GROW will hold its first-ever open mic night on Thursday, April 30, 7:30–9:30pm. Depending on interest, it may become a monthly feature, along with our regular music workshops. (Jazz 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 8–10. Blues 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 7:30–10:30. Note that we’ve added an hour to blues night.)

In honor of national Poetry Month, the first open mic will be anchored by poet Dr. Ed Madden, who served a long stint on the SC Progressive Network’s board and is a frequent guest at the Modjeska Simkins School.

Madden teaches English at the University of South Carolina, where he was former director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. From 2015 until 2022, he served as Columbia’s first poet laureate. He has published six books of poetry and six chapbooks. 

On Thursday, Madden will read from his newest chapbook, I Asked Him What He Needed.

We also will welcome to the stage the uber-talented Sara Williams, a GROW music workshop regular, who is coming armed with resistance songs. Also on tap is Serbian Sasha Struhas, a gifted guitar player and another GROW regular, who will play what he calls “gypsy music.” And you won’t want to miss our friend Steve Hait, who will share an original tune or two on his ukelele.

If you want a turn at the mic, come early and sign up. How much time you get will depend on how many folks show up.

As usual, we will have nibbles made in-house by our chef Leisa Marie Greer, and a selection of beverages for suggested donations.

GROW is at 1340 Elmwood Ave. in downtown Columbia. If you have questions, email network@scpronet.com or call 803-808-3384.