Events
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Schedule
Poesía en Español en Carolina del Sur (Poetry in Spanish in SC)
Panel/Poetic Conversation
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: Meeting Room M
This poetic conversation presents four artists whose work (poetry and music) is in Spanish and English. The goal of this panel is to capture the attention of the Hispanic and Latino community and show some representation of these communities.
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Featuring: Juan Gónzalez, Clinia M. Saffi, Ph.D., Ben Gar, Ph.D., Loli Molina Muñoz
Pathways to Publishing the Poetry Collection:
A Poetic Conversation
Panel/Poetic Conversation
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meeting Room M
In this poetic conversation, poets discuss the different ways to publish your poetry book: self-published or through a publisher. The poets will read from their books and make connections between the arduous yet exciting experience of publishing a book.
Featuring: Victoria Brown, Terrance P. Elmore, and Tayler Simon
Writing About Place: A Poetic Conversation with Jennifer Bartell Boykin and Nikky Finney
Panel/Poetic Conversation
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Auditorium
Nikky Finney was born in Conway, and Jennifer Bartell was born in Georgetown, two coastal South Carolina cities. Finney grew up in Sumter and Bartell grew up in Johnsonville. Both now live in Columbia. Place and memory permeate both of their work. In this conversation, the poets will discuss how place impacts their poetics. Each poet will read a poem about a specific place.
Featuring: Jennifer Bartell Boykin and Nikky Finney
DéLana R. A. Dameron in Conversation with Jennifer Bartell Boykin
Panel/Poetic Conversation
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room M
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DéLana R. A. Dameron was raised in Columbia. She is the author of two books of poetry and the fiction book Redwood Court, which is told from the perspective of a Black girl living in Columbia. In this conversation with the Poet Laureate of Columbia, Dameron discusses the poetics of Redwood Court, her journey writing across genres, and choosing Columbia as the setting for Redwood Court.
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Featuring: DéLana Dameron and Jennifer Bartell Boykin
Black Nerd Mafia:
What Brought the Poetry Out of You
Panel/Poetic Conversation
Time: 2:05 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room M
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This poetic conversation will be discussing what events led them to become Poets. What were the events and who were the people that led them to choose such an intimate art form to express themselves? This poetic conversation features Rian Jenkins, Christopher Blackmon, Alyssa Stewart. Each poet will perform a piece of their work as well.
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Curated by: Kwasi Brown
Featuring: Rian Jenkins, Christopher Blackmon, Alyssa Stewart
How to Teach Poetry/
Making Poetry Fun
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meeting Room N
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This workshop featuring mOody bLaCk provides brilliant strategies in teaching poetry or conducting a workshop in schools delivered in an entertaining manner.
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Keeping It Profesh: The Business of Poetry 101
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room N
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In this workshop, award-winning poet Evelyn Berry breaks down all the aspects of creative writing not discussed in most workshops: money, marketing, and publication. We‘ll explore modes of publishing, from self-publishing to traditional publishing; practice crafting a press kit and professional bio; cultivate healthy professional values; and learn to market oneself as a writer, performer, or educator.
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Poetry Party Storytime
Poetry Events for Children and Teens
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Storytime Room
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Discover rhymes and rhythms as we explore the poetry in picture books with stories, songs and more. A perfect poetic introduction for your little ones.
The Poets of Kids in Print
Poetry Events for Children and Teens
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Storytime Room
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Don't miss the poets of Kids in Print as they share their work, their inspiration and their approach to poetry. This panel is a wonderful opportunity to inspire young poets.
Fresh Ink: Meet the Poets with New Poetry Books!
Readings/Performances
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: Theater
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This reading features poets based in Columbia who have published a book within the past year. Each poet will read one poem and briefly discuss the inspiration behind their latest collections. The audience will have a chance to ask questions and chat with the poets.
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Featuring: Evelyn Berry, Cassie Premo Steele, Ray McManus, Willie Lee Kinard III, Kristine Hartvigsen, and Terrance P. Elmore
Building Community: A Reading
Readings/Performances
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Theater
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Al Black has had over 1,000 poetry events in Columbia and the Midlands. He is the host of the weekly poetry/music event Mind Gravy. Black curates this reading to show that building community is about highlighting some of the diverse talents of the Columbia poetry community.
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Featuring: Featuring Libby Bernardin, Moses Oaktree, Elizabeth Leverton, and Al Black
Welcome Home, Tribe: Slam Team Performance
Readings/Performances
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Theater
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The Tribe Slam Team is Columbia’s premier slam team is a group of poets with a wide range of work. This spoken word team brings poetry to life. They participated in the nationally acclaimed Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Florida earlier this month.
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Featuring: Truth Seeker, Poetre', TK the Talented Kani, Moses Oaktree, Bugsy Calhoun, and Wintah Storm
Open Mic and Closing Ceremony
Readings/Performances
Time: 2:55 p.m.
Location: Auditorium
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To end our poetry-filled day, we will hear from you! All ages and skill levels are welcomed to bless the mic with their original work! Only one poem per poet please. The Poet Laureate of Columbia will offer closing words and thoughts and thank the sponsors.
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Teen Poetry Showcase
Poetry Events for Children and Teens
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Auditorium
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The Teen Poetry Showcase is a poetry reading/performance of teen poets from throughout the city. Some of these teens participated in the teen poetry workshops in the fall, some of them have been in poetry clubs throughout the city, some of them have performed before, and some of them have not. We honor their words and voices with this showcase of some of Columbia’s up and coming young poets.