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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kalamazoo Poetry Festival
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250426T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250426T163000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20240924T191511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T234852Z
UID:2573-1745681400-1745685000@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Craft Talk
DESCRIPTION:Craft Talk\nFeatured Poets Denise Miller and Aaron Coleman participate in a Craft Talk moderated by KPF board member Nancy Nott. The poets will discuss their writing process and thoughts on poetry and writing in general. There is no way to describe where the conversation will lead\, so come check it out!\nAccessibility:\n– This even strives to be SCENT-FREE. Please consider leaving perfumes and fragrances at home.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/craft-talk/
LOCATION:First Congregational Church\, 345 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Come-share-your-work-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250426T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250426T190000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20240924T191559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T235107Z
UID:2575-1745686800-1745694000@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Featured Readers Finale & Reception
DESCRIPTION:Featured Poets Aaron Coleman and Denise Miller will each read their work for 25 minutes. The Finale Read will be followed by a reception catered by Kalamazoo local JaRay Reese. Come down\, hear some beautiful poetry\, and partake in some merry-making and networking after the event.  \nAccessibility: \n– This even strives to be SCENT-FREE. Please consider leaving perfumes and fragrances at home.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/featured-readers-finale-reception/
LOCATION:First Congregational Church\, 345 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Celebration-of-Community-Poets-5-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250612T194500
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250612T194500
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250516T190609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250518T135800Z
UID:2788-1749757500-1749757500@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:"Funeral Parade of Roses" - A film screening in partnership with Monoform Cinema
DESCRIPTION:*During the pre-show of this event\, you can listen to four local performers share their poetry and music as they represent The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival. There will also be a collaborative poem being written during the run time of this event that will be published on our website after the event! Come and add your voice! Funeral Parade of Roses \nWelcome to an unapologetically queer and dizzying pop-art fantasia that evades categorization. Through a rapid-fire combination of melodrama\, comedy\, horror\, documentary and experimental film\, director Toshio Matsumoto’s freewheeling approach to both genre and form results in a film that gleefully disorientates without ever feeling disjointed. Made at a point in cinema history when radically-minded filmmakers were testing\, breaking and redefining the limits of good filmmaking and taste\, Matsumoto’s movie attacks on both fronts with an irrepressible fervor\, creating a film that has retained its power to surprise\, delight and shock 55 years later. An unknown club dancer at the time\, trans actor Peter (from Kurosawa’s Ran) gives an astonishing Edie Sedgwick/Warhol superstar-like performance as Eddie\, hostess at Bar Genet—where she’s ignited a violent love triangle with reigning drag queen Leda (Osamu Ogasawara) for the attentions of club owner Gonda (Yoshio Tsuchiya\, from Seven Samurai and Yojimbo). Director Toshio Matsumoto’s shattering\, kaleidoscopic masterpiece is a key work of the Japanese New Wave and of queer cinema\, and one of the most subversive and intoxicating films of the late 1960s.\n\n1969\n1h 45min\nDirector: Toshio Matsumoto\nWriter: Toshio Matsumoto\nCast: Peter (Shinnosuke Ikehata)\, Osamu Ogasawara\, Yoshio Tsuchiya\nDoors and Pre-show at 7:45pm\, Show around 8:45pm PURCHASE TICKETS USING WEBSITE LINK BELOW
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/funeral-parade-of-roses-a-film-screening-in-partnership-with-monoform-cinema/
LOCATION:Doormouse Theatre\, 1030 Portage Street\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Untitled-design-12.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250823T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250823T180000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250818T033813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T033813Z
UID:2924-1755964800-1755972000@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Air Poetry
DESCRIPTION:THIS EVENT IS FREE! \nWhat is Air Poetry? \nA poetry and music performance event\, complete with open mic\, DJ\, and refreshments.\nThe event takes place outdoors at Kazoo Books located at 2413 Parkview Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49008 on August 23\, 2025 from 4-6pm.\nFeatured performers are local musician Jessica Ivey\, local poet Markeva Love\, and local flash fiction writer Laura Citino.\nThis event is hosted by The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival in partnership with Kazoo Books. \nThe event will also feature the unveiling of a limited run of t shirts\, featuring poetry written by clients and staff at YWCA Kalamazoo. All proceeds from the t shirt sales will be donated to the YWCA.\nKalamazoo Poetry Festival- https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/\nKazoo Books- https://kazoobooks.com/ \nPerformer Bios:\nJessica ‘Jess’ Ivey is a vocalist\, songwriter\, teaching artist\, DJ and vocal producer from the West side of Detroit. Jess’ vocal style is an expressive blend of alternative R&B\, gospel and melodic Hip-Hop. A classically trained vocalist and student of Black music\, Jess blends her various musical influences in a multi-faceted one woman show with vulnerability at the center of all her live performances. She got her start performing live shows and recording music with Last Gasp Collective and just released a single entitled “Winter Bourbon”. For more information visit singgjess.com\nI’m Markeva Love. I Graduated from Adrian College Spring of 2021 where I obtained my dual bachelor’s degree in Biology & Philosophy. I am a Health Educator for the Kalamazoo County Health Department. Born and raised in Kalamazoo MI\, I am an avid reader\, who enjoys fitness\, travel and the occasional game night with family and friends. I’m passionate about quality\, innovation and creativity that helps to improve both community as well as the lives of those that make it. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with several organizations here in South West Michigan through featuring and emceeing. I love the performing arts and being an artist who embraces vulnerability and has found my voice and strength in it. I look forward to continuing my writing and sharing it with the world.\nLaura Citino is a writer and book artist from Kalamazoo\, Michigan. Her work explores regional identity\, surrealism\, rural mythologies\, and the mundane apocalypse in the Great Lakes and American Rust Belt. http://www.topophiliacproject.com/
