The Nebraska Writers Collective is thrilled to present Tony McPherson, a resident poet at the National Museum of African American History & Culture, for a writing workshop, a poetry reading and performance, and a special appearance at the Lincoln Poetry Slam.

Tony McPherson is a former NYC subway breakdancer whose poetry appears in the Lionsgate film “Love Beats Rhymes,” produced by RZA of Wu-Tang, as well as the Emmy-winning documentary “Frameworks.” McPherson is the Rustbelt Slam champion, the Inkslam champion twice over, the Individual World Poetry Slam 1st runner up, and has reached over 10 million views since his first viral poem, “All Lives Matter: 1800’s Edition.”

Workshop
Sat., Nov. 4, 2-3:30 pm
Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 South 14th Street, Lincoln
Suggested donation: $10

Tony McPherson will guide participants through the art of generative writing. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll delve into the creative process of coming up with new ideas, exploring your unique voice, and crafting compelling written pieces. All ages from high school and above are welcome to be part of this enriching experience. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a seasoned poet, or just someone who loves putting thoughts to paper, you’ll find inspiration and community here.

Poetry Reading & Performance
Sat., Nov. 4, 7-8:30 pm
Swanson Auditorium in UNL Union, 1400 R Street, Lincoln
Suggested donation: $10

Tony McPherson is featured for an evening of readings and performances. Bianca Swift, Shelby Martinez, and Syble Heffernan will also perform, and Stacey Waite will serve as host. Following the main event, poets of all ages are invited to participate in an open mic, whether a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time. Each reader will have up to 5 minutes at the mic, depending on the number of participants.

Lincoln Poetry Slam
Thurs., Nov. 9, 7-9 pm
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner Boulevard, Lincoln

The Nebraska Writers Collective proudly presents the Lincoln Poetry Slam, a monthly open mic and poetry slam, held on the second Thursday of every month at Larksong Writers Place. This month’s event will include a feature set from Tony McPherson!

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m. with an open mic, and then the competitive individual slam. For the open mic, you can perform either your work or the work of others with attribution. Open mic readers have up to five minutes to perform. If you plan to compete in the slam, bring three poems. Slam performers will have up to three minutes in each round to perform, and will be judged by five audience members on a scale from 0.0-10.0. Top performing poets will move onto the second and third rounds. All poems must be performed solo without props, costumes, musical accompaniment, and must consist entirely of the poet’s original words and work.