The Witchery / 61 Wharf St / Salem, MA Just a minute's walk from downtown salem!
The Literary Cauldron
Read what Salem poets are saying. Submit art/poetry to our site!
Experimental Poetry Jams
Poet: So, what's the deal with Poetry Jams?
The Witchery: Bring along a few things to read, then let go of expectations. Let go of wanting to control how your words come out or how the music comes out, because it's not about the poetry. It's not about the music. It's about a third thing, that alchemical blend you and the musicians create together, that mischievous thing that oozes from the cauldron and slinks across the room, hungry to breathe life into itself. If we're lucky, it won't eat us.
Above photo: taken at Gallows Hill theatre, Salem.
we all have something to say!
Come and say it at Poetry Jams- a live collaboration of music and words. Stop by to read an original poem, a piece of prose, a section from your latest novel, or random thoughts you've put to paper! You provide the words, our band Calamus provides the music. We don't know what you'll say- you don't know what we'll play. It's a grand experiment!
We welcome all skill levels. all literary genres, LGBTQ friendly.
Here's how it works:
- Readers get up to 5 minutes on stage.
- You can read as many things as you like.
- The music is original, spontaneous and improvised.
- You can ask the musicians to play something with a beat, minimalist, weird, ambient, or surprise me!
- If all goes well technically, you will receive a recording of your session.
- If also doing performance with your words, please don't break anything.