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/air-poetry/
LOCATION:Kazoo Books\, 2413 Parkview Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49008\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Markeva-Love.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250828T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250828T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250827T152007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T154047Z
UID:2930-1756404000-1756411200@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:KIA Summer Jams
DESCRIPTION:Looking for a space to share your music\, poetry\, or spoken word? Or just want to enjoy a night of local talent\, creativity\, and community? Summer Jams is a three-part summer series at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA)\, designed to bring people together through live performances and artistic expression. \nEach night will feature a rotating lineup of independent artists\, emerging musicians\, and spoken word performers\, showcasing the diverse rhythms\, genres\, and voices that shape our community. Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or simply here to enjoy the show\, this is a space to connect\, inspire\, and celebrate creativity.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/kia-summer-jams/
LOCATION:Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts\, 314 S Park St\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Summer-Jams-Open-Mic-Open-Mic-Collaboration-Featured-Reader-Elizabeth-Bullmer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250830T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250830T210000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250827T153958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T153958Z
UID:2939-1756576800-1756587600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Poetry and Potions
DESCRIPTION:Step into an evening where words and flavors intertwine. Poetry & Potions brings together soulful spoken word\, open mic performances\, and the art of craft cocktails for a night of creativity and connection.\nFeatured Poet: Biscuit – known for dynamic delivery and thought-provoking verses that leave audiences moved and inspired.\nWhat to Expect:\nFeatured performance by Biscuit\nOpen mic for writers\, musicians\, and performers\nSpecialty cocktails crafted just for the event\nA warm\, welcoming space to connect with artists and art lovers\nWhether you’re here to share your voice or simply soak in the atmosphere\, this is your night to be inspired.\nAdmission: Free to attendOpen Mic Sign-Up:Sign up Link:https://docs.google.com/…/1qMGa5nIYBNoBS6BVxP37mit…/editorat the door
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/poetry-and-potions/
LOCATION:Green Door Distilling Co & Tasting Room\, 429 E North St\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Poetry-Potions-Flyer-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250918T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250918T150000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250918T105731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T105731Z
UID:3043-1758200400-1758207600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:WMU Open Monthly Open Mic
DESCRIPTION:Join us at 3025 Brown Hall on the WMU Main Campus for and open mid and refreshments. Open to students and the community!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/wmu-open-monthly-open-mic/
LOCATION:Brown Hall\, WMU\, 1903 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, 49008\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Untitled-design-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250918T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250918T190000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250827T152840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T152840Z
UID:2935-1758218400-1758222000@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Virtual Workshop with Molly Kirschner: Writing For Ourselves and Each Other\, Not the Critic
DESCRIPTION:Use the website link below to sign up for free! \nWriting For Ourselves and Each Other\, Not the Critic \nPoetry is a one-way ticket deeper into the moment; into observation\, sensation\, and interpretation\, which are the raw materials of meaning. Too often\, our own inner critic arrests us on the surface of experience\, begrudging us the voyage into significance. Through a mixture of collaborative and solitary activities\, this workshop will focus on firing the critic so that we may inhabit our practice more fully. We will play\, exchange inspirations\, and enter into a state of heightened concentration. The workshop will close with a sharing component\, in which writers will have the opportunity either to read their own work out loud or to hear someone else read it. Because we will have dispensed with the critic\, there will be no group critique; rather\, we will simply offer our poems to each other as gifts. \nAbout Molly: \nMolly Kirschner is a poet\, playwright\, performer\, and educator. Her poems have appeared in journals\nincluding The Southern Review\, The New Ohio Review\, and One Magazine\, and four of her poems\nare forthcoming in Arion: A Journal of Humanities and the Classics. Kirschner was awarded the\ninaugural poetry residency at The Hundredth Hill: “Resilience: the Poet’s Response to These Troubled\nTimes.” Her new manuscript was a finalist for the 2021 Four Way Books Levis Prize in Poetry.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/virtual-workshop-with-molly-kirschner-writing-for-ourselves-and-each-other-not-the-critic/
LOCATION:MI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Promo1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250919T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250919T210000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250901T033057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T033307Z
