In the Spring of 2009, a small group of people with a passion for poetry met in front of an art gallery on King Street with a hope to create an event for National Poetry Month in April. The Ancient City had long been known for its musical and visual artistic talent, but this group wanted to see poetry join the ranks of the local creative outlets. Founding member Glenda Bailey-Mershon enthusiastically suggested the name “Ancient City Poets.”
Having evolved over the years to become a household name within the local arts scene, Ancient City Poets currently gather on the last Sunday of every month at The Corazon Cinema and Cafe. All readings are free admission and everyone is welcome and encouraged to present their work or just soak in the spoken word scene. “We are giving our community an opportunity to speak,” says facilitator Chris Bodor. “Anyone who puts their name on the sign-up sheet and reads a poem becomes an Ancient City Poet.”
The sign-up sheet is available at 2:30pm on the day of the reading and the microphone turns on at 3pm. For more events information follow Ancient City Poets on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Learn more about the Ancient City Poets by visiting www.bodor.org. Written by Robert Waldner. Photography by Kate Gardiner.
