By Guy Chapman
Community members gathered April 9 at The Patio in downtown Corsicana for “Listen Here,” an open mic initiative by Meetinghouse Revival aimed at “promoting intergenerational storytelling, strengthening neighborhood connections and showcasing local talent.”
Held at The Patio, located 209 S. Beaton St., the event coincides with April’s National Poetry Month, adding an extra layer of significance to the evening’s spoken word performances and creative expression. 
“As a professional spoken word artist for over 20 years, I know the power of gathering people around stories,” said Dr. Alysia Nicole Harris, a local writer, linguist and performer. Harris’ own background as a poet accomplished within her field, as a Cave Canem fellow, a two-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, and won the Stephen Dunn Poetry Prize in 2014 and 2015.
“Listen Here” originated in 2022 as part of earlier community events organized by Meetinghouse Revival. The group hosted its first open mic at the MLK Center during Juneteenth that year, followed by a second event later that year at Navarro College as part of a back-to-school gathering. That event drew more than 80 attendees and helped spark the formation of a short-lived spoken-word club at the local high school, led by Debbie Taylor and Harris.
The open mic series found a permanent rhythm beginning in November of 2024, when “Listen Here” became a recurring event held on the second Thursday of each month at The Patio, with support from the Sherry and Houston Clark of Purdon Groves, and John Blewitt of Nonviolent Navarro.
Meetinghouse Revival’s open mic has partnered with organizations including 100 West/Corsicana Artist Residency, the MLK Center and Nonviolent Navarro, and has showcased both local and national performers during its performances.
“Anyone can come perform and all are welcome,” Harris said. “Most poems center on faith, social injustice, self-empowerment, self-acceptance, the beauty of nature, and the celebration of community.”
Performers on April 9 included Sara Kitto, Emma Kitto, Sherry Clark, Taylor Kaiser, Paul Neal, Dawn Mugele, Cheyenne, S. Erin Batiste, Hai-Wen Lin and Alysia Harris, who also emceed the evening’s event.
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