The San Jose Poetry Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will spotlight spoken word poetry from September 5 to 8. The festival, held in downtown San Jose, aims to highlight this art form with a series of performances and events.
Festival programming director Mighty Mike McGee, from the Poetry Center San Jose, expressed his excitement about this year’s focus. “I want to reintroduce spoken word to people. That’s why I’ve invited some of the top spoken word artists,” McGee said. The lineup includes notable artists such as RC Weslowski from Vancouver, Rachel McKibbens from Rochester, and Bao Phi from Minneapolis.
McGee shared his connection to Bao Phi, noting his experience teaching a literacy program in East San Jose where he often read Phi’s children’s book, A Different Pond. “That’s what inspired me to invite him. He’s a remarkable spoken word artist and a fantastic children’s book author,” McGee said in a social media video.
Bao Phi will perform Friday night at San Jose Stage Company and read to families on Saturday morning at Central Park Library in Santa Clara.
McGee praised RC Weslowski and Rachel McKibbens as key highlights of the festival. “They are among the most powerful spoken word artists I’ve ever encountered,” he said.
The festival opens at the First Unitarian Church in downtown San Jose with a performance by a group of Bay Area artists known for their spoken word, slam poetry, and comedy: Jason Bayani, Jamie DeWolf, Wonder Dave, and Lorenz Dumuk.
Throughout the weekend, the festival will feature nightly performances, workshops, and daytime events, both in person and online. Local favorites like Arlene Biala, Sally Ashton, and Tshaka Campbell will also be featured.
On Saturday night, the San Jose Jazz Break Room will host a performance by Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Yosimar Reyes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the newly appointed youth poets laureate and youth poet ambassadors, though their names have yet to be announced.
A highlight of the festival is the return of free performances for attendees 19 and under. For others, a festival pass is available for $50, or individual event tickets can be purchased at the door.