UID:2948-1758310200-1758315600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Open Mic at The Institute
DESCRIPTION:This Open Mic sponsored by KPF takes place every third Friday of the month at The Institute of Public Scholarship. September’s feature artist is hip hop musician Lipsey! Come on out\, enjoy the creativity\, and maybe even add your own into the mix!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/open-mic-at-the-institute/
LOCATION:The Institute of Public Scholarship\, 313 N Burdick St\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/6789.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251003T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251003T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250918T110015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T110015Z
UID:3047-1759514400-1759521600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Fire First Friday Open Mic
DESCRIPTION: It’s that time again! Join us for First Fridays Open Mic in collaboration with @kzpoetryfestival  featuring the incredible Sypher as our feature artist! Friday\, October 3rd Fire\, 1249 Portage St 6–8 PMBring your poetry\, your art\, your music—or just come enjoy the community vibes. Open to all!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/fire-first-friday-open-mic/
LOCATION:Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative\, 1249 Portage Street\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/547414738_18520897327034648_4049898184871020104_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251003T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251003T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250929T095304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T095304Z
UID:3060-1759514400-1759521600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Poetry and Potions
DESCRIPTION:The words return\, the music flows\, and the cocktails are waiting.\nJoin us at Green Door Distilling for an evening of poetry\, live performance\, and community connection. \nFriday\, October 3rd\n6:00–8:00 PM \nCome ready to share your own work at the open mic\, enjoy crafted drinks\, and connect with Kalamazoo’s vibrant creative community.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/poetry-and-potions-2/
LOCATION:Green Door Distilling Co & Tasting Room\, 429 E North St\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-29-055101.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251005T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251005T220000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250929T094632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T094632Z
UID:3055-1759690800-1759701600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:The Void 5th Edition Fundraiser
DESCRIPTION:Kalamazoo Poetry Festival now sponsors a magazine! The Void Kalamazoo cohosts the 5th Edition Fundraiser at Factory Coffee on Frank Street\, Sunday October 5\, 2025! Come out and hear two wonderful poets who will represent KPF\, and listen to multiple bands! There will be refreshments\, and various venders as well! \nThe Poets: \nNora Kay is a poet\, collage artist\, and multi-genre musician with roots in DIY punk\, experimental noise\, and performance art. Nora Kay’s works often center on themes of emptiness\, loss\, longing\, and self reflection\, drawing on her experiences as a queer person from Florida finding her way in the Midwest. \nLipsey is a young artist from Kalamazoo who works 12-hour factory shifts by day while building his reputation as a rising hip-hop name by night. His music blends gritty storytelling with ambition\, drawing on his lived experiences.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/the-void-5th-edition-fundraiser/
LOCATION:Factory Coffee\, 213 E Frank St\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sponsored-by-Kalamazoo-Poetry-Festival.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251023T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251023T203000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20250901T033637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T033637Z
UID:2951-1761244200-1761251400@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Spooky Open Mic at The Cauldron
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our second annual Spooky Open Mic at the new Black Magic Media space\, The Cauldron! There will be snacks\, prizes\, costumes\, and of course an opportunity to perform your own work. More details to come. Mark your calendars!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/spooky-open-mic-at-the-cauldron/
LOCATION:The Cauldron\, 812 Washington Ave.\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/10232025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251212T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251212T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20251210T160824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T160824Z
UID:3089-1765562400-1765569600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Rambling Read Open Mic
DESCRIPTION:This open mic is held in partnership with Sophia Khan and the Rambling Read Open Mic Series. Traditional open mic structure\, snacks\, good people!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/rambling-read-open-mic/
LOCATION:Kazoo Books\, 2413 Parkview Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49008\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Rambling-Read.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260105T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260105T193000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20251210T155959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T155959Z
UID:3081-1767636000-1767641400@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Mapping your way into the Future- Facilitated by Elizabeth Kerlikowske
DESCRIPTION:Explore your past and future through writing and mark-making. Two-part workshop with materials provided. Learn something new about yourself.\nElizabeth Kerlikowske facilitates a 2- part poetry workshop in partnership with The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival. This workshop is free of charge. \nThis is a 2-part workshop\, please do not sign up unless you can make both dates! \nJanuary 5\, 12\, 2025 6-7:30pm \nDescription: \nRecognizing and placing significant moments helps us to see our past and plan our future. This workshop involves writing and basic mark-making. The second half builds on the first. Materials provided. Expect to learn something new about yourself. \nBio: \nElizabeth Kerlikowske is the author of four full-length books and eleven chapbooks. Her poems appeared most recently in Cereal City Review\, New Verse News\, New World Writing\, and Dunes Review. She was awarded the Kalamazoo Community Medal for the Arts in 2017 and currently teaches Ekphrastic Writing at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. \nSIGN UP AT THE WEBSITE BELOW!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/mapping-your-way-into-the-future-facilitated-by-elizabeth-kerlikowske/
