Dodge Poetry Festival -- One Week to Go!
I am over-the-moon excited about the Dodge Poetry Festival. Just one week away.
What does this weekend mean to me? Look at this fabulous lineup of poets and artists:
Janet E. Aalfs
Joy Harjo
Brenda Shaughnessy
Chris Abani
Ken Hart
Vivian Shipley
Debra Allbery
Robert Hass
Evie Shockley
Simon Armitage
Brenda Hillman
Charles Simic
Renée Ashley
Edward Hirsch
Patricia Smith
Coleman Barks
Jane Hirshfield
Tracy K. Smith
Jan Beatty
Susan Jackson
Lisa Starr
Coral Bracho
Charles H. Johnson
Madeline Tiger
Lucille Clifton
Ted Kooser
J. C. Todd
Peter Cole
Maxine Kumin
Skye Van Saun
Billy Collins
Joseph O. Legaspi
Paul Violi
Mark Doty
Betty Bonham Lies
Peter Waldor
Thomas Sayers Ellis
Jeffrey McDaniel
BJ Ward
Martín Espada
Naomi Shihab Nye
Luke Warm Water
Beth Ann Fennelly
Sharon Olds
Joe Weil
Sarah Gambito
Linda Pastan
C. D. Wright
Forrest Gander
Patrick Phillips
Franz Wright
Aracelis Girmay
Robin Robertson
Kevin Young
Patricia Goodrich
Steve Sanfield
Nina Israel Zucker
Kate Greenstreet
Roger Sedarat
Luray Gross
Ravi Shankar
The biggest problem I have at Dodge is deciding which session to see because they're always interesting and funny and thought-provoking and reaffirming. And in such a heated political season, I can't wait to hear how poets are responding.
So I have two questions for you.
- Are you attending Dodge this year? Be sure to say hello (unless you're creepy).
- And from this list, who do you recommend that I see? Which poets should I move heaven and earth to see? Doesn't matter if they are emerging or established poets, I'm open to all artists.
Comments
(I figured Patricia Smith, Maxine Kumin, and Lucille Clifton went without saying.)
Say, your message link isn't working would you please e-mail me?
Send me an e-mail at jgill27494@aol.com! Thanks.
My choices would be--
Robert Hass
Edward Hirsch
Coleman Barks
Jane Hirshfield
Tracy K. Smith
Lucille Clifton
Mark Doty (I've never heard MD so I'd choose him)
Naomi Shihab Nye
Beth Ann Fennelly
Franz Wright
Kevin Young
This would be my list.
I was very underwhelmed at a CD Wright reading, so she'd be on my list to skip. She seemed almost put off by having to read and talk with people.
Darn family! (j/k)
I can't wait to hear all about it.
Have a wonderful time.
xo
lisa
Kelli, I've had that experience at a CD Wright reading, too.
The nice thing about Dodge is that they have poetry samplers at night, 20 poets will read for 5 minutes each. At least I get to hear a bit of everyone's great work since it's impossible to make it to all of the day sessions.
I'd love to hear Patricia Smith, Sharon Olds (who I believe is one of your favourites)
Heck, I'd love to hear all of them!
Of course, you know that Joseph O. Legaspi is the highest on my list. He is just so amazing.
j/k
Rethabile, we'll have to figure out a way to get you here for the next festival in 2010. I'll post pictures and updates starting next Friday.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone you named, but I know little about Chris Abani. I've heard good things, which makes me think I should make a special effort to attend his session.
say hello to both for me..
can't "beat" Jane's THE INK DARK MOON (translations) and her NINE GATES
or Steve's American Zen and No Other Business Here
JH's BUTTON hangs on my wall next to Shizumi Corman's sumi-e
actually... under it
Ed, thanks for stopping by. I don't think I've ever heard Jane Hirshfield or Steve Sanfield read. Thanks for the recommendations.
Kevin Young
Naomi Shihab Nye
Mark Doty
Tracy K. Smith ***definite. Young, articulate, emerging. How amazing to meet someone who is beginning a promising career.
Patricia Smith
Lucille Clifton
Edward Hirsch - _How to Read A Poem_- My second poetry bible.
Jane Hirshfield
Oh, you are truly one blessed woman. Have a great time.
Brenda Shaughnessy?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/books/review/Kirby-t.html?ei=5070