The Poet's Groove 

Lots of open mics are awkward, empty affairs, tucked into corners of coffee houses and bars, their schedules unreliable. The Poet's Groove is something else entirely. It's been a weekly Seward neighborhood institution for six years, and calls the Blue Nile home. Hip-hop/spoken-word artist (and winner of the Twin Tongues award) Desdamona hosts along with drumming phenomenon Kevin Washington. One of the event's biggest draws is the live house band; they can make trite poetry sound downright brilliant. A pickup band populated with musicians of every race and age, its strength comes in adapting to the style of the performer at the mic. The Poet's Groove won "Best Open Mic" at the inaugural Urban Griots Spoken Word Awards this year, and with good reason. Show up at 10 p.m. if you want on the list, 11 p.m. if you're just there to see the show. Things tend to start late, then really get hopping. From salsa to Motown, from hip hop to comedy, from jazz freestyling to spoken word, everything has its place on the Nile's stage. Parking is ample and there's Surly on tap. This night is more shindig than stilted, more awesome than awkward. — By Cole Sarar

Price: free