New York, NY— On Saturday, April 25, 2015, more than 20 poets—including poetry slam stars, sign language poets, and prize-winners—will present work at different points along the High Line as part of “After Sunset: Poetry Walk.” The series of performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. at West 26th Street and culminate in a reading by National Book Award-winner Mark Doty at 8:30 p.m. at the Chelsea Market Passage at 16th Streets. A closing party with music and a cash bar will follow. The event is presented by Friends of the High Line and the Academy of American Poets in celebration of National Poetry Month. The full line-up is as follows:
- Poetry readings, beginning at West 26th Street, by Sarah Gambito, Saeed Jones, Taylor Mali, David Tomas Martinez and Leigh Stein at the Philip A. and Lisa Maria Falcone Flyover.
- At the seating steps, a performance by top New York artists whose primary language is American Sign Language (ASL): poets Darren Fudenske, David Rivera and Anne Tomasetti's work will be performed by Maleni Chaitoo, John McGinty, Lewis Merkin, Lynnette Taylor, Alexandria Wailes and Jon Wolfe-Nelson. Directed and produced by Other Voices.
- Further south, the creative process will unfold in real time as emerging poets Wendy Chen, Mariama J. Lockington and Camille Rankine reveal writing improvisations projected at the Chelsea Grasslands.
- At the Sunken Overlook, powerful spoken word poetry performances will be offered by some of the Nuyorican all stars: Lemon Andersen, Nancy Mercado, Maria Rodriguez-Morales, Edwin Torres and Emanuel Xavier.
- Mark Doty will read from his new book, Deep Lane, at the Chelsea Market Passage.
More information here: http://www.thehighline.
Rain date: Sunday, April 26, 2015.
About the Academy of American Poets
Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets is the nation’s largest member-supported nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. The organization founded National Poetry Month in 1996. Taking place each April, National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world. The organization also produces Poets.org, the American Poets Prizes, Poem-a-Day, and American Poets magazine, as well as poetry readings and special events throughout the year.
Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets is the nation’s largest member-supported nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. The organization founded National Poetry Month in 1996. Taking place each April, National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world. The organization also produces Poets.org, the American Poets Prizes, Poem-a-Day, and American Poets magazine, as well as poetry readings and special events throughout the year.
About the Friends of the High Line
Friends of the High Line is the nonprofit organization that operates Manhattan’s beloved elevated park in partnership with New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Through its programming, Friends of the High Line seeks to engage the vibrant and diverse communities on and around the High Line. With live music and dance, drop-in family workshops, wellness activities, performance, and public art installations, Friends of the High Line offers yearly over 400 free public programs to ensure the park is a vital cultural resource for the full breadth of our neighborhood and the city of New York.
Friends of the High Line is the nonprofit organization that operates Manhattan’s beloved elevated park in partnership with New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Through its programming, Friends of the High Line seeks to engage the vibrant and diverse communities on and around the High Line. With live music and dance, drop-in family workshops, wellness activities, performance, and public art installations, Friends of the High Line offers yearly over 400 free public programs to ensure the park is a vital cultural resource for the full breadth of our neighborhood and the city of New York.