APRIL EDITION OF BENICIA AND BEYOND

[Benicia Poet Laureate]

Dear Poetry Lovers,

Here is your monthly edition of IN PERSON poetry events that are near Benicia.  If you have a FREE online poetry WORKSHOP that is OPEN TO ALL regardless of membership or locality, please send it my way by the 25th of the previous month.

If you have questions about any event listed here, please CONTACT THE HOST or location of the event. Apologies in advance for any mistakes or omissions.

TUESDAY, 4/2, Benicia Library on “L” St. (regularly occurring 1st Tuesday).   First Tuesday Poets host an open mic session to which all adults and teens are invited to come read their poetry or just listen.  6:15 for cookies and conversation; 6:30 program start. Hosted by yours truly.

THURSDAY, 4/4 AND 4/18, 6:30 PM, Alibi Bookshop, 624 Marin St.  “Celebration of Poetic Diversity” hosted by Jacalyn Eyvonne (4/4) and Kathleen Herrman (4/18) Co Poet Laureates of Vallejo

SATURDAY, 4/6, 2 PM, UU Fellowship of Redwood City. “UU Poets Rock,” a reading by Kathleen McClung, Lee Rossi, and Deborah Bachels Schmidt, three local poets who recently discovered that they are all Unitarian Universalists.  Reception, open mic and book signing.

FRIDAY, 4/12, 5:30-7:30 pm, Temple Arts Loft, 707 Marin St., Vallejo. An Ekphrastic event as part of Friday Art Walk.  Hosted by Co Poet Laureates.

SATURDAY, 4/13, 10-12, Dunnell Burton Center, 3351 Hillborn Rd., Fairfield. Reverse Ekphrastic will consist of poetry readings accompanied by visual and musical artists” interpretations of the pieces.  Hosted by Suzanne Bruce, Poet Laureate of Fairfield.

SATURDAY, 4/13, 12-2, JFK Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo. (regularly reoccurring 2nd Sat) “Poetry in Notion,” a read around of poetry open to all.  Hosted by Kathleen Herrmann

SUNDAY, 4/14, 2 PM, Benicia Library.  “OUR BEST TO YOU” - A celebration of National Poetry Month will bring a wide variety of poets together, Poet Laureates, published poets, and poets new to poetry or to the experience of an open mic, all reading their favorite polished poem.  It’s a poetry party, with sweet treats from the table as well as the podium!  Hosted by yours truly.

SATURDAY, 4/20, 1-3 PM, Vallejo Naval Historical Museum,  734 Marin St.  “Youth Poets in the Spotlight.” 

WEDNESDAY, 4/24, 7-9, Mira Theatre, 51 Daniels Drive, Vallejo (regularly occurring 4th Wed but check to confirm)  “Poetry by the Bay” is an open mic in a old historic theatre.

WEDNESDAY, 4/24,  is a celebration of Independent Booksellers.  Stay tuned for the details on what Bookshop Benicia and Benicia Literary Arts have planned for that day by checking out the website.

THURSDAY, 4/25, 10:30, Ozcat Radio, 1026 Georgia St., Vallejo (regularly occurring every 4th Thursday). “Art Beat Poetry Hour”.   Poets gather at the station at 10:15 to read live on the air, hosted by DJ LaLa and Tom Stanton.  Drop in or tune in, 89.5 FM or streaming.

SATURDAY, 4/27,  TIME TBA.  “Earth Days Festival” will include readings by the Co-Poet Laureates of Vallejo on the topic of “Planet vs. Plastic.”

And don’t forget. . .

The Joel Fallon Poetry Scholarship applications are available in the guidance offices of Benicia High and Liberty High School.  Open to any graduating Benicia senior or graduating resident.  Final due date is April 12.

The Dancing Poetry Contest awaits your poetry entries with a deadline date of 4/15.  For more info, go to DancingPoetry.com.

Katrina Monroe

Benicia Poet Laureate