Enjoy National Poetry Month readings

Poetry lovers are invited to join the Ancient City Poets for two programs celebrating April as National Poetry Month according to an announcement received by Historic City News.

The poets have also organized a display of locally-written “Poems About Town” at three public locations: the Main Library, the Art Advocate Gallery, and the Visitors Information Center.

On Saturday, April 18, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the organization will sponsor an open mic at the Art Advocate Gallery, 76-B San Marco Avenue, in St. Augustine. Featured readers will include Chris Bodor, Mischele Miller, Dr. Gail Pflaster, Judy Westley, and Norma Schwartz. Howard (Xhabbo) Lewis will emcee and read his own work as well.

Readers wishing to sign-up for the open mike may sign up at the door on the day of the event or by calling Chris Bodor at 904-501-0043.

A Community Poetry Jam will occur on Saturday, April 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Visitors Information Center Theater at Castillo Drive and San Marco. The public is invited by facilitator Glenda Bailey-Mershon to share their favorite poems, including the reader’s own work, or a poem written by someone else. People of all ages are encouraged to participate and poems of any style are welcome.

Featured readers so far include Dr. Ann Browning Masters of St. Johns River Community College, JoAnne Engelbert of Amnesty International and the Hildegarde Players, Dr. Jim Wilson of Flagler College, and former Mayor and City Commissioner George Gardner, among other community leaders and poets.

Readers may sign up at the door on the day of the event. For more information, call Bailey-Mershon at 904-377-1323.

Residents will find displays of local poets’ work at the St. Johns County Main Library, 1960 N. Ponce De Leon, and at the Art Advocate Gallery and the Visitors Information Center, both on San Marco Avenue.