Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2021: Virtual, virtuoso poets & musicians April 15-17.

 

Somervillian, singer, saxophonist, flutist, actor, Stan Strickland has performed with or opened for everyone from Miles Davis and Aretha Franklin, to three-time U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky.

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2021:

Virtual, virtuoso poets & musicians April 15-17.


By Kirk Etherton, co-producer of the Boston National Poetry Month Festival.

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The 20th annual B.N.P.M.F. almost happened in 2020. Instead, the 20th Festival is taking place this year, on Zoom.



Certain things change—like everyone saying “Zoom.” One constant is Somervillians being a notable part of this event. I could easily fill the entire page by mentioning everything that Doug Holder (professor, publisher, interviewer, etc.) does for poetry, and the arts in general. But I’ll just say he’s a Festival board member, and one of this year’s featured poets.




2021 is the first year that musician-plus Stan Strickland will be performing. I don’t know exactly what he’ll be doing, but it could be almost anything: besides his collaborative, multi-instrumental work with all kinds of famous folks, his one-man show Coming Up For Air won the Eliot Norton Award.




(NOTE: When I ran into Stan a few months ago in Union Square, he may have said that he was going to be moving. But it’s easy to misunderstand someone when you’re both wearing masks. Plus, I really, really don’t like the thought of our fine city losing someone of Stan’s amazing talent and generosity to some other city. So enough about that.)




OK! Let’s talk about Lucy Holstedt, who has lived in Somerville for about 20 years. Like Stan, she’s a professor at Berklee College of Music. Lucy is a Festival board member and co-producer. She also created the website, which includes bios of all the poets and musicians. Check out bostonnationalpoetry.org




You’ll find singer-songwriter Thea Hopkins’ bio under the “Saturday” tab. Yet another Somerville resident, her work has been recorded by Peter, Paul & Mary, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Thea’s voice is perhaps one of the most beautiful things in the world.




I, too live in this unique city. Among other things, I’m one-third of a bi-coastal group, Cedar Gate Writers (Lucy Holstedt is another third). We’re also performing on Saturday.




Here are just five of the exceptionally fine, “outside Somerville” poets: Richard Hoffman, Rhina P. Espaillat, Fred Marchant, Charles Coe, and Martha Collins. (If you don’t know them, go take a look on our website.)




The Festival is proud to be partnering with our new ally and fiscal agent, Writers Without Margins--a tremendous organization that takes literature beyond traditional spaces. They’re led by writer / attorney / film producer Cheryl Buchanan. Learn more by clicking the site’s “Thursday” tab.

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We are incredibly fortunate to have Martín Espada as our special guest. As a poet, translator, editor, and essayist, Espada has published more than 20 books and won many major awards. He has been compared to Walt Whitman for his ability to make readers feel “an undeniable social consciousness and connectedness.” For me, Martín’s timely, timeless work has a uniquely potent blend of power, passion, and precision. His readings take it to another level. You can experience this for yourself on April 17th.

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2019 Now, with more music!

Thea Hopkins: A few guitar lengths from Somerville

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2019

Now, with more music!

By Kirk Etherton

This year's Festival is April 3-7 (see website below). As a Somerville resident, poet, and musician, I always enjoy writing about it from a "Somerville perspective." This year's photo is—for a change—of an artist who lives just over the line, but still in "Camberville." (Or is it "Somerbridge?")

Thea has released several CDs, and tours extensively. On Saturday, April 6, she'll bring her uniquely fine singing and guitar playing to the Commonwealth Salon, in Boston Public Library, Copley Square. As in previous years, this is where much of the Festival takes place.

Saturday is the Festival's biggest day, and it includes lots of Somerville folks. Doug Holder, founder and publisher of "Ibbetson Street Press," will start with a tribute to Sam Cornish, Boston's first Poet Laureate. Somerville resident, poet, and State Rep. Denise Provost is a featured reader.

Lloyd Schwartz, the City's newest Poet Laureate (plus a Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic), will share his poetry—as well as other creative observations. Our former Poet Laureate, Gloria Mindock, is also a publisher: when I host the "Panel on Craft and Publishing," she'll have many insights to share.

Berklee professor Lucy Holstedt (yes, of Somerville) will read some of her own poetry, and provide piano accompaniment for a number of other featured readers. Lucy also produces the Festival's always-popular "Evening of Poetry, Music & Dance," which this year is Thursday, April 4.

The New England Poetry Club was founded over 100 years ago. Hear what the NEPC is up to these days, from Somervillians Hilary Sallick (Vice President) and Linda Conte (Treasurer)—plus Mary Buchinger, President.

Sunday at the Commonwealth Salon, Somerville singer-songwriter Madelyn Holley, age seven, will probably be making her third Festival appearance. (Last year, she performed a really good song about fish.) The great claw hammer banjo player Yani Batteau, who was a City resident for years, will perform a number of original and other songs.

