers-Camden MFA Program will read from their works in progress, across all genres.

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD
DOORS @ 6PM + READING @ 7PM
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Lineup:

Meghan Hernandez
Lauren Parks
Evan Saltare
Bronwen Everill
Owen Edwards
Char O’Dair-Gadler
Hannah Ratner

 

Follow Rutgers-Camden Writers House on Instagram.

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Wednesday, 4-10pm | they’re a smash hit for a reason. Smash Burgers (classic or vegan) every Wednesday for just $6!! u heard that right! + $3 PBR! RUN!!!

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

Excalibur Poetry // August 2026

Excalibur is the sword given to Arthur by the lady in the lake. It is the legendary sword used to defend against colonialism and oppression. Our guiding principles are the same. This is a place to wield your words against the forces that would rather see us dead.

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30TH
DOORS @ 6PM + SHOW @ 7PM
OPEN MIC LIST OPENS AT 6PM SHARP
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Lineup:
Scott Sigl
Ilyssa Goldsmith

Hosts:
C. R. Hooker
Lindsay Hargrave

 

Follow Excalibur Poetry on Instagram.

 

Philadelphia-based poet Ilyssa Goldsmith writes at the crossroads of myth, memory, and female desire. She is a professional educator pursuing a master’s in Secondary English Education with an ESL certificate. Ilyssa believes language can illuminate discovery, healing, and return. Letters on the Way Home is her second poetry collection.

 

 

Scott Sigl is a musician, poet, and teacher in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area. He has represented and coached Philadelphia multiple times at the National Poetry Slam, and Rowan University at the College National Slam. He was president of Rowan‘s poetry and hip-hop collective Lyrical Alliance for two years.

His poetry explores his unquenchable curiosity around spiritual ideas and the absurdity of human existence with a style ranging from emotionally raw to incredibly silly.

Scott has also been a working musician and private music instructor for over a decade. Come see his video game jazz show The Zelda Project Tuesday September 8th at Nostalgia Fishtown!

 

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Sundays, All Day Long | if u didn’t get glitter in ur drink did you even craft sunday? Craft Sundays at TMoms every sunday, play both upstairs and downstairs. u heard me, both.

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

Con Air: A Live Reading

Put the bunny back in the box…

Nicolas Cage. John Malkovich. Ving Rhames. Mid-Air explosions. What more could you ask for? How about all of it done live and in person at your favorite sticker-clad bar?

Join us on August 17th at Tattooed Mom as we witness Nic Cage doing his thing and convicts giving some FBI agents what they probably deserve. So buckle up, put those trays up, and prepare for take off with this absolutely insane 90s action classic.

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 17TH
7PM
VIP TICKETS: $15
>> NOTAFLOF <<

 

Directed by Adam Howard

Follow Theatre Contra on Instagram.

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Mondays, 4-11pm | mom’s marvelous meatless mondays?? Say it 3 times fast and see what happens. we dare u. Meatless Monday is here at TMoms from open ’till close. See what’s on special this month!

Mondays, Upstairs 6-11pm | cue ball as bright as ur future. Free Pool Mondays upstairs at TMoms continues!

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

Excalibur Poetry // July 2026

Excalibur is the sword given to Arthur by the lady in the lake. It is the legendary sword used to defend against colonialism and oppression. Our guiding principles are the same. This is a place to wield your words against the forces that would rather see us dead.

 

SUNDAY, JULY 26TH
DOORS @ 6PM + SHOW @ 7PM
OPEN MIC LIST OPENS AT 6PM SHARP
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Featuring:
Dustin Wright

 

Hosts:
Linsday Hargrave
CR Hooker

 

Follow Excalibur Poetry on Instagram.

 

Dustin Wright hails from somewhere between the Mississippi River delta and the North Mississippi hill country. He attended the University of Mississippi and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing in 2019. He moved to West Philadelphia in 2023, but his poetry can only come from Mississippi.

