Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.5.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Kern Poetry - Bakersfield, CA Showcase local poets & inform our community of poetry events ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://kernpoetry.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Poet Press - Our Blog](https://kernpoetry.com/poet-press/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_blog _builder_version=”4.27.4″ include_categories=”8,4,14,7,15,6,26″ show_thumbnail=”off” show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” box_shadow_horizontal_image_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_image_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_image_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_image_tablet=”0px” text_orientation=”left” text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_align=”left” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [FIRST FRIDAY - APRIL 3RD - OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-april-3rd-open-mic-at-dagnys-at-6-pm/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [Join CSUB Creative Writers at Dorothy Donohoe Hall (DDH) at CSUB](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/join-csub-creative-writers-at-dorothy-donohoe-hall-ddh-at-csub/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [APRIL IS POETRY MONTH - KERN POETRY IS STARTING IN MARCH](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/april-is-poetry-month-kern-poetry-is-starting-in-march/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [March 14, 2026 – Saturday Poets Writing Together at Dagny’s](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/march-14-2026-saturday-poets-writing-together-at-dagnys/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [MARCH POETIC HAPPENINGS IN KERN COUNTY - SO MANY COOL GIGS & WORKSHOPS!](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/march-poetic-happenings-in-kern-county-so-many-cool-gigs-workshops/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY! On: ZOOM Open Mic - MARCH 21, 2026](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-on-zoom-open-mic-march-21-2026/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [MARCH 6th, 2026 - 6 PM - KERN POETRY OPEN MIC at DAGNY'S](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/march-6th-2026-6-pm-kern-poetry-open-mic-at-dagnys/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [NOVEMBER 7, 2025 - 6 PM - KERN POETRY OPEN MIC at DAGNY'S](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/november-7-2025-6-pm-kern-poetry-open-mic-at-dagnys/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - 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On: ZOOM Open Mic November 15th - 6PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-on-zoom-open-mic-november-15th-6pm/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [KERN POETRY OPEN MIC - Interview With CARLA JOY MARTIN - OCTOBER 3, 2025](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/kern-poetry-open-mic-interview-with-carla-joy-martin-october-3-2025/) - Video with included Poets – First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, October 3, 2025. Kern Poetry Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee October 3, 2025 at 6pm Carla Joy Martin is the featured poet. Our Poets participated with their poetry and music! - [Video - Open Mic - October 3, 2025 - at Dagny's Coffee](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/video-open-mic-october-3-2025-at-dagnys-coffee/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [November 8th – Saturday Poets Writing Together at Dagny’s](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/november-8th-saturday-poets-writing-together-at-dagnys/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [Kern County Open Mic - Facebook Page](https://kernpoetry.com/news/kern-county-open-mic-facebook-page/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY! On: ZOOM Open Mic October 18th - 6PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-on-zoom-open-mic-october-18th-6pm/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [Poets Writing Together - October 11th – Saturday at Dagny's - 11:30am to 1:30pm](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/poets-writing-together-october-11th-saturday-at-dagnys-1130am-to-130pm/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [KERN POETRY OPEN MIC at DAGNY'S - OCTOBER 3, 2025 - 6 PM - CARLA JOY MARTIN](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/kern-poetry-open-mic-at-dagnys-october-3-2025-6-pm-carla-joy-martin/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [PEACE DAY POEMS - SUNDAY SEPT 21 AT 1 PM MILL CREEK PARK - INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/peace-day-poems-sunday-sept-21-at-1-pm-mill-creek-park-international-day-of-peace/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [Video - Open Mic - September 5, 2025 - at Dagny's Coffee](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/video-open-mic-september-5-2025-at-dagnys-coffee/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [September 13th – Saturday Writing Together at Dagny’s](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/september-13th-saturday-writing-together-at-dagnys/) - September 13th – Saturday Writing Together at Dagny’s 11:30 am – 1:30 pm EKPHRASTIC WRITING TOGETHER AT DAGNY'S Poets respond to artwork on the walls Light Refreshments provided HOSTS: SUZANNE WELLER & PORTIA CHOI - Dagny’s Coffee 1600 – 20th (Corner of 20th and Eye St) Bakersfield 93301 KERN POETRY Welcomes You! - [Video - Open Mic - June 6, 2025 - at Dagny's Coffee](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/video-open-mic-june-6-2025-at-dagnys-coffee/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_margin=”0px|||” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Top” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [We are now on Instagram!](https://kernpoetry.com/events/we-are-now-on-instagram/) - We are now on Instagram! Please share our links! Join Us: On Instagram instagram.com/kernpoetry Our Other Links: Facebook: facebook.com/kernpoetry Our Website: kernpoetry.com Please tell your friends! - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - September 20th - 6PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-september-20th-6pm/) - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY! September 20th - 6PM (Pacific Time) On: ZOOM Open Mic Stay tuned for more news and info here, Facebook and Instagram. What’s new in your creative world? Looking forward to an hour spent with friends, old & new Share up to 5 minutes of your original verse. Will let you know how to sign up - [MATEO LARA FEATURED POET FOR OPEN MIC, SEPT 5TH, 2025](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/mateo-lara-featured-poet-for-open-mic-sept-5th-2025/) - MATEO LARA IS THE FEATURED POET FOR FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S SEPTEMBER 5TH AT 6 PM Mateo Lara is a binary Latino poet from Bakersfield, California. They run Blastbones poetry events. Mateo will share their verse for the first 15-20 minutes, then Open Mic will commence. Looking forward to a thought-provoking, beautiful - [AUGUST 9th - Saturday Writing Together at Dagny’s](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/august-9th-saturday-writing-together-at-dagnys/) - WRITING TOGETHER AT DAGNY'S IS CANCELLED ON SATURDAY 8/9 - SO SORRY! DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, HOSTS SUZANNE WELLER AND PORTIA CHOI ARE UNAVAILABLE THAT DAY! STAY TUNED FOR POSSIBLE NEW DAY & TIME! BLESSINGS, CARLA JOY & CHRIS AUGUST 9th - Saturday Writing Together at Dagny’s Ekphrastic poetry inspired by artwork at - [AUGUST 16th - Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic - 6 pm](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/august-16th-spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-6-pm/) - AUGUST 16th - Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic - 6 pm To get your link, reply to our email! Mention: “Spectacular Saturday” Hosts - Portia Choi & Carla Joy Martin - [FIRST FRIDAY - AUGUST 1ST - FREE OPEN MIC - GOOD VERSE FOR ALL! AT DAGNY'S](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-august-1st-free-open-mic-good-verse-for-all-at-dagnys/) - FIRST FRIDAY - AUGUST 1ST - FREE OPEN MIC - GOOD VERSE FOR ALL! AT DAGNY'S - 1600 20TH STREET - CORNER OF 20TH AND EYE STREETS SHARE YOUR ORIGINAL POETRY FOR UP TO 5 MINUTES 6 PM - sign-ups at 5:50 pm SUMMER THEMES - HEAT, WATER, PICNICS, BASEBALL, FAMILY VACATIONS - [POETRY OPEN MIC AT BOTTLE SHOCK - THURSDAY JULY 17 - 7pm](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/poetry-open-mic-at-bottle-shock-thursday-july-17-7pm/) - POETRY OPEN MIC AT BOTTLE SHOCK THURSDAY JULY 17, 7 - 10 PM HOST: BOBBY PARAMO BRING YOUR VOICE, BRING YOUR VIBE! PIZZA AND APPETIZERS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE! 1001 19TH STREET, DOWNTOWN BAKERSFIELD - [EKPHRASTIC POETRY WRITING TOGETHER AT DAGNY'S - SATURDAY, JULY 12](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/ekphrastic-poetry-writing-together-at-dagnys-saturday-july-12/) - KERN POETRY presents: EKPHRASTIC POETRY WRITING TOGETHER AT DAGNY'S SATURDAY, JULY 12th 11:30 am - 1:30 pm We will be responding poetically to the artwork hanging in Dagny's Light Refreshments will be served Hosts: Suzanne Weller, Portia Choi & Carla Joy Martin - [WRITING POETRY TOGETHER AT DAGNY'S - SATURDAY JUNE 14](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/writing-poetry-together-at-dagnys-saturday-june-14/) - SATURDAY JUNE 14 - 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM WRITING POETRY TOGETHER AT DAGNY'S PORTIA CHOI, SUZANNE WELLER & CARLA JOY MARTIN - HOSTS COMPOSING PEACE POEMS for International Day of Peace, which is on September 21, 2025 - Worried about the state of current affairs? Feeling overwhelmed or fearful? Wondering how you can make - [Interview with Ulysses Fruguglietti - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, May 2, 2025](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/interview-with-ulysses-fruguglietti-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-may-2-2025/) - Interview with Ulysses Fruguglietti - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, May 2, 2025 By: Carla Joy Martin Ulysses shared two poems with us at our lively Open Mic. Here is the first poem: Anxiety Hey just a quick note for this crowd I’m not really good at speaking aloud. I’m not really good at - [RESILIENCE - OPEN MIC - SATURDAY JUNE 28](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/resilience-open-mic-saturday-june-28/) - RESILIENCE - OPEN MIC - SATURDAY JUNE 28 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM The Index Books & BlastBones Events Proudly Present RESILIENCE HOST: MATEO LARA Performances By: Natalie Lockard Alex Acord Percy Wyatt Simona Valentine Ulysses Fruguglietti John Perez Miss James Shelby Pinkham Teo Perez Lara Kara Shahin-McDonald Game Haven 1101 18th Street Suite 100 - [ANOTHER POETRY OPEN MIC FOR BAKERSFIELD! THURSDAY JUNE 12 - 7PM - 9 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/another-poetry-open-mic-for-bakersfield-thursday-june-12-7pm-9-pm/) - ANOTHER POETRY OPEN MIC FOR BAKERSFIELD! THURSDAY JUNE 12 - 7PM - 9 PM HOSTED BY OUR VERY OWN BOBBY PARAMO - Frequent performer at Dagny's on First Friday Open Mics BRING YOUR VOICE, BRING YOUR VIBE MODERN GIGI GALLERY 901 18TH STREET BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CHECK THIS OUT & BRING YOUR - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - JUNE 21st - 6 pm - ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/june-21st-6-pm-spectacular-saturday-zoom-poetry-open-mic/) - JUNE 21st - 6 pm (PT) - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC What’s new in your creative world? Looking forward to an hour spent with friends, old & new To get your link, reply to our email! Share up to 5 minutes of your original verse - [First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM in November 2020](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-by-zoom-in-november-2020/) - First Friday Open Mic on November 6, 2020 Story by Carla Martin We had our first ZOOM First Friday Open Mic on November 6, 2020. A delightful group of Bakersfield performers read their works. There was a wide range of poetry shared. Here are some of the highlights: Tanya Dixon sang the hymn “It is - [First Friday Open Mic by Zoom in December 2020](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-by-zoom-in-december-2020/) - First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM December 4, 2020 To end year 2020, poets shared their words at First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM on December 4. The poets who performed were Anke Hodenpijl, Carla Martin, Chris Nielsen, Eric Osborne, Mandy Wallace, Portia Choi, Suzanne Weller and Thomas Brill. Listening to these poets - [First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM in January 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-by-zoom-in-january-2021/) - Open Mic January 2021 We started the New Year with sparkles of spoken words at Open Mic poetry. The poets who performed were Portia Choi, Lola Jimenez, Carla Martin, Chris Nielsen, Eric Osborne, Kevin Shah and Suzanne Weller. Barbara Mattick and Viridiana Pena listened in. The poets performing their poetry for Open Mic can - [First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM in February 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-by-zoom-in-february-2021/) - First Friday Open Mic, February 5, 2021 We had another performance of original poetry and music on February 5th by ZOOM. Creativity continues, as always, and a way to share our creations happens even during the social precautions of the pandemic. The performers and those listening were Carla Joy Martin, Chris Nielsen, Eric - [First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM in March 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-by-zoom-in-march-2021/) - March 5, 2021 Open Mic - ZOOM The March 5, 2021 Open Mic (via ZOOM) was especially meaningful. The poet, Betty Lee Cortez recited her heart-felt poem about her brother who had died, and her family and friends joined the Open Mic, listening to her words. Also performing during the evening was Chris Nielsen, - [Kern Poetry Zoom Open Mic on April 2, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/kern-poetry-zoom-open-mic-on-april-2-2021/) - First Friday Open Mic on April 2, 2021 First Friday Open Mic on April 2, 2021 The First Friday Open Mic was the first event during National Poetry Month. It began with a virtual reading as poets got together to share their words. The poet interviewed for this story was Samuel Rain Benjamin who - [April National Poetry Month Zoom Open Mic, April 18, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/april-national-poetry-month-zoom-open-mic-april-18-2021/) - April National Poetry Month Zoom Open Mic, April 18, 2021 To commemorate National Poetry Month in April, there was a second virtual open mic. The poets who participated were Anke Hodenpijl, Annis Cassells, Carla Martin, Christopher Craddock, Christopher Nielsen, Cynthia