CHICAGO, IL – April 18, 2024 – James Morehead, current Poet Laureate of Dublin, California, will serve as a guest poet at the 20th Annual Haiku Fest Awards Program, part of National Poetry Month 2024. The event kicks off the 25th Anniversary Chicago Poetry Fest celebration held on Saturday, April 27th at Chicago’s Harold Washington Library Center. The full program is available here.
A Full Day of Poetry Celebration
The Haiku Fest Awards Program is the opening event of the larger 25th Annual Poetry Fest held at the iconic Harold Washington Library Center (named after the city’s first African American mayor). This year’s festival brings a packed schedule of events for poetry lovers, including:
- Interactive Workshops: Explore themes of relationship, censorship, contracting for poetry work, and techniques specific to generating new ideas and finding your personal voice.
- Diverse Voices: Hear from poets like Daniel Borzutzky, Crystal Vance Guerra, Cynthia Gallaher, and a special keynote from current United States Poet Laureate Ada Limón.
- Open Mic and Vendors: After Hours Press, Poets & Patrons of Chicago, and more will have items available for purchase. Guests also have an opportunity to share their own talents on stage at the open mic.
The Haiku Fest Awards Program serves as a recognition platform for young poets, ages 8 to 18, with additional programming including Nōtan art, Tsukasa Taiko Drumming, and readings of award-winning essays. Regina Harris Baiocchi, author, composer, and Pushcart-nominated poet, founded the festival 20 years ago inspired by the late Gwendolyn Brooks, Illinois Poet Laureate.
Morehead will entertain audiences with a blend of haiku alongside selections from his three collections “canvas”, “portraits of red and gray”, and “The Plague Doctor.” These books, alongside additional publications, have cemented his reputation as a skilled poet.
“It is an honor to be asked to be part of this amazing event. I believe deeply in fostering young artistic voices, and haiku is a special gateway into the wider world of poetry,” said James Morehead.
In addition to his books, Morehead’s work has achieved a variety of creative adaptations. His poem “tethered” was transformed into an award-winning animated short film, and “gallery” was set to original music for baritone and piano.
James’ work has appeared in notable publications including the Ignatian Literary Magazine, Beyond Words Literary Magazine, Citron Review, and Ekphrastic Review. He has performed at the Patagonia Poet Laureate Celebration, as well as NPR’s Poetically Yours. He hosts the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast.
About James Morehead
James Morehead is the Poet Laureate of Dublin, California and the host of the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast. His poetry has been published in numerous journals and magazines, and he has three published books of poetry. For more information, visit viewlesswings.com/james-morehead
About Haiku Fest
Haiku Fest is a celebration of young writing talent founded by Regina Harris Baiocchi, a composer, author, and Pushcart-nominated poet. The event includes workshops, readings, and competitions for young poets. Find out more at haikufest.com
congratulations