Bookish Events in Philadelphia: April 24–April 30

Posted by Hannah McDonald

image via flickr

Do you like haiku?
We've got some news about a
Slam on Saturday.

Hey, are you a geek?
We've got some news about an
Open mic next week too.

Poetry month is
Not over yet, people of
Philadelphia.

Poems and stories,
Live and in-person, here are
Your Bookish Events.

Friday, April 24th, kick off your weekend with The Fuze Open Mic & Slam, as they feature the legendary Taalam Acey! Also, there will be a nail-biter of a slam as poets vie for their last chances to qualify for this year's Fuze Grand Slam Finals in May. Doors at 8pm, show starts at 8:30pm. $10 general admission, $5 for students with ID; Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Ave.

Saturday, April 25th, is all about learning experiences and Philly firsts! Starting in the morning, there is the LitLife Poetry Festival at Rosemont College presented by our local lit-mag cousins, Philadelphia Stories. Registration is required for the conference, but there will be a free reception honoring the winner of the Sandy Crimmins National Poetry Prize and a $15 Literary Death Match in the evening.

The Philly first we mentioned is our first-ever (to our knowledge) haiku slam! Come to Moonstone Arts presents: Poetry Ink's Haiku Slam for head-to-head haiku battles of 17-syllable intensity. Also, the first 20 people through the door get a free chapbook with work from all of the performers. Additional books will be available for purchase for only $5! There will also be a haiku open mic, so bring a few of your own to share. 6:30pm, $5, Brandywine Workshop, 728 S Broad Street.

Achievement Unlocked: Wednesday, April 30th, literary nerds Apiary and fan-favorite blog Geekadelphia present Sci/Fi, Superheroes, & Sorcery: An Evening of Geeky Poetry. Close out National Poetry Month at Tattooed Mom with your hard (or soft) science fiction poems, your fantasy poems, your love poems to Batman, your feminist ode to Hermione Granger, or your best video game character elegies. If it's geeky and in a poem, bring it to this open mic. Fresh off a poetry monthpublication on Tor.com, feature Fran Wilde will share some epic work. Giveaways/raffles will also abound. 7pm, Tattooed Mom, 530 South Street.