Bermudez, Mandy Wallace, Matthew Woodman, Portia Choi and Suzanne Weller. The two poets interviewed - [First Friday Open Mic, May 7, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-may-7-2021/) - First Friday Open Mic, May 7, 2021 The Open Mic was unique in that three of the poets sang their poetry. You may read the interviews of the poet-musicians by Carla Joy Martin, in this story. The evening was graced with performances by Carla Joy Martin, Christopher Nielsen, Cynthia Bermudez, Eric Osborne, Irene Sinopole, Samuel - [Portia Choi was interviewed by 23 ABC News](https://kernpoetry.com/interviews/portia-choi-was-interviewed-by-23-abc-news/) - Portia Choi was interviewed by 23 ABC News | KERO in Bakersfield as part of Asian American Pacific Islander Awareness Month, May 2021. Please take some time to watch this phenomenal story about one of our Bakersfield Chinese Women’s Club members, Dr. Portia Choi. Her story is one of struggle and beauty through poetic expression. - [Poetry at State Water Board Meeting on October 5, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/poetry-at-state-water-board-meeting-on-october-5-2021/) - Poetry at State Water Board Meeting on October 5, 2021 Poets and creative persons from our community presented their works (virtually) to the State Water Board on October 5, 2021. Their presentations portrayed the importance of the Kern River to our community from different angles (music, children’s book, painting, and poetry). They also hoped to - [First Friday Open Mic on December 3, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-on-december-3-2021/) - First Friday Open Mic on December 3, 2021 Year 2021 was graced with poetry, culminating in the virtual Open Mic on First Friday, December 3, 2021. The performers at that event were Carla Martin, Christopher Nielsen, Heather Ponek, Portia Choi and Shelley Evans. Another poet, Marne Carmean, listened in. One of the poets, Shelley - [First Friday Zoom Open Mic, August 6, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-zoom-open-mic-august-6-2021/) - First Friday Zoom Open Mic, August 6, 2021 By Carla Joy Martin Creative souls and local poets gathered on Zoom to share their poetry on Friday night, August 6, 2021. The assembled participants were Shamir Kali Griffen, Chris Nielsen, Thomas Brill, Lola Jimenez, Samuel Benjamin Rain, Christopher Craddock, Don Thomas, Shihi Suynshun Kennedy, Suzanne Weller, - [First Friday Open Mic Zoom Session, July 2, 2021 with interview of Don Thompson](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-zoom-session-july-2-2021-with-interview-of-don-thompson/) - First Friday Open Mic Zoom Session, July 2, 2021 with interview of Don Thompson By Carla Joy Martin There was a happy gathering of poets at our Zoom Open Mic on Friday, July 2, 2021. The participants were Anke Hodenpijl, Carla Martin, Chris Nielsen, Christopher Craddock, Cynthia Bermudez, Don Thompson, Eric Osborne, Heather Ponek, Portia - [First Friday Zoom Open Mic, October 1, 2021 - with interview of Cyn Bermudez](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-zoom-open-mic-october-1-2021-with-interview-of-cyn-bermudez/) - First Friday Zoom Open Mic, October 1, 2021 with interview of Cyn Bermudez By Carla Joy Martin As Bakersfield gladly welcomed the cooler weather of fall, a gathering of poets attended our Zoom Open Mic on First Friday, October 1, 2021. Folks who were there - [Kern Poetry First Friday Open Mic, January 7, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/kern-poetry-first-friday-open-mic-january-7-2022/) - Kern Poetry First Friday Open Mic, January 7, 2022 For the first Open Mic of the New Year (2022) we enjoyed wonderful poetry and a time of sharing. Two of the performers had participated in poetry open mic a decade ago, at Russo’s Bookstore at the Marketplace. The poets, Shamir Kali Griffin and Sandra - [Writing Covid - Message from Matthew Woodman](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/writing-covid-message-from-matthew-woodman/) - Hello All, Since 2016, I have edited an annual themed anthology featuring work by writers in and around Kern County. The first anthology was Writing the Drought, followed by Writing Work, Writing Flora/Fauna, Writing Sound, and Writing Fields. Writing Fields was going to be the last of these anthologies, but a grant by the CSUB Pandemic Research Group has made it possible - [First Friday Open Mic will be - IN PERSON on April 1, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-will-be-in-person-on-april-1-2022/) - Hello Poets and Friends, To celebrate National Poetry Month - April the First Friday Open Mic will be IN PERSON on April 1, 2022. Event starts at 6:00PM at Dagny’s Coffee 1600 20th (Corner of 20th and Eye St) Bakersfield 93301. Poetry, Spoken Word and Music. Only Original creations, for 5 min. To perform your poems, - [Your Poem on the Writers of Kern Blog](https://kernpoetry.com/events/your-poem-on-the-writers-of-kern-blog/) - Your Poem on the Writers of Kern Blog April is National Poetry Month if you'd like to include a poem in our blog for that month, please send an original poem. Established poets, emerging poets, and would-be poets all have the possibility of being published during the month. At the end of the month, - [Unleashed meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month](https://kernpoetry.com/events/unleashed-meets-at-600-p-m-on-the-first-thursday-of-the-month/) - Unleashed meets at 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at Dagny’s. All forms of art are encouraged – spoken word, music, visual art, dance, performance art, comedy, acting, storytelling, and whatever else you might think of as art. Unleashed is hosted by poet/actor/attorney, Thomas Brill, and humorous storyteller, Brian Parks. They want - [First Friday ZOOM Open Mic, June 4, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-zoom-open-mic-june-4-2021/) - First Friday ZOOM Open Mic, June 4, 2021 The First Friday Open Mic welcomes creative expression through poetry, music and spoken word. This month, Fabian Tolan shared his original songs and was interviewed. Another performer interviewed was poet Heather Barnett Ponek. Also, performing during the evening were Carla Martin, Chris Nielsen, Cynthia Bermudez, Eric - [First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM on November 1, 2021](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-by-zoom-on-november-1-2021/) - First Friday Open Mic by ZOOM on November 1, 2021 For another evening of poetry, poets gathered to share their creations virtually. The poets who performed their poetry were Anna Marco, Ayana Abdallah, Carla Martin, Chris Nielsen, Christopher Robert Craddock, Irene Sinopole, Mandy Wallace, Portia Choi, Shelley Evans, and Suzanne Weller. The video of the - [First Friday Open Mic on February 4, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-on-february-4-2022/) - First Friday Open Mic on February 4, 2022 For another evening of poetry, poets gathered to share their creations virtually. The poets included Carla Martin, Chris Nielsen, Christopher Robert Craddock, Jill Egland, Portia Choi, Sandra Hughes, and Shelley Evans. The video of the evening’s event can be seen at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/NttcsVfgqBMs0lUu849t-3SNEEp8YeSmNWH6rPkbW3JkjqNrOlzQf5cMZ_v7hKd_.9Ne91Tp44o0iR4Ot?startTime=1644030279000 Passcode: N5bl.tj+ - [A transformative new publication, The WASTELAND](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/a-transformative-new-publication-the-wasteland/) - A transformative new publication, The WASTELAND The Wasteland is an exciting new publication by and for our community. It is a “collaborative project made up of local artists and writers from Bakersfield and the surrounding Kern County communities.” Its “goal is to create a collaborative space showcasing all of the talent that the community - [Writing Covid - Interviews with Matt Woodman and Rachel Stratemeier](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/writing-covid-interviews-with-matt-woodman-and-rachel-stratemeier/) - Writing Covid - Interviews with Matt Woodman and Rachel Stratemeier Interview of Matt Woodman about Writing Covid By Carla Joy Martin On Friday, May 13th, 2022, there was a public reading as contributors to Matt Woodman’s publication, Writing Covid, gathered in the Humanities (HOB) building at CSUB at 6:00 p.m. What transpired was 2 ½ - [Spectacular Saturday May 21st Announcement and Zoom Link](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-may-21st-announcement-and-zoom-link/) - Spectacular Saturday May 21st Announcement and Zoom Link Calling all poets and creative people! Share your voice! Portia and Carla are hosting Spectacular Saturday Open Mic on Zoom, This Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. You may perform your original works for up to 5 minutes. If time allows, we may - [In-person First Friday Open Mic returns to Dagny’s Coffee! - April 1, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/in-person-first-friday-open-mic-returns-to-dagnys-coffee/) - In-person First Friday Open Mic returns to Dagny’s Coffee! After two years as a virtual event, First Friday Open Mic (FFOM) was held in-person at Dagny’s Coffee on April 1, 2022. The event occurred on the first day of National Poetry Month. The host for the Open Mic, Carla Joy Martin, said of the Open - [First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, May 6, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-may-6-2022/) - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, May 6, 2022 We gathered at Dagny’s to share our creations on First Friday. The poets who performed were Heather Ponek, Jill Egland, Carla Martin, Samuel Rain, January Joyce, Ayana Abdallah, Sareenah Mason, Anna Marco, and Ruth Handy. The evening was hosted by Carla Martin and Portia Choi. - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM OPEN MIC THIS WEEK - JUNE 18 AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-this-week-june-18-at-6-pm/) - Dear Poets, This is a friendly reminder that we will be hosting Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic this Saturday - June 18th at 6 PM. Portia will be out of town, but the Open Mic still goes on! You are invited to share your original poems for up to 5 minutes. If - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC CHANGED TO FIRST SATURDAY - JULY 2, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-changed-to-first-saturday-july-2-2022/) - First Friday Open Mic has been changed to First Saturday! FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S, JULY 2, 2022, AT 6:00 P.M. Attention All Bakersfield Poets, Musicians, Artists and other Creative Folks! Our First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s for July has been moved to Saturday -- different day, same great gathering! We invite you - [Zoom Spectacular Saturday Open Mic, April 16, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/zoom-spectacular-saturday-open-mic-april-16-2022/) - Zoom Spectacular Saturday Open Mic, April 16, 2022 with Interview of Sandra Rose Hughes By Carla Joy Martin We had a festive gathering at the Zoom Spectacular Saturday Open Mic on April 16, 2022. Participants were Chris Nielsen, Sandra Rose Hughes, Anke Hodenpijl, Carla Joy Martin, Anna Marco and Portia Choi. The Zoom Open Mic - [Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic this Saturday - July 16th at 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-this-saturday-july-16th-at-6-pm/) - Dear Poets, This is a friendly reminder that we will be hosting Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic this Saturday - July 16th at 6 PM. Portia and Carla are hosting. You are invited to share your original poems for up to 5 minutes. If we have time at the end, you may share - [FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S, AUGUST 6, 2022, AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-saturday-open-mic-at-dagnys-august-6-2022-at-6-pm/) - Calling all of Bakersfield's Creative Community -- Poets, Songwriters, Artists of all kinds! KernPoetry.com presents FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S COFFEE 1600 20th St. - 20th & Eye St. AUGUST 6, 2022 AT 6 pm! Sign-up on the clipboard at 5:50 pm COME AND SHARE YOU LATEST WORK WITH US! - [First Saturday Open Mic at Dagny’s, July 2, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-saturday-open-mic-at-dagnys-july-2-2022/) - First Saturday Open Mic at Dagny’s, July 2, 2022 with interview of Jay Squires By Carla Joy Martin There was a vibrant crowd at Dagny’s First Saturday Open Mic on July 2, 2022. Many poets shared their work. The performers were Chris Craddock, Gary Knerr, Jay Squires, Jill Egland, Lori Lampo, Portia Choi, Samuel Rain - [Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic this Saturday - August 20th at 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-this-saturday-august-20th-at-6-pm/) - Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic - August 20, 2022 at 6PM THE POETRY OF CHRISTOPHER ROBERT CRADDOCK Looking forward to seeing all of you as we celebrate the ending of summer! (Maybe cooler days ahead, we hope and pray!) Portia and Carla are hosting. Email us for a ZOOM LINK: portia at - [Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic, July 16th, 2022 - Interview with Shamir Kali Griffin](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-july-16th-2022-interview-with-shamir-kali-griffin/) - Interview with Shamir Kali Griffin, Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic, July 16th, 2022 By: Carla Joy Martin We had a lively session sharing poetry at July’s Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic, July 16th, 2022. Participants were Gary Evans, Shelley Evans, Irene Sinopole, Virginia Liascos, Sandra Hughes, Chris Nielsen, Carla Joy Martin, Suzanne Weller, Ruth Handy - [FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC - SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2022 - 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-saturday-open-mic-september-3rd-2022-6-pm/) - FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC - SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2022 - 6 PM at DAGNY’S COFFEE 1600 20th Street (Corner of 20th and Eye St) Bakersfield, CA 93301 Featuring Carla Joy Martin performing “Coffee Café Customers”. Poetry, Spoken Word and Music. Original Creations Only for 5 Minutes. To perform your poems, words or music, sign in at - [Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic this Saturday – September 17 at 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-this-saturday-september-17-at-6-pm/) - You are invited to the… Zoom Spectacular Saturday Open Mic, September 17, 2022, at 6pm This month we will be featuring the poetry of Christopher Nielsen -- Our expatriate poet in Idaho! Christopher will read us selections from his poetry |(and possibly sing with his guitar?!) for the first 10-15 minutes. Then we will commence - [FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC - OCTOBER 1st, 2022 - 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-saturday-open-mic-october-1st-2022-6-pm/) - FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC - OCTOBER 1st, 2022 - 6 PM at DAGNY’S COFFEE 1600 20th Street (Corner of 20th and Eye St) Bakersfield, CA 93301 Featuring Don Thompson who will read from his prize-winning "San Joaquin Almanac”. We are honored to have Don Thompson, our past Kern County Poet Laureate, share some of his - [Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic this Saturday – October 15 at 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-this-saturday-october-15-at-6-pm/) - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM OPEN MIC THIS WEEK – OCTOBER 15 AT 6pm Come and share your latest poetry and song creations. Our welcoming community of fellow writers awaits your work! Looking forward to seeing you and hearing what you're up to! Hosted by: Portia and Carla Email us for a ZOOM LINK: portia at kernpoetry.com - [FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC – NOVEMBER 5, 2022 – 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-saturday-open-mic-november-5-2022-6-pm/) - FIRST SATURDAY OPEN MIC – NOVEMBER 5th, 2022 – 6 PM at DAGNY’S COFFEE 1600 20th Street (Corner of 20th and Eye St) Bakersfield, CA 93301 Featuring Sandra Rose Hughes who will read from her book “Why Faeries Bite”. Sandra Hughes will be the featured poet on November 5th! She will read the first 15-20 - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC ON NOVEMBER 19, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-open-mic-on-november-19-2022/) - YOU ARE INVITED TO SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM OPEN MIC NOVEMBER 19, 2022, AT 6 PM FEATURING THE POETRY OF ANKE HODENPIJL We will start out with Anke sharing some of her poetry, then Open Mic will commence! Looking forward to a delightful time with friendly creative souls and thought-provoking poetry! Hosted by: Portia and Carla - [Interview with Christopher Robert Craddock - Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic, August 20, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/interview-with-christopher-robert-craddock-spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-august-20-2022/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ - [First Friday Zoom Open Mic, March 4, 2022 - Interview with Portia Choi](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-zoom-open-mic-march-4-2022-interview-with-portia-choi/) - Interview with Portia Choi, First Friday Zoom Open Mic, March 4, 2022 By: Carla Joy Martin A meaningful time was had by the participants of our First Friday Zoom Open Mic on March 4, 2022. Persons who read their work were Sandra Hughes, Christopher Nielsen, Shelley Evans, Heather Ponek, Suzanne Weller, Carla Joy Martin and - [Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee September 3, 2022 - Featuring Carla Joy Martin](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/open-mic-at-dagnys-coffee-september-3-2022-featuring-carla-joy-martin/) - Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee September 3, 2022 - Featuring Carla Joy Martin On September 3, 2022, Carla Joy Martin was the first featured poet at Dagny’s Coffee Open Mic since restarting in-person performances. Due to COVID, Kern Poetry had been having open mic only by ZOOM. Then in summer 2022, in-person performances restarted. Currently, - [First Friday Open Mic December 2, 2022 - Starts 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-december-2-2022-starts-6-pm/) - First Friday Open Mic December 2, 2022 - Starts 6 PM Songwriter, Fabian Tolan, will be the featured performer. Dagny’s Coffee 1600 20th (Corner of 20th and Eye St) Bakersfield 93301 Poetry, Spoken Word and Music. Original Creations To perform your poems, words or music, sign-up at 5:50PM Free to the public Light refreshments provided - [First Saturday Open Mic at Dagny’s, October 1, 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-saturday-open-mic-at-dagnys-october-1-2022/) - First Saturday Open Mic at Dagny’s, October 1, 2022 Interview with Don Thompson, Featured Poet for Kern Poetry at Dagny’s Open Mic on October 1, 2022. Including an interview with Nelson Varon, who also performed that evening. By: Carla Joy Martin A festive evening was spent with our favorite creative people on October 1, 2022 - [Spectacular Saturday, October 15, 2022 on Zoom](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/spectacular-saturday-october-15-2022-on-zoom/) - Spectacular Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 6pm On Zoom Interview with Tamara Hattis By Carla Joy Martin We had a delightful gathering of poets at Spectacular Saturday, October 15, 2022 on Zoom. Our featured poet was the talented and profound Tamara Hattis. She read poems from her full-length book, Colors of My Pain, with the - [First Friday Open Mic January 6, 2023 - Starts 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-january-6-2023-starts-6-pm/) - First Friday Open Mic January 6, 2023 - Starts 6 PM * *** ****** ********** HAPPY NEWS FOR THE NEW YEAR! FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC WILL BE AT DAGNY’S! JANUARY 6, 2023, 6:00 P.M. OUR FEATURED PERFORMER WILL BE JILL EGLAND SHE WILL BE READING FROM HER POETRY COLLECTION - “LOVELY REJECTS” - A - [Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic, June 18, 2022 - Interviews](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-june-18-2022-interviews/) - Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic, June 18, 2022 Interviews with Jill Egland, Virginia Liascos and Irene Sinopole By Carla Joy Martin Folks from far and wide assembled for our Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic on the 3rd Thursday evening of the month of June, 2022. Participants were Jill Egland, Virginia Liascos, Irene Sinopole, Chris Nielsen, - [NEW KERN POETRY SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC SCHEDULE](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/new-kern-poetry-spectacular-saturday-open-mic-schedule/) - NEW KERN POETRY SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC SCHEDULE We are now meeting on 3rd Saturdays, every even-numbered month: FEB. 18, 2023 - 6:00 P.M. ON ZOOM APR. 15, 2023 - 6:00 P.M. ON ZOOM JUNE 17, 2023 - 6:00 P.M. ON ZOOM NO SPECTACULAR SATURDAY THIS JANUARY, 2023 We look forward to seeing all of - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - FEB. 3, 2023 - 6PM](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-feb-3-2023-6pm/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - FEB. 3, 2023 - 6PM Dagny's Coffee Shop - 1600 20th Street Featuring SAMUEL RAIN BENJAMIN Reading selections from his poetry inspired by love After his inspiring presentation, Open Mic will commence Come share 5 Minutes of Your Original Work Sign-up at 5:50 p.m. Light Refreshments will be - [First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, January 6, 2023 - Interview with Jill Egland](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-january-6-2023-interview-with-jill-egland/) - Interview with Jill Egland, First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, January 6, 2023 A large group of poetry-lovers met to welcome in the New Year together at Dagny’s on January 6, 2023. We were thrilled by Jill Egland’s reading of her epistolary poems - and her hilarious rejection letters! When the Open Mic commenced, the - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM OPEN MIC FEBRUARY 18th, 2023  AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-february-18th-2023-at-6-pm/) - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM OPEN MIC FEBRUARY 18th, 2023 AT 6 PM Join us for an evening of sharing your latest original works! You may read for up to 5 minutes. If there is time at the end of the evening, we may get to share more. Host: Portia Choi IF YOU WANT A ZOOM LINK, Email us: portia - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC ON MARCH 3, 2023 AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-on-march-3-2023-at-6-pm/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC ON MARCH 3, 2023 AT 6 PM AT DAGNY’S COFFEE SHOP - 1600 20th Street - Eye St. and 20th St. FEATURING NELSON VARON - SONGWRITER & PIANIST/ORGANIST He will perform his published recorded songs and others, including two Sing-Alongs, on his keyboard. Sign-ups at 5:50 p.m. Come share your original work - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC, APRIL 7, 2023 AT 6 PM - MATT WOODMAN ](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-april-7-2023-at-6-pm-matt-woodman/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC, APRIL 7, 2023 AT 6 PM AT DAGNY’S COFFEE CAFE - 1600 20TH STREET Featuring: MATT WOODMAN reading poems centered on Kern County’s Red Rock Canyon. Matt Woodman is our Kern County Poet Laureate - After Matt shares for 15-20 minutes, our Open Mic will commence. Our evening’s hosts: Portia Choi and Heather - [NATIONAL POETRY MONTH – APRIL 2023 ](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/national-poetry-month-april-2023/) - NATIONAL POETRY MONTH – APRIL 2023 All events are free admission and open to the public April 1, Saturday 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM. An all-day poetry writing by the community, Anyone who comes to Dagny’s Coffee can participate. We will be composing a (name of poem type) The completed poem will be read - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC - APRIL 15, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-open-mic-april-15-2023/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_width=”auto” inner_max_width=”1080px”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” - [First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s February 3, 2023 - Interview with Samuel Rain Benjamin](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-february-3-2023-interview-with-samuel-rain-benjamin/) - Interview with Samuel Rain Benjamin, featured performer at First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s on February 3, 2023 Video 1 - Samuel Rain Benjamin - Poem 1 - Samuel Rain Benjamin, featured performer at First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee on February 3, 2023 - Kern Poetry Video 2 - Samuel Rain Benjamin - [Spectacular Saturday, February 18, 2023 - Interview with Leah Jaymes Truitt](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-february-18-2023-interview-with-leah-jaymes-truitt/) - Interview with Leah Jaymes Truitt, Spectacular Saturday, February 18, 2023 A happy group of poets gathered for our Spectacular Saturday Open Mic on February 18, 2023. The participants were Jill England, Tamara Hattis, Richard Aguirre, Leah Truitt, Irene Sinopole and Portia Choi. The link to the video is: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/a42pwGDHdGot2ox7HKVvfan7uerOePKb6iliX2X3zqf7wc-8Iq71_Q6Edo4ZiK9e.ZQ9ntBVYI5YvK5F7 Passcode:@2MKV@xX Leah Jaymes Truitt read three - [First Friday Open Mic - May 5, 2023 At 6pm – Portia Choi](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-may-5-2023-at-6-pm-portia-choi/) - First Friday Open Mic, May 5, 2023 At 6pm – Portia Choi At Dagny's Coffee - 1600 20th Street Featuring: Portia Choi Portia reading her poems from her book: SUNGSOOK - Korean War Poems and her other poems too. After Portia shares for 15-20 minutes, our Open Mic will commence. Our evening’s hosts: Portia Choi and - [First Friday Open Mic, March 3, 2023 - Interview with Nelson Varon](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-march-3-2023-interview-with-nelson-varon/) - Interview with Nelson Varon from First Friday Open Mic, March 3, 2023 Video: A full house gathered at Dagny’s to hear Nelson Varon sing his original tunes with his keyboard. By: Carla Joy Martin A full house gathered at Dagny’s to hear Nelson Varon sing his original tunes with his keyboard. Afterwards, we asked - [National Poetry Month April Fool's Day Poem at Dagny's - Poems & Lindsay Sharp's Interview](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/national-poetry-month-april-fools-day-poem-at-dagnys-lindsay-sharps-interview/) - Poems & Lindsay Sharp's Interview for National Poetry Month April Fool's Day Poem at Dagny's To celebrate National Poetry Month in Bakersfield, poets gathered at 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April Fool’s Day at Dagny’s Coffee Shop, encouraged to write by Kern County’s poetry lady, Portia Choi. The kind of poem we composed is - [Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic April 15, 2023 - Interviews with Anna Marco & Tanya Dixon](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-april-15-2023-interviews-with-anna-marco-tanya-dixon/) - Interviews with Anna Marco & Tanya Dixon - Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic April 15, 2023 By: Carla Joy Martin We had a delightful time of sharing poems and discussion at our Spectacular Saturday Zoom Open Mic on April 15, 2023. Participants were Chris Nielsen, Anna Marco, Tanya Dixon, Irene Sinopole and Carla Joy Martin. Here - [First Friday Open Mic - April 7, 2023 - Interview with Matthew Woodman - Featured Poet](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-april-7-2023-interview-with-matthew-woodman-featured-poet/) - Interview with Matthew Woodman - Featured Poet - First Friday Open Mic - April 7, 2023 By: Carla Joy Martin Matthew Woodman, our Kern County Poet Laureate, was our featured performer for First Friday Open Mic on April 7, 2023. He shared poems from his Red Rock Canyon collection. Other performers were Jill Egland, Thomas - [OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S - FRIDAY JUNE 2 at 6pm](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/open-mic-at-dagnys-friday-june-2-at-6pm/) - SPECIAL SUMMER OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S - FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd at 6:00 p.m. COME WRITE WITH US! Community Poems creation with Carla Joy - followed by Open Mic! Share your original work for up to 5 minutes LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING OLD FRIENDS AND NEW! - [SPECIAL SUMMER OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S - FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/special-summer-open-mic-at-dagnys-friday-july-7-2023/) - SPECIAL SUMMER OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S - FRIDAY, JULY 7th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. NEW IDEA: SHARE YOUR FAVORITE POET IN ADDITION TO READING YOUR ORIGINAL POEM, READ SOMEONE’S POETRY THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOU! TALK ABOUT THE POET - WHY YOU LIKE THEIR POETRY EACH PERSON WILL HAVE 5-7 MINUTES TO SHARE I HOPE THIS - [Interview with Portia Choi, Featured Poet at First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, May 5, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/interview-with-portia-choi-featured-poet-at-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-may-5-2023/) - Interview with Portia Choi, Featured Poet at First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, May 5, 2023 By: Carla Joy Martin At First Friday Open Mic on May 5, 2023, Portia shared poems from her Chapbook, Sungsook Korean War Poems and we learned more about the Korean War. I found it shocking to hear all the countries - [An Afternoon with California Poet Laureate - Lee Herrick - SATURDAY JULY 29, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/an-afternoon-with-california-poet-laureate-lee-herrick-saturday-july-29-2023/) - An Afternoon with California Poet Laureate - Lee Herrick SATURDAY JULY 29, 2023 - 1:00 - 2:00PM BEALE MEMORIAL LIBRARY Writing Workshop for ages 12 + Published author and former Fresno Poet Laureate, Lee Herrick will be leading a writing workshop at Beale Memorial Library. Join us for this workshop designed to ignite the creative - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC - AUGUST 4TH AT DAGNY'S](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-august-4th-at-dagnys/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC — AUGUST 4TH - 6 PM DAGNY’S COFFEE SHOP - 1600 EYE STREET HERE’S YOUR SECOND CHANCE! SHARE A POEM BY YOUR FAVORITE POET ALONG WITH YOUR ORIGINAL WORK! Or just read your own, or another’s poem - you choose! 