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Bring an open ear and, if you'd like, your own piece: Midland Reads Poetry at Creative 360 is a free, two-hour community spoken-word program that highlights neighborhood voices. Sponsored by Cheryl and Larry Levy, the April 25 session welcomes listeners and first-time readers for an intimate afternoon of poems and conversation.
Bring an open ear and, if you'd like, your own piece: Midland Reads Poetry at Creative 360 is a free, two-hour community spoken-word program that highlights neighborhood voices. Sponsored by Cheryl and Larry Levy, the April 25 session welcomes listeners and first-time readers for an intimate afternoon of poems and conversation.
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Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
On a Sunday afternoon in Midland, Michigan, words move through a room like weather, shaping attention and calling people together. Midland Reads Poetry convenes at Creative 360, located at 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI, a free community spoken-word program where neighbors across generations share poems that are meaningful to them. Sponsored by Cheryl and Larry Levy, this April 25 session runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and welcomes both listeners and first-time readers; if you would like to read, please contact Larry Levy at [email protected] before March 30.
The event's setting is straightforward: a modest gallery or studio space with a small stage, folding chairs, and a microphone that turns quiet sentences into communal sound. Key features include live spoken word, brief reader introductions, and light refreshments provided after the readings. For visitors who pair this cultural stop with outdoor time at Dow Gardens, the Tridge, or riverside walks along the Saginaw, Midland Reads Poetry offers a warm, indoor counterpoint that keeps you engaged with the town's human landscape.
What sets this gathering apart is its everyday accessibility. It is neither a formal literary festival nor a closed lecture series; instead it operates like a neighborhood salon where a teenager's first poem might follow a seasoned local's polished piece. That range creates unpredictable moments of intimacy and candor—local history recounted in verse, experimental lines that play with sound, and personal stories that illuminate community life. The sponsorship by Cheryl and Larry Levy highlights the local investment in sustaining arts programming; donations to Creative 360 are welcome to help underwrite future events.
Practical details are minimal but useful: the program lasts two hours, is free to attend, and is suitable for all ages. Bring a printed copy of your piece if you plan to read, and arrive early to sign up at the desk if open mic slots are limited. Refreshments are provided, and the organizers request that potential readers contact Larry Levy in advance to help with planning.
Visitors looking to extend the afternoon can walk to nearby parks, visit the Dow Museum, or photograph the Tridge's wooden spans over converging waterways. Midland Reads Poetry functions as a civic hinge—an occasion to hear local voice, trade stories, and connect with neighbors you may have just met on the trail. For travelers seeking a community-centered cultural experience in the heart of Midland, this event is an inviting, low-pressure highlight worth slotting into your weekend itinerary.
Whether you come alone or with family, expect candid exchanges, small audiences, and an easy atmosphere that suits both local residents and visitors exploring Midland's parks and riverfront; it offers an accessible, neighborly slice of the city's cultural life to close your afternoon and evening readings
Yes. Midland Reads Poetry on April 25 is free to attend. Donations to Creative 360's programming are welcome but not required.
Yes. You can often sign up at the desk the day of the event, but organizers ask that those who plan to read contact Larry Levy at [email protected] in advance when possible.
No. The session is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, though content depends on individual readers.
Accessibility details were not specified in the listing; contact Creative 360 or the event organizer for specific accommodations.
Yes. Light refreshments are provided after the readings to encourage conversation among attendees.
If you plan to read, bring a printed copy and practice your piece; otherwise, come ready to listen and engage with the community.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
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