Hi, Jeff.
Alas, I'm a tad far away--about 300 miles--to attend except when visiting the Dallas area, which at present I rarely do. Actually, I haven't been there (not counting layovers at the airport) in about 30 years. But I'd be interested in hearing more about your efforts when you succeed. Maybe you could post a note on GA when you and like-minded poets have readings? I'm retired now and have more leeway in my schedule.
It occurs to me that the
Directory of Poets & Writers might be a useful tool here, if you were willing to contact folks who live within a reasonable radius of your location. Here's a link for those listed in Texas (yes, I realize how big the state is; I had to help drive across it for a training session at Big Bend National Park once!):
http://www.pw.org/connect/state/writers/tx.
Word-of-mouth will probably help, too, but that takes awhile to kick in.
Anyway, I sympathize and wish you phenomenally good luck.
Mark