Indigenous poet, essayist and audio producer Kirbie Bennett of Durango will be the featured guest for the Talking Gourds first Tuesday Bardic Trails virtual reading series Aug. 4th at 7 pm MDT.
“I got to hear Kirbie read at Maria’s Bookstore in Durango as part of the recent Four Corners Poetry Festival last month,” said Art Goodtimes, Talking Gourds director. “He did a great job and I’ve invited him to come perform for us online at Bardic Trails.”
Kirbie’s print and audio work has appeared in High Country News, KSUT Public Radio, 68-to-oh5, Last Real Indians and Four Corners Voices: Stories, Poetry, Essays. He is also part of the creative team behind The Magic City of the Southwest, a regional history podcast. Bennett is a member of the Navajo Nation and Durango, Colorado is another place he calls home.
For those that like prompts, we are suggesting “Summer,” although poems on any subject are welcome. Virtual attendees are encouraged to bring a story or poem to share each month after the featured reader — their own work or someone else’s.
The Telluride Institute’s Talking Gourds Poetry Program hosts the free Bardic Trails virtual zoom series on the first Tuesday of each month. The Wilkinson Public Library continues as our collaboration partner, with town support from Commission for Community Assistance, Arts & Special Events. Featured reader for August 4th will be Diné poet/performer Kirbie Bennett of Durango.
Participants are encouraged to visit <https://www.tellurideinstitute.org/western-slope-calendar> to get the zoom link each month, if they aren’t already on our mailing list. Or email Art Goodtimes directly.
Thanks to the Cantor Family, the Guttman Family Foundation, CCAASE and our Fischer and Cantor contest participants for supporting our program and projects.
