Transylvania University Theater presents Maurice Manning's "Railsplitter"
2020-11-20 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
Transylvania University Theater, in partnership with Maurice Manning, an esteemed American poet, Guggenheim Fellow, Pulitzer Prize finalist and professor of English, presents a performance adaptation of his latest book of poetry, “Railsplitter.”
Through this filmed, online performance, the Theater program asks the question: How does the mythology of Lincoln speak currently through us, expressed by Manning’s words?
Railsplitter is a collection of 31 short interpretations of Manning’s poems — ranging from straight recitations of the lines to music videos. A choose-your-own adventure style of online theater performance, the production crew boasts of more than 10 directors, working with over 40 performers, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, put together by eight student video editors.
Tune into this page or Transylvania’s YouTube channel on Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. for the premiere of the video performance. If you miss the premiere, the video will be available for viewing through the end of January 2021.

The Arab American National Museum presents Upping the Stakes: Persecution and Resistance Across Contexts — Live Arts Share + Panel Discussion
2020-11-21 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
FREE with RSVP or suggested $10 donation*
*Donate $25 or more and receive a free e-subscription of Michigan Quarterly Review!
RSVP for streaming link
Writers published in Sukoon Magazine and the Michigan Quarterly Review’s special issue on Persecution will share their work and participate in a panel discussion around the theme of persecution, injustice, displacement and disenfranchisement. Arab writers and artists will share their poetry, essays, music and film and engage in dialogue about what it means to up the stakes on human rights campaigns and artistic endeavors that transcend borders. In the shifting political and literary landscape of Arab culture, what does the future hold?
Featuring writers/artists Rahim AlHaj, Zeina Hashem Beck, Esmat Elhalaby, Mona Kareem, Ahmed Naji and Hind Shoufani, with host/emcee Rewa Zeinati and panel moderator Khaled Mattawa.
If you have any questions, e-mail Kathryn Grabowski, Curator of Public Programs at kgrabowski@accesscommunity.org.

The Adroit Journal presents Adroit Turns Ten: An Evening of Writing & Verse
2020-11-21 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
The editors of The Adroit Journal are thrilled to welcome you to a special reading in celebration of our ten year anniversary, honoring our Founding Editor-in-Chief, Peter LaBerge. Readers include K-Ming Chang, Victoria Chang, Chen Chen, Tiana Clark, Megan Giddings, Laura Kasischke, Dorianne Laux, Ben Loory, LaTanya McQueen, José Olivarez, Justin Phillip Reed, and Arthur Sze. The reading will be hosted on Zoom by Heidi Seaborn, executive editor of The Adroit Journal.
Register here.

The Academy of American Poets presents Gather in Poems: A Virtual Reading and Offering of Community Through Poetry Featuring Award-Winning Poets from Across the U.S.
2020-11-24 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
The Academy of American Poets is honored to present Gather In Poems: A Virtual Reading on Tuesday, November 24, at 7:30 pm EDT, which will reflect on the importance of community through the sharing of poetry between people.
This reading will be free and open to the public, with presentations by:
Francisco Aragón
Nickole Brown
Rafael Campo
Geffrey Davis
Toi Derricotte
Aracelis Girmay
Joy Harjo
Robert Hass
Jessica Jacobs
Airea D. Matthews
Yesenia Montilla
Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Ladan Osman
Patricia Smith
Arthur Sze
Ethan Wang
Seema Yasmin
Register here.

RHINO Poetry presents RHINO Reads Online: Aricka Foreman + Keith S. Wilson
2020-11-27 20:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
Log on with us for a reading by Aricka Foreman + Keith S. Wilson! It’s just like our regular readings you know and love, but from the comfort of your own home/phone.
Register here.

The Still Queer Reading Series presents Mark Bibbins in Conversation with Alexander Chee & Dustin Schell
2020-12-01 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
In honor of World AIDS Day, the Still Queer reading series welcomes Mark Bibbins, author of 13th Balloon. Mark will be joined in conversation by Still Queer co-curators Alexander Chee and Dustin Schell.
Register here.

The Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation at CSUF presents Black Center: An Online Poetry Reading
2020-12-03 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
Featuring Tommye Blout, Nandi Comer, T’ai Freedom Ford, Luther Hughes, Nabila Lovelace, Joy Priest, Phillip B. Williams, Keith S. Wilson.
Hosted by Ashaki M. Jackson

tinyurl.com/BLACKCENTER
ID: 968 5822 9617
For additional information, contact Dr. Natalie Graham at NGraham@fullerton.edu. Learn more about the institute at http://hss.fullerton.edu/ibii

WE SPEAK Youth Poetry Slam Competition with Special Guest Jericho Brown
2020-12-03 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
From the organizers:
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) presents the first-ever WE SPEAK Festival, a virtual, evening-length celebration of spoken word poetry and storytelling. Integrating critically-acclaimed artists Jericho Brown, Andrea Gibson, Kealoha, Shane Koyczan, and Robin Sanders, alongside talented local youth chosen through a juried selection process, WE SPEAK seeks to embody the complex themes and concerns of the year 2020. Through performance, artists are invited to respond to issues including (but not limited to) the global health crisis, Black Lives Matter and the racial justice movement, and experiences of disability, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities. Their voices call for action, dignity, and, ultimately hope.

This fall, as part of ECA’s Education & Outreach programming, Kealoha is leading virtual spoken word workshops with young people through partnerships with Leadership Launch and Scriber Lake High School. Three student finalists from the WE SPEAK Youth Poetry Slam Competition will receive virtual mentorship sessions with Kealoha, as well as the opportunity to perform their work live from the ECA stage on Dec. 3.

Warning: Student and professional artist submissions to the WE SPEAK Festival may contain adult or explicit language.

Ticket Holders will receive a Livestream link via email 24 hours prior to the event.
Pay What You Can $5-$45

Maynooth University English Department presents Philip Metres: Shrapnel Maps, A Poetry Reading and Discussion
2020-12-08 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
In the second event of our Poetry and Poetics reading and discussion series, Maynooth English Department is delighted to host multi-award-winning poet Philip Metres, who will read from, and talk about, his new poetry collection, Shrapnel Maps. The event will include an interactive Q&A with the poet, featuring questions from Maynooth students and attendees of the webinar.
Organised by Dr Catherine Gander and Dr Karl O’Hanlon.
This event will take place via Zoom webinar. Registered attendees will be sent the secure link the day before the event.
Register here.

Brooklyn Public Library presents MISSING THEM Poetry Reading: Holding Space for Grief
2020-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
Join us on Friday night to kick off THE CITY’s MISSING THEM Memorial Event with poetry readings on loss, grieving and celebrating life during a pandemic, presented by Brooklyn Public Library featuring poets Ellen Bass, Ross Gay and Aracelis Girmay.
THE CITY’s MISSING THEM project is an ambitious effort to track down every New Yorker that died due to COVID-19 and write a story about them. What started in May as a digital memorial has now transformed into a two and a half day virtual event to honor and celebrate those we’ve lost. The event will include performances, writing workshops and, most importantly, stories and memories shared by the families who have written into the MISSING THEM memorial.
The night will also include a short video of community members from across New York City reciting a poem they wrote based on the 200+ obituaries written by THE CITY’s MISSING THEM writers and reporters. This is presented by Brooklyn Public Library’s Poetry of Comfort class.
When you sign up for any of the MISSING THEM Memorial events, you’ll be asked if you would like to share a story or listen to stories shared by family members. We encourage you to not only participate in our events, but to also to bear witness to the stories shared by those who lost someone they loved.
RSVP here.

Writers Against Trump presents The Georgia Senate Runoff with Jericho Brown, Anjali Enjeti, Tayari Jones, and Laurel Snyder
2020-12-12 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
Writers Against Trump: The Georgia Senate Runoff with Jericho Brown, Anjali Enjeti, Tayari Jones, and Laurel Snyder.
Moderated by Carolyn Forché, co-sponsored by Avid Bookshop and Books & Books.
Register here.