LOCATION:KNAC\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EK-Facebook-and-IG.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260114T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260114T193000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20251210T160524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T161741Z
UID:3085-1768411800-1768419000@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:8 Part Poetry Workshop Series With Scott Bade
DESCRIPTION:Join poet Scott Bade for an 8-part KPF workshop series Jan–Apr 2026. Write\, learn\, and grow in community. In partnership with KPF.\n\n\n\nKalamazoo educator and published poet\, Scott Bade\, facilitates a poetry writing workshop in partnership with The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival. \nThis workshop is capped at 10 participants. Please only register if you are able to attend all eight sessions\, as signing up and not attending may prevent someone else from joining \nThe dates of the sessions are as follows\, and all sessions go from 5:30-7:30pm: \nJanuary 14&28\, February 11&25\, March 4&18\, April 1&15 \nDo you have work sitting in your head that’s ready to move onto the page? Are you looking for thoughtful feedback from a supportive group\, or hoping to learn new poetic tools to take your writing to the next level? Maybe you simply want to explore poetry in community with others who feel the same pull toward the craft. \nThis 8-part workshop series meets twice a month from January through April 2026\, hosted in the new Kalamazoo Poetry Festival space at the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition in downtown Kalamazoo. Sessions run 5:30–7:30pm. \nThe series is facilitated by writer Scott Bade\, who will use teaching\, prompts and auxiliary materials to help you shape your own work. You can read more about him below. \nPLEASE NOTE: Scott has requested that if you have taken any of his workshops in the past year\, please refrain from signing up. We want to make sure new community members have the chance to participate. \nScott Bade is the author of Preemptive Elegy (2024 – Kelsay Books) and the chapbook My Favorite Thing About Desire\, co-winner of the 2018 Celery City Chapbook contest. He teaches at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Kalamazoo College. Scott Bade’s award-winning poetry has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and his poems have appeared in Fugue\, Shadowgraph\, Reed Magazine\, Foothill and elsewhere.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/8-part-poetry-workshop-series-with-scott-bade/
LOCATION:KNAC\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Copy-of-January-14-28-February-1125-March-418-April-115-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260212T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260212T193000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260119T035831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T040330Z
UID:3128-1770919200-1770924600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Concomitant: Reflections on Grief and Loss Through Monoprinting and Poetry
DESCRIPTION:SIGN UP USING THE EVENTBRITE LINK:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980838197371?aff=oddtdtcreator\n\nPrintmaking + tanka poetry to explore grief\, loss\, and intimacy through guided prompts\, reflection\, and structured creative practice.\n\n\n\nThis 2-part workshop series meets twice- February 12 & 19\, 2026\, hosted in the new Kalamazoo Poetry Festival space at the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition in downtown Kalamazoo. Sessions run 6pm–7:30pm. \n*PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP IF YOU CANNOT MAKE BOTH SESSIONS. \nFebruary 12\, 2026 at 6pm\, doors at 5:30pm \nFebruary 19\, 2026 at 6pm\, doors at 5:30pm \nThis workshop will focus on the roles poetry and printmaking can play in processing complex emotions related to grief\, loss\, and intimacy. I focused on post-modern models of grief like the Dual Process Model and meaning reconstruction theory. Each model suggests that grief is always present\, occupying varying amounts of space in our lives. I will have participants create monotypes for a prompt on silicone mats and we will print them onto paper. Then we will write corresponding tanka poems while reflecting on the artwork. During the art-making process\, we will focus on specific questions like: What emotions\, words\, ideas\, and sensations arise when thinking of the prompt? How do these ideas connect to my experience of grief? I chose the specific processes of printmaking and poetry because they both have defined structures that may help individuals who struggle with interoception and alexithymia. I think this workshop very clearly correlates to the theme of beyond resilience. \nBio: \nHali is a papermaker and printmaker based in Southwest Michigan. Their creative work\, driven by a passion for fiber and book arts\, explores themes of storytelling\, liminality\, folk life\, and the environment\, often utilizing natural and found materials. \nSocial Media: https://www.instagram.com/bunzine/?hl=en
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/concomitant-reflections-on-grief-and-loss-through-monoprinting-and-poetry/
LOCATION:KNAC\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HaliWilliams3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260221T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260221T160000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20251210T161605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T161605Z
UID:3092-1771678800-1771689600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Ekphrastic Art Event
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to welcome you to our third annual Ekphrastic Art Event\, presented in partnership with Move With Joy! \nThis is a relaxed\, come-as-you-please gathering\, with doors open for three hours. We invite you to drop in\, create\, and explore. All participants are encouraged to make their own visual artwork inspired by our 2025–2026 festival theme\, “Beyond Resilience.” Art supplies will be provided\, and local artist Aerick Burton will be on site to guide and facilitate. \nExpect music\, poetry readings\, art-making\, and snacks\, a warm\, creative space to connect\, unwind\, and show us what “Beyond Resilience” means to you. \nAfter the event\, you’ll have the option to donate your artwork to inspire the 2026 Community Poem\, written by Friends of Poetry. They will reflect on your pieces and craft a collective poem that will be performed at our 2026 Celebration of Community Poets in April. \nCome make art\, be in community\, and help shape the poetry of next year’s festival!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/ekphrastic-art-event/
