Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Roscoe Burnems
Date and Time
Oct 27, 2025 8:00 pm
Location
Shirlington
4251 S. Campbell Ave, Arlington, Virginia, 22206
Oct 27, 2025 8:00 pm
Shirlington
A Busboys and Poetry Event hosted this week by Roscoe Burnems
Douglas Powell (Roscoe Burnems) is a spoken-word artist, teacher, husband, and father. He has dedicated his life to poetry, education, and entertainment, and a way to blend the three worlds together. Speaking candidly on everything from bullying to equality, from depression to oppression, what it means to overcome all obstacles, and how to do it through spoken-word.
Douglas hasn't limited his passion to competitions. He is the author of three published works: Fighting Demons, Chrysalis Under Fire, and God, Love, Death and Other Synonyms. He has also been published in over a dozen literary magazines and journals, including: Freeze Ray Magazine, Flypaper Magazine, Scene & Heard, Into Quarterly, Beltway Quarterly, Drunk in a Midnight Choir, and Rise Up Review.
Roscoe recently tapped into stand-up comedy with his groundbreaking special Traumedy, combining funny stories, jokes, wit, and sarcasm intertwined into prolific spoken word poems. The special has been featured in several magazines in Richmond, VA and is currently streaming. Comedy has been a quiet first love for him and he is now using it as another medium to shedding light on taboo topics.
Douglas Powell/ Roscoe Burnems has become a layered performer using his many talents to discuss trauma, resilience, and the human experience.
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For two hours, audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices, and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week. Expect to be moved, expect a packed house, expect the unexpected, but above all come with an open mind and ear.
$5.00 + Tax and fees online. $8.00 (tax and fees included) at the door. Wristbands are available for purchase online at midnight and in the restaurant starting at 10:00 AM. No refunds. Ticket purchase limit of 4 per person. Guests must have their wristbands (tickets) on upon entering the event.
Seating is available on a first come, first seated basis. No saved or reserved seats are allowed. Failure to check in within 30 minutes of advertised start time may result in forfeiture of seats. Sorry, no refunds.
