OneMic

04/23/2026

OneMic fun fact:

Our founder, T'Keyah Thomas, has NEVER featured as a poet for OneMic throughout its 10+ year existence. Don't miss your chance to witness her FIRST ever feature set, Wednesday, April 29th at OneMic Collective presents: Contrast

And while we're at it, here is out first FEATURED POET ANNOUNCEMENT for April's OneMic, OneMic Collective presents: Contrast. We are excited to welcome none other than one of the FOUNDERS of this here humble collective, T'Keyah Thomas!

T’Keyah Thomas is a spoken word poet and jewelry designer based in Columbia, MO. She is a lover of all things art, Black History and Afrofuturism.

Ancestral reverence sits at the center of much of T’Keyah’s work. She draws inspiration from the history and folklore found throughout the Black diaspora, often adopting the West African philosophy of Sankofa, which means to “go back and get it”. In other words, learn from the past to understand the present and better prepare for the future.

Over the years, TK has been a witness to and has assisted in the creation and operations of several local arts programs and cultural events in Columbia, including the OneMic Poetry Collective, Lisamona LIVE, Unbound Book Festival, Louder than a Bomb (Mid-MO chapter) and Soul Sessions COMO. As a host and audio producer for KBIA (91.3FM), you’re likely to catch TK on-air during the day with a Dilla beat behind her, or moderating a panel on art and local history.

We're so excited to welcome her to the stage and we'll see YOU on April 29th. Doors at 6, show at 7!

04/23/2026

It's official folks! Sign-ups for next week's OneMic are open! We are looking forward to seeing our community members shine on the stage we will create together on the 29th.

OneMic Collective presents: Contrast is going to be one for the books!

Sign up for the next OneMic! We are so excited to have you. Please note, there is only one entry per person and submissions are reviewed in order. (If you meant to sign up for the OneMic Newsletter, follow this link: https://forms.gle/kGX6chEkU8PXCFKm7)

04/22/2026

FEATURED POET ANNOUNCEMENT #2!

Y'all know we look forward to any chance to celebrate our local poets during National Poetry Month and this year is no different. Without further ado, we're glad to announce Joey Gorombey as the second featured poet for our evening at OneMic Collective presents: Contrast.

Joey Gorombey has his roots in confessional and post-confessional poetry and owns a software company in Columbia, Missouri.

Joey has always written to “troubleshoot” the things that software can’t—to make sense of the messy, non-linear nature in which we live our lives and to harvest our experiences. Still young and nascent in his writing career, his favorite works include Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf and The Two Kinds of Decay by Sarah Manguso. Although he aims for some combination of closure and perspective, writing has just as often led him to fold his hand in search of either.

Joey holds a summa cm laude degree in English, with a specialty in creative writing. He interned at the University of Missouri for its poetry magazine and podcast and was a memoir finalist in CNF Review. He continues to seek active involvement in Columbia’s literary community and is an amateur stand-up comedian.

We can't wait to welcome him to the stage for his FIRST OneMic appearance.

04/13/2026

And while we're at it, here is out first FEATURED POET ANNOUNCEMENT for April's OneMic, OneMic Collective presents: Contrast. We are excited to welcome none other than one of the FOUNDERS of this here humble collective, T'Keyah Thomas!

T’Keyah Thomas is a spoken word poet and jewelry designer based in Columbia, MO. She is a lover of all things art, Black History and Afrofuturism.

Ancestral reverence sits at the center of much of T’Keyah’s work. She draws inspiration from the history and folklore found throughout the Black diaspora, often adopting the West African philosophy of Sankofa, which means to “go back and get it”. In other words, learn from the past to understand the present and better prepare for the future.

Over the years, TK has been a witness to and has assisted in the creation and operations of several local arts programs and cultural events in Columbia, including the OneMic Poetry Collective, Lisamona LIVE, Unbound Book Festival, Louder than a Bomb (Mid-MO chapter) and Soul Sessions COMO. As a host and audio producer for KBIA (91.3FM), you’re likely to catch TK on-air during the day with a Dilla beat behind her, or moderating a panel on art and local history.

We're so excited to welcome her to the stage and we'll see YOU on April 29th. Doors at 6, show at 7!

02/26/2026

Last night was a night to remember. GW Norman III shared his unforgettable poetry. The performances were bold, and the room was full of connection, creativity, and courage.

Thank you to everyone who came through, supported the artists, and made it a night worth celebrating.

Doors may have closed, but the inspiration lingers.

