Austin ranks #1 city for young adults / List of poetry readings.

Austin, Texas ranked #1 for young adults to live according to Kiplinger Magazine. While this isn’t poetry news we thought it was relevant since H and H is based in Austin. To make it more relevant we’ve listed some of the poetry readings in Austin, Texas.

Metro population: 1,705,075
Cost-of-living index: 97 (average is 100)
Median monthly rent (includes utilities): $864, nat. average+$819)
Average annual wage: $41,380 (as of 2007)
Unemployment rate: 6.9%
Percentage of Gen Y residents: 30%
Top employers: Austin School District, Dell, city and federal government, IBM, Seton Healthcare Network, St. David’s Healthcare Partnership, University of Texas at Austin
Austin has the fourth-lowest jobless rate among cities with populations of one million or more. Living costs fall below the national norm. It doesn’t hurt that this is the capital of Texas and home to eight colleges and universities, including the University of Texas. Austin’s cultural scene is exceptional, with two giant music festivals each year, a vibrant nightlife, and eclectic, up-and-coming neighborhoods, There’s certainly more than enough here to keep a recent grad busy.
PROS: Below-average cost of city living, hundreds of bars and music venues for the twenty-something set, reasonable rent
CONS: Long, hot summers, accelerating urban sprawl, limited public transportation (though the average drive will last only 23 minutes)
Readings in Austin, Texas:
MONDAYS 7-10pm
The Hideout – 617 Congress Ave. (512) 476-0473
Now has featured readers as well as round robin open mic. Uncensored. Acoustic musicians welcome. Creative collaborations encouraged. HOST: Thom the World Poet. POETS PANTRY.
TUESDAYS 6-9pm
Ruta Maya HQ – 3601 S.Congress Ave. (512) 472-9638
Poetry Open Mic; Main Stage. Every Tuesday. Every week. One of the longest running weekly open mics in Texas. All are welcome – come share your work or just listen. Uncensored. No cover. Free parking. HOSTS: David Bates and Marty Lloyd. POETS PANTRY.
WEDNESDAYS 8pm (Sign-up 7:30)
Austin Poetry Slam
Red’s Scoot Inn – 4th St. @ Navasota (1/2mile E of I-35)
Sign-up is open to anyone. $3 Cover Charge. $100 in prizes. Visit website for details and special events. www.austinslam.com
FIRST WEDNESDAYS 7-9pm
Vinny’s Italian Cafe: Poetry Acoustica
1003 Barton Springs Rd. (512) 482-8484
Largely music (acoustic) with poetry interludes. Fine food and excellent service. All ages welcomed. Eat at 6 – perform at 7pm.
FOURTH THURSDAYS 6:30-8:30pm
New World Deli – 41st & Guadalupe
A new Austin Poetry Society reading with APS features and open mic. A gentle reading in a welcoming restaurant for all ages.
SECOND & FOURTH FRIDAYS 7-9pm
La Tazza Fresca – 37th & Guadalupe
A genial acoustic collation of poetry, music, art and performances. Open to all ages.
HOST: Kathleen Romana.
FIRST SATURDAYS 7-10pm
Expressions – Baha’i Center 7-10pm
2215 E.M. Franklin Ave. (512) 926-8880
Theme reading with featured guest poets and musicians. http://www.austinbahai.org
SUNDAYS 7-10pm
Spoken & Heard – Kick Butt Coffee
5775 Airport Blvd. #725 (512) 454-KICK
An open minded open mic experience.
“Bring words, make noise – Bring yourself, make friends”
HOSTS: ELEMENT615, LaLove Robinson, Stacie Shea www.kickbuttcoffee.com
Also check out the Austin Poetry Society.