Poetry, Cheeky Monkeys and Lantern Puppets

Thursday Night Open Mic Poetry - - $5 - Jan. 26, 8:30 p.m.

Need to speak your mind, or have an urge to rhyme? Perhaps you just want to hear up-and-coming poets? Then come down to in downtown Hyattsville tonight for their weekly Open Mic Poetry night. The sign-up list to speak opens up at 8:30 p.m. A wristband will be needed to get into the show inside the Howard Zinn room. Wristbands cost $5 (cash only) and are sold until they run out.

As a special treat, Silver Spring artist Lizzie Spaceship will be painting live throughout the open mic.

Cheeky Monkey Sideshow - Joe's Movement Emporium - $15 - Jan. 27, 8 p.m.

Billed as "the most amazing show your eyes have ever beheld" the Cheeky Monkey Sideshow troupe harkens back to the days of vaudevillian carnival. Feats both bizarre and brave include sword swallowing, fire eating, contortion and more. General admission tickets can be had through the Joe's Movement Emporium website, with discounts for seniors and children.

Eureka Lantern Puppetry - Joe's Movement Emporium - $20 - Jan. 28, 8 p.m.

Puppeteers play with light, shadow and color to bring you an immersive, pre-cinematic experience. Think of it like shadow puppetry on acid. This style of art dates back to the 1650's, and is the technical predecessor to the motion picture. Tickets are available through Joe's Movement Emporium's website with discounts for seniors and children.