Takoma Park Arts Poetry Series
Established in 2006, the Takoma Park Arts poetry series (formerly the Third Thursday series) gives poets from the D.C. area the opportunity to read their original work to a receptive audience in the Takoma Park Community Center auditorium. Some past readings may be viewed on YouTube. We aren’t seeking submissions from poets at this time.
Our upcoming readings will be held at 7:30 pm on the following dates.
Feb. 16 Reading
Katherine J. Williams
Melanie Figg
Yvette Neisser
Neha Misra
March 9 – Bilingual Spanish/English Reading
Rosie Prohías Driscoll
Jorge Fernando Sodero
David Alberto Fernandez
David Lott
April 20 Reading
David Dayton
Amy Eisner
E. Laura Goldberg
Bonnie Naradzay
May 18 Reading
Melanie Weldon-Soiset
Carol Jennings
Ryan Holman
Jaxsyn Conway
June 1 Reading
Claudia Gary
Brendan Edward Kennedy
Pamela Murray Winters
Sally Zakariya
What to Expect
Poetry readings are usually held on Thursday evenings in the Takoma Park Community Center auditorium during most months except July, August, and December. Three or four poets are featured with each poet reading their work for about 15 minutes. Featured poets are welcome to sell their poetry books after the reading.
Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium
The Takoma Park Community Center auditorium is located at 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD. The facility is Metro accessible via the Red Line Takoma Station, and is served by the following bus lines: WMATA F4, F6 and RideOn 16, 17, 18, and 25. There also is free parking on site.
The auditorium has a raised stage and raked seating with a capacity for 160 people. The auditorium is equipped with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system.
Video Recording and Photographic Images
Poetry readings are recorded and featured on YouTube, the City TV cable channel, and other outlets. The City reserves the right to record the reading and, without limits or additional compensation, to broadcast, cablecast or in any other way display a video or photographic record of the event, including the use of social media outlets such as You Tube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Broadcasting and Online Viewing
The reading may be broadcast live on CityTV (Comcast Channel 13 / Verizon Channel 28), streamed on the City’s Facebook page, and viewed on the Takoma Park Arts YouTube channel.
Promotion and Marketing
The City promotes all events through a variety of outlets, including the City of Takoma Park website, Takoma Park Arts e-newsletter, social media, and various community and arts websites.
Featured poets must assist in the promotion of the reading through their contacts, including emails, social media posts, and distribution of City-produced posters in public locations. Any promotional materials developed by participants must mention that the reading is sponsored by the City of Takoma Park’s Takoma Park Arts series.
Sale of Merchandise
Poetry books may be sold after the reading with a table provided upon request. The City assumes no responsibility for the display, storage or safekeeping of any merchandise. Any sales are the responsibility of the poet.
Cancellation or Rescheduling of Event
The City may cancel or reschedule the reading in the event of inclement weather requiring the closure of the facility, use of the venue by the Takoma Park City Council, or other cause as determined by City staff. All efforts will be made to reschedule the reading in a timely manner.
Insurance
No liability, workers’ compensation or other insurance coverage is provided by the City to, or for the participant, or any of its employees, volunteers or agents.
Contact Information
For additional information, please contact Arts and Humanities Coordinator Brendan Smith at brendans@takomaparkmd.gov.
