Highlights of a Special Week
Read on for events I am excited about in the world of poetry in our county this week. Share with a friend, let me know what you want me to share here, and come back for more next week!
Youth Poet Laureate Celebration
Celebrate our county’s first group of five Youth Poet Laureate finalists, hear from special guests, and listen to the finalists read poems. Madeline Aliah, Simon Ellefson, Sylvi Kayser, Dina Lusztig Noyes, and Gregory Souza will each read, I will emcee, and we will announce the 2024-25 Youth Poet Laureate. Wednesday, April 10, 6pm, at a free celebration at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Seats are filling: reserve your admission here.
Naomi Quiñonez Local Appearances
Apr 11 & 12: Naomi Quiñonez in Watsonville.
Th 4/11: Poets’ Circle at Watsonville Library, Naomi Quiñonez reads 5:30pm, open mic to follow.
Fri 4/12 Quiñonez will lead a free writing workshop at Freedom Library 10-1. Dr. Naomi Quiñonez is a Chicana poet and educator, author of three collections of poetry: Exiled Moon, The Smoking Mirror and Hummingbird Dream/Sueño de Colibri. A recipient of a Rockefeller Fellowship, the American Book Award and a City of Berkeley Lifetime Achievement Award in poetry, Quiñonez is featured in Notable Hispanic Women and the Dictionary of Literary Biography.
More information: shflores@cabrillo.edu
Community Poetry Circles
Magdalena Montagne will lead the following upcoming Community Poetry Circles:
At Capitola Library on April 13 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
At Felton Library on April 20 from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
These free drop-in workshops are a safe and supportive space to explore your poetic voice. All ages and levels encouraged. Contact Magdalena at magdamontagne@gmail.com for more information.