Elliott Bay Book Company presents Ellen Bass and Derek Sheffield
2021-01-04 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
From the organization:
“Derek Sheffield recently joined us for an exuberant post-election reading of the Terrain.org anthology Dear America, and returns to our virtual stage tonight to launch a new collection of poetry, Not For Luck (Wheelbarrow Books/Michigan State University Press). Reading with him tonight is the esteemed poet Ellen Bass, whom we had hoped to host last spring, when her most recent collection, Indigo (Copper Canyon Press) was published.”
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/derek-sheffield-not-for-luck-and-ellen-bass-indigo-poetry-reading-tickets-130841696035

The Brooklyn Rail presents Radical Poetry Reading with Sharon Olds, Leila Chatti, Toi Derricotte, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Danez Smith
2021-01-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | WA
From the organizers:
“Poet Sharon Olds curates the 20th Radical Poetry Reading, featuring Toi Derricotte, Yusef Komunyakaa, Danez Smith, and Leila Chatti.
This event will be held over ZOOM. We’ll send you a link to join this event after you register.”
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-new-social-environment-211-radical-poetry-with-sharon-olds-tickets-135920246115

The Manderley Collective presents Leila Chatti and Elizabeth Powell
2021-01-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | WA
The Manderley Collective presents an online reading and Q&A with Leila Chatti and Elizabeth Powell.
Register here: https://nyu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtd-6tqj0jEtAw93LunZG70_ZQyOmtr9uu

Palm Beach Poetry Festival presents Between Clarity And Wilderness: How To Tune Your Tension With Traci Brimhall
2021-01-18 08:00 - 2021-01-23 17:00 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
Every writer has their strengths, but we often tend to over-rely on what we already know we do well. In this workshop with Traci Brimhall, we will focus on how to create a balance of tension in poems. We will look at poems that model a balance of tension between clarity and wilderness, narrative and music, emotion and intellect. We will then use exercises to generate new work that tries to balance our inherent strengths by employing vocabulary, syntax, and tonal choices we normally shy away from. We will also workshop some new poems. If you have a natural gift for image and metaphor, what happens when you incorporate philosophy or meditation? If you tend to write simple, declarative sentences, how would your work change if you wrote a poem in a single, long, winding sentence and focused on the musicality of language rather than clarity? Sign up for a tune up.
Application information here.

Palm Beach Poetry Festival presents Gregory Orr
2021-01-18 08:00 - 2021-01-23 17:00 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
For this year’s Thomas Lux Memorial Reading and special interview, the festival is pleased to present The Beloved: A Poetry and Song Cycle, a collaborative work created by Gregory Orr and The Parkington Sisters. This original work features the extraordinary musical compositions and lyric adaptation of Gregory Orr’s poems by the Parkington Sisters sequenced with Gregory Orr’s reading and performance. Don’t miss this!
We will also present a one-on-one interview of Gregory Orr by Laure-Anne Bosselaar to be followed by a Q&A session with the poet.
More information about these special events is forthcoming.
Application information here.

LOGOS presents Tyree Daye + Hannah VanderHart
2021-01-19 19:00 - 20:15 (America/Chicago) | WA
From the organizers:
Digital LOGOS Gathering, co-sponsored by EcoTheo Review.
LOGOS Collective Collective Gatherings are ‘liturgically-inflected’ reading events, which engage audience participation. To participate in the ZOOM call, please RSVP through Eventbrite. A confirmation email will be sent with ZOOM link and PW for access.
You can also tune-in and watch the event on the LOGOS page via FacebookLIVE (@logospoetrycollective).
Register here.

The Black Matter Is Life: Poetry for Engagement and Overcoming - Love, Love, Love, feat. Jericho Brown
2021-01-21 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
“Join us this winter for a virtual series of public conversations entitled, The Black Matter is Life: Poetry for Engagement and Overcoming. In this series, we will explore and discuss the rich tradition and innovation found in African American poetry.