LOCATION:Move With Joy\, 1103 Portage St\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Your-paragraph-text-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260305T193000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260119T040232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T150940Z
UID:3133-1772733600-1772739000@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Roots & Wings: Stories of Survival and Soaring
DESCRIPTION:SIGN UP USING THE EVENTBRITE LINK BELOW:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/roots-wings-stories-of-survival-and-soaring-tickets-1980840583508?aff=oddtdtcreator\n\nPaint + write poems on “Beyond Resilience\,” creating a split-canvas of roots (strength) and wings (future growth).\n\n\n\nThis 2-part workshop series meets twice- March 5 &19\, 2026\, hosted in the new Kalamazoo Poetry Festival space at the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition in downtown Kalamazoo. Sessions run 6pm–7:30pm. \n*PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP IF YOU CANNOT MAKE BOTH SESSIONS. \nMarch 5\, 2026 at 6pm\, doors at 5:30pm \nMarch 19\, 2026 at 6pm\, doors at 5:30pm \nThis workshop blends painting and poetry to explore the theme of ‘Beyond Resilience.’ Participants will reflect on their personal journeys\, creating poems that capture their ‘roots’ (sources of grounding and strength) and their ‘wings’ (aspirations and thriving futures). Through guided writing prompts and painting\, each person will design a split-canvas artwork that visually represents both resilience and growth beyond it. The session closes with an optional share-circle where participants can read excerpts of their poems or describe their artwork\, fostering community connection and collective inspiration. By the end\, participants will leave with both a written and visual representation of their journey from survival toward soaring. \nBio: \nErica Smith is a creative wellness practitioner and founder of Fortunate Fourth Creations & Media\, where art meets healing. She empowers communities through therapeutic art\, storytelling\, and transformative art experiences. \nHeadshot Photo Credit: \nHananiah Harden\, Black Magic Media \nSocial Media (with space for clickable links): \n\nFacebook: Fortunate Fourth Creations — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560172731523\nInstagram: @fortunatefourthcreations — https://www.instagram.com/fortunatefourthcreations/\nTikTok: @fortunatefourthcreations — https://www.tiktok.com/@fortunatefourthcreations\nLinkedIn: Erica Smith — https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-smith-67038a362/
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/roots-wings-stories-of-survival-and-soaring/
LOCATION:KNAC\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/EricaSmith3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260312T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260312T220000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260210T132717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T132717Z
UID:3173-1773342000-1773352800@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Son of The White Mare Film Screening
DESCRIPTION:Thanks to Kalamazoo Poetry Festival for sponsoring this film!\nArrive when doors open for a pre-show that mixes poetry and film\, just like Son of the White Mare! Thanks to our collaboration with Kalamazoo Poetry Festival\, we’ll have a celebration of both art forms\, including live performances and collaborative writing of poems by attendees.\nPurchase tickets using the link.\n\nReaders:\nMia Hawkins\nBio: Hello\, I am Mimi Hawkins\, a poet and writer\, who weaves the dramatic lens of life I live into everything I write. My style is a stream of consciousness style\, jumping through vivid daydreams as a way of understanding\, which is paired with bluntness that rips through the figurative language\, grounding everything.\n\nElizabeth Bullmer\nBio: Elizabeth Bullmer is a poet/writer/spoken word and visual artist working as a self-employed\, licensed massage and sound therapist\, in Kalamazoo. She also facilitates writing workshops and small sharing circles for all ages. Bullmer’s most recent publication is a poetry chapbook\, Skipping Stones on the River Styx.\n\n\nOne of the great psychedelic masterpieces of world animation\, Son of the White Mare is a swirling\, color-mad maelstrom of mythic monsters and Scythian heroes\, lit by jagged bolts of lightning and drenched in rivers of blue\, red\, gold and green. A massive cosmic oak stands at the gates of the Underworld\, holding seventy-seven dragons in its roots; to combat these monsters\, a dazzling white mare goddess gives birth to three heroes – Treeshaker and his brothers – who embark on an epic journey to save the universe. Directed by Hungarian animator Marcell Jankovics (famed for his 1974 Oscar-nominated short Sisyphus)\, Son of the White Mare has been restored in 4K using the original 35mm camera negative and sound elements by Arbelos in collaboration with the Hungarian National Film Institute. \n“Once upon a time\, at the doors of Hell\, there stood a tall turkey oak. It had 77 roots and 77 branches. On the 77 roots stood 77 dragons. On the 77 branches sat 77 crows. Let the one who doesn’t listen to this tale have their soul stolen by the 77 dragons\, and their eyes pecked by the 77 crows!” \nSon of the White Mare \n1981\n1h 26min\nDirector: Marcell Jankovics\nWriter: Laszlo Gyorgy\, Marcell Jankovics\nCast: Gyorgy Cserhalmi\, Vera Pap\, Gyula Szabo
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/son-of-the-white-mare-film-screening/
LOCATION:Doormouse Theatre\, 1030 Portage Street\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Monoform20261-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260319T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260319T180000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260318T134206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T134206Z
UID:3209-1773939600-1773943200@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Gwen Frostic Reading Series- Poetry Reading by Iliana Rocha\, March 18-19
