Express Your Inner Beatnik at the New Deal Tuesday

It's poetry open mic night at the at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

"Come express your inner beatnik through the spoken word while being cradled in an open, supportive and friendly environment," invites Mistress of Ceremonies Amethyst Dwyer on her Facebook page.

It's really important to have a friendly environment, Dwyer told Patch on Tuesday. She said she encourages participants to "give it all you've got."

Usually 15 to 20 people come and read, Dwyer said—and more come to listen. People read originals or poems they admire that were written by others.

Sign up starts at 6:30 p.m. and the mic opens up at 7 p.m. The first round includes three poems or five minutes per reader, whichever is shortest. If there is time, open mic will have a second round.

The cafe urges subdued conversation during the readings so the audience can give its attention to those on stage, "which is something that feels really good if you've never had it," she said.

Chef Karim and Maria will be on-hand serving up Lebanese favorites and other specialties. Take a look at the New Deal’s lunch and dinner menu if you want to grab a bite while listening or sample the café's gourmet wine selection or beer on tap.

The café is in the historic in the heart of Old Greenbelt, MD.