5-7 MINUTES EACH PERFORMANCE SIGN-UPS AT 5:50 PM LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL - [Interview with Sandra Hughes about Exciting Poetry Projects in Kern River Valley - July 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/interview-with-sandra-hughes-about-exciting-poetry-projects-in-kern-river-valley-july-2023/) - Interview with Sandra Hughes about Exciting Poetry Projects in Kern River Valley, July 2023 By: Carla Joy Martin For the past 6 months, Sandra has been leading a monthly poetry reading at the Kern River Valley Art Association. They have anywhere from 6 to 10 local poets and poetry lovers attend to share both poetry - [LEE HERRICK COMES TO BAKERSFIELD - July 29, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/lee-herrick-comes-to-bakersfield-july-29-2023/) - LEE HERRICK COMES TO BAKERSFIELD Lee Herrick, the current poet laureate of California, gave a wonderful writer’s workshop at the Beale Library in Bakersfield on Saturday, July 29, 2023. There was a gathering of folks of all ages and backgrounds sitting at tables in the Beale Auditorium, eagerly awaiting Herrick to speak. The library stocked - [DAVID CHASE'S INTERVIEW - July 7, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/david-chases-interview-july-7-2023/) - Familiar faces and many new folks gathered round for the First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s on July 7, 2023. The evening’s special format allowed each performer to share a poem written by someone else that inspired them, as well as performing their own work. Participants who read were Portia Choi, Carla Joy Martin, Don - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S SEPTEMBER 1st, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-september-1st-2023/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S SEPTEMBER 1st, 2023 AT 6 PM PRESENTS: CATHERINE ABBEY HODGES POETRY AND THE PRACTICE OF TIME TRAVEL DAGNY’S COFFEE SHOP 1600 20TH STREET - CORNER OF 20TH AND EYE STREET SIGN UPS AT 5:50 PM Catherine will share her fascinating poetry for the first 20 minutes, Then Open Mic - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC - SEPTEMBER 16, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/spectacular-saturday-open-mic-september-16-2023/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_width=”90%” inner_max_width=”1200px”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC - OCTOBER 6, 2023 - 6pm](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/first-friday-open-mic-october-6-2023-6pm/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_width=”90%” inner_max_width=”1200px”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” - [Interview with Diane Lobre, First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s -  August 4, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/interview-with-diane-lobre-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-august-4-2023/) - Interview with Diane Lobre, First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s - August 4, 2023 By: Carla Joy Martin There was an intimate gathering at Dagny’s Coffee Shop on Friday, August 4, 2023. We enjoyed poetry performances from Shelley Evans, Diane Lobre, Carla Joy Martin, Don Thompson, David Chase and Christopher Robert Craddock. Diane - [Interview with Catherine Abbey Hodges, First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, September 1, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/interview-with-catherine-abbey-hodges-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-september-1-2023/) - Interview with Catherine Abbey Hodges, First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, September 1, 2023 Interview by: Carla Joy Martin The back room at Dagny’s was packed at First Friday Open Mic on September 2, 2023. Catherine Abbey Hodges shared her lovely poetry and then the following folks read during the Open Mic: Beatrice - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC - OCTOBER 21, 2023 - 6 PM ON ZOOM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-open-mic-october-21-2023-6-pm-on-zoom/) - SPECTACULAR SATURDAYS ARE HERE AGAIN! SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC - OCTOBER 21, 2023 - 6 PM ON ZOOM Join us this Saturday October 21st for Open Mic Poetry! Share your original poetry for 5 minutes - You may also share a favorite poem from someone who has inspired you! Portia & Carla Joy will host - [NOVEMBER 3RD FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S FEATURING DAVID NILE CHASE](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/november-3rd-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-featuring-david-nile-chase/) - NOVEMBER 3RD FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S FEATURING DAVID NILE CHASE Chase will be performing poems from his book, “Patchwork Poems,” containing poetry on an array of different topics and perspectives like an array of disparate cloth patches on the cover of an Amish/Mennonite quilt. Chase writes in the iambic pentameter style that is - [SPECIAL HOLIDAY - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - 6PM - DECEMBER 1, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/special-holiday-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-6pm-december-1-2023/) - A SPECIAL HOLIDAY FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S 1600 20th Street 6:00 PM - DECEMBER 1, 2023 Communal Singing of Seasonal Songs and Sharing of Poems - ******* Come and perform your own or your favorite seasonal poems, words or music, for 5 minutes. Sign-up at 5:50 p.m. ******** Heather Ponek will be leading carols on - [JAN 5TH, 2024 - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - 6 pm](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/jan-5th-2024-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-6-pm/) - CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH VERSE! JAN 5TH, 2024 - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - 6 pm FEATURING KERN COUNTY’S INAUGURAL POET LAUREATE DON THOMPSON: "Some poems to remind us that metaphor matters” Don will read his poetry for 15-20 minutes Then Open Mic will commence! Sign-ups at 5:50 pm The Holidays always - [Interview with David Nile Chase - First Friday Poetry Open Mic at Dagny’s - November 3, 2023](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/interview-with-david-nile-chase-first-friday-poetry-open-mic-at-dagnys-november-3-2023/) - Interview with David Nile Chase - First Friday Poetry Open Mic at Dagny’s - November 3, 2023 David Nile Chase took us on a journey from the turbulent 1960s to the tumultuous 2020s as he recited his poems by heart. Other Open Mic participants were Jill England, Carla Joy Martin, Suzanne Weller, Charla Anderson, Don Thompson - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY OPEN MIC - JANUARY 20, 2024 - 6 PM ON ZOOM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-open-mic-january-20-2024-6-pm-on-zoom/) - NEXT SATURDAY! - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM OPEN MIC SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 AT 6 PM Come join our happy gathering of poets, Sharing their original works for 5 minutes - And if we have time, we can read some more! RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL TO RECEIVE A ZOOM LINK - [FIRST FRIDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - FEBRUARY 2, 2024](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-poetry-open-mic-february-2-2024/) - FIRST FRIDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - FEBRUARY 2, 2024 Featuring the poetry of SUZANNE WELLER “The Musicality of Nature, Poetry and Music” Suzanne has a doctorate in French Literature from UCLA. She reads her melodious verse in both French and English. Her poems are filled with wonder as she strolls through meadows and mountains, finding - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC! - February 17, 2024](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-zoom-poetry-open-mic-february-17-2024/) - The sun is shining, our valley has been watered, time to celebrate! NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC! February 17, 6:00 pm - Hosted by Carla Joy and Portia Come share you latest original poetry for 5 minutes with our friendly, supportive community! To get a zoom link, let us know - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - MARCH 1, 2024 - 6:00 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-march-1-2024-600-pm/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - MARCH 1, 2024 - 6:00 PM Featuring - CYN BERMUDEZ Reading from her latest poetry collection, Inverse Function Cyn will share her insightful poetry for the first 15-20 minutes, Then Open Mic will commence! Share up to 5 minutes of original poetry! Sign up on the clipboard at 5:50 - [IT’S SPECTACULAR SATURDAY! MARCH 16th on ZOOM - POETRY](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/its-spectacular-saturday-march-16th-on-zoom-poetry/) - THE SUN IS BACK! WINTER IS OVER! LET’S CELEBRATE SPRING - IT’S SPECTACULAR SATURDAY! MARCH 16th on ZOOM - POETRY OPEN MIC at 6:00 pm THEME: New growth, gardening, seed planting, new life, blossoming, longer days….. Come share your poems celebrating SPRING - or whatever you feel like! To get a zoom link, let us know by email. - [A formal announcement - Friday, April 5th, 6 PM - Open Mic - at Dagny's](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/a-formal-announcement-friday-april-5th-6-pm-open-mic-at-dagnys/) - News for our Kern Poetry Community: THE ARTS COUNCIL OF KERN PRESS EVENT A select committee of professors, professional poets and community members have the honor of naming: SAMUEL RAIN BENJAMIN Poet Laureate of Kern County, 2024-2026 Qualifying nominees also include Annis Cassells, Geniece Trevino and Jorge Guillen. A formal announcement will be made on - [2 OPEN MICS IN ONE! - ZOOM SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - APRIL 20, 2024](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/2-open-mics-in-one-zoom-spectacular-saturday-april-20-2024/) - 2 OPEN MICS IN ONE! ZOOM SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - APRIL 20, 2024 WE ARE THE WORLD 4 pm Pacific Time - We will be joined by poets from the UK and across the US - all are welcome! 6 pm Pacific Time - Our usual Open Mic time - Poets from many cultures & climes - all - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC - MAY 3, 2024 - GENIECE TREVINO](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-may-3-2024-geniece-trevino/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC - MAY 3, 2024 Featuring the dynamic poetry of GENIECE TREVINO “Exposing the art of resilience and growth through shared words” _______________________ Geniece is one of this year’s Kern County Poet Laureate candidates - - an important voice of the upcoming generation! _______________________ JOIN US in the backroom of DAGNY’S 1600 - [POSTPONED - ZOOM OPEN MIC WITH KERN POETRY SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - MAY 18](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/postponed-zoom-open-mic-with-kern-poetry-spectacular-saturday-may-18/) - POSTPONED ZOOM OPEN MIC WITH KERN POETRY SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - MAY 18 MOVED TO JUNE 15, 2024 Unfortunately, too many travels, events, etc. on May 18th. We hope to see you all in June! Looking forward to hearing your creative poems! - [SUMMERTIME FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MICS AT DAGNY’S - ARE UP TO YOU!](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/summertime-first-friday-open-mics-at-dagnys-are-up-to-you/) - SUMMERTIME FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MICS AT DAGNY’S - ARE UP TO YOU! KernPoetry is contemplating taking a break this summer - BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S ON JUNE 7th OR JULY 5th OR AUGUST 2nd, Please respond to us here by email and reserve your spot! Let us know which dates you would like - [SPECIAL SUMMER OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S - FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024 AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/special-summer-open-mic-at-dagnys-friday-june-7-2024-at-6-pm/) - THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! Thanks for letting us know you want an Open Mic in June! FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2024 AT 6 PM SPECIAL SUMMER OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S - COME WRITE WITH US! Community Poems creation with Carla Joy - followed by Open Mic! Come early - 5:40 pm - and add your verses to - [POETRY & CONCERT THIS SAT 6/15 AT WORLD RECORDS](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/poetry-concert-this-sat-6-15-at-world-records/) - POETRY & CONCERT THIS SAT 6/15 AT WORLD RECORDS Check this out! POETRY plus BLUES CONCERT! THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 15TH - 7:30 PM OUR KERN COUNTY POET LAUREATE - SAMUEL RAIN BENJAMIN Performing his passionate verse OPENING FOR ELVIN BISHOP & THE BIG FUN TRIO BAND Bishop was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - AUGUST 2, 2024](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-august-2-2024/) - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! AUGUST 2, 2024 - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S 1600 20th STREET - CORNER OF EYE & 20th 6 PM - SIGN-UP AT 5:50 PM Share 5 minutes of your original poetry, songs, visual art! THEME: SUMMER DAYS, SUMMER HAZE Light refreshments will be served! Enjoy a refreshing beverage and some - [POETRY OPEN MIC SATURDAY - AUGUST 17th on ZOOM - at 6 pm](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/poetry-open-mic-saturday-august-17th-on-zoom-at-6-pm/) - POETRY OPEN MIC - SATURDAY AUGUST 17th on ZOOM - at 6 pm A NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! LET’S CELEBRATE - IT’S SPECTACULAR SATURDAY! THEME: Learning, wisdom, teachers, guides Come share your poems celebrating THE SCHOOL OF LIFE - or whatever you feel like! To join the Open Mic, respond to this - [Kern Poetry Open Mic - Friday September 6, 2024 - 6PM at Dagny's](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/kern-poetry-open-mic-friday-september-6-2024-6pm-at-dagnys/) - Kern Poetry Open Mic - Friday September 6, 2024 6PM at Dagny's Coffee - 1600 20th STREET Featuring Samuel Rain Benjamin Poet Laureate of