02/19/2026

FEATURED ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT!!

We have another treat for you all and we PROMISE, you don't want to miss this.

Our featured performer for OneMic Collective Presents: Courage is the one and only Marjai!

Marjai is a Kansas City-born rapper. Blending her background of slam poetry and her unapologetic raps together- she made her official debut and dropped her first song the day she graduated college, marking her transition from student to artist. What began as a milestone release quickly grew into momentum.

In 2025, Marjai released her debut mixtape, Hood N***a Fantasy, a bold and unfiltered project that introduced listeners into her world. The tape showcased her ability to move between softness and grit, storytelling and assertion—cementing her voice as one that refuses to be boxed in.

Since then, Marjai has become a booked and active performer across Missouri, with shows spanning Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis. Her new project The Hood Mona Lisa is set to be released March 21st. Her music is a love letter to herself, her roots and her culture.

If you think you aren't ready to fall in love, you'll leave wanting to reconsider that decision.

Doors at 6p, show at 7. 5$ (suggested donation).

02/19/2026

FEATURED ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT!

Our featured poet for Wednesday is none other than GW Norman III.

George is a people-watcher. Sometimes he fashions his observations into sharp social commentary that blends bold imagery, dark humor, social/personal conflict, and existential dread. Applying an introspective lens, George’s writing centers on the fragility of human relationships and finding comfort in discomfort through metaphoric, sometimes cryptic storytelling. Some commonly featured themes in his work include boredom, despair, spiritual corrosion/liberation, addiction, resistance, alienation, and redemption.

George writes to remind himself that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to combat fear and rage, to hold himself accountable, to induce empathy when struck by indifference, and ultimately, he writes with the express hope that someone may read something he has written that allows them to feel a tiny bit less alone.

George is the co-founder of Freeair Books, a non-profit book publisher that helps local artists, disenfranchised youth, and marginalized creatives tell their stories. He lives in Columbia, Missouri with his girlfriend, their 2 boys, and a cat named Stevie.

Welcome him to the stage on Wednesday for OneMic Collective Presents: Courage. Doors at 6, show at 7. 5$ Suggested donation.

09/05/2025

Hey there OneMic Fam. We come to you today with heavy hearts.

One of our collective has passed into the afterlife.

Christopher Shannon was a long time OneMic veteran, blowing us away from his first moment on stage to his last. His works often touched on the spiritual and ethereal, bringing us closer to one another even as we were called to take up individual responsibility for the way we show up in community. Chris himself was an indomitable spirit, with a wisdom that kept his heart light and a fire for life that was undeniable. To know him, to work alongside him, and to uplift his works and voice was a true gift and privilege. Rest in peace friend. We will see you on the other side.

If you'd like to take some time to hear his voice and more about his lived experience, please check out his interview on KBIA where he talks about living with a rare disease and finding hope amidst the difficulties. https://www.kbia.org/health-wealth/2020-01-10/whats-wrong-with-you

If you'd like to take the time to honor his life alongside others, you can make your way to Green Acres Cemetery in Columbia today, Sept. 5th, at 3pm. Check out the link to read his obituary and get more details about the service. https://www.htmayfuneralhome.com/obituaries/christopher-shannon-2/ #!/TributeWall

Our condolences go out to the Shannon Family and all who know and love Chris.

We will miss him tremendously.

08/18/2025

Hey OneMic Fam!

It's your OneMic Team, checking in. How have you been since June? Our meet the day before Juneteenth feels like forever ago. Does it feel like that for you, too?

As for the OneMic Team, things have been rough and tumble. Don't worry, we're taking the advice that Aaliyah gave us and dusting ourselves off as we try again. However, this month's OneMic (8/27) will be canceled.

We are heartbroken because we know that this is one of the few spaces we get to actually just be together and engage. And we had a reeeeeelly good line up for you.

What we also know is that- sometimes- life gets so big that the best thing to do is to give your focus and energy to what needs one's attention most. Plus, there are so many incredible events happening next month! So, while the OM team adapts to their new normal and gets ready for October OneMic, we want to use this time to prioritize your feedback.

If you feel comfortable, please DM or comment your answer to the questions above and/or below:

What have you enjoyed about OneMc this past year?
What would you like to see more of?
What was your favorite OneMic event so far?
Is there anything we could do to make it easier to participate or attend?

And finally, who are you bringing to October OneMic? 'Cause we can't wait to see you.

Much Love,
Your OneMic Team