 

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Sundays, All Day Long | if u didn’t get glitter in ur drink did you even craft sunday? Craft Sundays at TMoms every sunday, play both upstairs and downstairs. u heard me, both.

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

But I’m A Cheerleader: A Live Reading (2nd Performance!)

Oh my god, they were right. I’m a homo!

Theatre Contra is kicking off Pride Month the only way we know how…with a very gay movie reading! What better reading than the cult classic BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER? That’s right, we’re praying homophobia away at Tattooed Mom, so get ready for a night of pastel propaganda, innuendos, and endless cheerleaders jumping in slow motion.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 22ND
7-9PM
VIP TICKETS: $15
>> NOTAFLOF <<

 

Directed by Adaeze Nwoko

 

Artist Lineup:

 

Follow Theatre Contra on Instagram.

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Mondays, 4-11pm | mom’s marvelous meatless mondays?? Say it 3 times fast and see what happens. we dare u. Meatless Monday is here at TMoms from open ’till close. See what’s on special this month!

Mondays, Upstairs 6-11pm | cue ball as bright as ur future. Free Pool Mondays upstairs at TMoms continues!

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

But I’m A Cheerleader: A Live Reading

Oh my god, they were right. I’m a homo!

Theatre Contra is kicking off Pride Month the only way we know how…with a very gay movie reading! What better reading than the cult classic BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER? That’s right, we’re praying homophobia away at Tattooed Mom, so get ready for a night of pastel propaganda, innuendos, and endless cheerleaders jumping in slow motion.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 8TH
7-9PM
VIP TICKETS: $15
>> NOTAFLOF <<

 

Directed by Adaeze Nwoko

 

Artist Lineup:

 

Follow Theatre Contra on Instagram.

 
 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Mondays, 4-11pm | mom’s marvelous meatless mondays?? Say it 3 times fast and see what happens. we dare u. Meatless Monday is here at TMoms from open ’till close. See what’s on special this month!

Mondays, Upstairs 6-11pm | cue ball as bright as ur future. Free Pool Mondays upstairs at TMoms continues!

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

Excalibur Poetry // June 28th

Excalibur is the sword given to Arthur by the lady in the lake. It is the legendary sword used to defend against colonialism and oppression. Our guiding principles are the same. This is a place to wield your words against the forces that would rather see us dead.

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 28TH
DOORS @ 6PM + SHOW @ 7PM
OPEN MIC LIST OPENS AT 6PM SHARP
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Features:

Cam Simmons

Autumn Tallulah Wolfe

Host:
CR Hooker (IG: @cowboy.jingle)

Follow Excalibur Poetry on Instagram.

 

Autumn Tallulah Wolfe is a transfeminine artist, poet & shit stirrer from Philadelphia. She writes about the mystical, the filthy, the grotesque. Autumn pulls back the veil, allowing her words to be a scrying mirror. If you thought of a body where beauty & horror were the legs, Autumn would be the bloody mound that lies between.

 

 

Cam Simmons is a Philly based poet and writer. Cam particularly loves to explore themes of surrealism, humor, and the nature in poetry. Through all its forms poetry has been Cam’s way of making sense of life and the world around us.

 

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Sundays, All Day Long | if u didn’t get glitter in ur drink did you even craft sunday? Craft Sundays at TMoms every sunday, play both upstairs and downstairs. u heard me, both.

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

Excalibur Poetry // May 31st

Excalibur is the sword given to Arthur by the lady in the lake. It is the legendary sword used to defend against colonialism and oppression. Our guiding principles are the same. This is a place to wield your words against the forces that would rather see us dead.

 

SUNDAY, MAY 31ST
DOORS @ 6PM + SHOW @ 7PM
OPEN MIC LIST OPENS AT 6PM SHARP
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Ayanna J (@simply_ayanna2.0), simply Ayanna she/they is a Black, queer, activist environmentalist and poet who is committed to being love and showing love. Proudly a lesbian and their work highlights their intersectional experiences as a black lesbian, they believe their gift back to the earth is their art, she writes and listens as both witness and kin to the earth and invites others to as well.

