Poets Anonymous hosts monthly poetry meetup in Orlando

The informal workshop and forum aims to foster interest in poetry outside of traditional settings.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:56pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a vintage typewriter repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the grassroots poetry community fostered by the Poets Anonymous meetup.The Poets Anonymous meetup provides a welcoming, community-driven space for Orlando's poetry scene to thrive outside of traditional academic settings.Today in Orlando

Poets Anonymous, founded by local musicians Will Bess and Rachel Kinbar, is hosting a free monthly poetry workshop and forum in Orlando's Colonialtown neighborhood. The event welcomes writers of all skill levels to share works-in-progress and cultivate appreciation for poetry outside of academic or paid settings.

Why it matters

The Poets Anonymous meetup provides an accessible, community-driven space for Orlando's poets and aspiring poets to connect, share their work, and explore the art form. This grassroots initiative stands in contrast to more formal, institutional poetry programs, potentially appealing to a wider audience and generating new interest in the local poetry scene.

The details

Poets Anonymous was founded by Will Bess, known for his work with the band Warm Frames, and Rachel Kinbar, formerly of the Dining Room and Bonk. The monthly meetup takes place at the Quakers of Orlando Meeting House in Colonialtown, where attendees are invited to bring poems and writings to share with the group in an informal, supportive setting.

  • The next Poets Anonymous meetup is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

Will Bess

Co-founder of Poets Anonymous and member of the band Warm Frames.

Rachel Kinbar

Co-founder of Poets Anonymous and former member of the Dining Room and Bonk.

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What they’re saying

“Poets Anonymous is meant to foster interest in and appreciation for poetry outside of schools and paid workshops.”

— Will Bess, Co-founder, Poets Anonymous

The takeaway

The Poets Anonymous meetup represents a grassroots effort to create an inclusive, community-driven space for Orlando's poets and poetry enthusiasts to connect, share their work, and explore the art form beyond traditional academic or institutional settings.