1,826. That’s how many times lovers of language, expression and community have convened for Wednesday Night Poetry, a Hot Springs institution and the nation’s longest-running consecutive weekly open mic poetry reading. On Wednesday, Jan. 31, the group will meet once again, this time to celebrate the series’ 35th anniversary.
In the three and a half decades since its founding by Bud Kenny on Feb. 1, 1989, Wednesday Night Poetry has occupied 14 different venues, never missing a week. In 2019, Kenny passed the leadership torch to beloved Hot Springs poet and educator Kai Coggin, who kept the group afloat virtually and expanded its reach across the globe during the pandemic.
Wednesday Night Poetry is held every week at Kollective Coffee + Tea in Hot Springs (110 Central Ave.) at 6:30 p.m., free of charge. Poets, songwriters, comedians and storytellers of all kinds are welcome.