Kern County 6 PM – SIGN-UP AT 5:50 PM Share 5 minutes of your original poetry, songs, visual art! Light refreshments will be served! Enjoy a refreshing beverage and some great - [Interview with Samuel Rain Benjamin, Kern County Poet Laureate 2024-2026](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/interview-with-samuel-rain-benjamin-kern-county-poet-laureate-2024-2026/) - Interview with Samuel Rain Benjamin, Kern County Poet Laureate 2024-2026 A formal announcement was made on Friday, April 5th, 6 PM at Dagny’s Coffee in Bakersfield To name Samuel Rain Benjamin as the Kern County Poet Laureate 2024-2026 Interview with Samuel Rain Benjamin, Kern County Poet Laureate 2024-2026 By: Carla Joy Martin Q. How - [Interview with Catherine Abbey Hodges - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s May 2, 2025](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/interview-with-catherine-abbey-hodges-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-may-2-2025/) - Interview with Catherine Abbey Hodges - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s, May 2, 2025. By: Carla Joy Martin Catherine Abbey Hodges performed her exquisite poetry for us, accompanied by her husband, Rob Hodges, on cello. Listeners were blessed by the melodic interplay between Catherine’s imagery and Rob’s improvisational music. Other participants in the evening’s Open - [SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR POETRY OPEN MICS AT DAGNY’S - FRIDAY JUNE 6  AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/summer-schedule-for-poetry-open-mics-at-dagnys-friday-june-6-at-6-pm/) - SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR POETRY OPEN MICS AT DAGNY’S: FRIDAY JUNE 6 AT 6 PM FRIDAY AUGUST 1 AT 6 PM NOTE: There will be no Open Mic on Friday, July 4th - - - FIRST FRIDAY POETRY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S Suggested Summer Themes: HEAT and/or WATER PICNICS, BASEBALL, FAMILY VACATIONS You may respond to these prompts - Or write about - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 on ZOOM - 6 PM (PDT)](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-september-21-2024-on-zoom-6-pm-pdt/) - It’s that time again! SPECTACULAR SATURDAY! SEPTEMBER 21st on ZOOM - POETRY OPEN MIC at 6 PM (PDT) THEME: AUTUMN LEAVES FALLING SHORTER DAYS CRISP COOL AIR WINTER COMING or write about whatever is on your mind! - To join the Open Mic, respond to this email to receive a ZOOM link. We are so grateful for - [Open Mic - Friday October 4, 2024 - Starts 6PM - Dagny's](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-friday-october-4-2024-starts-6pm-dagnys/) - IN PERSON - Open Mic - Friday October 4, 2024 Starts 6PM Poetry, Spoken Word and Music. Original creations for 5 min. AND/OR A person can read or perform a favorite poem words or songs that are in the Public Domain Still a total of 5 minute - [Interview with Saxon Cross-Peavler - Dagny’s First Friday Open Mic - September 6, 2024](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/interview-with-saxon-cross-peavler-dagnys-first-friday-open-mic-september-6-2024/) - Interview with Saxon Cross-Peavler - Dagny’s First Friday Open Mic - September 6, 2024 By: Carla Joy Martin We had a full house and many new faces interspersed with the old and familiar friends at Dagny’s - all gathered to honor Samuel Rain Benjamin, our featured performer and Kern County Poet Laureate. Samuel really - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY POETRY OPEN MIC ON ZOOM - OCTOBER 19,  6 - 7 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-poetry-open-mic-on-zoom-october-19-6-7-pm/) - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY POETRY OPEN MIC ON ZOOM - OCTOBER 19, 6 - 7 PM PST ORIGINAL POEMS FOR UP TO 5 MINUTES * * * Have you been blessed by the arrival of a new poem in your mind? Have you found an old poem that surprised you, how good it is? Bring your creations - [FIRST FRIDAY, November 1st, 2024 AT 6 PM - OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-november-1st-2024-at-6-pm-open-mic-at-dagnys/) - FIRST FRIDAY, November 1st, 2024 AT 6 PM - OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S Featuring Jorge Guillen with Musico Arturo Marquez about: “The Story is the Journey, the Journey is the Story” SIGN-UP AT 5:50 PM Share 5 minutes of your original poetry, songs, visual art! Light refreshments will will be served! AT Dagny’s Coffee 1600 – - [Interview with Bobby Paramo, from First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s on October 4, 2024](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/interview-with-bobby-paramo-from-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-on-october-4-2024/) - Interview with Bobby Paramo, from First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s on October 4, 2024 By: Carla Joy Martin There was a stalwart crew of poets and friends who attended this month’s Open Mic in the backroom of Dagny’s Coffee Shop. Participants were encouraged to share original verse as well as poems in the public domain - [ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - November 16 - 6 PM PDT](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/zoom-poetry-open-mic-spectacular-saturday-november-16-6-pm-pdt/) - ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY November 16 - 6 PM PT - SHARE POEMS Have you written a poem that needs to breathe? Do you wish your words to take a life of their own? You have an opportunity to make your poems become ALIVE! JOIN US - AND SHARE YOUR VERSE! You’ll - [HOLIDAY FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY’S - DECEMBER 6, 2024 - 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/holiday-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-december-6-2024-6-pm/) - > DAGNY'S OPEN MIC - NEW TIME - >5 PM - 6:45 PM < - 12/6/24< NEW SPECIAL TIME! 5:00 - 6:45 pm Sign ups at 4:50 pm HOLIDAY FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC - AT DAGNY’S DECEMBER 6, 2024 If you like, stick around to hear an awesome Jazz Group at 7 pm! Dagny’s doubled - [Open Mic - Friday January 3, 2025 - Starts 6PM](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/open-mic-friday-january-3-2025-starts-6pm/) - CHANGE OF VENUE! WILL BE HELD ON ZOOM AT 6 PM - FRIDAY January 3rd (Dagny’s has unexpected building problems out of our control) FOR A ZOOM LINK, For information email: Kern Poetry! BOBBY PARAMO WILL STILL BE OUR FEATURED POET! Read More... - [FIRST FRIDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - FEBRUARY 7, 2025 AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-poetry-open-mic-february-7-2025-at-6-pm/) - Free and open to the public! FIRST FRIDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - FEBRUARY 7, 2025 AT 6 PM Featuring: CATHERINE ABBEY HODGES reading poems from newly published book, Empty Me Full, accompanied by cello. Dagny’s Coffee Shop 1600 20th Street, Corner of Eye Street & 20th, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Sign ups at 5:50 pm Catherine will - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC FEBRUARY 15, 2025 AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-zoom-poetry-open-mic-february-15-2025/) - KERN POETRY’S SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC FEBRUARY 15, 2025 AT 6 PM (Pacific Time) SHARE UP TO 5 MINUTES OF YOUR ORIGINAL VERSE So much is happening in our world - Let’s hear how you’re coping! We predict our shared creativity Will bolster our spirit of community! POETRY LIVES! TO GET ZOOM - [FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S -  MARCH 7, 2025 AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-march-7-2025-at-6-pm/) - FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC AT DAGNY'S - MARCH 7, 2025 AT 6 PM LisaAnn LoBasso - FEATURED POET A creative spirit who adds much to our town, hosting performances & coffee at NX cafe, LisaAnn is a poet of renown, writing sensitive verse that will blow you away! Won't you come hear her speak - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY ZOOM OPEN MIC - MARCH 15TH AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-zoom-open-mic-march-15th-at-6-pm/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_width=”90%” inner_max_width=”1200px”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” - [APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH - APRIL 4th - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/april-is-national-poetry-month-april-4th-first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys/) - APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH! APRIL 4th - 6 pm - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s Featuring: SAMUEL RAIN BENJAMIN - Kern County Poet Laureate "open mind open heart, the thoughts of Dark Man Blues” Sharing his latest work for the first 15-20 minutes Then the Open Mic will commence Share up to 5 - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - ON ZOOM - SAT APRIL 19 AT 6 PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-poetry-open-mic-on-zoom-sat-april-19-at-6-pm/) - SPECTACULAR SATURDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - ON ZOOM - SAT APRIL 19TH AT 6 PM To get your link, simply reply HERE – (by email) April Is Poetry Month! JOIN US FOR INSPIRING WORDS AND FOOD FOR THE SOUL! SHARE 5 MINUTES OF ORIGINAL VERSE! - [WRITING HAIKU TOGETHER - SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/writing-haiku-together-saturday-april-26th-1130-am-130-pm/) - Saturday Haiku Writing together has been postponed - we will send out new date and time soon! APRIL POETRY MONTH UPCOMING EVENT ! WRITING HAIKU TOGETHER - SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH - 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Facilitators: Suzanne Weller & Portia Choi Refreshments will be provided To sign-up, just reply HERE – (by email) with “HAIKU - [FIRST FRIDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - MAY 2, 2025 AT 6 PM - CATHERINE ABBEY HODGES](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-poetry-open-mic-may-2-2025-at-6-pm-catherine-abbey-hodges/) - Free and open to the public! FIRST FRIDAY POETRY OPEN MIC - MAY 2, 2025 AT 6 PM Featuring: CATHERINE ABBEY HODGES reading poems from newly published book, Empty Me Full, accompanied by Rob Hodges on cello. Dagny’s Coffee Shop 1600 20th Street, Corner of Eye Street & 20th, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Sign ups at - [MAY 10 - SATURDAY - HAIKU WRITING TOGETHER AT DAGNY'S 11:30AM - 1:30PM](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/may-10-saturday-haiku-writing-together-at-dagnys-11-30-am-1-30-pm/) - OFFICIAL HAIKU WRITING TOGETHER SATURDAY MAY 10TH - 11:30am - 1:30pm DAGNY’S COFFEE SHOP WE HOPE TO DO THIS ONE SATURDAY A MONTH! Won’t you add your inspirations to our verse? See you at: Dagny’s Coffee Shop 1600 20th Street, Corner of Eye Street & 20th, Bakersfield, CA 93301 - HAIKU WRITING TOGETHER - - [SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - MAY 17th - 6 pm - ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/spectacular-saturday-may-17th-6-pm-zoom-poetry-open-mic/) - SUMMER’S ALMOST HERE! - LET’S CELEBRATE! SPECTACULAR SATURDAY - MAY 17th - 6 pm - ZOOM POETRY OPEN MIC To get your link, reply to our email! Share up to 5 minutes of your original verse SPECIAL EVENT - PRESENTING OUR COMMUNITY RENGA! - [As part of National Poetry Month April 2022](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/as-part-of-national-poetry-month-april-2022/) - Poets and Friends, As part of National Poetry Month (April), there will be another Open Mic on Spectacular Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 6:00 PM by ZOOM. Portia Choi and Carla Martin will co-host the virtual event. You may perform your original poem or song for total of 5 minutes. If you - [Open Mic April 2019 Featuring Matthew Woodman](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-april-2019-featuring-matthew-woodman/) - Kern Poetry Interview with Matthew Woodman, Kern County Poet Laureate Interviews by Carla Martin Photographs by Kern Poetry Interview by Carla Martin Here are four poems Matthew Woodman shared with us at Dagny's on First Friday, April 5th, 2019: The Fugitive “I’d like to settle down, but they won’t let me.” - [Bakersfield Poets Respond to COVID 19](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/bakersfield-poets-respond-to-covid-19/) - Bakersfield Poets Respond to COVID 19 I, Portia Choi, of Kern Poetry thank you, our poetry community. These are times of change - a time of mandatory precaution due to COVID-19. It has also been a time of connection with poetry and with creativity. This story is an initial sharing of poems and interviews of - [Open Mic May 2019 Featuring Jerry D. Mathes II](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-may-2019-featuring-jerry-d-mathes-ii/) - Kern Poetry Interview with Jerry D. Mathes II Interview by Carla Martin Photographs by Kern Poetry Jerry D. Mathes II was the featured poet for Dagny's First Friday Open Mic Night, last year on May 3, 2019. The event was hosted by local poet and poetry advocate, Julie Jordan Scott. The interview with Jerry - [First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s  Coffee (Summer 2019)](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/first-friday-open-mic-at-dagnys-coffee-summer-2019/) - First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee (Summer 2019) There were poets and musicians, new faces and seasoned performers at Dagny’s Coffee during the summer 2019 at First Friday Open Mic. Below are interviews of poets who performed during the summer. An in-depth interview is made of Julie Jordan Scott by Carla Martin. Julie hosted - [First Friday:  Open Mic, November 1, 2019](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-november-1-2019/) - First Friday: Open Mic, November 1, 2019 Featuring Annis Cassells. Annis Cassells was the featured poet at the First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee on Nov 1, 2019, she read from her book of poetry, You Can’t Have It All. Even though the event was over a year ago, it seems fresh as we - [Open Mic January 2019 features Chris Nielsen](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-january-2019-features-chris-nielsen/) - Interviews by Carla Martin Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola - - - Interview with Chris Nielsen Chris Nielsen was the featured poet at Dagny's Open Mic Night in January. Here are four poems from the selection of thirteen he read: The Trees The trees, the trees, the trees. Sun hot above the canopy cool breeze, shade - [Jack Hernandez writes of "A Journey with Poetry"](https://kernpoetry.com/features/jack-hernandez-writes-of-a-journey-with-poetry/) - Jack Hernandez wrote “A Journey with Poetry” in the Community Voices of the Bakersfield Californian. It was published on April 1, 2020 which coincided with the the first day of National Poetry Month. The essay is reprinted below. "We are born and our journey begins. On this journey there are two travelers: our - [Open Mic March 2019 Featuring Larry Etue](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-march-2019-featuring-larry-etue/) - Interviews by Carla Martin Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola - - - Interview with featured poet, Larry Etue, by Carla Martin These are three poems selected from the ones that Larry read at Dagny's Open Mic on March 1, 2019: The Time of Now Night begins to thaw and light melts over the landscape illumination - [Open Mic at Dagny’s February 2019 Featuring Ariel Dyer](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-at-dagnys-february-2019-featuring-ariel-dyer/) - Interviews by Carla Martin Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola - Interview with Ariel Dyer by Carla Martin Here are the lyrics to three of the songs Ariel shared with us: SIREN SONG by Ariel Dyer “Hey sailor,” she sang, “I can show you a good time “So walk right off of that plank, come on in - [Kid's Open Mic, Open Minds, Open Arms to Creativity - Nov 3, 2018](https://kernpoetry.com/events/kids-open-mic-open-minds-open-arms-to-creativity-nov-3-2018/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="130" gal_title="childrens open mic downtown"] Story by Walter Stormont Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola We begin with a poem by a talented young author who was looking for some tips to give her a kick-start in the world of verse. She came away with the following to share with readers everywhere: My Favorite Fruit - [Open Mic Summer 2018](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-summer-2018/) - Story by Portia Choi Photographs by Martin Chang and Joshua Burgos [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="125" gal_title="summer 2018 kern poetry"] Poets and musicians shared their words and songs throughout the summer at Dagny’s Coffee for the First Friday Open Open Mic. Kevin Shah hosted the Open Mic on July 6th (2018.) He is a poet and had previously - [Thomas Brill featured at May 2018 Open Mic](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/thomas-brill-featured-at-may-2018-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="123" gal_title="Open Mic May 2018"] Story by Portia Choi Photos by Chris Nielsen Thomas Brill was the featured poet at the May 2018 Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee. He has written about 1000 poems over the years. Brill said “I first wrote poems in high school. Bad poems. Song, lyrical poetry. I was - [Reading, Rhyming and Writing at Kids' Open Mic](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/reading-rhyming-and-writing-at-kids-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="121" gal_title="Childrens open mic April 2018"] Story by Walter Stormont Photos by Ezekiel Espanola In the Children’s Section of the Beale Memorial Library there is a colorful little amphitheater that people might overlook as they head toward other destinations. Not so an excited group of youngsters, parents and other adults who gathered April - [Flora and Fauna are Natural Topics for Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/flora-and-fauna-are-natural-topics-for-poetry/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="119" gal_title="Flora and Fauna"] By Walter Stormont Photos by Ezekiel Espanola Flora: the Yucca Plant, the Golden Poppy, the Giant Sequoia and the Kern County Larkspur. Fauna: the Roadrunner, the Kit Fox, the Golden Trout and the Honeybee. All the above are examples of plants and wildlife native to California. Each was immortalized in - [LisaAnn LoBasso featured at April Open Mic](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/lisaann-lobasso-featured-at-april-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="115" gal_title="Open Mic April 2018"] Story by Portia Choi Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola LisaAnn LoBasso was the featured poet in April 2018. LoBasso has performed in California and nationally. She has performed as a featured poet with past California Poet Laureate Al Young and also in well-known venues such as the Bowery Poetry - [Don Thompson, Poet Laureate of Kern County Honored by City Council and Board of Supervisors](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/don-thompson-poet-laureate-of-kern-county-honored-by-city-council-and-board-of-supervisors/) - Story by Portia Choi Photograph (at council meeting) by Ezekiel Espanola Don Thompson is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Kern County. It is a well-deserved recognition of a poet who has written about the south San Joaquin region for four decades. Thompson is a native of Bakersfield, California. He attended Bakersfield High School. He - [Tim Vivian Featured at March Open Mic](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/tim-vivian-featured-at-march-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="112" gal_title="March 2018 Open Mic"] Story by Portia Choi Photos by Ezekiel Espanola The featured poet for the Open Mic in March 2018 was Tim Vivian. Vivian is a professor of Philosophy & Religious studies. He recently retired from being the Priest-in-Charge of an Episcopal Church in Bakersfield. At Open Mic, Vivian recited a - [Helen Shanley honored at Open Mic in February Open Mic](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/helen-shanley-honored-at-open-mic-in-february-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="110" gal_title="Open Mic Feb 2, 2018"] Story by Shanna O’Brien Photos by Ezekiel Espanola Dagny’s was packed again this month at our February Kern Poetry open mic. More and more poets and musicians are showing up to share their artistic selves. Newcomers as well as seasoned poets open their hearts and - [Julie Jordan Scott featured at Open Mic, January 5, 2018](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/julie-jordan-scott-featured-at-open-mic-january-5-2018/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="108" gal_title="Open Mic Jan 5,2018"] Story by Walter Stormont Photos by Ezekiel Espanola It’s 5 p.m. at Dagny’s Coffee Company in the heart of Bakersfield. It’s Friday… First Friday. The downtown arts district is coming alive, with music, painting, jewelry, crafts, and the spoken word. “About an hour from now, this - [Poetry at Women's March, Kern County](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/poetry-at-womens-march-kern-county/) - Story by Portia Choi Video provided by Anke Hodenpijl https://youtu.be/qhpnKO0Kj9I There was poetry at the Women’s March in January 2018, Bakersfield, California. Anke Hodenpijl recited two poems in front of a crowd to enthusiastic response. Her performance was on video. Hodenpijl was interviewed for Kern Poetry. Two other poets, Mandy Anderson and Diane Lobre, were - [Beautiful Rock and Purple-mountain Wood-gatherer featured](https://kernpoetry.com/uncategorized/beautiful-rock-and-purple-mountain-wood-gatherer-featured/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="106" gal_title="Dec 2017 Open Mic"] Story by Portia Choi Photograph by Ezekiel Espanola The Open Mic on December 1 featured “Purple-mountain Wood-gatherer” and “ Beautiful Rock.” There was beautiful classical Chinese music and poetry; and of course an original poem. “Purple Mountain Wood-gatherer” wrote an original poem, “Silence.” For this story “Purple-mountain Wood-gatherer” - [Poetry on Wooden Walls](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/poetry-on-wooden-walls/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="104" gal_title="Poetry on Wooden Walls, Angel Island"] Story by Portia Choi Photographs by Ellen Quon Poetry is an important part of my life. It was by writing poems that I was able to express my feelings and experiences of being in the Korean War. The war started when I was two and - [First Friday Open Mic – November 3, 2017 features Jeremy Casabella](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-november-3-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="101" gal_title="November 2017 Open Mic"] Story by Shanna O'Brien Photos by Ezekiel Espanola It’s such a pleasure to see so many creative folks come out to support Kern Poetry First Friday open mic night at Dagny’s. As usual the room was full of artists and electric with energy as regulars and new-comers mentally prepared - [October Open Mic Night 2017 features Catherine Abbey Hodges](https://kernpoetry.com/uncategorized/october-open-mic-night-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="99" gal_title="October 2017 Open Mic"] First Friday Open Mic – October 6, 2017, features Catherine Abbey Hodges Story by Shanna O’Brien Photos by Ezekiel Espanola Kern Poetry First Friday open mic at Dagny’s was flowing with enthusiasm and creativity as always. There was standing room only as poets and musicians anxiously awaited their turn - [MOON SPIRITS featured at Open Mic](https://kernpoetry.com/uncategorized/moon-spirits-featured-at-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="52" gal_title="Open Mic Sept 1, 2017"] First Friday Open Mic – September 1, 2017 Story by Shanna O’Brien Photos by David Serrato YIPPEE!! It was another wonderful evening at the Kern Poetry open mic night held at Dagny’s Coffee Shop. The room was brimming with poets and musicians anxious and excited to share - [Open Mic August 4, 2017](https://kernpoetry.com/uncategorized/open-mic-august-4-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="51" gal_title="Open Mic August 4, 2017"] First Friday Open Mic – August 4, 2017 Story by Shanna O’Brien Photos by: Christina Noel It was so much fun covering the hostess position for Portia at the August 4, 2017 Kern Poetry open mic night held at Dagny’s Coffee Shop. The room was full to - [Open Mic July 7, 2017 at Dagny's](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/open-mic-july-7-2017-at-dagnys/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="50" gal_title="Open Mic July 7, 2017"] First Friday Open Mic Story by Alex Victoria Photos by Ezekiel Espanola Like too many other Bakersfield summer days, the heat had not abated going into the afternoon, but perhaps thankfully our tiny room within Dagny's Coffee Shop offered a chilled refuge for attendees of the July 2017 - [Foundation for Second Chances](https://kernpoetry.com/events/foundation-for-second-chances/) - Story by Portia Choi Photographs by Martin Chang and Portia Choi [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="49" gal_title="Second Chances"] A new charter school in Bakersfield, Foundation For Second Chances, had poetry as part of their developing leadership component. The school focuses on at-risk young adults to obtain a high school diploma and to learn a skill in construction. The - [Nancy McCallion and Danny Krieger at Sheridan House](https://kernpoetry.com/events/nancy-mccallion-and-danny-krieger-at-sheridan-house/) - By Martin Chang Photos provided by Nancy McCallion Nancy McCallion and Danny Krieger will be performing at Sheridan House on July 14. Call 661-371-6118 for information. Suggested donation is 10 to 20 dollars. They perform a mix of traditional folk music and McCallion’s originals. Both musicians have toured nationally and internationally. Danny Krieger plays slide - [Open Mic June 2, 2017](https://kernpoetry.com/events/open-mic-june-2-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="47" gal_title="First Friday June 2017"] Story by Portia Choi Photos by Martin Chang At the June 2 open mic, Norma Camorlinga performed her poems before moving to the East Coast. She has been performing regularly at the First Friday poetry event since October 3, 2014. She first attended open mic to be supportive - [Brendan Constantine Teaches Everyday Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/events/brendan-constantine-teaches-everyday-poetry/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="46" gal_title="Brendan"] By Martin Chang and Portia Choi Photos by Portia Choi and Martin Chang When Brendan Constantine shopped at big box stores, he saw the same word over and over. “I was shopping at a place like Smart and Final and they would have industrial versions of different products, and they were all - [Surprise Guest Poet at Open Mic May 2017](https://kernpoetry.com/events/surprise-guest-poet-at-open-mic-may-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="45" gal_title="May 2017 Open Mic"] Story by Portia Choi Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola The councilman, Andrae Gonzalez, came to the open mic on May 5, 2017. He represents the Bakersfield downtown area that includes Dagny’s Coffee where the open mics are held. Gonzalez recited his poem, “Echo,” about his father. At the open mic, - [Visions of Words: Art and Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/pictures/visions-of-words-art-and-poetry/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="43" gal_title="Art & Poetry"] Story by Portia Choi Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola It was a celebration of the arts in the sculpture garden of The Arts Council of Kern on April 21, 2017. There was art inspired by poems, and a poem inspired by art. There were two poets who displayed their art work. - [Writing Poems of Awe and Wonder](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/writing-poems-of-awe-and-wonder/) - The taste of a grape and the fragrance of a crushed mint leaf, help writers to compose poems. On April 10, Portia Choi facilitated a workshop on “Writing Poems of Awe and Wonder” at the Art and Spirituality Center of Dignity Health, 2215 Truxtun Avenue. Choi had the participants connect with their creativity through touch, - [Nancy Edwards' Mother Remembered](https://kernpoetry.com/uncategorized/nancy-edwards-mother-remembered/) - Nancy Edwards’ Beloved Mother story by Portia Choi Nancy Edwards’ mother is remembered today on Mother’s Day. She often spoke of her mother’s Southern background, her gentility and graciousness. It was during our lunches while planning poetry events that Nancy spoke of her mother. Nancy Edwards, Ph.D., was a Professor of English at B.C. - [Nancy Edwards Honored](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/nancy-edwards-honored/) - Story by Portia Choi Nancy Edwards passed away on January 5, 2017. Nancy was a poet. She was also a professor of English at Bakersfield College from 1968-2009. When poets and friends of poets were informed of her passing, there was a profound sense of loss. This story is written to fill the loss with - [Nancy Edwards Remembered](https://kernpoetry.com/features/nancy-edwards-remembered/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="39" gal_title="Nancy Edwards"] Story by Portia Choi A memorial, “Celebration of Love,” was held for Nancy Edwards on March 4 at Bakersfield College (BC) campus. Colleagues, friends and family revealed a person who was more than a gifted poet and an English professor. She was a generous friend, a philanthropist and a photographer. She - [Valley Poets February 16 at Levan Center](https://kernpoetry.com/events/valley-poets-february-16-at-levan-center/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="36" gal_title="Valley Poets Highlight"] Don Thompson, the first Poet Laureate of Kern County, is hosting an event on February 16, 2017 at the Norman Levan Center for the Humanities on the Bakersfield College campus. Thompson stated that the "San Joaquin Valley is known for agriculture, oil, and country music, but down through the years, - [Night of Poetry at Levan Center, Bakersfield College](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/night-of-poetry-at-levan-center-bakersfield-college/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="37" gal_title="Valley Poets Night"] Night of Poetry at Levan Center, Bakersfield College The “movers and shakers” of poetry were together to read poems of nationally acclaimed poets at the Levan Center on February 16, 2017. Each of the presenting local poets read a poem by another nationally known poet who was either born in - [Open Mic- Shanna O'Brien Featured](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/open-mic-shanna-obrien-featured/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="38" gal_title="March 2017 Open Mic"] Shanna O'Brien was the featured performer at the Open Mic on March 3. The Open Mic is held at Dagny Coffee, downtown Bakersfield, every First Friday at 6:00 pm. O’Brien has performed since 1980. A few of the places were the Mandarin Hotel in Singapore and MGM Grand in - [U.S. Poet Laureate to speak at B.C. March 29](https://kernpoetry.com/news/u-s-poet-laureate-to-speak-at-b-c-march-29/) - Story by Giovanni Lopez with contribution by Portia Choi (Photos of Jack Hernandez by Giovanni Lopez and Juan Felipe Herrera by Blue Flower Arts) Juan Felipe Herrera, the current (and first Latino) United States Poet Laureate, will be speaking on “Surveillance, Violence, Creativity and Compassion.” The event is on Wednesday, March 29th at 7:00 - [Kern County National Poetry Month](https://kernpoetry.com/news/kern-county-national-poetry-month/) - THERE'S MORE: On April 8, Saturday, April 4:00-5:15 pm, there is a Webinar with Catherine Abbey Hodges on Writing and Revision,https://www.picatic.com/CatherineAbbeyHodgesRevision. On April 20, Thursday, 5:30pm, Don Thompson, K.C. Poet Laureate, will present his "Poetry Appreciation Talk" at Northeast Library, 3725 Columbus St., Bakersfield 93306. - [Katie Collins represents Kern County at “Poetry Out Loud"](https://kernpoetry.com/events/katie-collins-represents-kern-county-at-poetry-out-loud/) - (Katie Collins & Assemblyman Vince Fong) For the first time, Katie Collins, represented Kern County at the Poetry Out Loud competition held in Sacramento. The competition lasted two days and began on Sunday, March 12. Forty-four students competed from all over California. Collins found out about Poetry Out Loud from her teacher, Andrew Chilton, in - [Juan Felipe Herrera, US Poet Laureate, in Bakersfield](https://kernpoetry.com/events/juan-felipe-herrera-us-poet-laureate/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="40" gal_title="Juan Felipe Herrera"] Story by Portia Choi Photograph by Ezekiel Espanola There is excitement in the auditorium. The first Latino to be named Poet Laureate of the United - [Poetry, A Vital Part of Life by Annis Cassells](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/poetry-a-vital-part-of-life-by-annis-cassells/) - Poetry, A Vital Part of Life By Annis Cassells “Today is ‘Poem in Your Pocket’ Day,” I announced to the woman I’d just met at my assigned table at the Women’s Business Conference. “May I read you a poem?” I asked, whipping a piece of paper from my pocket. “Sure.” And I began - [Diana Ramirez and Thomas Lucero Featured at Open Mic](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/diana-ramirez-and-thomas-lucero-featured-at-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="41" gal_title="April 2017 Open Mic"] First Friday April 7 features Diana Ramirez and Thomas Lucero Story by Portia Choi Photographs by Ezekiel Espanola Event hosted by Kevin Shah The two featured poets, Diana Ramirez and Thomas - [EVERYTHING BARREN WILL BE BLESSED by Don Thompson](https://kernpoetry.com/uncategorized/everything-barren-will-be-blessed-by-don-thompson/) - EVERYTHING BARREN WILL BE BLESSED by Don Thompson, Kern County Poet Laureate Story by Portia Choi Poets and friends gathered to celebrate National Poetry Month at Dagny’s Coffee on April 1, 2017. They celebrated by discussing poems in a book by Don Thompson, the first Poet Laureate of Kern County. The book is Everything Barren - [February Open Mic Features Tony O'Brien](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/february-open-mic/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="35" gal_title="February Open Mic"] Tony O’Brien was the featured poet at First Friday Open Mic on February 3, 2017. O'Brien is also a photographer and a jazz musician. He melded his talents of being a poet and a photographer for his performance. At the open mic, he had participants hold up posters of his - [Poetry Out Loud 2017](https://kernpoetry.com/events/poetry-out-loud-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="33" gal_title="poetry out loud 2017"] Story by Portia Choi with Contributions by Martin Chang There was a first time event in poetry for Kern County on January 18, 2017. It was the Poetry Out Loud competition in which high school students recited famous poems by memory. The event took place at the Access Center - [Day of Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/events/day-of-poetry-2/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="28" gal_title="day of poetry"] by Portia Choi The day was dawning when I arrived at Dagny’s Coffee at 6:55 am. The front door was locked, and there were workers inside with dim lights. When the main lights went on and the door was unlocked, several cars parked and several men got into Dagny’s. They - [First Friday Open Mic January 6, 2017](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/first-friday-open-mic-january-6-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="27" gal_title="open mic january 2017"] story by Portia Choi On the First Friday of January 2017, the featured poets at Dagny’s Coffee were Joseph Mosconi, Barry Michael and Maryah Paige Chester. They read from their poetry books which were in themselves a work of art. Each book was unusual and unique in its approach - [Featured Poet: Chris Fendt](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/featured-poet-chris-fendt/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="26" gal_title="chris fendt"] Story by: Martin Chang Photos by: Greg D. Cook and Martin Chang top box photo provided by Chris Fendt Chris Fendt is inspired by different aspects of life. For Fendt, a chance meeting with a stranger, his favorite music, or quiet moments in Bakersfield, can inspire him to write. Growing - [Day of Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/news/day-of-poetry/) - Blessing of a New Year Gratitude for poets and poems A Day of Poetry. - [The Bakersfield Fan Forum Gallery and Pop-Up Store](https://kernpoetry.com/events/the-bakersfield-fan-forum-gallery-and-pop-up-store/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="17" gal_title="fan forum gallery"] story by Portia Choi November 7, 2016 was the opening of The Bakersfield Fan Forum at the Todd Madigan Gallery at California State University Bakersfield. It is being presented by The Poetic Research Bureau through the visiting artist, Joseph Mosconi. The Bakersfield Fan Forum (BFF) was made possible by - [Upcoming Poetry Events in January 2017](https://kernpoetry.com/events/upcoming-poetry-events-in-january-2017/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="25" gal_title="fan forum gallery"] Story by Portia Choi The First Friday Open Mic on January 6, 2017 will feature The Bakersfield Fan Forum. The event will start at 6:00 pm at Dagny’s Coffee located at 1600 20th Street (Corner of 20th and Eye St) Bakersfield, CA 93301. The Bakersfield Fan Forum - [Ara Shirinyan performs at The Bakersfield Fan Forum](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/ara-shirinyan-performs-at-the-bakersfield-fan-forum/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="23" gal_title="ara shirinyan"] photos by Greg D. Cook story by Portia Choi Ara Shirinyan was the last guest poet of the Bakersfield Fan Forum at California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) Todd Madigan Gallery. He performed at the gallery on November 30, 2016. Shirinyan is a poet, publisher and musician. He was born - [Open Mic: December 2016](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/open-mic-december-2016/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="22" gal_title="open mic december 2016"] The Open Mic for December 2016 featured Yaritza I. Castro. Castro has been an active member of the poetry community and has performed at the Open Mic several times. She read from her first poetry book "Unfinished Poems for a Lover." To read more on Castro you can read - [Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate performs at Walter Stiern Library.](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/dana-gioia-california-poet-laureate-performs-at-walter-stiern-library/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="21" gal_title="Dana Gioia"] By Portia Choi, with contributions by Martin Chang Photos by Martin Chang On December 1, 2016 the California Poet Laureate, Dana Gioia, was the presenter at the December Room of the Walter Stiern Library at California State University, Bakersfield. He was friendly and easy mannered, just as he looked in - [Featured Poet: Yaritza I. Castro](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/featured-poet-yaritza-i-castro/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="19" gal_title="Yaritza Featured"] Story by Portia Choi Photos by Martin Chang Yaritza I. Castro is another poet who found a place to express her writing at First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee. She started attending First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee in summer 2015. Castro found out about the Open mic through - [Kern County Poet Laureate Don Thompson speaks at Writers of Kern](https://kernpoetry.com/events/kern-county-poet-laureate-don-thompson-speaks-at-writers-of-kern/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="18" gal_title="don at writers of kern photos by greg d. cook"] Story by Portia Choi Photos by Greg D. Cook Don Thompson, the Kern County’s first-ever Poet Laureate, spoke at the Writers of Kern (WOK) meeting on November 19, 2016. Thompson has written about Kern County for over 50 years in his poems. He - [November Open Mic 2016](https://kernpoetry.com/events/november-open-mic-2016/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="16" gal_title="November 2016"] Story by Portia Choi There was extraordinary excitement at the First Friday Open Mic on November 4. There was a standing-room only crowd. That wasn’t all. There have been other evenings with persons where persons stood to listen to poets perform their word creations. Maybe it was that Mateo Lara, - [October Open Mic 2016](https://kernpoetry.com/events/october-open-mic-2016/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="15" gal_title="Open Mic oct. 2016"] These were photos taken at Dagny's on October 7th 2016. The featured poets were Heavy Vinyl who performed their new song "Rock and Roll Beauty Queen" and between songs describes their process behind the songs they have written. - [Featured Poet: Mateo Lara](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/featured-poet-mateo-lara/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="14" gal_title="Mateo featured"] Mateo Lara performs his poems regularly at the First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s for over a year. He has recently published his first collection of poetry, “Keta-Miha and Other Poems.” Mateo will be the featured poet at the next Open Mic on November 4. He is a Cal State University - [Words Come to Life: Art Becomes Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/events/words-come-to-life-art-from-poetry/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="13" gal_title="Words Come to Life"] By Martin Chang “Words Come to Life” was an event held to benefit CASA and celebrate the poetry and art of Kern County. In her opening remarks Diana Ramirez, the organizer of the event, was emotional, and barely held back tears. She said, “Look at all - [Heavy Vinyl: A Shared love of the Blues](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/heavy-vinyl-a-shared-love-of-the-blues/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="11" gal_title="heavy vinyl"] by Martin Chang Guitarist and vocalist Tomo and drummer Glenn Mattews have built a bond based on the sharing of Blues and Rock and Roll. Through this connection they create words and music that flows out of them with a unique flavor, Tomo likes to call it “just jamming.” Together, - [Greg Stanley: A love of Painting and Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/greg-stanley-a-love-of-painting-and-poetry/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="10" gal_title="Greg Stanley"] By Martin Chang Greg Stanley has been in touch with his creative side for most of his life. He paints, writes poetry, and gets a different feeling from both types of artistic expression. Stanley grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland until he was around 30. Then, in 1989, he moved to Austin, - [Words Come to life](https://kernpoetry.com/news/world-come-to-life/) - By Martin Chang At the Metro Galleries, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kern County will hold a Words Comes to Life event on October 6 from 5:30-9:30pm. CASA of Kern County calls the event “A powerful and colorful evening that will bring awareness to foster children through words and art.” Diana Ramirez, the - [Kate Durbin: The Poetry of Places, Objects, and Reality TV](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/kate-durbin-the-poetry-of-places-objects-and-reality-tv/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="9" gal_title="Kate Durbin"] By Martin Chang Like many others in America, Kate Durbin found herself fascinated by the world of Reality television. As a poet, Durbin began to watch with a closer eye. From the way that the camera moves from Kardashian to Kardashian, to the carefully manicured rooms of Playboy Bunnies, to the - [Don Thompson first Poet Laureate of Kern County](https://kernpoetry.com/events/thompson-first-poet-laureate-of/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="6" gal_title="donlaurate"] Photos by Martin Chang In 2016, Don Thompson was selected as the first Poet Laureate of Kern County. Thompson has written poems about Kern County for fifty years. He is prolific in his publication, of over 150 journal publications and dozen books. His love for Kern County is expressed - [Open Mic Featured Poet: Fidel A. Martinez](https://kernpoetry.com/news/open-mic-featured-poet-fidel-a-martinez/) - Martinez will be the featured poet at the Open Mic at Dagny's. Dagny's is located at 1600 20th Street (corner of 20th and Eye St.) on First Friday September 2nd. Open mic Starts at 6:00pm; sign-up for open mic is 5:50pm. Fidel A. Martinez is the author of Factory Lights (2013), An American Mythology (2011), - [Summer Open Mic 2016.](https://kernpoetry.com/events/summer-open-mic-2016/) - photos by Martin Chang [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="7" gal_title="Summer 2016 open mic"] In June and July of 