Poetry Month is in Full Swing
We live in an area that feels as if poetry month is always happening. If you’re like me, lately, you’re feeling this even more, with the hints of spring everywhere combining to make my insides feel abuzz (and like the top of my head’s coming off). I’m going to get right to all kinds of tidbits to report, with a little poetry video compilation rounding out this issue you shouldn’t miss.
News & Deadlines!
Youth Poet Laureate Programs coming to the City of Watsonville and Santa Cruz County.
Bob Gomez, Watsonville Poet Laureate, has been working hard to set up a Watsonville Youth Poet Laureate program, under the auspices of the Watsonville Public Library. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2023; please spread the word to your networks. Guidelines are here.
The Santa Cruz County program will launch soon via the Santa Cruz Public Libraries with a late fall deadline. Watch this space. Applicants for Watsonville might also participate in the county program.
While they are run separately and have different timelines and application processes, both programs aim to recognize a local youth for their literary achievements and commitment to public/social impact.
Watsonville Public Library Poetry Contest 2023
Also from Watsonville, with a May 14 deadline, a poetry contest for four different age groups (starting with grades K-5). One poem per person; guidelines are here.
Readings
The long-running Community Writers of Santa Cruz County, formerly in-person at the Porter Library in Soquel, is ongoing via Zoom every month. This month’s featured reader is poet Diane Lopez Wilson. Saturday, April 22 from 2:30-4:30pm, with open mic.
Did you know that the UCSC Living Writers Series hosts literary events open to the public? On April 27, hear poet and critic Laura Jaramillo, whose newest book is Making Water. 5:20-6:55 p.m. Humanities 1 Lecture Hall 206, UCSC. Two Birds Books will be there with the author’s books for sale!
This month’s Mic Drop Open Mic at The 418 Project is on April 30 (starting at 5:30pm). Featured performer is Spoken Word legend Brandon Leake (below)—the first poet to compete on America's Got Talent (and the first one to win).
If you haven’t already heard, In Celebration of The Muse (Women Writers of the Monterey Bay Area) is back for double-Friday Zoom events, Friday, April 28 and Friday, May 5 at 5:00 pm. Full lineup and registration links (required).
ICYMI—the Santa Cruz Public Libraries shared this lovely compilation of some of our many wonderful county poets reading a favorite haiku for World Haiku Day (April 17).
