2010 Albany Word Fest Update

We are just eight short days away from the biggest poetry and spoken word event in the Capital Region.  Here is an update on Word Fest weekend and who is scheduled to perform.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Albany Poets is proud to present the 2010 Albany Word Fest featuring the poetry, spoken word, and music of upstate New York.  This year’s event will take place on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the UAG Gallery (247 Lark Street, Albany).

The 2010 Albany Word Fest will start off on Friday evening with a very special Youth Open Mic at 5:00PM.  This is a chance for all of the young poets and performers of the area to share their work. All poets who wish to participate in this open mic can sign up at the gallery.

At 7:00PM, the 12-Hour Open Mic begins.  After the success of the first night long open mic last year, we have decided to do it again. This open mic for poetry and spoken word will be held from 7:00PM – 7:00AM.

Poets who wish to participate in the open mic can sign up online by going to the Albany Word Fest website, www.albanywordfest.com until April 15.  Poets will also be able to sign up at Professor Java’s Wide Open Mic on Monday, April 12.

Thom Francis, President of Albany Poets explains, “The first Albany Word Fest was held in 2001 in Thatcher Park.  It featured poets from all over the upstate area sharing their words all day and into the evening in a beautiful outdoor setting.  Through all of the Word Fests since then, we have kept the same idea in mind; invite the poets and spoken word artists from all over the capital region and beyond to
share their words and show that ‘poetry lives in Albany’.”

This year we have a great list of new poets and poets who have been a part of the local literary community for years.  Artists and poets already scheduled to perform include Jan Tramontano, Judith Prest, Erica Wolfe, Justin Miller, ILLiptical, Cecele Kraus, Poets from the Hudson Valley Writers Guild, Todd Fabozzi, John Raymond, Jacqueline Renee Ahl, Carol Graser, Barbara Garro, Jason Crane, Tim Verhaegen,
Joe Hesch, Matt Galletta, Joanne Trapanese, Nancy Denofio, Cheryl A. Rice, Julie Lomoe, Robb Smith, Karin Maag-Tanchak, Adarro Minton, Tess Lecuyer, Bob Sharkey, Jacqueline Kirkpatrick, Shannon Lynette, Robert Eaton, Shannon Shoemaker, Therese Broderick, R.M. Engelhardt, Christopher James, Justin Parrinello, Robert Milby, Christopher "Pinky" Gazeent, The Poet Essence, Shaun Baxter, Joe Hollander,
Adrianna Delgado, Anthony Bernini, AVERY, Carli McCoy, Dan Wilcox, W.D. Clarke, and Don Levy.  The open mic is open to all poets and spoken word artists with no style or content restrictions.  Admission is based on donation.

On Saturday at 8:00PM, day two of the 2010 Albany Word Fest brings the annual Psycho Cluster F*#k to the UAG Gallery featuring poetry, music and spoken word from Rebecca Schumejda, Nathan Graziano, The Johnnie Bravehearts, Ed Rinaldi, Murrow, Ms. Bliss, Q Diamond, Eloquence, Poetyc Vyzyonz, Sunshine, Souljourner Truth, and more.  Admission for this event is $5.00.  This event is open to all ages.

Again this year, Albany Poets will be streaming the whole two day event live on www.albanypoets.com for all of those who are not able to make it to the UAG Gallery to be in the audience.

The 2010 Albany Word Fest is sponsored by Albany Poets, Tess’ Lark Tavern, UAG Gallery, and the very generous donations of supporters of the arts in upstate New York.

For more information, up-to-date event news, open mic sign up, flyers, handouts and more, go to www.albanywordfest.com

Schedule of Events:
Friday, April 16
5:00PM – Youth Open Mic at UAG Gallery (247 Lark St., Albany)
7:00PM – 12-Hour Friday Night Open Mic at UAG Gallery (247 Lark St., Albany)

Saturday, April 17
8:00PM – Psycho Cluster F#*k at UAG Gallery (247 Lark St., Albany)