Burlington Lyrics & Poetry Festival runs April 2023
April is National Poetry Month and Burlington Public Library (BPL) is celebrating with its second annual Burlington Lyrics & Poetry Festival.
This year’s lineup offers an exciting schedule of performances, workshops, and activities for all ages, including a feature presentation by hip-hop singer-songwriter, LTtheMonk. Represented by Sonic Unyon and known for his lyrical wordplay, LT will showcase his poetic talent on BPL’s stage before answering audience questions.
His is one of seven live performances in the festival lineup, which also includes a showcase by award-winning slam poet, Lisa Shen, samples of Verdi’s La Traviata with Southern Ontario Lyric Opera, and a family-friendly presentation of theatrical prose by The Travelling Stage.
Fans of the spoken word will also get their turn in the spotlight during the festival’s capstone afternoon which includes an open mic event, along with poignant readings by poetry powerhouses, Desiree McKenzie and Catherine Graham.
The festival is as educational as it is entertaining with several poets and songwriters offering intimate workshops and presentations on their writing processes.
“We are excited to have a lineup of artists from diverse backgrounds presenting a diverse selection of spoken word and music,” says Lita Barrie, CEO of Burlington Public Library. “The goal of the festival is to connect people with the power of words, and we hope everyone will find something that ignites their passion for poetry.”
All events are free to attend, whether or not you are a library member. Registration opens at noon on March 15. So, bring your curiosity, creativity, and imagination — and come along on this month-long exploration of lyrics and poetry.
2023 Burlington Lyrics & Poetry Festival Lineup
Meet the Songwriter: LTtheMonk — Monday, April 03, 7–8 p.m.
Schubert: His Life & Music — Thursday, April 6, 2–3 p.m.
Meet the Poet: Sareh Farmand — Tuesday, April 11, 2–3 p.m. (virtual)
Meet the Poet: Lisa Shen — Thursday, April 13, 6.30–8.30 p.m.
The Art of Haiku Workshop — Monday, April 17, 1.30–3 p.m.
Meet the Poet: Dionne Samuels — Monday, April 17, 7–8 p.m.
Verdi’s La Traviata — Wednesday, April 19, 2–3.30 p.m.
Meet the Poet: Joseph Dandurand — Thursday, April 20, 2–3 p.m. (virtual)
Step Into Stories — Saturday, April 22, 1–2 p.m.
Meet the Poet: Catherine Graham — Sunday, April 23, 1–1.30 p.m.
Meet the Poet: Desiree Mckenzie — Sunday, April 23, 1.30–2 p.m.
Lyrics & Poetry Open Mic — Sunday, April 23, 2.30–4 p.m.
Rhyming Family Storytime — Various dates and locations
