Berks Bards First Thursday Poetry Reading July Featured Poet Sharice Towles

  

Join Us July 7th, 2022,  6-7:45 pm for 1st Thursday Poetry   In-person at Goggleworks Center for the Arts 201 Washington St., Reading  (First floor cafe area.)    Featured Poet Sharice Towles Followed by an open mic berksbards@gmail.com         https://berksbards.blogspot.com/

Reading librarian Sharice Towles will read from her debut book of poetry titled “While I Was Watching The Sun” at Berks Bards First Thursday Reading on July 6 at 6 p.m. in Goggleworks’ cafe space on the main floor. 

While I Was Watching The Sun is Towles’ first book, published by independent publisher, SDJ Press. The collection features twenty-three original poems about life, love and rebirth.  Towles has been working at the Reading Public Library for 9 years, currently working as the interlibrary loan coordinator.  

With a passion for writing, Towles says she uses poetry as an outlet to help her get through tough times. “When the pandemic hit, so many people were protesting, artists were creating and talking about local news, police victimizing black people. That, in addition with my own personal struggles, I felt strongly enough to put all of my pieces together and speak to others” said Towles. 

Years in the making, Towles began writing poems in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2020 that she decided a book would be the best format to convey her message. “Many of the pieces were written over the past few years, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I really focused on writing” Towles said. 

Founder of SDJ Press, David Nazario, said he and Towles started the publishing process in August with formatting, photos, and cover artwork. In the spirit of local collaboration, the book’s cover design and interior graphics were created by Kutztown University student and Reading Senior High School alumna, Idalmi Rivera.  

Excited about the launch of her first book, Towles hopes it can inspire others. “I just hope everybody, even if it doesn’t relate to exactly what your going through, just feels the courage to share what’s in their heart.” 

While I Was Watching The Sun is available to borrow at the Reading Public Library, Reading Branch, or for purchase by contacting Sharice Towles by email: lyricalreese@gmail.com or on Instagram at @whileiwaswatchingwhesun. 

Join Jazer Willis at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts December 5th 2019 at 6 pm

Berks Bards welcomes Jazer Willis to join us at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts to read selected poetry. Following his reading, we'll allow ANYONE to step up to the mic and read what moves them.

When: December 5th 2019 at 6 pm

Where: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Studio 238

201 Washington Street Reading PA 19601


Read Jazer Willis' Bio below:

Jazer Willis is a Black, Afro Sensitive and Christ centered speaker, appreciative of the arts and nationally recognized poet. Jazer is currently pursuing his BA in political science with a focus in religious studies as it relates to how the world works, at Albright College in Reading, PA. Willis's work concentrates on his own identity and what seems to affect it, as a young, African American - Christian man. Jazer speaks on race, faith, social justice, love of self, celebration of life - channeling familiar memories, overcoming adversity, and creating a periscope into what it means to be present and still surviving.

“As a rising poet, I was mentored by some of the most gifted writers”, Willis said. Jazer honed in on his writing skill by being apart of Philadelphia’s poetry collective, Philadelphia Youth Poetry Movement (PYPM) at the start of 2016. Jazer has read poetry, “slammed” poetry and given speeches in various cities and gatherings. Including, numerous competitions at Brave New Voices, featuring in social hubs such as The Union League of Philadelphia, and Chicago’s Christian - oriented, Poets In Autumn Spoken Word Show, Storytellers.


Below is a sample poem from our featured poet:

Alabaster

An ode to my mouth, from my feet - discussing my anointing.
Why you so loud for?
I hear God called you to preach
You must think you better than your pastor
Think you better than Jesus
You think you can walk in his shoes and not be bruised?
Say the things he says and  get away with it?
Like the devil ain’t listening
Like this valley don’t got shadows
and a voice  worth listening to
We gon’ have to walk
Slowly
Until what you say catches to what you do
Understand that purpose is worth the pain
fervency is full of fatigue
And the Lord who is word from the beginning
has grace enough to be an alabaster
Open himself
ready of oil
Spilling over with truth in scripture
All
To prepare you.



Watch Jazer Willis perform "White Lie" at the 19th Annual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival

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Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye – Wit & Words, a live poetry event

As part of Bard Fest 2017, we are excited to announce the presence of greats to join Berks Bards for a night of poetry and spoken word. Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye, poets, authors, and co-directors of Project VOICE, an organization that brings spoken word poetry to classrooms and communities around the world as a tool to promote empowerment, improve language skills, and spur creative collaboration, bring their unique work for one night only to the Miller Center stage. Join us as they use spoken word poetry to entertain, educate and inspire.

The duo have collectively performed live in 20 countries on stages ranging from TED Talks to The Royal Danish Theater Company to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and garnered over 20 million views of their work online.

When: April 18th, 2017 at 7pm
Where: The Miller Center for the Arts

4 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601

Get Tickets NOW!

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