 

Aaron Gadbury (@crushedfruit) is a Philadelphia-based poet, performer, and co-producer of House Poet, a spoken word dance party. Originally from South Carolina, Aaron studied English at the University of South Carolina, wrote for The Daily Gamecock, and took the scenic route to Philadelphia by way of Beijing, New York City, and several romantic misadventures.

Aaron’s poetry is funny until it catches itself telling on itself. His work uses linguistic play, layered metaphor, and emotional misdirection to explore desire, shame, human history, family, politics, scientific inquiry, and the humiliating human wish to be witnessed correctly. His poems move between confession and critique, often asking whether vulnerability is intimacy, performance, self-defense, or all three.

His poetry has appeared in Wingless Dreamer Lit, Moonstone Press, and Pennsylvania Bards: A Southeast Poetry Review. He currently lives in Philadelphia, where he writes along the charged border between divulgence and performance, making shame laugh first and tell the truth second.

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Sundays, All Day Long | if u didn’t get glitter in ur drink did you even craft sunday? Craft Sundays at TMoms every sunday, play both upstairs and downstairs. u heard me, both.

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: A Live Reading

BREAD MAKES YOU FAT?!
Yeah, it may, but you know what doesn’t make you fat? A Theatre Contra Live Reading, that’s what! We’ve got 7 evil exes to defeat while avoiding a stalker, a confusing roommate, and an arguably evil sister. So grab your warhammer, collect your coins, and get ready to witness SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD live at Tattooed Mom!

 

MONDAY, MAY 11TH
7-9PM
VIP TICKETS: $15
>> NOTAFLOF <<

 

Directed by Tay Sconiers

Artist Lineup:

 

Follow Theatre Contra on Instagram.

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Mondays, 4-11pm | mom’s marvelous meatless mondays?? Say it 3 times fast and see what happens. we dare u. Meatless Monday is here at TMoms from open ’till close. See what’s on special this month!

Mondays, Upstairs 6-11pm | cue ball as bright as ur future. Free Pool Mondays upstairs at TMoms continues!

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.

Heathers: A Live Reading

My Son’s A Homosexual, And I Love Him…

There’s ONE true queen bee of high-school dark comedy, and that’s HEATHERS. And now, Theatre Contra is taking this cult-classic script of teen angst, croquet, and casual homicide and performing it LIVE!

Get ready for a night of savage one-liners, color-coded tyranny, and a love story so toxic only Winona Ryder could pull it off. So pull on your scrunchies, hop in a go-kart and prepare for an evening of beautifully bitchy mayhem as we bring this deliciously dark masterpiece to life.

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29TH
7-9PM
VIP TICKETS: $15
>> NOTAFLOF <<

 

Directed by John Patouhas

 

Artists/Performers:
Arthur Robinson
Eliza Waterman
Liz Crino
Mariah Ghant
Tay Sconiers

 

Follow Theatre Contra on Instagram.

 

***

What’s Up at TMoms:

Wednesday, 4-10pm | they’re a smash hit for a reason. Smash Burgers (classic or vegan) every Wednesday for just $6!! u heard that right! + $3 PBR! RUN!!!

Daily Happy Hour | $4 drafts every day from 4-6pm, everybody cheered!

Daily Menu | Tattooed Mom will also be serving tasty eats and ice cold drinks all evening.

• Upstairs dining, bar access, and event entry is 21+ w/ valid ID.

• Accessibility at TMoms | Due to the construction of our historical building, Tattooed Mom is only partially accessible. Our event space is on the second floor, which is only accessible via a flight of stairs (20 steps, 3 feet wide, railing on the left side only). For more information, please visit our Accessibility page.