Mayor Steve French’s Proclamation! At the March 11 City Council meeting, the Mayor proclaimed April 26 Poem in Your Pocket Day and asked the citizens to read a poem and recognize the important role poetry plays in enriching our lives and the community. Read it here!
April 4, 4:30 p.m. at Derryberry Breadery
POETRY WORKSHOP & OPEN MIC. A hit last year, award-winning poet Dennis Etzel, Jr. returns for an informal poetry workshop, held at the Derryberry Breadery (20 West Jackson, Iola, KS). Participants will reflect on their own experiences as inspiration and write a poem. Afterward, beginning at 6 p.m., any and all poets are welcome to queue up with other entertainers for the Breadery’s regular open mic night. Etzel teaches at Washburn University; his appearance is made possible by Kansas Humanities. Pizza and beverages will be available to purchase.
April 11, 7 p.m. at Iola Public Library
LANGSTON HUGHES. A program for all ages, by Doris and Bill Martin, Overland Park, highlights the life and work of the Black poet and social activist. An icon of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes was born in Joplin, Mo., but he called Kansas his home, having spent his childhood around Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City. A special exhibit prepared by the Martins will remain at the library through April.
April 18, 7 p.m. at Bowlus Fine Arts Center, Creitz Recital Hall
DEL SHIELDS, SINGING COWBOY POET. Writing traditional ballads of the Old West and the cowboy lifestyle since 1997, Shields has performed on RFD-TV’s “Best of America on Horseback” since 2005 and now hosts and produces the show. His poems are published weekly in the Humboldt Union newspaper. He will entertain at the Bowlus Fine Art Center Recital Hall (205 East Madison, Iola, KS). Admission is free.
April 26 all around town
POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY. Traditional poems with upbeat themes will be distributed at the library and various Iola business, to be carried and shared with others throughout the day. Poems are provided by the American Academy of Poets, which initiated the custom in 2002.