2016 the poets of Bakersfield came to Open Mic. They had an opportunity to performs more of their poetry these two months. - [Open Mic for September 2016](https://kernpoetry.com/events/open-mic-for-september-2016/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="8" gal_title="open mic September 2016"] On September 2, Fidel A. Martinez was the featured poet. He read from his books of poetry: Factory Lights (2013), An American Mythology (2011), Ghost Stories from the Tower of Souls (2006), and recent poems. Later on that evening, Ian Perry and Paul Clery performed music that contained - [Lenora McClellan reads "An Issue of Faith."](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/lenora-mcclellan-reads-an-issue-of-faith/) - Lenora McClellan has been given the gift of writing from an early age. She describes herself as "an author poet, playwright, and a women of God." She reads from her book "By God's Grace" published in 2013. She said about the poetry in "By God's Grace," "I hope one day to share this book with - [Kern County Poet: Jessica Nelson](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/local-poet-spotlight-jessica-nelson/) - By Martin Chang For most of her twenty-three years, Jessica Nelson has used poetry to help her escape from the pain of a damaged life. After reading poetry for eight years, she began performing her own poetry and discovered poetry’s second of many gifts: Finality. Poetry offers her “a light at the end of the - [Photos: Open Mic at Dagneys August 2015](https://kernpoetry.com/events/photos-open-mic-at-dagneys-august-2015/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="1" gal_title="August Open Mic"] Photos and story by Martin Chang On August 7th, many poets performed to a full room at the open mic at Dagneys. Above, a sampling of poets are pictured, below a little bit about each of them is explained. Ebone King read her poetry about relationships. A mother of - [“Taft College Literary Magazine Club - Night for Poets & Poetry”](https://kernpoetry.com/events/taft-college-literary-magazine-club-night-for-poets-poetry/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="2" gal_title="taft college reading"] There was excitement mixed with hesitation among the poets at Dagny’s, the hesitation in sharing one’s innermost feeling and thoughts in poetry with others, some who were friends and some who were stranger. Excitement also in that it was a contest with four poets being recognized with awards. On Saturday - [Photos: Open Mic at Dagny's, Fall 2015](https://kernpoetry.com/events/photos-open-mic-at-dagnys-fall-2015/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="3" gal_title="open mic fall 2015"] This fall KernPoetry and Dagny's Coffee held a Open Mic every First Friday. At the event poets and musicians are welcome to share their original work with the public. This fall a variety of talents shared their work. Every month poets and musicians are featured. The above photographs are - [Open Mic at Dagny's for February to May 2016](https://kernpoetry.com/events/open-mic-at-dagnys-for-february-to-may-2016/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="5" gal_title="Open Mic for Feb-may 2016"] Photos by Martin Chang At each First Friday, poets perform their original works to standing room only crowd at Dagny’s Coffee located in downtown Bakersfield. Most months a poet or songwriter is featured sharing their original works, then the event becomes an open mic to poets, spoken word - [A Green Poem by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/a-green-poem-by-helen-shanley/) - Upon this green remembrance a thousand flowering hours have shaken gold-sweet bloom into our differing rooms, and one green miracle shelling love out of the pod of time frees your world from mine. - [Juan Felipe Herrera, the first Mexican American U.S. poet laureate.](https://kernpoetry.com/news/juan-felipe-herrera-the-first-mexican-american-u-s-poet-laureate/) - On September 5, 2015 Juan Felipe Herrera will begin his year-long term as the 21st U.S. poet laureate when he participates in the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington D.C. The selection of Juan Felipe Herrera as the 21st U.S. poet laureate was announced in June 2015, Herrera is the first Mexican-American U.S. - [A discussion of Local Color with author Don Thompson](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/a-discussion-of-local-color-with-author-don-thompson/) - In this text interview we discussed with Don Thompson his favorite moments as a writer and his advice to other writers. Then we discuss his Historical Narrative poem Local Color. Portia Choi: Don, what were your most interesting moments as a poet? Don Thompson: The moment of discovery when something comes from wherever it - [Featured Poet: Don Thompson](https://kernpoetry.com/featured-poet/featured-poet-don-thompson/) - Above watch Don Thompson read his poems that describe the beauty of Kern County. For the first featured poet, we honor Don Thompson who has been publishing since the early 1960’s with several books and chapbooks since 2000. He was born in Bakersfield, California, and has lived most of his life in the southern San - [Ugly Art by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/ugly-art-by-helen-shanley/) - When I was ten my art teacher said the pink and blue ribbons I loved were not beautiful, then showed us Mexican olla and said, “Now that’s beautiful!” and posters were beautiful. and vermillion with spring green. For years I bought ugly art and wore ugly prints that looked hand made, and my husband made - ["Should I Let the Little Pachucos Swim in my Ocean?" by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/should-i-let-the-little-pachucos-swim-in-my-ocean-by-helen-shanley/) - (the woman asked the famed psychiatrist) The cat at night in Malibu Makes a soft sound As he moves along the ground, Echoes the rumble, the growl and pound Of the Cat to Cathay— When the Moon ruffles his fur In a silver streak down the dark, She is stirring, subduing, Stroking her Cat. How - [Prayer for a New Poet by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/prayer-for-a-new-poet/) - Make me a poem A great white poem words full of rushing staccato measures patterns for flying and movement of grasses— or round, like the path of the tuning-fork’s sound, round and liquid and gold. Give me the voices of wandering people, let them incense me with vagaried turnings. Shout me October or moan me - [Note to an Embalmer by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/note-to-an-embalmer-by-helen-shanley/) - Do not remove the heart. Extract the brain through open nostrils, but leave the paradise within my heart of hearts. It is a point so hot it would burn your fingers. This pulse-point is the drum of Shiva calling Shakti --and when she dances my heart rises to the doorway to that small ether which - [My Mother's Hands by Helen Shanely](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/my-mothers-hands-by-helen-shanely/) - Your blue-veined hands swept all things into light; a box of apricots, a peeled grape, a sick dog that had to be chloroformed, a child to be led down hallways of ideas up staircases of words --anything to be fixed, mended, made out of nothing. How could you whirl about when you loved the little - [Mother's Fingers by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/mothers-fingers/) - Goodness flowed from her fingers; blossomed in dresses made out of nothing, in fresh juice over ice (hand-chipped for my fevers), in home-made noodles and chicken broth with delicate chicken feet. The same patient fingers traced words as she read, and placed dominoes one by one, took my dictation, typed poems, kept a campany’s books, - [Lilacs by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/lilacs-by-helen-shanley/) - remember that lilacs enfolded the night in a soft June kiss, a never-never land of love in a candy store. They floated like clouds of stingless bees in mesmeric rivers of honey around your tender face. There was a sound like water falling or clusters of little bells or birds about to sing. Sometimes I - [Dancing on the Sun by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/dancing-on-the-sun-by-helen-shanley/) - The art student called his water-color sketch “Girl with Leaves,” sold it for lunch money. Long curls relax over her shoulder. Her wide white hat’s not drawn, but framed by sunlight; the shadows all are pools of sun and leaves; you know she’s firmly seated, but there’s something airy about her total concentration on the - [Bereaved Lady Meditates by Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/poems/bereaved-lady-meditates-by-helen-shanley/) - In the center where nothing pulls her apart she lets go of chicken-fat indecisions; like Baudelaire dreaming the smokestacks of Paris she no longer flinches at her fate. Through dreams astound with their cryptic knowledge of details from her daytime world they keep their own world mostly hidden, then expect her to know what she ## Pages - [Kern Poetry](https://kernpoetry.com/) - Check out Kern Poetry readings, first Friday open mic at Dagny's In Bakersfield, stay tuned for upcoming Bakersfield poets events here. Bakersfield poetry readings, top Bakersfield Poets... - [Kern Poetry Newsletter - October 2024](https://kernpoetry.com/kern-poetry-newsletter-october-2024/) - Kern Poetry Newsletter Our mission is to showcase local poets, inform the community of poetry events, and share information on poets and their poetry. October 2024 HOPING FOR FALL, Soon… Open Mics and more… Join the local celebrations! - - - Good News & Events Friday October 4th, 2024 Kern Poetry - Open Mic - [Contact](https://kernpoetry.com/contact/) - [The Poet's Page](https://kernpoetry.com/the-poets-page/) - We hope to feature brief bios of every creative artist – poets, musicians and visual artists – that have performed at Dagny’s First Friday Open Mics and on Zoom First Friday Open Mics. This list will help all of us get to know each other, as well as provide a resource for folks wanting to - [Poets' Publications](https://kernpoetry.com/poets-publications/) - Bakersfield/Kern County Poets' Publications Portia Choi - Portia's book "Sungsook: Korean War Poems" is available at: "Sungsook" - Amazon Tamara Hattis - Tamara's book "Colors of My Pain" is available at: "Colors of My Pain" - Amazon Sandra Hughes - Sandra's book "Why Faeries Bite" is available at: SandraRoseHughes.com or: "Why Faeries Bite" - Blurb - [Local Open Mics](https://kernpoetry.com/local-open-mics/) - Local Poetry Performance Opportunities First Saturday Open Mic Dagny’s Coffee Shop First Friday of every month 6:00 p.m. Sign-ups at 5:50 p.m. Hosts: Portia Choi and Carla Martin Original poems and songs for up to 5 minutes. Presenting a featured poet the first 15 minutes from September-May. Unleashed Open Mic Dagny’s Coffee Shop First Thursday - [Poets](https://kernpoetry.com/poets-2/) - Kern Poetry - Poets Pages of poets - Follow the links: The Page of Poets Poets’ Publications Local Poetry Performance Opportunities Local Publication Opportunities Tribute to Helen Shanley Helen Shanley Poems - [Local Publication Opportunities](https://kernpoetry.com/local-publications/) - Local Publication Opportunities Mercury Retrograde Edited by Dana Lynch, a recent CSUB grad, mentored by Matt Woodman Open to any writers from Kern County (past or present) First issue theme: COVID – issue coming out in June/July Next issue: Ukraine and Human Rights To be published quarterly Email: mercuryretrogrademag@gmail.com Seeking all genres, artwork and photography - [Future Events](https://kernpoetry.com/future-events/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_width=”90%” inner_max_width=”1200px”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” - [About Us](https://kernpoetry.com/about-us/) - Our Mission Our mission is to showcase local poets, inform the community of poetry events, and share information on poets and their poetry. Staff Portia Choi, Founder, Director, Creative Direction Portia Choi promotes poetry in Kern County. She has written poetry for 35 years. Portia, with other community poets, has organized National Poetry Month - - [Poets](https://kernpoetry.com/poets/) - [Gallery](https://kernpoetry.com/gallery/) - 2018 April Open Mic 2018: featuring LisaAnn LoBasso [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="116" gal_title="Open Mic April 2018"] March Open Mic 2018: featuring Tim Vivian [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="117" gal_title="March 2018 Open Mic"] - [Donations](https://kernpoetry.com/donations/) - Be a part of making poetry happen. Your donation promotes poetry events such as First Friday Open Mic at Dagny’s Coffee, National Poetry Month in April 2016. It will help to honor the first Poet Laureate of Kern County. The mission of Kern Poetry is to showcase local poets, inform the community of poetry events, - [Helen Shanley Poems](https://kernpoetry.com/helen-shanley-poems/) - A Green Poem Bereaved Lady Meditates Dancing on the Sun Lilacs Mother's Fingers My Mother's Hands Note to an Embalmer Prayer for a New Poet "Should I Let the Little Pachucos Swim in my Ocean?" Ugly Art - [Events Calendar](https://kernpoetry.com/first-friday/) - Every first Friday Open Mic Bakersfield, Open Mic Reading Bakersfield - [Tribute to Helen Shanley](https://kernpoetry.com/tributes-to-helen/) - "Sometimes I touch that lilac night When your grave opens, When dreams take us deep, deep To love without time, without loss." Excerpt from Lilacs by Helen Shanley Helen Shanley was born on February 28, 1919 and transitioned on February 21,l 2007. She was a genius, recognizing and pointing to colors at the age ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://kernpoetry.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Featured Poet](https://kernpoetry.com/category/featured-poet/) - [Poems](https://kernpoetry.com/category/poems/) - [Interviews](https://kernpoetry.com/category/interviews/) - [Events](https://kernpoetry.com/category/events/) - [news](https://kernpoetry.com/category/news/) - [Features](https://kernpoetry.com/category/features/) - [Kern County Poet](https://kernpoetry.com/category/kern-county-poet/) - [Pictures](https://kernpoetry.com/category/pictures/) - [video](https://kernpoetry.com/category/video/) - [Future Events](https://kernpoetry.com/category/future-events/) ## Tags - [Featured Poet](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/featured-poet/) - [Jessica Nelson](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/jessica-nelson/) - [Local Poet Spotlight](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/local-poet-spotlight/) - [CASA](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/casa/) - [Diana Ramirez](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/diana-ramirez/) - [Lenora McClellan](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/lenora-mcclellan/) - [Events](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/events/) - [Pictures](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/pictures/) - [Performance](https://kernpoetry.com/tag/performance/) - [Fidel A. 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