The Ventura County Poetry Festival is a multi-day event that celebrates the art of poetry in all its forms. This year’s festival takes place March 6th-9th at the Studio Channel Islands Art Center. Whether you’re an art-lover or a poet yourself, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
The county-wide festival, which is in its second year, is a collaboration between the Ventura County Poetry Project and Studio Channel Islands Art Center. I spoke with Sean Colletti, local poet and producer, to learn more about the festival.
Slam Poetry
When asked what he is most looking forward to, Colletti said, “I’m excited for people to see Jasmine Gardosi, a poet and performer of the highest quality. Jas, who is visiting from the UK, brings so much innovation, with a style that is bound to inspire many people to challenge themselves in their own writing.”
Having seen Jasmine perform a couple of weekends ago, I couldn’t agree more. If you think poetry is only for Shakespeare-lovers and people who sit at their desks with quill pens, think again. Slam poetry takes on an energy of its own.
Something For Everyone
The team has worked hard to make the festival a true event for all—not just for poets and writers, but for anyone looking to enjoy something new. From Thursday-Sunday, the festival will host 16 unique events. A handful are highlighted below.
- For the artists and art-lovers: Art and poetry. Select artist studios will be open, featuring poetry in response to their artwork, including performances and a festival welcoming. Thursday, 3/6: 6:00 – 8:00 Art + Poetry (FREE)
- For the music lovers: Music + poetry. Four poets will perform work to live musical accompaniment. Friday, 3/7. 6:00 – 7:00 Music + Poetry ($15/$5*)
- For the community supporters: Ventura County Showcase. Selected performances from poets representing different areas of Ventura County. Sunday, 3/9. 2:00 – 3:00 (FREE)
- For the brave: Open mic and showcase. Come share your poetry with the festival audience. Sunday, 3/9. 12:00 – 1:00 Festival Open Mic (FREE)
- For the curious: Festival Slam. Twelve brave poets will compete in a standard poetry slam format for a cash prize! Headliner: Jasmine Gardosi. Friday, 3/7: 7:30 – 9:00 ($15/$5*)
Local Poets and Workshops
A glance at the festival program reveals twenty named poets. However, with open mics and showcases, Colletti estimates roughly 70 poets will take the stage to share their work. “Even with such a high number – I still don’t think that does enough justice to the plurality of poetic voices we have here,” he adds.
The festival will bring more than performances, though. There will also be workshops for anyone interested in developing their writing. Workshop topics range from writing exercises to performance techniques, the pursuit of publication to how to breathe new life into an old draft.
You can purchase tickets here. Many of the performances are free, with some costing $5-$15, and workshops costing $25. Of the ticket price, Colletti says, “we’ve tried to come up with a structure to make the festival more self-sustaining, while also making accommodations for people who can’t take on the financial burden of buying tickets for multiple events.” If pricing is a legitimate barrier for someone who wants to attend, Colletti welcomes them to reach out. Sean Colletti: [email protected]
Ventura County Poetry Festival schedule below:
Purchase tickets here
Thursday, March 6th
- 6:00 – 8:00 Art + Poetry FREE
Select artist studios will be open, featuring poetry in response to their artwork, including performances and a festival welcoming.
Friday, March 7th
- 6:00 – 7:00 Music + Poetry $15/$5*
Four poets will perform work to live musical accompaniment. - 7:30 – 9:00 Festival Slam $15/$5*
Twelve brave poets will compete in a standard poetry slam format for a cash prize! Headliner: Jasmine Gardosi.
Saturday, March 8th
- 10:00 – 11:00 Workshop: Art of the Writing Exercise $25
Generate new work while learning which kinds of exercises best fit your style and writing interests. Facilitator: Sean Colletti. - 11:00 – 12:00 Workshop: Poetry in Performance $25
Develop skills to enhance the quality of your readings and performances. Facilitator: Jasmine Gardosi. - 12:00 – 1:00 Workshop: The Pursuit of Publication $25
Prepare yourself for the pathway towards publication with the help of What Books Press. Facilitator: Elena Karina Byrne. - 2:00 – 3:00 What Books Showcase $10/$5*
Los Angeles-based What Books Press will feature several performances from in-house authors. - 3:30 – 4:30 Festival Competition Showcase FREE
Featuring poets selected by competition judge, Laure-Anne Bosselaar. - 5:00 – 6:00 Cocktail Hour FREE
Take a break for some fun and games, hosted by Marsha de la O and Caleigh Tupy. Mocktails will be available. - 6:30 – 8:00 Saturday Headliners $20/$5*
Performances from esteemed guests, Dian Sousa and Michael Torres.
Sunday, March 9th
- 10:00 – 11:00 Workshop: Raise the Dead $25
Tackle that draft that keeps haunting you in this re-generative workshop. Facilitator: Laura Mullen. - 11:00 – 12:00 Workshop: Writing for Performance $25
Learn ways to approach the writing and editing of poems with performance in mind. Facilitator: Jasmine Gardosi. - 12:00 – 1:00 Festival Open Mic FREE
Come share your poetry with the festival audience. Two rules: one poem; no epics. Hosted by Phil Taggart. - 2:00 – 3:00 Ventura County Showcase FREE
Selected performances from poets representing different areas of Ventura County. - 3:30 – 4:30 Poetry Heroes $10/$5*
Featuring James Lenfesty, Christopher Buckley and Mary Kay Rummel. - 5:00 – 6:30 Sunday Headliners $20/$5*
Performances from esteemed guests, Florence Weinberger and Mary Ann McFadden.
