A small stage in front of the room is brightly lit, but the rest of the room remains dark. As people filter in and take their seats, there is an electric anticipation as the audience awaits a night of poetry and music. As the DJ spins a record and hip-hop beats flow out of the speakers, Elevated begins.

Put together by Collective Purpose, a group of performance artists, the open-mic event dubbed “Elevated” invites local poets, musicians and other performance artists to the stage to share their creative talent. The event brings together an eclectic mix of artists from all over California where both veteran and first-time performers sign up for four minutes on stage. Whether they are performing a song or a poem, those who take the stage provoke the audience to think. One singer from Tijuana sings “Clandestino,” a song addressing the way the United States government refers to undocumented immigrants. Viet Mai, a member of Collective Purpose, screams out the word “free” as part of his piece. Another poet, who nervously introduces herself as a first-time performer, speaks about beauty and negative perceptions of women.

Elevated also features more well-known poets, from Talaam Acey, one of the first to develop the art of spoken word, to Besskepp, a poet from Los Angeles.

The event only started last fall but has already drawn a loyal crowd. It begins at 8 p.m. the first and third Thursdays every month, but the venue quickly fills up and people are forced to crowd around in the back of the room. Both novice and master poets alike can be sure to find an engaging audience who will holler and cheer them on.

Elevated is held at the Arts and Entertainment Center in North Park and costs $5 at the door.

The Arts & Entertainment Center

3026 University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92104