Newsletter January 24

The 5th Poetry Downtown Festival is canceled—unable to proceed as Drive Music Publishing didn't grant us the copyrights to celebrate the extraordinary life and work of 'Warrior Poet'.

Newsletter January 24

January 24, 2025 Uncategorized 0

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5th Poetry Downtown Festival CANCELLED

September 23 till 28

Concept Poetry Downtown 2025 Poster

[Rotterdam, January 24, 2025]
It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of the 5th Poetry Downtown Festival, originally scheduled to take place from September 23 to 28, 2025. This difficult decision comes after weeks of communication with Drive Musid Publishing , who have expressed yesterday that they do not permit the celebration of ‘Warrior Poet’s’ life and work at our festival.

1st Shitshow

Last Tuesday, for the first time in my life, I felt afraid to go to America. In all my years, I had never experienced such fear, but after Trump pardoned 1,500 people who attacked the Capitol, something changed. My heart broke for all those who work day and night to ensure everyone receives a fair trial.

The 1,500 individuals pardoned were likely among the most extreme participants in the insurrection. While some received penalties ranging from one week to 50 years, many were already free. This decision felt meaningless—except for one thing: it sent a chilling message that Trump sees himself above justice. And that made me sick to my core.

2nd Shitshow

And then, yesterday, I received an email from Ana Ruiz at Drive Music Publishing. They have explicitly forbidden me from celebrating ‘Warrior Poet’s’ life and work at our 5th Poetry Downtown Festival.

I am heartbroken and frustrated. It pains me deeply to cancel the festival and to disappoint all the poets, artists, and attendees who were eagerly preparing to explore ‘Warrior Poet’s’ work and the broader contributions of American Indian poetry and poets in today’s America. This decision weighs heavily on me, and I am at a loss for words.

For now, all I can say is: it’s time to get drunk.

For more details, please see my latest blog post and press release:

– https://poetrydowntown.com/10-years-warrior-poet-celebration-denied/
– https://poetrydowntown.com/press-releases/

Cheers,

 

Erik

Keep writing

and hopefully with help of all your beloved Poetry Downtown Festival will be back in 2026 celebrating the work and life of Allen Ginsberg with:

America I’ve given you all and now I’m nothing.