DESCRIPTION:CHECK OUT THE FLYER FOR MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATOIN ON THE READER THIS MONTH! \nAbout the Series\nThe Gwen Frostic Reading Series brings acclaimed authors of poetry\, prose\, and drama from across the nation to Kalamazoo and the surrounding community. All readings are free and open to the public. The series is made possible by a generous gift from Gwen Frostic\, a distinguished artist\, author\, naturalist\, and entrepreneur who earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1929.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/gwen-frostic-reading-series-poetry-reading-by-iliana-rocha-march-18-19/
LOCATION:Brown Hall\, WMU\, 1903 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, 49008\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ilianarochaflyer.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260324T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260324T193000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260316T022822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T022822Z
UID:3189-1774375200-1774380600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Begin Again: Breath as Becoming with Dr. Tasleem
DESCRIPTION:Overview- RSVP REQUIRED\n\n\n\nBreath-guided poetry workshop exploring renewal\, release\, and the courage to transform and begin again through generative writing prompts. \n\n\n\n\nBegin Again: Breath as Becoming with Dr. Tasleem \nWhat does it mean to begin again and again and again? This poetry workshop explores the power of breath as a doorway into transformation and renewal. Together\, we’ll write into the truth that it is never too late to transition into a new version of yourself — to step up\, expand\, and grow beyond who you thought you had to be. Through guided breathwork and generative prompts\, participants will explore release\, rebirth\, and the courage to begin again. As long as there is breath in the body\, there is room to transform. \nBiography \nTasleem Jamila is an International Poet\, Vocalist\, Author\, Speaker\, Educator and Holistic Health Advocate. She is CEO of My Soul Speaks\, a company that creates interactive workshop/ presentation/performances across the world. Her work highlights the way hip hop\, culture and spoken word theater can contribute to freedom\, justice and equality for all people. \nAs an advocate for women and children’s rights with a universal approach her programs have been utilized in detention centers to universities across the globe. With performances that include The Kennedy Center\, Excel London\, Columbia University (NYC) and the African World Festival of the Arts\, just to name a few. She has performed her works across the US as well as the UK\, Africa\, and Canada and continues to tour worldwide. \nTasleem recently published a book of poetry\, Black Baptist Muslim Mystic which is receiving critical acclaim in addition to her album “Tasleem” and live and unplugged DVD “My Soul Speaks”. She is sought after for her captivating energy as a host\, professional skills as a cultural producer and educating activist as a workshop facilitator. Tasleem is pushing the boundaries with her new book of poetry\, Black Baptist Muslim Mystic: From the Cosmos which is also a multi-media show\, art exhibit with original musical composition (Reginald Robinson) to tour. She won a fellowship traveling to London\, England to perform and participate as a performance artist at events with Prince Charles\, Mayor Boris Johnson of London and many Prime Ministers. \nTasleem Jamila is also a featured artist for her poem \, “I AM” from her book Black Baptist Muslim Mystic: From the Cosmos with the International Women’s Museum breaking down stereotypes of women. She has shared the stage with such artists as The Last Poets\, Rakim\, Yuna\, KRS-1\, Vieux Farka Toure\,Brother Ali\, Tinariwen\, Tiraline\, Ali Shaheed Muhammad\, Lupe Fiasco\, Rock Steady Crew\, Kindred and the Family Soul\, Jurassic 5 among others. \nAs an activist poet Tasleem has written and performed special poetry for The Cancer Society of Chicago\, Domestic Violence Programs\, Peace in Streets Campaign and Youth Peace Summit. Along with her training in voice\, Tasleem studied in a special class entitled “Music and the Cosmos” with Master Kelan Phil Cohran (Sun-Ra) and Composition with Reginald R. Robinson\, Kerwin Young (Public Enemy\, Angie Stone\, Rakim) and Khari Lemuel. Tasleem Jamila’s talents doesn’t stop at poetry\, music\, production and design\, she also has her hand in acting. She has appeared in a documentary film about domestic violence which was showcased at The New York Cultural Museum. Tasleem has also appeared in the following movies: “Love Jones”\, “A Hip-Hop Journey with the Ancestors”\, (a film about Oscar Brown Jr\,)\, and a cameo in the film “New Muslim Cool”. \nAs a cultural producer\, Tasleem utilizes her skills working with the youth conducting workshops on self-esteem\, Hip-Hop and Poetry/Spoken Word and more. She is the creative mind behind many festivals\, events and productions. Tasleem has acted as Head Coordinator\, Stage Manager and Host for IMAN (Inner-city Muslim Action Network) Taking It to the Streets World Festival from 2005-2016. As a writer\, director and choreographer for productions\, her youth advocacy has allowed her to work with organizations such as Kuumba Lynx\, Little Black Pearl\, Family Matters\, After School Matters and Cease Fire as well. For ten years Tasleem hosted and produced a weekly radio show (Radio Islam) in Chicago giving her the opportunity to meet and interview 100’s of artists\, activists\, scholars and historians from across the world. Of the most notable icons she has interviewed: First Lady Michelle Obama\, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed\, Public Enemy\, Dead Prez\, KRS-1\, Black Sheep and more. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune\, Muslim Journal\, Chicago Daily\, and on BBC\, WBEZ (NPR)\, WKKC (Chicago)\, ABC-Channel 7 (Chicago) and many internet and cable stations across the world. \nShe has also toured extensively and made numerous appearances on other artist’s albums and pages\, including Kuumba Lynx “El Barrio Clocks Our Beats and Rhymes” album\, Sound Mindz Music “The Attack of the Waybacks” album\, Vent Movements “Let the Movement Began” album and Floyd Boykin Jr\, “No More Silent Cries” anthology book. In 2009 she was asked to join a group of artist from around the world for a compilation CD dedicated to the legacy of Malcolm X “Necessary” to be released with three unpublished chapters of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”. Currently Tasleem is an editor for the project “Crossing Limits” which brings Muslim American and Jewish American Poets together. A full documentary about her life as an artist by Lunar Butterfly Productions was just released. She is also currently on tour promoting her book\, BLACK BAPTIST MUSLIM MYSTIC: From the Cosmos. Tasleem also continues to study to complete her degree in Naturopathy. As she grows so does her art…
