Poetry Night & Haiku Battle: Where Words Waltz and Haikus Roar

Step into an evening of lyrical magic at Burn & Rave's Poetry Night & Haiku Battle, hosted by the Illiterists. Here, words waltz and haikus roar to the rhythm of your creative soul, transforming bohemian dreams into reality with a hip, happening twist.

A Beatnik-Inspired Night

Drawing inspiration from San Francisco's beatnik era, our Poetry Night features an open mic with live musical accompaniment. In collaboration with Drum Love and the multi-talented Marina John Hanna (piano, cello, guitar, and more), poets can elevate their verses to new heights with personalized music or perform a cappella.

The Epic Haiku Battle

But wait, there's more! Every Poetry Night culminates in an epic haiku battle with free kazoos for all participants. Anyone can enter, but only one will emerge as the Haiku Champion! Using a March Madness-style, double-elimination bracket, poets go head-to-head, and the audience determines the winner by the sound of their kazoos. We call this thrilling segment "Kazoos and Haikus!"

Awards and Attire

Beautiful, handmade trophies are awarded for the "Best Poem" and the "Haiku Champion." So don your berets, shades, and hippest threads, and join us for an unforgettable night that celebrates Modesto's vibrant literary legacy.