Poetry & Open Mic Night with Meadowlark Press & Middle Ground Books
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We invite you to come to Middle Ground Books for afterhours poetry performances and an open mic by friends of Meadowlark Press! You're also welcome to join us for an optional creative writing workshop! Free and open to the public!
This month's features are Topeka poets (among many other titles) Annette Billings and Matt Spezia!
Annette Hope Billings is a multi-award-winning poet/actress/storyteller from Topeka, known for engaging presentations of her work. A retired nurse, she now hopes to facilitate community health by writing and sharing poetry and prose. Billings is the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Award for Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Literature. She is also a two-time recipient of the ArtsConnect ARTY Award in Literature. The author of four collections of poetry, she plans to complete her fifth this year. Her most recent collection is Just Shy of Stars. She is also co-facilitator of Speak Easy Open Mic, a monthly open mic event in Topeka's historic NOTO Arts District. For further information, including short videos of her work and/or to book Annette, see her website: Anetfullofhope.net
Matt Spezia is a community-driven, team-effort artist, combining an eight-individual and six-group national award-winning poetry style along with Kansas City hip hop and thespian teachings. Matt has published three albums and a book and has appeared in an anthology CD and book. His album, Babylon, won the 2020 national poetic album of the year award. Matt uses his platform to promote self-confidence and personal betterment, social awareness, and cultural change. He has worked to directly influence schoolchildren in 43 different school districts across Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri.
This month's features are Topeka poets (among many other titles) Annette Billings and Matt Spezia!
Annette Hope Billings is a multi-award-winning poet/actress/storyteller from Topeka, known for engaging presentations of her work. A retired nurse, she now hopes to facilitate community health by writing and sharing poetry and prose. Billings is the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Award for Excellence in Artistic Achievement in Literature. She is also a two-time recipient of the ArtsConnect ARTY Award in Literature. The author of four collections of poetry, she plans to complete her fifth this year. Her most recent collection is Just Shy of Stars. She is also co-facilitator of Speak Easy Open Mic, a monthly open mic event in Topeka's historic NOTO Arts District. For further information, including short videos of her work and/or to book Annette, see her website: Anetfullofhope.net
Matt Spezia is a community-driven, team-effort artist, combining an eight-individual and six-group national award-winning poetry style along with Kansas City hip hop and thespian teachings. Matt has published three albums and a book and has appeared in an anthology CD and book. His album, Babylon, won the 2020 national poetic album of the year award. Matt uses his platform to promote self-confidence and personal betterment, social awareness, and cultural change. He has worked to directly influence schoolchildren in 43 different school districts across Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri.
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Where is it happening?
Middle Ground Books, 602 Commercial St, Emporia, KS 66801-3902, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherMeadowlark Press
