Friday, April 26
5:00 pm @ Tech Valley Center of Gravity
Celebrating both Troy Night Out and National Poetry Month and kicking off Word Fest, poets from across the region and an array of sub-genres will gather to sign and sell their books at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity (“The Cog”), 30 Third Street in Troy, on Friday, April 26, from 5 pm to 8 pm.
“Most of these poets promote poetry within their communities by teaching and hosting slams, open mics, contests and publications. This event focused on their writing serves as a form of thanks for their leadership,” said Rhonda Rosenheck, the Hudson Valley Writers Guild board member organizing the event at The Cog, where she is also a member.
Poets and spoken word artists scheduled to exhibit include Adonis Richards, Rachel Baum, Nancy Klepsch, Judith Prest, Ellen Rook White, Therese Broderick, James H Duncan, Julie Lomoe, Jackie Craven, Nate Smith, Alan Catlin, Donna Lagone, Annabel Lee, and Pam Clements.
Saturday, April 27
4:00 pm @ Sand Lake Center for the Arts
The Word Fest began in 2001 in Thatcher Park as a one-day open mic, bringing together poets from all over the region to share their work. Over the years, the event grew into a week-long celebration of poetry and spoken word with workshops, poetry slams, featured performances, and, of course, the open mic.
For the first time since 2019, the Word Fest Open Mic is back and will feature three amazing poets – Sierra DeMulder, Samira, and SG – on Saturday, April 27, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts, 2880 NY-43, Averill Park, NY.
The open mic will begin at 4 pm with the featured poets performing throughout the evening. Sign up for the open mic will begin on Saturday, April 20.
Sierra DeMulder
Sierra DeMulder is an internationally-recognized poet, educator, and podcast host. She is a two-time National Poetry Slam champion, a five-time published author (The Bones Below, New Shoes on a Dead Horse, We Slept Here, Today Means Amen, and Ephemera), and the co-host of Just Break Up, a globally popular advice podcast that has been downloaded more than 4 million times. Sierra lives in upstate New York with her wife and daughter.
Samira
Samira has performed at various events across the Capital District for many years. She is a slam poet, activist, human rights scholar and cofounder of Saratoga Black Lives Matter. For over 8 years, she has been performing at local slams, rallies, and events and has organized several readings showcasing spoken word talent from across the area.
SG
SG is a spoken word artist and poet known for her honest, passionate poetry and has performed widely.
