Press Release
This year, Poetry Downtown proudly honors the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe with a four-city celebration. The festivities will take place in Boston on September 27, New York and Philadelphia on September 28, and Baltimore on September 29. On September 28, the second day of this multicity poetry festival, Roger McCormack, from the Bronx Historical Society, will open this years poetry festival in New York.
Lecture Edgar Allan Poe in New York
Unlike in Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, we will not organize a Poetry Cycle in New York to follow the steps of Edgar Allan Poe. Instead, Roger McCormack from the Bronx Historical Society will present a lecture on Poe’s years in New York on September 28, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Drawing from his extensive research, Roger will explore with whom, where, when, why, and how Poe lived in the city. This lecture promises more than just a traditional format; attendees will also experience what it was like to live in Poe’s former home, now known as Poe Cottage, where he resided with his aunt and his wife, Virginia.
Topics:
This inspiring lecture will cover the following intriguiing and informative topics, offering a comprehensive view of Poe’s life and work in New York and deeper understanding of the man behind the literary legend:
– Poe’s Residences in New York
– Poe’s Social and Literary Circles
– Poe’s Writing During His New York Years
– Challenges and Controversies
– Poe’s Influence on New York’s Cultural Scene
Roger McCormack
Roger McCormack, the education coordinator at The Bronx County Historical Society, is in charge of tours of The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in Fordham.
The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage is the oldest Poe Museum, first opened in 1913. The cottage was built in 1812, and is a New York City and State landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic house museum is famous as the final home of the writer.
All events on September 28 in New York
12.30-1.30 pm Lecture Edgar Allan Poe in New York
See above
1.30-3.30 pm Poetry Downtown Reading New York
Max 13 selected poets read their work.
5.00-6.00 pm Talkshow The Raven
At the Poetry Train Erik van Loon will discuss with his two special guests word for word the narrative poem The Raven.
* all events are free
Boston – New York – Philadelphia – Baltimore
As mentioned earlier, the 4th Poetry Downtown Festival will take place in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. This year’s festival promises a rich array of events and culinary delights, including 12 distinct dishes, four poetry readings, four lectures, three poetry cycles, three Ultimate Typewriter Countdowns, one talk show, and one radio play. Poets will journey on the Poetry Train, traveling between cities and towns across eight states from Boston to Baltimore. This unique and affordable experience offers poets the chance to network and collaborate, connecting poets in twenty different cities and towns.
Poetry Train
Erik van Loon envisions leasing a dedicated Poetry Train by 2025, equipped with restaurant, sleeper, disco, bar, and library cars. This year, he aims to welcome 40 poets aboard the Poetry Train, further expanding this unique festival. Support Erik’s American dream and help unite the country through the power of poetry. Visit https://poetrydowntown.com/crowdfunding for more information on how to become a sponsor.
More info:
4th Poetry Downtown Festival
Erik van Loon
+316 E VAN LOON / +316 3 826 5666
www.poetrydowntown.com
Poetrydowntownfestival@gmail.com