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/begin-again-breath-as-becoming-with-dr-tasleem/
LOCATION:KNAC\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copy-of-Untitled-Design.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260327T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260327T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260321T050042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T050042Z
UID:3235-1774634400-1774641600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Rambling Read Open Mic
DESCRIPTION:Rambling Read is truly rambling this month! We are headed to Heirloom Arts near the Maple Street YMCA for this months open mic. Join us to hear local poets Shanna Collins\, Devin Bullmer\, and Zoe Reyes. Also\, stay for the open mic and show us what you have been working on! \nDoors Open at 6pm\, reading begins at 6:30pm\, sign-up is in-person! \nBrought to you by Rambling Read and The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival. \nBios: \nShanna Collins is a visual artist\, cultural writer\, and former music organizer. She has written for VIBE magazine and appeared in the Chicago Reader. \nDevin Bullmer is a visual artist and writer currently working as a paraprofessional in special education. His work is often influenced by nature\, his queer identity\, and acceptance of the frustrating knowledge that nothing ever turns out exactly how you want it to. \nZoe Reyes is a poet whose work centers nature\, while also exploring politics\, healing\, and connection. She has been writing since she could first pick up a pen\, using poetry to process emotions and engage with the world around her.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/rambling-read-open-mic-2/
LOCATION:Heirloom Arts\, 1919 Stearns Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49008\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/654620005_18349160374238988_1014641229479265897_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260328T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260328T203000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260316T023422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T023422Z
UID:3192-1774724400-1774729800@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Poets in Print- Katy Didden and Samyak Shertok
DESCRIPTION:Poets in Print sponsored by Kalamazoo Poetry Festival\nKaty Didden and Samyak Shertok\n\n\n\n\nSaturday\, March 28\, 2026\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn person at the KBAC Gallery 7:00 p.m.\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\nKaty Didden is the author of The Glacier’s Wake (Pleiades Press\, 2013) and Ore Choir: The Lava on Iceland (Tupelo Press\, 2022). Her poems and essays appear in journals such as Poetry Northwest\, Ecotone\, 32 Poems\, Diagram\, The Sewanee Review\, and The Kenyon Review\, and she is one of the co-creators of Almanac for the Beyond (Tropic Editions\, 2019). She is an associate professor at Ball State University where she directs the Creative Writing Program and teaches poetry workshops and Creative Writing and the Environment.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\nSamyak Shertok’s debut collection\, No Rhododendron\, was selected by Kimiko Hahn for the 2024 AWP Donald Hall Prize for Poetry and is forthcoming from the University of Pittsburgh Press (Pitt Poetry Series) in 2025. His poems appear in The Cincinnati Review\, The Gettysburg Review\, The Iowa Review\, The Kenyon Review\, POETRY\, Shenandoah\, Best New Poets\, and elsewhere. His honors include the Robert and Adele Schiff Award for Poetry\, the Gulf Coast Prize in Poetry\, and the Auburn Witness Poetry Prize. Originally from Nepal\, he was the inaugural Hughes Fellow in Poetry at Southern Methodist University and teaches creative writing at Hendrix College. For more\, please visit samyakshertok.com.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/poets-in-print-katy-didden-and-samyak-shertok/
LOCATION:Kalamazoo Book Arts Center\, 326 W. Kalamazoo Avenue\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/642125171_18346963180238988_7203693902744741781_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260329T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260329T220000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260316T024030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T024030Z
UID:3199-1774810800-1774821600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:The Void Zine Drop
DESCRIPTION:Kalamazoo Poetry Festival sponsors a magazine! Come support local artists\, musicians\, and poets at The Void Zine drop! Featuring local poet and Fire Executive Director\, Destine Price. There will be snacks\, bands\, and a special poetry reading. \nDestiné Price (She/They) \nBorn in Kalamazoo\, Michigan and raised in both Kalamazoo & metro Detroit area\, Destiné plants herself in many spaces as a multimedia artist\, writer\, a poet\, a youth advocate guide\, and a healer. Destiné works as the Executive Director of Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative holding a background of being a former fire youth and former program contractor of the organization. They have worked with youth\, peers\, and other youth development professionals in other capacities such as their previous position as a Volunteer Coordinator at Read and Write Kalamazoo\, a Youth Advocacy Consultant at KYDnetwork\, and student delegate of the International Congress of Youth Voices. They also uplift their community and practice sound therapy healing as a Sound Bath Practitioner. As a parent of 3\, Destiné continues to strive to show up as a critical lover in spaces\, a mother\, and an advocate.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/the-void-zine-drop/
LOCATION:Factory Coffee\, 213 E Frank St\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MARCH-2026-6.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260403T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260403T200000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260321T033513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T033513Z
UID:3220-1775239200-1775246400@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Fire First Friday Open Mic PART ONE
DESCRIPTION:JOIN EGYPTRINITY AND HOST QUINCY ELLIS \nfor the Fire First Friday Open Mic\, which is the Part One open mic for the Kalamazoo Poetry Festival Week! Doors Open at 5:30pm\, and sign up happens in-person. Come on out! \nPart Two Open Mic takes place on April 10\, at Fire\, hosted by Dane Hudson. The Your Turn Open Mic!
