An every.Word Poetry MLK Day Open Mic | Hosted by Ebony Stewart
Schedule
Mon, 19 Jan, 2026 at 08:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
The VORTEX | Austin, TX
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Join us for a special MLK Day edition of the every.Word Poetry Monday Night Open Mic, presented in collaboration with The VORTEX. This annual gathering honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through poetry, music, and performance that uplift Black voices and celebrate art as resistance, truth-telling, and collective liberationHosted by acclaimed poet, playwright, and artivist Ebony Stewart, this evening centers Black poets while welcoming musicians and allies into a values-aligned creative space. Together, we gather in community to honor Dr. King’s enduring call for justice, love, and freedom of expression.
“Unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Event Details
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 8:00–10:00 PM
Location:
The VORTEX
2307 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722
Inside the Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage
Open Mic Information
Sign-up is first come, first served at the box office
Priority given to Black artists
Primarily poetry-focused, with select musical performances
General admission seating
Tickets
Pay What You Can
Starting at $5 for listeners
Free for open mic participants
Food & Bar
Make an evening of it!
The Butterfly Bar opens at 5:00 PM (cocktails, wine, beer)
Patrizi’s at The VORTEX opens at 5:00 PM (homemade Italian food)
About the Host
Ebony Stewart is an internationally touring interdisciplinary artivist, award-winning poet, and playwright. A Woman of the World Poetry Slam Champion and one of the most decorated poets in Texas, Ebony’s work explores race, gender, mental health, and liberation through powerful storytelling and performance. Her one-woman shows Hunger and Ocean premiered at The VORTEX and received multiple awards
Support The Poet House!
The Poet House is home to every.Word Poetry and Courageous Cadence, providing a dedicated space for poets, storytellers, and artists to create, connect, and be heard.
Your contribution is tax-deductible and helps us build and sustain this vital space. Donate today and be part of the movement: https://www.thepoethouse.org/donate
Thank you for supporting the future of spoken word and storytelling!
For more details, follow us on @everywordpoetry @3220poetlane @courageouscadence and @vortex_rep on IG, FB and Tik Tok.
About every.Word Poetry: every.Word Poetry is a program of The Poet House dedicated to uplifting spoken word artists through workshops, open mics, and live performances. As a community-driven initiative, it provides a platform for poets to refine their craft and share their voices in impactful ways.
The Poet House Mission: The Poet House cultivates a care centered community of spoken word poets by uplifting the marginalized and building spaces where art is a catalyst for change.
About The VORTEX: We conjure urgent, unashamed art to create action in a shifting age. We embrace diverse communities, break down barriers, and elevate inclusive discourse from our home in Austin, Texas. We enliven humanity with a magical green new theatre at our Butterfly Bar and Sanctuary.
Check out The VORTEX's calendar for more shows and events!
THE VORTEX IS A 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT.
Thank you for joining us. Prepare to be inspired, moved, and entertained. We can't wait to hear your voice!
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Where is it happening?
The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd,Austin, Texas, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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