Off the Page: The Story Behind the Stanzas

Off the Page: The Story Behind the Stanzas is a poetry storytelling event. Three celebrated poets from the greater Long Beach area will read poems and tell the stories of how they came to be, revealing the secrets of their inspiration to an intimate audience in the brand new Miller Room at the Billie Jean King Main Library.
Presented by the Long Beach Public Library & Surprise the Line. This event is free and open to the public. Enjoy this unique opportunity to hear the poets speak about their work and their process.
FEATURING
Alexandra Umlas
Gustavo Hernandez
Michelle Brittan Rosado
and open mic
Each of these poets is a unique part of the Long Beach poetry community with a published book. Come hear them share stories about their milestones, challenges, and triumphs on the poetic road!
DOORS OPEN 1:30
Please arrive early to sign up for the open mic, and so we can start on time! Thank you.
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OPEN MIC
3-ish minute open mic: You are invited to read one poem and share a brief story that goes with it. Often at open mics, we are asked to get straight to the poem – not here! You are encouraged to let us in on the story behind the stanzas.
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MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT
This reading asks the question: Where do poems come from? What inspires poets to create? What is it like on the road to publication? Why do we write?
Like MTV Unplugged. But instead of acoustic instruments, acoustic poetry.
Like The Moth Storytelling Showcase. But for poets.
Like Mortified. But instead of journals, the moments that inspired the creation.
Intimate. Authentic. Literary. Personal. Poetic.
Books may be for sale by the authors.
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This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. To RSVP, please reserve a ticket on Eventbrite or contact: Lauren.Nguyen@LBPL.org or (562) 570-6837.
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PARKING AT THE LIBRARY
Main Library parking is available in the structure at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut. With library validation, parking is free for the first 30 minutes and is $1.75 for 2 hours. Maximum all-day parking cost is $10. Street parking is available in the area. We recommend you plan to arrive early to find parking.
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Hosted by Nancy Lynée Woo. Nancy is a 2018-2019 Professional Artist Fellow . This event is sponsored in part by the Arts Council for Long Beach and the City of Long Beach.