Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2014 (Poetry and more!) April 10-13, in Copley Square

Harris Gardner--Founder of the Boston National Poetry Festival

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2014

(Poetry and more!)

April 10-13, in Copley Square  

By Kirk Etherton      

        This year, the Festival begins with something new—a Thursday evening premier of "Poetry set to Music & Dance," held upstairs at Old South Church.  It features poems by Robert Pinsky, Sylvia Plath, Doug Holder, CD Collins, Richard Hoffman, and others. The event is produced by Lucy Holstedt, professor at Berklee College of Music.

          Performers include Cloud Ludum Ensemble, CD Collins, Eleni Arapoglou and dancers, Lucy Holstedt, plus Prof. Armsted Christian's Flo'Ology Experience (spoken word/poetry/music). Special appearances by Beth Bahia Cohen (violin), Ethan Mackler (electric bass), and many more.

          Friday, the Festival moves to the Boston Public Library, with readings by 15 "Keynote Poets." To name just five: David Ferry (National Book Award), Diana Der-Hovanessian (Barcelona Peace Prize), Dan Tobin (Guggenheim) and Lloyd Schwartz (Pulitzer Prize); Vermont-based poet & editor Jim Schley is driving down from his home in South Strafford to participate.

          Saturday and Sunday (April 12 & 13), readings continue at the Library, with 60 established and emerging poets. National Poetry Slam winner Regie O. Gibson, Boston Poet Laureate Sam Cornish, Rep. Denise Provost, January O'Neil, Bert Stern, Charles Coe, Kate Finnegan, and poet-philosopher Ifeanyi Menkiti are just a few you won't want to miss—as well as a number of gifted Boston high school students. Also reading are Festival co-founders/poets Harris Gardner and Lainie Senechal

          The Festival has Open Mics, on Saturday AND Sunday. There is also a workshop led by noted poet Tom Daley. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE!

For more information, go to: bostonnationalpoetry.wix.com/poetry