Rhythm & Rhyme

Join us for an evening where poetry and live jazz come together in conversation - part of our summer series of free, or pay-what-you-can, Electric Bar shows.

Rhythm + Rhyme brings together acclaimed poets, live musicians, and an open mic community for a night of storytelling, performance, improvisation, and connection. Throughout the evening, featured poets will share their work accompanied by a live jazz band, creating a unique atmosphere where spoken word and music intertwine.

The evening will also include an open mic section, with sign-ups available on the night. Whether you're a seasoned performer or sharing your work for the first time, all are welcome.

Manganaro - Host:

Manganaro is a poet, performer, and event organiser. They've headlined events across the UK and their writing explores themes of identity, bilingual experience, and everyday nuances, drawing on the personal side of political. They were a 2025 Queer Bath Award recipient, the 2024 DIVA Magazine Poetry Competition winner, a two-time finalist for the 2026 Creative Bath Awards, and have supported artists such as Alice Oswald and Max Porter; performing in venues from Tobacco Factory Bristol to No. 1 Royal Crescent.

Manganaro is passionate about uplifting the local grassroots creative community through events.

Photo Credit: Ellie Applegate

Gray Taylor - Featured Poet:

Gray Taylor is a Brighton-based spoken word artist with a penchant for punchlines. Originally from Derby, he has a musical background in hip hop, grime and R&B. He discovered his love of poetry after attending STATUS FLO at Brighton Dome, hosted by AFLO. the poet.

Gray Taylor is a relatable storyteller, mixing serious subjects with elements of humour. Through creative expression, he encourages audiences to explore reality from angles they may not have previously considered, and make them laugh along the way. His poetry includes themes of masculinity, Blackness, family relationships and social change. Gray's work is emotive and thought-provoking, yet easy on the ear.

Sophie Dumont - Featured Poet:

Sophie Dumont is a prize-winning poet from Bath. Her debut collection, Sculling, explores her relationship with waterbodies and her time as a kayak coach, and has been featured in The Guardian, Financial Times, and The Sunday Times. Her poetry has won the Brian Dempsey Memorial Prize, the John Brooks Award, and a Hammer & Tongue spoken word slam, and has been nominated for the Forward Prize.

She is an alumna of Bath Spa University's Creative Writing Masters and lives in Bristol above a disused electrical shop with her elderly terrier.

Photo Credit: Jae Fredrick

Salt Beef Reuben - Band:

Salt Beef Reuben is a London-based jazz fusion project known for blending modern grooves, adventurous improvisation, and contemporary influences with the spirit of the jazz tradition. Their debut EP At Location 9 received airplay on Jazz FM and One Jazz, followed by the release of their acclaimed reimagining of Maiden Voyage.

The band is also behind the ongoing Salt Beef Sessions residency in East London, a monthly event celebrating creative music, collaboration, and emerging talent. Drawing on influences from jazz, funk, fusion, and beyond, Salt Beef Reuben has built a reputation for energetic performances and a distinctive musical identity.

Join us for an evening of poetry, jazz, and community, celebrating the power of live performance and the connections that emerge when music and words meet.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Allocated rowed seating at The Electric Bar.

For information on our accessibility click here . If you have any specific access queries, please email [email protected].

This event is free or pay-what-you-can

This event is for ages 14+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) // Doors: 7pm // Show: 7:30pm