Re: Born Poetry Night Moves To Joe’s Cafe

Past featured readers Brett Underwood and Jim McGowin – Photos provided by author

By Matthew Freeman

There’s one night in the month when I’m guaranteed to feel joy and that’s when my good buddy Vince the fabulous professor picks me up. We eat at IKEA and then cruise down to meet co-host Myrtie Reilly at The Fortune Teller Bar for another edition of Re: Born. Alas! The Fortune Teller has closed its doors.

Since our incarnation in August of 2023, we’ve had a plethora of good times. We’ve had featured readers from all over the metropolitan area, seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. The open mic has been wonderful, with a variety of voices. Joe D. has given us some unforgettable performances, vitriolic in their critique of the political sphere. And we have our secret wonderful essayist, too. But don’t tell anyone! It’s supposed to be poetry only! 

The staff and Ryan at the Fortune Teller have been generous and inviting. We’ve always felt welcome and our crowd always enjoyed the vibe. It will be sad to say goodbye. It’s been an honor for Myrtie and I to host an event where a plurality of voices have been heard. And it’s always been a pleasure to notice the featured readers hanging around to listen to the open mic. Maybe the ultimate pleasure has been when the featured readers return to do their thing again at the open mic.

So yes, that one night, at least, I feel joy as I watch new friends being made and new young poets testing the waters. I am happy to say that we’re going to continue. The fine management at Joe’s Café, another Saint Louis institution, has informed me that Joe’s will be our new home. Myrtie and I are so excited. Joe’s is quirky and fun, eccentric and classic all at the same time. So come on down on the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm and sign up for the open mic. There’s no telling what might happen and whom you might meet!

The first edition of Re: Born at Joe’s Cafe will be happening on January 21st. Click here for more information.

Matthew Freeman’s seventh book, I Think I’d Rather Roar, was published by Cerasus Poetry. Others can be found with Coffeetown Press. He holds an MFA from the University of Missouri-St Louis and writes about his recovery from schizophrenia and his time at Parkview Place. He likes to engage with class, language, and power.