I totally missed World Poetry Day. Is that bad? I can assure you I was reading poetry on that day…and thinking about writing poetry! I tell you what I won’t miss – National Poetry Month! Heck-to-the-no,-yo! I love this month! I have some fantastic events happening to support this special month!
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 – Workshop, Reading & Open-Mic
I will be hosting a short workshop and weaving a poetry reading into it at Oxley Estate Winery from 6pm – 8pm. Wine and snacks are available for purchase! And, you can bring your own poetry to read at an open mic and/or read some of what you’ve written during the workshop! Wine and words on the water – oh yes! This is a free event!
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 – Celebrate Canadian Poetry
Once again, I’ll be leading a workshop in the basement at Budimir Library in South Windsor. This time, we’ll be celebrating the stellar world of Canadian Poetry! I’ll be bringing stacks of poetry for us to read, talk about, and use our discussion to fuel writing and sharing. Workshop starts at 6:30pm! Last time, the workshop filled up right away – so arrive on time or a bit early to get a spot! Bring something write with and on! I’ll bring the books! And there will be free prizes too! This is a free workshop.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
The next edition of Mouth Piece Storytelling is DANGER! Oh yes, it’ll be a wild night, I’m sure! Starting off with a dangerous presentation by journalist Craig Pearson! Featuring musician Brendan Scott Friel – I promise the night will be fabulously wonderfully danger-ful!
Saturday, April 29, 2017
I’ll be back at The Steady Cafe in Toronto to rock the mic with poets Adebe DeRango-Adem and Samantha Bernstein as well as musician goddess Carmel Liburdi. I’m so pumped because these ladies make me weak in the knees with their words. Reading starts at 7pm! How about after we head somewhere to eat and talk? Sure!
Sunday, April 30, 2017
As a reader at the Oakville Literary Cafe, I’ll be at the Joshua Creek Art Centre Gallery, in Oakville from 4pm – 6pm. Sorry… no poster! If you’re in the area, do stop by!!
If you’d like to read about the Women of Words Unite event I was a part of, click on this article on Zed Press’s site for a recap, response…and an all around great article! (By Christina Angeli)
Social media lovers, please use the hashtag #NPM2017 if you’re sharing these events! Also, stay tuned to the League of Canadian Poets Twitter @Canadian Poets, and website for loads of poetry power!
Oh, and one more thing…I have the honour of being the Keynote Speaker at this year’s United Way’s Women Leading the Way: ‘Celebrating Women Who Inspire Us’ luncheon on May 10, 2017 at 2pm! Squeeee! I’m so excited and thrilled and nervous about this! Tickets are on sale now for $35.00 – this includes lunch! Here is a link to tickets! Or RSVP to events@weareunited.com by May 3.
VANESSA SHIELDS, writer 