June 30-July 6, 2005

artpicks

Poets, Verses, Khyber

reading

"I want Poetry Incarnation '05 to mirror the original London event in its scope and in its egalitarian structure. That is, I designed this event so that almost anyone that wanted to read could read," says Adam Fieled. He and Mike Land, co-director of the Philly Free School — a multimedia arts-co-op — are bringing a slew of poets together in one space to not only give each a chance to showcase his or her work, but to solidify poetry as an important element of the arts. "It would be nice if people had the realization that poetry is still a vital, viable force in American culture. It would also be nice to prove once again that Philly is, in fact, a great poetry town, a place rich with literacy, poetic history and culture." explains Fieled. But with over 40 participants slated to read, the organizers have also pulled prose writers and editors into the mix. There are recognizable names, such as published noteworthies C.A. Conrad and Jenn McCreary, while others are fresh voices aching to be heard. Known for indie rock and hip-hop shows, The Khyber hopes to get a crowd that wouldn't normally spend a Tuesday night listening to haikus, free verse and limericks. "I want people who come to this event to walk away thrilled and exhilarated by its diversity."

Poetry Incarnation '05, Tue., July 5, 8 p.m., $5, 21+, The Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888.

—Deesha Dyer