Poetry Open Mic with Writer-in-Residence Andre Prefontaine

Date: October 15, 2024
Time: 6 pm
Location: Brave Brewing Co., 2617 Murray St, Port Moody, BC
Cost: Free entry

Tri-Cities Poetry is thrilled to offer a second feature show this month, thanks to sponsorship from Vancouver Poetry House and Historic Joy Kogawa House.

Join us for an open mic session featuring our October Writer-in-Residence, poet Andre Prefontaine. Andre, a seven-time national Slam Poetry champion, brings a unique performance style—he speaks to the pieces of himself that have passed, transforming his words into a poetic séance.

He has represented Canada at the World Cup of Poetry Slam in Paris and recently completed a residency at Joy Kogawa House with his project, The Great Fagliacci: Memoirs of a Sad, Gay Clown. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Andre live!

Writing Workshop with upcoming Writer-in-Residence Gordon Portman

Date: Friday, Oct 18, 2024
Time: 7-8:30 pm PDT
Location: Historic Joy Kogawa House In-person & Virtual (via zoom)
Workshop cost: Recommended $20 | Pay what you can

Introducing Gordon Portman, our upcoming Writer-in-Residence! Gordon has been longlisted for the 2024 CBC Nonfiction Prize for his story Ruth.

His story Ashes and Sky was shortlisted for the 2010 CBC Nonfiction Prize. With decades of experience in professional theatre, Gordon’s work spans stages and classrooms across Canada. He will be hosting a writing workshop on October 18.

The Story in the Telling with Gordon Portman

An exploration and consideration of the different ways that writing craft – from structure to voice, from metaphor to dialogue, from grammar and punctuation to genre and setting and style – can shape the author-reader relationship across the disciplines. The workshop offers a chance for writers across the four primary genres (non-fiction, fiction, drama, and poetry) to consider and re-consider their ways with words through lenses that might challenge habits, open windows or doors to new thought, and travel down new paths to connection.

Gordon will offer a talk on the craft of writing through his talk “The Story in the Telling” and invites participants to come with work, questions, and ideas that can be discussed during the workshop. The format of the workshop will be an initial talk, followed by facilitated discussion, and closing with a question and answer period.

Light refreshments will be available at the workshop.

Letters to the Future Workshop

Date: October 24, 2024
Time: 06:00 p.m. – 07:30 p.m.
Location: Kogawa House
Workshop cost: Recommended $20 | Pay what you can
Facilitated by: Suzuki Elders

Have you ever wondered how you can contribute to a more sustainable future? In this interactive workshop, join facilitators Aileen Stalker and Ingrid Kastens as they help you put your thoughts and feelings about the climate crisis onto paper. You’ll have the chance to write “letters to the future,” expressing your hopes, goals, and visions for a liveable world. This two-hour session is perfect for anyone searching for inspiration and purpose in tackling environmental issues.

Come with an open mind, and leave with new ideas for action.