Oh...and Somerville's incomparable Bert Stern will be one of 10 Keynote Poets I'll have the honor of hosting at the BPL on Friday afternoon.

Somerville establishments that generously help to make this a FREE festival include: the UPS Store & Business Center on Somerville Avenue; Siam Ginger Thai Cuisine; and Master Printing & Signs.

Thanks also to Market Basket, for helping to promote the Festival. (You can probably find one of the Festival's fine printed programs at the front of the store.)

These are all great local businesses I've relied on for years. Special thanks to the Sater family: without them, we wouldn't have the Arts at the Armory (or The Middle East Restaurants & Nightclubs, over in Central Square.)

Don't forget to take a good look: http://www.bostonnationalpoetry.org

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2018 Now, with more music!

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2018

Now, with more music!

By Kirk Etherton

This highly diverse festival--now in its 18th year--is happening April 4-8. Most events are at the Boston Public Library: the first, as always, is a Friday (April 6) afternoon of "Keynote Poets." This year includes the acclaimed "Melopoeia," a fusion of music and spoken word featuring Rhina Espaillat, Alfred Nicol, and John Tavano.

Berklee guitarist Julian Dinwoodie

Friday evening is the fifth annual "Music, Poetry, and Dance" concert; it's at The Community Church of Boston, and includes performers from Berklee College of Music.

The evening is sponsored by the great Middle East Restaurants and Nightclubs.

Saturday, the incomparable Tomas O'Leary will perform songs on his accordion (and also recite poetry), and award-winning American singer-songwriter Thea Hopkins will be there with a fantastic guitar. Sunday's performers include Madelyn Holley (age six), making her second Festival appearance playing the ukulele. Later, Berklee professor Beth Bahia Cohen will play violin.

Of course, there are plenty of great people who will "simply" be reading unforgettable poetry: Lloyd Schwartz; Gail Mazur; Fred Marchant; Joan Houlihan; Charles Coe; Kate Finnegan; Richard Hoffman; Melissa Castillo-Garsow, Rep. Denise Provost--plus Boston's current and former Poets Laureate, and many more.

There are also two Open Mics, a panel on "Craft and Publishing," and...well, go see for yourself at: bostonnationalpoetry.org

NOTE: the Festival begins Wednesday evening, April 4, with a High School Slam Poetry Contest.

As always, all events are FREE and open to the public.

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2017/ Famous poets, Berklee musicians, a WWII veteran & you

  Boston Poet Laureate Danielle Legros Georges will be a featured reader at the Festival.

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2017

(Famous poets, Berklee musicians, a WWII veteran & you.)

By Kirk Etherton

April 5-9, there's a bunch of stuff to enjoy. I like to say "diverse eclecticism" — which may be redundant, but has a nice ring to it.

As usual, the B.P.L. portion of this fine festival begins Friday afternoon, April 7, with a group of great "Keynote Poets." David Ferry (National Book Award), Lloyd Schwartz (Pulitzer Prize), Gail Mazur, and Rhina Espaillat are among them.

That evening, there's a "Poetry, Music & Dance" concert across the street, produced by Berklee's Lucy Holstedt and boasting 10 highly diverse acts — including Ron Reid from Trinidad, reciting poetry and playing his ringing, singing steel pans.

If you just can't wait to check out the website for this FREE festival, here it is: bostonnationalpoety.org NOTE: make sure to check out the "Directory" tab, where you'll see some of the great local businesses that help make this FREE festival FREE!

(Another NOTE: 'til April 15, one of our constant sponsors, The Middle East & ZuZu, has a 50% OFF SPECIAL, every single day from 4 -7 pm. I mention this as a "public service announcement"!)

OK! So, if you're still reading this, instead of our website — or a menu in Central Square, Cambridge—here's a little more about the poetry (& music) festival. Saturday, you can hear 35 established poets. Beatrize Alba Del Rio, from Argentina, is also an attorney. Jim Schley is coming down from Vermont; he's Managing Editor of Tupelo Press, and will also be part of a panel on "Craft & Publishing." Richard Hoffman and Fred Marchant are two great writers you should never miss.

Sunday features 15 more fine poets, including Doug Holder and Danielle Legros Georges, Boston's Poet Laureate. WWII veteran (and poet) Joe Cohen will perform with his daughter, Berklee prof. Beth Bahia Cohen. BOTH weekend days include Open Mics—hosted by accomplished poets. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Thea Hopkins will also be there on Sunday with her great voice, lyrics, and a very fine guitar.

Last — and first — the Festival begins Wednesday evening, April 5, with our third annual High School Slam Poetry Contest.

—Kirk Etherton, B.N.P.M.F. board of directors

Boston National Poetry Month Festival, 2015 April 9 -12 (Boston Public Library & Fisher College)

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

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