By Kirk Etherton
 |
| Denise Provost/Somerville Poet/State Legislator |
Somerville is home to so
many fine writers, chances are good you may be one them. Even if you
aren't on the "official program," perhaps you'll recite a
poem at the Open Mic.
The Festival is
celebrating its 15th year; 2015 promises to be more diverse and
exciting than ever. It begins Thursday evening with a program of
Poetry, Music & Dance (produced by Somerville resident &
Berklee prof. Lucy Holstedt). Participants include various members
of the Berklee community, and electric bassist Ethan Mackler.
Friday afternoon features
13 great "Keynote Poets." Included are Somerville resident
& Pulitzer Prize winner Lloyd Schwartz, David Ferry (National
Book Award), Kathleen Spivack, Charles Coe, and Diana Der-Hovanessian
(recipient of the Barcelona Peace Prize—plus countless other
accolades).
Friday evening, it's the
Festival's first "High School Slam Poetry Competition." Six
teams will compete. The event is hosted by well-known slam poetry
organizer "Mr. Hip"; teams represent schools from
Brookline, various areas of Boston, plus the North Shore.
I should mention that
poet Harris Gardner—who co-founded this annual event— resides
here in Somerville. Denise Provost, one of the fine "Featured
Poets" on Saturday, lives here as well; of course, she is also a
highly regarded State Representative. On Sunday, you won't want to
miss award-winning poet Ifeanyi Menkiti (Somerville resident and
owner of the world-famous Grolier Poetry Book Shop).
Somerville's Doug Holder,
who kindly suggested I write this week's column, is another
exceptional poet you'll want to hear on Sunday. Doug's neighbor Bert
Stern, a profoundly talented writer, is reading Sunday as well.
In the spirit of full
disclosure, I must tell you that I, too, am a "Somervillen"!
(I'll be hosting some events, and also performing.)
NOTE: this is a FREE
event, and all are welcome. One reason it's free is the generosity of
various excellent area businesses. In Somerville, many thanks to The
Norton Group (real estate), Master Printing & Signs, Blue Cloud
Gallery, and Sweet Ginger Thai Cuisine. Thanks also to Union Square's
fantastic Market Basket, for helping with publicity.
In what I call "Greater
Somerville," which includes Cambridge and Boston, special thanks
also to Harvard Book Store, boloco, and the Middle East & ZuZu
Restaurants and Nightclubs.
I can't begin to mention
everything and everyone this Festival has to offer (a panel
discussion on "Craft & Publishing," a reading by
Boston's new Poet Laureate, book tables, etc.), so you should really
check out the Festival's website.
It's easy to learn
more—including how to sign up for the Open Mic I mentioned at the
beginning, plus where and when everything is taking place. Go to:
bostonnationalpoetry.wix.com/poetry
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