Poetry is a powerful art form, one that offers profound insights into what it means to be human. Through the creative, succinct, and melodious use of language, poets render into words their joys, their challenges, their vulnerabilities, and their discoveries, thus providing shape and meaning to the human connection and shared emotional experience.
In the wake of our nation’s current unrest, this program is designed to build bridges across the racial divide by introducing the audience to the writings of a number of African American poets whose work has shone a light on a rich cultural heritage that has often gone unexplored. This program asks the audience to consider how African American poetry provides tools for healing our nation’s deep racial wounds.

To begin this exploration of the vast diversity within African American poetic tradition, UNH professors Reginald Wilburn and Dennis Britton will facilitate three online conversations. Each discussion deconstructs four poems grouped by themes. Conversations will center these poems within the context of the African American literary tradition, their cultural heritage, the traditions they encompassed, and the relevance this tradition has to us today. The series will also explore the question, ‘Why does African American Poetry matter?'”
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqdu-vqz8oG9MzJH1DYmxo_GMc5qQrRn7c

Princeton University presents Jericho Brown and Danez Smith in Conversation with Tracy K. Smith
2021-01-22 17:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
“Join 22nd U.S. Poet Laureate, Tracy K. Smith, as she discusses poetry, survival, and our pandemic reality with renowned poets Jericho Brown and Danez Smith.
This highlighted Wintersession event will feature poetry readings by Jericho Brown, winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in poetry; and award-winning poet, performer, and current Princeton Arts Fellow Danez Smith. Professor Smith will moderate a conversation on art, America, and the feelings and determinations arising from this complicated moment. An interactive audience Q&A will conclude the evening.”
Register here: https://campusevents.princeton.edu/OWCE/rsvp_boot?id=904109

The Santa Cruz County Community Writers Series presents Ellen Bass
2021-01-23 14:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
From the organizers:

Ellen Bass’s most recent poetry book is Indigo (Copper Canyon Press, 2020). Her poems appear frequently in The New Yorker, American Poetry Review, and other journals. Among her awards are Fellowships from the NEA, the California Arts Council, three Pushcart Prizes, and The Lambda Literary Award. In 1973, she coedited the first major anthology of women’s poetry, No More Masks!, and her nonfiction includes the groundbreaking The Courage to Heal. A Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, Bass founded poetry workshops at Salinas Valley State Prison and the Santa Cruz jails, and teaches in the MFA writing program at Pacific University.

OPEN MIC
The virtual doors will open at 2pm PT. You can sign up to read your own original work for up to five minutes then or by email: communitywritersscco@gmail.com.

Access information: We’ll be meeting virtually via Zoom. You may join us via computer, laptop, or smartphone.
Email us to get on the email reminder list and receive zoom link and password: [REDACTED]

The Adroit Journal Issue 36 Release Reading featuring Ellen Bass
2021-01-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | WA
From the organizers:
“The editors of The Adroit Journal are excited to welcome you to a reading celebrating the release of our thirty-sixth issue. Readers include issue contributors Ellen Bass, Ethan Chatagnier, Martha Collins, Ghinwa Jawhari, Aurielle Marie, Nkosi Nkululeko, and Lydia Wei. The reading will be hosted on Zoom by Heidi Seaborn, executive editor of The Adroit Journal.”
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-adroit-journal-issue-36-release-reading-tickets-137030336425

Lannan Center for Poetics & Social Practice presents Javier Zamora and Natalie Scenters-Zapico
2021-01-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Lannen Center for Poetics & Social Practice, 3611 Canal Road NW, Washington, DC, United States
Lannan Center for Poetics & Social Practice welcomes Javier Zamora and Natalie Scenters-Zapico for a reading and discussion moderated by Carolyn Forché.
Check here for updated information, including location TBD: https://lannan.georgetown.edu/2020-2021-readings-and-talks/javier-zamora-and-natalie-scenters-zapico/

Lift Every Voice: Why African American Poetry Matters
2021-01-28 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
From the organizers:
“As part of Lift Every Voice: Why African American Poetry Matters, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles joins the nationwide celebration of 250 years of African American poetry, on the occasion of the release of Kevin Young’s anthology. This program will include a special reading of these poems that address questions of identity, race, place, voice and the richness and diversity of African American poetic imagination.”
Poets in the anthology in include Jericho Brown, Camille Rankine, Roger Reeves, Alison C. Rollins, among many others. The event will feature special guests Kevin Young, Amanda Gorman, Kris Bowers, Robin Coste Lewis, and Safiya Sinclair.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lift-every-voice-why-african-american-poetry-matters-today-tickets-133028637235

100 Boots Poetry Series presents Nathaniel Mackey and Natalie Shapero
2021-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | WA
From the organizers:
“This free program will be hosted on Zoom; registration is required.

