Poetry Workshop & Performance at Inkwell

Join INKWELL for an afternoon and evening of poetry!!!

4 - 5:30 p.m.: Poetry Writing workshop "Be Authentically You" with 6X author and Spoken Word Performance Artist JAMES HAMILTON.

6 p.m.: Open Mic with Host Mazey Knox. (James Hamilton Feature Poetry Performance after open mic)

About the Artists:

Mazey Knox: Despite being a relative newcomer, Mazey has emerged as an indispensable member of the Poetry Scene in and around Rockford, Illinois, and beyond. Her authentic verse and creativity are a welcome addition to an ever-expanding landscape.

James Hamilton: James is a renowned poet, author, and spoken word performance artist celebrated for his adventurous spirit and embodiment of the modern beat poet ethos, reminiscent of literary icons like Kerouac and Ginsburg. A voracious writer, James has published six collections of original poetry and is an active member of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and P.O.E.T. (People of Extraordinary Talent/Wisconsin Chapter).

A seasoned performer, James is a regular guest on the #TOOM Broadcast from the legendary Nuyorican Poets Cafe on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Here, he shares his dynamic performances as part of a prestigious community of poets. He is also a three-time Certified Poetry Slam Champion in Rockford, IL, having secured the titles in April 2024, February 2025, and April 2025.

This year, James is nominated for Spoken Word Performer of the Year and Spoken Word Entertainer of the Year through the NSWA (National Spoken Word Association)

James Hamilton's unwavering dedication to poetry and spoken word performance continues to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his status as a prominent regional figure on the contemporary literary scene.