The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect is a monthly poetry event celebrating community, personal growth, and transformation. We honor the individual artist’s evolution, from caterpillar to butterfly, while also fostering a sense of collective strength and support among all participants.

The event features an open mic for emerging and established artists, along with a featured artist segment spotlighting two powerful voices within the community.

With a focus on love, support, and community building, The Butterfly Effect is more than just a poetry event—it's a space where people come together to collaborate, uplift, and celebrate the beauty of self-expression in all its forms. Whether you're a poet, artist, or simply someone who appreciates the power of words, The Butterfly Effect invites you to be part of a growing community of butterflies.

Join us for an evening of art, connection, and transformation. All are welcome.

Marlo is a spoken word artist known for her powerful stage presence that blends both vulnerability and storytelling. Her poetry delves into themes of mental health, family, grief, personal identity, and sexuality.

Marlo is a 2x slam champion and has performed at a variety of renowned organizations, including BRIC Poetry Slam, Nuyorican Poetry Slam, The Bronx Museum, The Bowery Poetry Club, One Love One Mic, Trouble Makers, Not Your Average Open Mic, and more. Her work was also published in Poets Choice’s anthology Seven Jumbled Words in 2024, which celebrates the voices of contemporary spoken word artists.

At the heart of Marlo's artistry is her commitment to building community. Whether performing on stage or writing for the page, she uses her craft to connect with others and help both herself and her audience navigate life's challenges. Marlo's poetry remains a testament to the power of vulnerability, connection, and the collective healing that art can foster.

IG: @marlospokenword

Fanta Ballo is a poet, artist, and activist from Harlem, New York. At the early age of 19, she completed her Bachelor’s in Economics from University of Albany after receiving her associates degree from Bard College at Simon’s Rock where she was the commencement speaker. Her passion for poetry led her to perform at events ranging from protests and rallies to school/college auditoriums, and at venues like NYC’S Playstation Theatre, Barclays Center, DC’s Kennedy Center, The Apollo and the Legendary SOBs. She has since collaborated with notable artists like Idina Menzel, Mahogany L. Browne, and Joy Harjo and champions other young artists with her work. She performed on the Tamron Hall Show, at the Global Citizens Festival opening for Shawn Mendez, at a Juneteenth event hosted by the NYC Mayor and his wife, at a youth mental health conference for UNICEF, at the Earthshot Prize Summit for Bloomberg Philanthropies and other high profile events awarded the first ever Wonder Grant from the Shawn Foundation and she’s using that grant to fund her debut poetry collection “For All The Things I Never Got To Say”. which is available now at FantaBallo.com.

IG: @fantaratty

Jayden Antwine is a 19 year old poet born in Queens New York. He started slam in August 2024 and has been exploring both slam within himself and himself within slam since. He teaches poetry to youth at schools in the Bronx and Brooklyn for organizations such as manifesto and my brothers keeper. His goal with poetry, is simply to heal himself and by association, hopefully others.

IG: @jaydenantwine

We look forward to welcoming you to our space to celebrate and recognize poetry of all forms. Pop out and tell a friend to tell a friend!!!

For any questions please contact [email protected]

Host or Publisher @marlospokenword