Tag: live reading

Signs: A Live Reading

Philly’s greatest filmmaker and twist master M. Night Shyamalan made us all believe in crop circles and stay hydrated, so to thank him, we are taking the script of his alien classic SIGNS and doing it LIVE for spooky season! That’s right, grab those baseball bats and swing away on October 13th at Tattooed Mom, because these aliens were so dumb they came to a planet made of 70% of their greatest weakness.

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH
7PM
VIP TICKETS: TICKETLEAP
>> NOTAFLOF <<

 

Directed by Adam Howard

Featuring:

 

Follow Theatre Contra on Instagram.

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What’s Up at TMoms:

• Tuesdays, 4-10pm | it’s tacos. it’s tecate. it’s tuesdays. what more can we say. $1.50 beef or bean tacos every Taco Tuesday + $3 tecate!

• 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.

Skill Shot & The Gender Europhia Duology Book Tour + Open Mic

Join Jinx Leonard as she reads from all three of her books and have a chance to share your work as well!

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH
6-9PM
NO COVER // FREE FUN
RSVP: EVENTBRITE

 

Follow Jinx Leonard on Instagram.

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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 // September 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.

Sharpen your tongue and discover which is mightier, the pen or the sword. May your words be sharp and shine like silver.

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH
DOORS @ 6PM + SHOW @ 9PM
OPEN MIC LIST OPENS AT 6PM SHARP
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Follow Excalibur Poetry on Instagram.

 

Frances Tirado is a writer, dancer, actor and movement director.

Her work has been featured in the New York City Poetry Festival and at the Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Canada. In Pittsburgh, PA, she has performed durational and site-specific choreography with The Blanket, choreographed many strange stage productions, musicals, and short films, and fell in love with salsa dancing.

Frances has written for nonprofits and provided humanitarian support in Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Puerto Rico. She has performed Off Broadway at the Pregones/PRTT theater and performed with Gibney’s Hands Are For Holding program. She is an enthusiastic friend and is led by an unwavering commitment to the truth.

Artist Website/Portfolio:

https://www.frannerisms.com/

 

 

***

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.

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.

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