Ths month's Outloud Open Mike at the Beebe for poetry, prose, and music hosts Ric Amante, one of the originators of The Open Mike Movement in Melrose, as he reads from his forthcoming book of poems, Digging In.

Author of Ferry Tales and Other Poems, and Fifty-three Poems, and regular contributor to The Cenacle online literary journal, Amante's far-flung career has found him honored by the Metro Transit System in Seattle, Washington (Poetry on the Buses award and transit exhibit). His works portray a working-man's American journey, from cities of furnished rooms to meditations of rural Maine to flights of the human spirit.

The open mike begins at 7:15 p.m. Performances and readings run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is no cover; donations are accepted for costs and local charity.  

In the Beebe Estate's art exhibit space, 235 West Foster, Melrose (BeebeEstate.org ). Parking available on grounds. Outloud meets the fourth Wednesday of each month except August, November, and December.