In the tradition of the open mics at the old Cafe Lena, or the spoken-word happenings at the Jasmine Tree Tiki Lounge, the Hour That Stretches is a cross-genre spoken word event with nearly three years under its belt, a rabidly loyal audience and a constantly-evolving roster of fresh talent from many scenes. Pushcart Prize-nominated author Edward R. Morris and several filthy assistants, including Witch Mountain drummer Nathan Carson, scour many literary scenes for the best of the best and bring them to the Hour stage. The setup is live, intimate and loud, and audience members have called it, "an authentic Portland experience."

The Hour That Stretches began at the Jade Lounge, moved to the Hawthorne Theatre and has now found a more permanent home at the Lovecraft Bar every First Friday. Details here: 
https://www.facebook.com/HourThatStretches/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/events/1055486531181982/