Sundays @ 4: Poetic Voices a Year from the Storm’s Eye

When: Sunday, Aug. 27, 2006, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Baton Rouge Gallery, 1442 City Park, Baton Rouge

Cost: Free

Age limit: All ages

Description: Poetic Voices a Year from the Storm’s Eye is a benefit held for the New Orleans Poetry Forum to commemorate the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. The event is presents by The Backroom Poets on August 27 at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m at Baton Rouge Gallery.

This is an opportunity to heal the financial and emotional wounds of such a profound catastrophe. Through the cathartic effect of words, local and visiting poets can share their experiences, enlighten one another and rally support for their craft. Southern Louisiana history is embedded within the oral tradition, from one’s accent to the stories of Evangeline, to the urban incarnation of slam poetry. Supporting area poets is preserving a livelihood which seeks to encapsulate life in the sounds and vernacular of one’s time that otherwise grow opaque in the memory. Poetic Voices a Year from the Storm’s Eye is a challenge to acknowledge the past while ensuring a better future for the true historians of southern Louisiana.

All poets are called to read work related to the disaster, the region and pieces of similar sentiment. There will be a 10-dollar reading fee that will go directly to the Forum. Local poets Becky Larkin and Roger Kees, as well as New Orleans wordsmith Andrea Gherity, will perform. Poets are also welcome to contribute to a book sale of personal or commercially published work. Additional fund raisers will be a silent auction with items provided by local artisans such as painter Kathleen Lemoine, and jewelry by Les Pam Kirkland. Donations are welcomed, admission is free and open to the public.

Event posted July 13, 2006
Last updated July 13, 2006