The Upstairs Artspace’s Literary Open Stage has long hosted unique and talented area writers. This year, the LOS has celebrated National Poetry Month, ekphrastic storytelling, and our local lore. Don’t miss the upcoming Literary Open Stage this Friday, Oct. 9 in the Underground, downstairs at the Upstairs gallery. The readings will begin at 7 p.m. This spoken word event takes place every second Friday of each month.

Established and emerging writers are invited to share their work, including original fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Writers who would like to participate in the event should arrive at 6:30 p.m. to sign up for a slot. Please limit your reading material to ten minutes.

The Open Stage has grown with the expansion of the literary population in the foothills of North Carolina. Previously a quarterly event, the Upstairs now hosts writers coming from Asheville, Greenville and Spartanburg on a monthly basis. There is also a familiar group of local faces, scribes from Saluda, Tryon, Columbus, and the surrounding area.

All are welcome at the gallery to enjoy listening to the talented and diverse voices of the community. Come for an entertaining evening of touching memoir, expressive poetry and imaginative stories. Each month newcomers attend the Literary Open Stage and keep coming back to hear more regional voices.

The LOS is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and all proceeds go to the Upstairs Artspace, a nonprofit organization. The Upstairs is located at 49 South Trade St., Tryon, N.C. For more information about gallery exhibits and programs, call 828-859-2828 during gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., or visit upstairsartspace.org.

– Submitted by Lorna Festa