Local poet/writer finds her open mic home at Lydia's On Ludlow

If there’s anyone who knows how to keep herself busy, it’s Kelly Thomas.

She has a background in creative writing and attended the MA program at Miami University. She received her MFA from Butler University and currently teaches literature and composition at Northern Kentucky University and Xavier University. Before coming to Lydia's on Ludlow, Thomas was a graduate student and writer-in-residence at Wordplay.

Thomas is also the event organizer for Literary Lydia’s, a showcase for Greater Cincinnati musicians, writers and performers. Open mic nights on the second and third Thursdays of each month are at Lydia's on Ludlow in Clifton, formerly known as Om Eco Cafe.

Upcoming Literary Lydia's events are scheduled for June 30, July 28 and Aug. 25, all beginning at 7 p.m.

Kelly ThomasThomas organizes events and readings with local playwrights and poets, but her favorite part about her job is the plethora of people she crosses paths with.

“I get to meet so many different people from the city and network with writers and artists who are doing amazing things,” she says.

As a creative thinker, Thomas wanted to do something different this summer with the Lydia's on Ludlow events. 

“We’re shifting gears this summer to a different kind of series,” she says. “I wanted to explore the connection between yoga and the artistic process."

Starting July 7, CREYOS will host various yoga instructors and performances from varying creative disciplines. 

On top of all of the event organizing and teaching she does, Thomas has her own editing and writing business on the side, which she hopes to pursue more in the future.

Do Good:

• To learn more about Lydia's on Ludlow, visit its website. 

• Attend the opening night of CREYOS on July 7 at Lydia's on Ludlow, 329 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. 

• Stay connected with Literary Lydia's on the group’s Facebook page.