First-Timer’s Guide: MoCo Underground Writers Showcase
More than a reading, the MoCo Underground Writers Showcases are events where stories come alive and voices find their place, offering an open stage for everyone who loves the written word. From first-time writers to seasoned authors with hundreds of publications, everyone is welcome to share their voice or enjoy the readings of local authors.
What Is the MoCo Underground Writers Showcase?
The MoCo Underground Writers Showcase is a free, public event held bi-monthly at Sandy Spring Museum. Each showcase features six to eight writers who share their original short stories, poetry, and essays aloud before a live audience. Every reader has between five and eight minutes to present their work, creating an evening filled with diverse voices and genuine connection.
Meet the Host: Julia Tagliere
Julia Tagliere, founder and host of MoCo Underground, is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has appeared in The Writer, Potomac Review, and Gargoyle Magazine. She is the recipient of the 2022 Maryland State Arts Council Independent Artist Award and author of Reliance: Stories & Essays, winner of the 2023 Electric Book Award.
In 2019, Julia founded the MoCo Underground Reading Series to give local writers a space to be heard. She believes that everyone has a story worth sharing and that storytelling brings people together through empathy and creativity.
How It Works
Each MoCo Underground event features six to eight readers, each sharing their work for five to eight minutes. Events are free and open to the public and are held bi-monthly. Readers at all levels of experience who are interested in sharing their work should send an email containing a 2,000-word (max) writing sample and a short bio to request a slot at a future showcase. You can also find additional important information, including upcoming showcase dates, by clicking here.
Footage of recent showcases is available through Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMCTV), which helps highlight local arts and community stories across Montgomery County.
Why It Matters
MoCo Underground is more than a reading program. It is a community where local writers come together to listen, connect, and grow. A single poem can bridge generations, and a personal story can remind us of our shared humanity.
As Julia Tagliere says, "This stage is a place where everyone can shine their light."
Membership Matters
Becoming a Museum member helps sustain programs like the MoCo Underground Writers Showcase and ensures that local art, history, and storytelling remain accessible to all. Membership directly supports community events, creative workshops, and the preservation of stories that define Montgomery County.
Learn more about membership benefits or how to get involved.
Join the Story
The MoCo Underground Writers Showcase welcomes writers, listeners, and anyone who believes in the power of stories. By joining us, you become part of a creative circle that keeps the arts vibrant and makes local creativity available for generations to come.
Learn more about upcoming showcases.
For questions, email Brigid Miller or call 301-774-0022.
