This week, Thom Francis introduces us to three local poets - BradQuan Copeland, Gripp, and S.L. Maurice - who took the stage and shared their work at the Poetic License Poetry Reading & Open Mic last month at the Fish Market in Troy. That was just the first of two readings that are part of Poetic License 2025, a joint project of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and the Upstate Artists Guild.

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It was a beautiful early-fall evening in Troy when poets and writers gathered at the Fish Market for a special evening of poetry and spoken word. Local poet and photographer Dan Wilcox hosted the Poetic License Poetry Reading & Open Mic welcoming some of the writers whose work inspired the art lining the walls of the North Central Troy art space. While not in the exhibit themselves, poets BradQuan Copeland, Gripp, and S.L. Maurice, took part in the open mic portion of the night and were warmly received by the audience.

First up to the mic is a relative newcomer to the local open mic community, BradQuan Copelend, who read two poems ““Phantom Vision,” from his new book “Rebirth,” and “Blood of Tender Flame.” The next poet up is Slam Quphoria’s very own Gripp. They shared two pieces “Azinam” and “Still Sleep.” And finally, the great S.L. Maurice stepped to the mic with two poems of his own, “Vibrant Sounds, Colors, and Motion,” the title poem from his new book, followed by “Spins on Change.”

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The 2025 edition of Poetic License exhibit has moved across the river and is now on view at the Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany through November 16.

For more information on Poetic License and its upcoming events, go to poeticlicensealbany.com. And while you are there, you can read the poems and view the art that is featured in the show.

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