The second literary Open Stage will be held at the Upstairs Artspace Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m.

The program provides a forum for local writers to present their work before an appreciative audience.

Anyone with an original work of poetry, fiction or nonfiction can participate; songwriters are also welcome.

People who would like to read or perform their work should arrive at the Upstairs around 6:30 to sign up (doors open at 6:15).

There&squo;s a strict 10-minute limit to each presentation, and there will be a limited number of writers who can perform each time.

Writers are encouraged to share their best work in any way they wish to present it.&bsp;&bsp; &bsp;

The Upstairs has a long history of featuring local and regional talent at literary readings. Popular programs in the 1990s were the Literary Coffeehouse and the Southern Writers Series. Due to an enthusiastic crowd at the first Open Stage in July, the Upstairs plans four such evenings per year.

Light refreshment will be available for a small donation. Call the Upstairs at 828.859.2828 for more information.