Lyrical Sanctuary is University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's monthly open mic night! Celebrating 24 years of poetic tradition, experience powerful spoken word, live art, and the opportunity to share your own creative expression. Be inspired. Speak your mind. Leave an impression.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
September 10 | 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Milwaukee native, Shelly Conley, is Milwaukee’s newest Poet Laureate. She has always had a Love for words. Her writing is reflective, forgiving and creates a call to action for the listeners. Shelly is a 7 time member of Milwaukee’s National Poetry Slam Team. Her talent has led her to numerous shows, panels, documentaries and musical collaborations with local and national talent. She recently released REWIND-A CATHARTIC AUTOBIOGRAPHY, a magical blend of childhood journal pages, poetry, an amazing soundtrack and more, available at shellyconley.com. With more than 20 years of experience working with youth and young adults in various capacities, Shelly encourages individuals to be honest and introspective in their writing, to forgive themselves and others, and to operate from a space of Love– especially when it’s difficult. Since 2014, Shelly has served as Program Director and Co-facilitator for My Sista’s KeepHer (MSK).
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Reception in MLK Lounge
6:00 pm – 6:45 pm – Creative Writing Workshop (Union 119)
REWIND: A Reflection in Rhyme Step away from filters, titles, and the pressure to perform. In this immersive workshop, you’ll be invited to REWIND—back to your core, back to your voice, back to the truth you’ve been carrying all along. Through guided journaling, poetry, and creative reflection, we’ll explore the difference between writing for the world and writing for yourself.Inspired by Shelly Conley’s REWIND – A Cathartic Autobiography, this session blends storytelling, music, and memory to help you uncover what’s hiding beneath the surface. Whether you’re a poet, a scribbler, or someone just learning to listen inwardly, this is a space to be raw, reflective, and real.
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Open Mic & Feature Performance (Union Fireside Lounge)
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