The 100 Boots Poetry Series presents readings by a range of emerging and established writers from St. Louis and across the United States. 100 Boots is organized by Ted Mathys, poet and educator at Saint Louis University. Mathys will host a virtual discussion and reading with poets Nathaniel Mackey and Natalie Shapero. A selection of their books are available courtesy of Left Bank Books at left-bank.com.

“Blue Fasa” by Nathaniel Mackey: bit.ly/3beSTQp
“Popular Longing” by Natalie Shapero: bit.ly/396oktM”

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3owhd8ZESOycDJ1qQvtXzw

Fresno MFA Chicanx Writers and Artists Association presents Monica Sok
2021-01-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
From the organizers:

“Join the Chicanx Writers and Artists Association in (re)welcoming Monica Sok, an acclaimed poet, for a reading and Q&A! Monica was previously slated to read with us last Spring and we’re fortunate she’s able to make space with us this upcoming January.”

Register here: https://fresnostate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsfuisrz8uHNYu1zqNcwlo8QW4YsNMsKQs

The Chicano Writers and Artists Association at Fresno State presents Monica Sok
2021-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
From the organizers:
Join the Chicanx Writers and Artists Association in (re)welcoming Monica Sok, an acclaimed poet, for a reading and Q&A! Monica was previously slated to read with us last Spring and we’re fortunate she’s able to make space with us this upcoming January.
Pre-registration is required: here.

Lit Youngstown presents Philip Metres, Kevin Carey, & Kim Roberts
2021-01-31 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | WA
Lit Youngstown presents a celebration of three poets and their new books, streaming live on Lit Youngstown’s YouTube channel. Tune in for a reading and conversation with Philip Metres, Kevin Carey, and Kim Roberts.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2yQJz2gpHQWwdMAfrWzw

The Academy of American Poets presents All We Can Save: A Virtual Reading & Comprehension feat. Ellen Bass
2021-02-03 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | WA
The Academy of American Poets presents All We Can Save: A Virtual Reading & Comprehension, February 4 at 7 PM EST, feat. Ellen Bass
From the organizers:
All We Can Save: A Virtual Reading & Conversation featuring women leaders who are at the forefront of the climate movement. This event will include Academy of American Poets Chancellor Ellen Bass and Camille T. Dungy, two poet contributors to the anthology All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, co-edited by climate leaders Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Dr. Katharine K. Wilkinson, who will also participate in the event. Thursday, February 4 at 7 p.m. EST. Free with registration. Closed captioning will be available.
Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/all-we-can-save-a/register?mc_cid=efa8ee01bd&mc_eid=13f51d1abd

HOME: Poetry Reading and Open Mic Series presents Rachel McKibbens
2021-02-05 19:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
The theme, HOME, is born out of our current space, time, crisis, and future-shaping. What does home mean? What isn’t home? Who is lacking home? Now that we are all home so much, how do we like our homes? Ourselves? Our families? What is home, in the literal and figurative sense? Is the body a type of home? How so? Is a poem a type of home? How do we integrate this into content and craft?
Register for Rachel McKibbens‘s reading here.

Home Poetry Workshop Series: A Poetry Reading & Open Mic with Rachel McKibbens
2021-02-05 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | WA
From the organizers:
“HOME is a poetry reading, open mic, and workshop series led by Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola. It consists of a featured reader and brief open mic every first Friday of the month, followed by a writing workshop the following Saturday morning. Anthony Febo will host the readings and open mics.”
This reading and open mic features Rachel McKibbens.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeS1OcXWCfLt4hsXE8kGR-KI1OpQQGeO_sKyMWatxjbquqBEA/viewform
