For years, the Poetry Under the Stars series, presented by the Kayenta Arts Foundation, has showcased some of the best poets in Southern Utah. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 30, at the Kayenta Arts Village Outdoor Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance or at the door, though seating is limited and past shows have sold out. Patrons have come to expect passionate, well crafted, intimate poetry performed with loads of energy and emotion.
In past years, performing poets were selected by invitation only; however, this year director Darren M. Edwards held an open submission period to help provide opportunities for undiscovered writers.
Poetry Under the Stars was started by Garry Morris and Ryan Rutkoskie. The first year featured an eclectic mix of local poets ranging from formal academic poetry to slam poetry. Future years have focused strictly on performance poets. Most recently, the event had been held as both a showcase and a fundraiser for Southern Utah’s National Poetry Slam Team. Last year’s Poetry Under the Stars V saw the directorship transition from Morris to Edwards.
This year, Poetry Under the Stars VI will feature both members of past National Poetry Slam Teams and some exciting new voices. Among others, this year’s show will feature local favorites Ron Coulson, Janae Godfrey, and Whitney Shurtleff.
Poetry Under the Stars is an uncensored event, and audience members should come prepared for both adult content and language.
Advance tickets can be purchased through the Kayenta Arts Foundation website. More information, is available from the Kayenta Arts Foundation, the Poetry Under the Stars VI Facebook page, or from Edwards at darren.edwards@dixie.edu.
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