Speak your truth from the roof!

The Middle East’s longest-running poetry open mic night enters its second decade while doing its part to build the performing arts scene of the UAE.

Join leading and up-and-coming spoken word artists, poets, and musicians presenting original material. Experience culturally-diverse voices with a lineup that features open mic nights and poetry slam competitions. Rooftop Rhythms is hosted by founder Dorian Paul Rogers, Ed.D.

Rooftop Rhythms is presented in partnership with The Arts Center at NYUAD with official support of the US Mission to the UAE.

Rooftop Rhythms and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi are committed to providing a platform for locally based artists to share their original creative work in front of a supportive community. In an effort to foster local talent, we ask that all poets and musicians perform original material; all languages are welcome.

Season 11 lineup and 2022-2023 dates:

  • Friday, September 23 — Opening / Grand Slam Finale Competition
  • Friday, October 28 — Open Mic Night
  • Friday, November 18 — Slam Competition and Open Mic Night
  • Friday, December 16 — Open Mic Night
  • Friday January 27 — Slam Competition and Open Mic Night
  • Friday, February 24 — Open Mic Night
  • Friday, March 31 — Slam Competition and Open Mic Night
  • Friday, April 28 — Open Mic Night
  • Friday, May 19 — Open Mic Night
  • Friday, June 16 — Grand Slam Finale Competition / Season Closing

 

Slam competion and Open-mic Night begin at 8pm with a DJ Set at 7:30pm.

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