The Legendary Dodge Poetry Festival is Back On
Why This Vast Gathering of Poets Delights Poets and Non-Poets Alike
Oct 13, 2009
Many were stunned and disappointed upon hearing that the Dodge Poetry Festival would have to take a break from the Festival in 2010. The festival's sponsor, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, had been hard hit by the bad economy.
But there was a huge outcry among poets. And recently, the Foundation reversed its decision.
The Dodge Poetry Festival's Popularity
Cancelling the festival would have been a blow to many. It is clearly seen as special to poets, teachers, and students, and appeals to non-poets as well. It's the largest poetry event in North America. According to a New York times article "Poetry Festival Prepares to Spring Back to Life," the first Festival in 2008 drew 19,000 listeners, compared to 3,000 in its first year, 1986.
And you don't have to be a poet to enjoy it. The Festival is a relaxing time among poets, writers, and musicians, hearing all kinds of poetry, and attending stimulating discussions of poetry. Here are some of the benefits offered to those who attend the Festival.
What's So Special About the Dodge Poetry Festival?
- Great Poetry. Many go to hear great poets, and/or simply to be in the presence of the equivalent of "rock stars": Past festivals have included some of the most well-known and prestigious poets, including Poet Laureates Stanley Kunitz, Billy Collins, various Pulitzer Prize winners, and dozens of talented poets, musicians, and storytellers as well.
- Discussion Panels. In the past, panels of festival poets have discussed such topics as "The Mysterious Life within Translation," "Poetry and Jazz," "Poetry and the Dignity of the Ordinary," and "Going Public with Private Feelings."
- Fun, Relaxed Atmosphere. Everywhere there are people doing what they love, whether that's listening at a reading, talking with other poets, writing, walking and enjoying the scenery, eating and drinking, or listening to music. The mood is upbeat, and there is a sense of camraderie and acceptance.
- Open Mike Readings. For those who want to try out their own work, there are open readings throughout the festival that anyone can sign up for. It's a great opportunity to participate as well as listen. For those who have never done a poetry reading before, this is good opportunity to do so.
- Community of Poets/Networking. Given the big turn-out of poets and writers from across the country, it's a great opportunity to meet other poets, learn about other poetry events, plug one's own chapbook or book, swap contact information with others, and other benefits of face to face interaction.
- The Net Effect on the Psyche. Poetry alone can be a great tonic for the soul. Being immersed at the Festival has a cumulative effect. Good poetry touches on universal themes that can help give a larger perspective to problems. It may even be empowering or provide a sense of hope.
The 2010 Festival: Change to an Urban Setting
- In 2008, the Festival was celebrated in Waterloo Village, Stanhope, New Jersey. But,as announced in a press release September 29, 2009 by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the site will be Newark, New Jersey, home of renowned poets Alan Ginsberg, David Shapiro and Amiri Baraka.
- The urban setting may encourage even more participants than before, since Newark is much more accessible by public transportation than Waterloo Village.
- Finally, instead of the customary four days, the event will take place over three days, and will be held in October rather than September, as it usually is.
Although the Festival is not until next year, it's encouraging to know that it has been preserved for another year and one can only hope, for years to come. It's not surprising that the Festival is so popular. It provides a welcoming and interesting community that allows you to rub shoulders with some of the greatest poets around, while getting away from it all. In the face of today's economic stress, it's a great way to nurture one's inner riches even as material ones diminish.
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