Downtown Woodstock café highlights writing and music

PÉZO The Poet, MC for the evening, lays out the evening's agenda to the enthusiastic guests and participants. (Ron Yuzark)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

Blueink Bookstore café welcomed poets, writers, musicians, and storytellers last evening for its monthly Artists Open Mic Night, transforming the cozy Dundas Street venue into a lively hub of grassroots creativity and community connection. Held from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. at 491 Dundas St., the event invited performers of all experience levels to share original work, test new material, and connect with fellow creatives. Attendees filled the café’s warm, book lined space, creating an intimate listening room atmosphere that encouraged both artistic expression and attentive engagement. The evening featured a diverse lineup of performances, including acoustic music sets, spoken word poetry, short storytelling, and comedic readings. PÉZO The Poet guided the flow of the night, ensuring each artist had time to shine while keeping the energy welcoming and relaxed. This was the second official Artists Open Mic event, with plans to embed this gathering within the arts community. Many participants stayed after the performances to mingle, share ideas, and enjoy the café’s drinks and pastries. This free community event runs on the third Thursday of every month, continuing through Dec. 17.