A sampling of things going on today. Check the happenings page for more. Send information on your event to: editor [at] westphillylocal.com

• Philly Youth Poetry and Open Mic Night • 8 p.m. • The Rotunda • 4014 Walnut St. • Tickets: $7 for youth, $10 for adults.

This festival of the word includes DEF POETS, Special guests, hip hop and more. The mic is open. You never know…someone from the Philly crew on HBO’s Brave New Voices might be in the house.

Here’s the leader of the 2009 Philly team, Josh Bennett, performing an amazing piece about his sister at the White House poetry slam last year:

• A Christmas Carol • 7:30 p.m. • St. Mary’s Church • 3916 Locust St. • Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $5 for children

Jared Reed from the Curio Theatre will star in the Dickens classic. The performance is a benefit for St. Mary’s Church, Hamilton Village. This would be a great show for older children.