California’s literary community will come together for a historic gathering of California poets laureate on Saturday, October 6, at the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga. California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia will lead city, regional, and county poets laureate, along with former state laureates, to celebrate California’s creative expression through words.

The occasion will be marked by a collaborative group reading by more than 60 city, regional, and county poets laureate, followed by special guest readings from renowned California laureates, past and present, including Gioia, Los Angeles Poet Laureate Robin Coste Lewis, and former California poets laureate Carol Muske-Dukes and Al Young. A morning session open to participating poets, featuring panel discussion and breakout sessions, will precede the afternoon’s public event.

The free event is the first large-scale gathering of California’s poets laureate since the termed position of state poet laureate was first established in 2001. Poets laureate are recognized for their civic achievement in the art of poetry and selected to serve as a literary representatives for their city, county, region, or state to promote poetry to their communities through readings, lectures, or educational projects.

“This gathering celebrates the contributions of local laureates who do so much on behalf of poetry, literature, and literacy across the state,” said California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia. “Most laureates have never had the opportunity to meet one another and share ideas. It will be an exciting event.”

Featured Poets:

• Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate
• Robin Coste Lewis, Los Angeles Poet Laureate
• Carol Muske-Dukes, former California Poet Laureate
• Al Young, former California Poet Laureate
• 60+ city, regional, and county Poets Laureate from across the state