Sunday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m.: Pure Ink Poetry Slam, a monthly, two-round spoken word and poetry slam competition series hosted by Brandon Williamson. Pure Ink Poetry Slam is always an open slam without specific themes or requirements other than the general rules of slam. Sign up is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open mic and slam starts at 6:30. $5 for slammers, $10 for spectators. Cash prize for the winner. Visit the website http://www.pureinkpoetry.com for more information. Lorna C. Hill Theater, (Home of Ujima Theater Company, Inc.), 429 Plymouth Ave Suite #2, Buffalo, NY.

Tuesday, Dec.17, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Tuesday Night Open Mic Series at the Em Tea Coffeecup Café. All are welcome whether new to poetry or a long-time member of the community. 80 Oakgrove Ave., Buffalo, NY. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.: The Screening Room Reading Series hosted by poet Sandy Geary. The format for December is an holiday-themed 0pen mic with no featured reader. The Screening Room Cinema Café, 880 Alberta  Drive, Amherst. $3. 

Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.: Buffalo Corner Reading Series featuring poets Lisa Rua-Ware and Gunilla Theander Kester. Lisa Rua-Ware, a poet from the Boston area, grew up in America with her parents, both from Portugal. Her poems explore cultural and linguistic difference with deep personal insight and a refreshing lack of judgment. Gunilla Theander Kester came to America as a Fulbright Scholar and enjoyed her role as “a foreign English Professor.” These days her poetry explores memory and myth with a dash of current affairs. She is the author and co-author of six books, including a scholarly study, two poetry chapbooks, one full length poetry collection, and two collections dedicated to the victims of Flight 3407. Her current projects include a new collection of poetry and a memoir entitled “Streetness Speaks.” This will be a hybrid event: in person, and simulcast via Zoom. Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Drive in Amherst. Visit shirshalombuffalo.org for more information and the Zoom link to this free event.