Events Schedule
The Aviary
BELLOW
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaTime: Doors open at 7pm Show at 8pm BELLOW by Dwennimmen Featuring Damn Magpies A spoken-word feature written by one of Canada’s greatest poetic voices Dwennimmen (aka Shima Robinson) featuring Edmonton’s six-piece sound collective Damn Magpies (Chenoa Anderson, Allison Balcetis, Ian Crutchley, Scott Smallwood, Jane Berry, Mark Segger). Bellow is a 75-minute sonic experience with Dwennimmen’s lyrical flow integrated into a world of sound that qualifies, enhances and amplifies the meaning and tenor of each word spoken. The Bellow Project, funded by The Edmonton Arts Council, is a deeply personal work of poetry initiated just prior to the pandemic and to date includes: — 2021 A full-length album recorded at Edmontone Studio, downloadable and streamable on Bandcamp.com. — 2022 A beautifully constructed book published by Edmonton’s Glass House Press — 2023 A live performance at Arcadia Brewing. Thanks to everyone who helped to bring these works to life. Be well. […]
The White Water Blinks with The Stroll of Poets
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaTime: Doors at 6:30, Performance starts 7pm - 9pm. Run the poetry rapids at The Whitewater Blinks—an evening of fast verse that’s been a lively and popular tradition throughout the history of the poetry fest. What’s a Blink poem? It’s Edmonton’s own poetry craft, a poem delivered in—gasp—less than 30 seconds. It’s amazing how much a poet can channel in that brief ride. And when dozens of poets step up one after another—well, it’s a rush! Words have the power to move. They can make us laugh, wonder, weep. All are welcome to sign up and share their own Blink poem. Or just come along to the Aviary and hear how much energy can flow in half a minute. The rules are easy: - Sign up in advance using this link. - Prepare your 30 second poem – rhyme, rap or haiku. You can’t go over 30 seconds or the Blinks […]
The Blinks Ignition
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaSign Up for the Blinks Ignition! Sign up to start your poetry engine and take part in this fast-paced evening where dozens of poets will step up to the stage and turn the key. What are The Blinks ? It’s Edmonton’s own feat of poetic engineering, a sleek sparkplug of words, a poem delivered in—gasp—less than 30 seconds. After you sign up here, prepare your own 30 second poem – rhyme, rap or haiku. Sign up by Saturday, April 15th. This event is a co-presentation by The Edmonton Poetry Festival and The Stroll of Poets
The Sublime Feminine
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaThe Sublime Feminine is an event hosted by Sublime Intervention Collective to honour and celebrate local, influential, feminine identifying people. This night will feature poetry readings, musical performances, live visual art and more! There will also be a silent auction at the event to fundraise for S.I.C’s future events and endeavours. The items in the silent auction have and will be curated from local female owned businesses. S.I.C hopes to uphold a safe and welcoming environment to amplify the voices and stories of all the local sublime feminine creatives.
Indigenous Poets Society Showcase
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaJoin the Indigenous Poets Society showcasing Indigenous poets sharing truths, making voices heard, and coming together to build community strength. Enjoy a showcase of readings and performances by members of the Edmonton Indigenous Poets Society. Hosted by Norma Dunning.
Speaking from Experience
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaSpeaking from Experience is a local collective that creates stories from the melding of poetry and music featuring local poet Some Sum on the microphone. Hosted by Dwennimmen.
Winking, Blinking and Naughty
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaPresented in Partnership with the Stroll of Poets This ain’t no snappy musical or Gypsy Lee burlesque. It’s the Blinks! Back, just like that. The biggest stage for the smallest set of half-minute poetry. Free verse, spoken word, slant rhymes — all are cast. But time those lines, because the Blinks Philharmonic are an unforgiving lot. You’ve got 30 seconds or your act is cut! Calling all poets. The house lights are down, the curtains up, it’s your time to shine in Winking, Blinking and Naughty. The Blinks have been right at home in the Edmonton Poetry Festival from the very beginning. The rules are easy: Sign up here! Prepare your 30 second poem Show up on the night and … Blink!
Indigenous Poets Society
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaThe Indigenous Poets Society hosts a reading that casts a critical eye on Indigenous-Settler relations, celebrates our connection to land, explores Indigenous identity, uproots the source of community struggle, and finds hope within. This is a BYOV event. Admission to this event (if applicable) is not included in a festival pass. Performers Sage Giroux is a local poet living in Amiskwacîwâskahikan. Her inspiration for her poetry comes from her everyday experiences. K’alii Stewart is a Nisga’a organizer, poet, and ecology student from the Nass Valley in BC. This past year, K’alii was on the team representing Edmonton at the national spoken word competition CFSW, and is now the founder of the Edmonton Indigenous Poets Society. Nitsitapi (ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ). Proudly from the Kainai Nation and residing in Amiskwacîwâskahikan, Beaver Hills House (Edmonton). English name is Candace and traditional given name is Áísínai'pi (It is pictured/written), Writing On Stone. An Educator, Artist, Advocate […]
Made Ya Blink!
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, CanadaPresented in Partnership with The Stroll of Poets. It’s eye-to-eye and word-to-word-year 12 of Edmonton’s famous Blinks, organized by the Stroll of Poets. Think-rap challenge in 30 seconds. Think-make the audience blink. (Laugh, sob, cheer, sigh, LISTEN) Think-come on down and drop the mic! This is the friendliest stare-down you’ll ever be part of – whether you deliver a poem or come for the vibe.