I guess when the infamous C. J. Laity tried to brand me as a poetry “insider” he might of been right, despite my refusal to stoop to poetry “establishment” status.
Many years after helping start the “Poetry Tent” at Printers Row Book Fair I’ve been invited back. (Actually, I was invited last year but had a prior commitment — performing at a festival in France.)
Last time I performed at the Printers Row Book Fair I was insulted by a grumpy “establishment poet” from the Poetry Center. He commanded me off the stage so that “real poetry” could be heard. From him, of course. I left the stage (without punching the old guy in the nose– thank god) and so did the audience. The poem I was reciting when he called for “real poetry” was e. e. cummings’s “My Father Moved though Dooms of Love”. Hmmm, the Poetry Center must have some pretty high standards.
I don’t expect any incidents this year, but you never know. Our new Chicago non-profit, Chicago Slam Works, formed to bring Chicago the respect and focus it deserves as the mecca of modern day performance poetry will be helping run the show. Don’t know what my forty minutes will entail (maybe pulling some virgin virgins on the stage to take a stab at real poetry) but I’ll try to keep it entertaining.
Join me at the 25th annual Chicago Tribune Printers Lit Fest, which takes place on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2009. The Lit Fest is a free, two-day literary extravaganza featuring more than 200 authors, 100 literary programs, and 160 booksellers.
Saturday, 6/6/2009, 3:15 p.m.
Program: Marc Kelly Smith promoting his new books
Take the Mic and Stage a Slam
Location: Arts & Poetry Stage
Saturday, 6/6/2009, 5 p.m.
Program: The Chicago Poetry Foundation presents the Chicago Poetry Audio Tour Premiere
Marc reading a couple of Sandburg poems in this marathon of Chicago poems
Location: Arts & Poetry Stage
For more information, head to the Chicago Tribune’s Printers Row Lit Fest page.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey, Man… what you’re doing is very Emersonian. Read his essay “Circles.” Expand that circle, encompass everything… “The only sin is limitation.” Today New Age Criticism, tomorrow Poetry Jam!
Marc, you are one of the most famous poets in the entire world. You have an article written about you nearly every single day of the year. You invented an entire movement for chrissakes. How the heck does running the poetry stage at PRBF make you any more legit than you already are.