Tag: local poets

Excalibur Poetry // October 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, OCTOBER 25TH
DOORS @ 6PM + SHOW @ 7PM
OPEN MIC LIST OPENS AT 6PM SHARP
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Featuring Tiffani Dean

Host/Photographer: C. R. Hooker
Host: Lindsay Hargrave

 

Follow Excalibur Poetry on Instagram.

 

Tiffani Dean is a performer/poet/playwright, mixed media and doll artist and teaching artist. Her theater work has been seen at The Think Create Inspire Theatre Festival, The Cool Stories Theater Festival, The Bridge PHL Theater Festival, The Philadelphia Art Sanctuary Celebration of Black Art, the SheNYC Summer Theatre Festival and the SheLa Summer Theater Festival and recently in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Story Time for Grown Ups and more. Most recently she has been awarded “Best Playwright” at the 2025 Atlanta Black Theater Festival.

Artistically her mixed media and dolls art has been in several art galleries and featured at many art festivals across the country for the past 24 years. Tiffani has also been recognized by several news media sources for her creative and innovative way of highlighting the beautiful features and hair of woman and girls of color in both her dolls and mixed media art. In 2025 her dolls were a part of an exhibit of African American Art The Indianapolis Public Library for Black History Month, Recently they were a part of an exhibit called My Skin Is Black installed in city hall of her home town Philadelphia.

She is the CEO of La Diva Dolls, LLC, Co-founder and COO of The Collective Mic Productions, and has been a Philadelphia Art Sanctuary Teaching Artist Fellow. Tiffani calls herself a multidimensional griot who tells stories how ever the stories want to be told and by whatever means they want to be. Whether a book, a play, a poem, painting or even a doll. She just wants the story to come to life

 

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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.

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.

Soup Can Magazine Art + Poetry Pop-Up

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
7PM
NO COVER // FREE FUN
RSVP: FB EVENT | VIP TICKETS: EVENTBRITE

 

Featuring:

Shannon Frost Greenstein

Nikki Hartwell

Jane Rebecca Caneralla

Rachel Frese

Vivian Opal

and special guest Chibbi Orduna

 

Follow Soup Can Magazine and NJ AMP Alliance on Instagram.

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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.

You Can’t Kill A Poet: Open Mic Night // September 2026

Hello, queer poets! We’re back at Tmoms for a very special OPEN MIC NIGHT!

Signups begin at 7:30, and slots are limited, so get there early! Come prepared to share a poem, hang out, and cheer on your fellow readers. We don’t do open mics often, so we’re especially excited to spend the night hearing from all of you. 💜

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH
DOORS @ 7:30PM + SHOW @ 8PM
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Bring a poem. Bring a friend. Come bask in the queer feelings!

 

Follow You Can’t Kill A Poet 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.

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.

Soup Can Magazine Pop-Up Poetry Show

NJ based publication Soup Can Magazine celebrates our Philadelphia artists and writers with a Poetry Pop-Up at Tattooed Mom! There will be a curated poetry reading featuring alumni poets from the magazine, plus an open mic where we’ll be seeking out new voices to grace our pages in upcoming issues! Special guest appearance from our friends at Collide Magazine!

 

MONDAY, JUNE 29TH
7-10PM
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Featuring Soup Can Magazine and Collide Magazine

Follow NJ AMP Alliance 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.

Poetry Reading: Celebrating Childless Millenial by Chiara Di Lello

Chiara Di Lello reads from her debut chapbook Childless Millennial, alongside readings by Philly poets Raena Shirali and Alina Pleskova.

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH
DOORS @ 6:30PM + SHOW @ 7PM
NO COVER // FREE FUN

 

Raena Shirali is the author of two collections of poetry: GILT (YesYes Books, 2017) and summonings (Black Lawrence Press, 2022). Raena’s accolades include a Yaddo Fellowship, a Pushcart Prize and poetry prizes from Gulf Coast, Boston Review, & Cosmonauts Avenue. She lives in Philadelphia and is thus contractually obligated to say, “Go birds.” Instagram: @raenashirali

Alina Pleskova is the author ofToska (Deep Vellum), a 2024 Lambda Literary Award finalist in LGBTQ+ poetry. You can find her work in various places, and her spirit in the astral realm. More at: alinapleskova.com Instagram: @alina_pleskova

Chiara Di Lello is a writer and teacher based in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her debut chapbook Childless Millennial (Game Over Books, 2026) explores ancestry, gender, and the complexities of being childfree. necessarymess.wordpress.com Instagram: @whereskiwi

 

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What’s Up at TMoms:

• Thursdays, 4-10pm | we support bad decisions but this isn’t one of them. 75¢ pierogis all day for Pierogi Thursday … with all the toppings & sauces ur heart desires + $3 cans of 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.

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.

 

 

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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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