About RASP

The Redmond Association of Spokenword (RASP) was founded in January 1997 by Cora Goss-Grubbs to promote written and spoken arts—poetry, fiction, drama, nonfiction, and more—in Redmond and East King County through inclusive performance events and educational programming. We currently feature the following activities, all free to the public:

• Monthly readings (featured reader and open-mic)

• Poetry & Prose Circle (Zoom critique group)

• Poets in the Park (annual poetry festival)

• Other occasional community engagements

Our monthly reading series, on the last Friday evening of each month, typically features a published writer from the diverse Pacific Northwest literary community, performing original work. Each reading or performance is followed by a brief question-and-answer period with questions about the readers and his or her work. Our monthly readings also include an open mic, where we encourage participants to read poems, fiction or nonfiction selections, or other work (of their own or by others). We welcome poets, writers, and spoken-word performers of all ages in an honest, supportive, and unrestricted environment. Oh, and we usually have snacks, and sometimes gather at a nearby restaurant or bar for socializing afterwards!

Our Poetry & Prose Circle offers writers a safe and welcoming place to share and discuss creative work, with participants offering suggestions for improvement. This series began as a monthly public service at the Redmond Library, but moved to Zoom during the pandemic, where it has remained.

In 2004, 2005, and from 2014 through 2019 (and cancelled in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic), RASP also sponsored Poets in the Park, founded and directed by Michael Dylan Welch. This event began as a two-day conference in Redmond’s Clise Mansion in Marymoor Park. When revived in 2014, it moved to Redmond’s Anderson Park where it became a one-day poetry festival with two main stages for poetry, plus workshops, a book fair, art installations, and other activities including mini golf, lawn games, and more—such as sometimes featuring a King County Metro poetry bus and food trucks.

On August 23, 2013, RASP launched Here, There, and Everywhere, a poetry anthology featuring 120 poems by 70 poets, available on Amazon. This collection was edited by reading series curator Michael Dylan Welch. The poets are all RASP regulars, known as Rasputians.

And more! RASP has also produced the Write Out Loud! literary arts festival, the Eastside Young Authors Contest, and numerous teen and adult writing workshops (haiku, longer poetry, fiction, and performance arts). RASP also participates in Redmond and East King County civic and arts events.

Please join us for our events! To receive reminders, please join our email list. We send just a few messages a month, alerting you to upcoming events or special activities. RASP uses MailChimp and complies with its Acceptable Use Policy, including protection of your privacy.

Read about RASP’s history.

While literature is one of our best avenues for dealing with difficult subjects, please remember that our meetings are open to a diverse audience, including young people. We ask that your readings at our events do not attempt to normalize discrimination or mistreatment of others.