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/fire-first-friday-open-mic-part-one/
LOCATION:Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative\, 1249 Portage Street\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/3CFC8F4A-6789-40A9-B18F-C072E2590DCA.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260409T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260409T203000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260113T184513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T022453Z
UID:3120-1775759400-1775766600@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Celebration of Community Poets
DESCRIPTION:The Kalamazoo Poetry Festival Celebration of Community Poets is back for 2026! We are excited to welcome the public to this FREE event.\nDoors open at 6pm\, and show starts promptly at 6:30pm.\nCome hear local poets and musicians perform their own work at The Crawlspace Theatre\, located inside the KNAC in downtown Kalamazoo.\nThere will be light refreshments and a DJ for some socializing afterward. Please come out and support local art! Bring a friend or ten\, and make an evening of it.\nHope to see you there! \nClick the event website link below to be directed to our Facebook event. OR RSVP using this link- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985237502812?aff=oddtdtcreator
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/celebration-of-community-poets/
LOCATION:Crawlspace Theatre\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Copy-of-Your-paragraph-text-16.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260410T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260410T210000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260210T133138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T133353Z
UID:3176-1775847600-1775854800@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Your Turn Open Mic
DESCRIPTION:Emcee Dane joins us again for the Your Turn Open Mic at Fire on Portage Road. We are splitting the open mic up into two weeks this year\, because of how popular it was last year! Sign up will be in person at the event\, and we welcome all poetry\, acoustic music\, micro fiction\, and fiction excerpts. Each performer will have five minutes on the mic. \nThere will be refreshments\, and good company. Come on out and show Kalamazoo your creativity! \nDoors and sign up open: 6:30pm \nShow starts:7pm
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/your-turn-open-mic/
LOCATION:Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative\, 1249 Portage Street\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FINALE-READING-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260411T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260411T113000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260321T045146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T045343Z
UID:3230-1775901600-1775907000@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:Let the World Suggest the Poem with Alen Hamza
DESCRIPTION:REGISTRATION REQUIRED- LINK BELOW \nLet the World Suggest the Poem: Use everyday language and surroundings as inspiration to spark poems through curiosity\, play\, and openness. \n\n\n\n\nLet the World Suggest the Poem \nWhen writing poems\, we often begin by engaging with the most intimate parts of ourselves. We rummage through the contents of our lives and minds\, waiting for a spark of inspiration to break the blankness of the page. But what if we trust someone/something else to set the stage for our poem? In this workshop\, we will experiment with the writing process by letting our surroundings and the words of others be the entry points to our work. In a spirit of receptivity\, curiosity\, and playfulness\, we will engage with the forms of language that we encounter in the everyday and build a bridge between the external and the internal\, inviting others to guide us to ourselves.
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/let-the-world-suggest-the-poem-with-alen-hamza/
LOCATION:KNAC\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AlenWorkshop-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260411T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260411T130000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183359
CREATED:20260321T045002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T033525Z
UID:3227-1775907000-1775912400@kalamazoopoetryfestival.com
SUMMARY:The Fire This Time with jessica Care moore
DESCRIPTION:REGISTRATION REQUIRED- LINK BELOW \njessica Care moore explores poems and inspires participants to use art for social change. Poetry is resistance art. \n\n\n\nThe Fire This Time \njessica Care moore explores poems and \ninspires participants to use art for social \nchange. Poetry is resistance art. Come \nwith your pen ready & heart & mind open. \n 
URL:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/event/the-fire-this-time-with-jessica-care-moore/
LOCATION:KNAC\, 315 W Michigan Ave\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007-5007\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://kalamazoopoetryfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copy-of-Untitled-Design-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR