By Vanessa Selle
BAY CITY – Lolobee’s Lounge in Bay City was the location of the first-ever “Words Like Honey” poetry event.
On Oct. 23, the small coffee shop on Linn Street hosted 15 poets and over 30 listeners and shoppers. All except one poet spoke more than once, and all were met with warm applause and a rapt audience.
There was a mix of humorous and serious topics in the poems, and every poet had their own taste and distinct personality, shown through their poetry, clothing, and mannerisms. They were very passionate and showed expression, sometimes even acting out what they said as they read their poems.
A crowd of nearly 30 pack into Lolobee’s Lounge to listen to poetry readings. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Members of the audience give Meesh McElroy a warm applause upon finishing one of their poems. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Meesh McElroy continues the event with their own captivating words. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Lolobee’s Lounge encourages their visitors to show off their talent and entertain guests. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Event organizers Max Gilbert (left) and Madison Wittbrodt (right) commence the Words like Honey poetry reading. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Brightyn Henika kicks off the event as the first audience member to present their poetry. Oct. 23, 2022; photo Credit Onnie Stone 
Audiobook narrator and poet Roberto Scarlato engages with the audience. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Lolobee’s owner Lauren Williams steams milk for a customer while listening to poetry. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Dusk breaks through the east facing door of Lolobee’s Lounge. Oct. 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone 
Brightyn Henika presents his poetry to the audience a second time as the poetry readings continue. Oct 23, 2022; photo credit Onnie Stone
The event had an amazingly diverse crowd, and everyone felt comfortable sharing their work, and after all the readings were done, many people stuck around to socialize and mingle. It was a very casual and friendly environment throughout and after the event.
“This is a very cool room with a lot of creative people,” said poet Roberto Scarlato. Although he writes his own poetry, he narrates audiobooks for a living and has since December 2013. He wrote his first poem in college in 2007 and started again during the pandemic in 2020. Scarlato has been coming to Lolobee’s for a few months and says, “I love their vibe.”
Another poet and attendee Elizabeth Detloff said she likes events like these because “it makes you write more because there’s more stuff to read.” Detloff was at a table with another poet Matt Kehr, and a friend Sarah Stack.
Organizers Madison Whittbrodt and Max Gilbert, owner of the “Words Like Honey” Facebook page, said that they knew Lolobee’s was the space as soon as they visited for the first time. Whittbrodt says they have always wanted to put on a “poetry slam,” and with the first one so successful, they are hoping to have one about once a month at Lolobee’s. “This place has the perfect atmosphere,” Whittbrodt said.
Lolobee’s Lounge, created in 2019 and opened in July 2022, is owned by Lauren Williams and Ben Paul. Williams has always wanted to own a coffee shop and had a plan with a friend in 7th grade that she would run the coffee shop, and her friend would run a bookstore that was connected to it.
Even though life took them separate ways, and her dream took longer to come true than she thought, Williams now has her coffee shop. Williams and Paul looked for a place for almost 3 years and settled on Linn Street because of the character of the building. The old stained glass windows and brick walls reminded Williams of her hometown of New Orleans and loved the old “retro” vibe.
Williams and Paul like to get to know their customers, and even though they’ve only been open for three months, they already have established regulars, such as Scarlato, Whittbrodt, and Gilbert, among others. “We want people to drink their coffee and hang out,” Williams said when asked about the kind of environment they wanted to create.
Williams and Paul love events like the “Words Like Honey” poetry reading and say that’s what they’re here for. Williams encourages anyone who wants to host an event but needs a venue to check out Lolobee’s Lounge.
They have hosted events such as painting parties, a live music night, and an interactive “Death Cafe” event. For more information, visit their Facebook page or their website https://lolobees.com/.
