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1 APRIL 2022 — friday
- Poet, literary scholar, and KPFA "Cover to Cover," host Jack Foley receives a silver medallion as part of the K.M. Anthru Literature Prize from the online/print magazine, LITTERATEUR RW, edited by Shajil Anthru; the award will be presented to Foley by the Indian-American film actor, writer, activist and producer, Thampy Antony Thekkek, speakers also include Paul Veres (reading statement by Iván Argüelles), Christopher Bernard, Deborah Bachels Schmidt, Nina Serrano, Joyce Jenkins, Dana Gioia, Jack Foley and Sangye Land, catered by Vu Tang of Nong Thon Restaurant, The Fireside Room, Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Road, Kensington, free, masks and proof of vaccination required, 2:00-4:00 pm PDT
- Beyond Baroque presents a reading featuring L.A. poets Jerry Garcia, On Summer Solstice Road, Trumpets in the Sky, and Beth Ruscio, Speaking Parts, both celebrating new work, free, in-person, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, 8:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
- Left Margin LIT presents "SuperPAC!: Poetry Accountability Club," a month-long poetry group meant to encourage structure and routine in daily writing practices, everyone will receive a daily poem and writing prompt throughout the month of April, as well as access to feedback for their writing, led by poets Rachel Richardson, Hundred-Year Wave, and Preeti Vangani, Mother Tongue Apologize, $40 suggested, online via Slack, anytime throughout April (Enroll here: www.leftmarginlit.org/poetry-superpac-richardson-vangani)
2 APRIL 2022 — saturday
- Lummis Day Poetry in the Library Series presents a reading featuring poets Will Alexander, The Combustion Cycle, Elena Karina Byrne, If This Makes You Nervous, Alison Turner, The Second Split Between, and Mariano Zaro, Decoding Sparrows, broadcast by The Eagle Rock Public Library, donations welcome, online, free, 3:00-4:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.lummisday.org/poetryinthelibrary)
- The San Francisco International Arts Festival celebrates the opening of their new Sutter Street Office, featuring the installation of the piece The Last Supper Party, by artist Fe Bongolan and performance poetry by actor and writer Rhodessa Jones, poet Jason Bayani, Locus, and Alameda Poet Laureate, Kimi Sugioka, in person, San Francisco International Arts Festival, 1222 Sutter Street, San Francisco, free, 6:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.sfiaf.org/last_supper_opening?utm_campaign=last_supper_party_release&utm_medium=email&utm_source=festival)
- Beyond Baroque presents "Floricantos en Primavera," a reading with FlowerSong Press, featuring poets Matt Sedillo, City on the Second Floor, Luivette Resto, Living on Islands Not Found on Maps, Briano Muñoz, Everything is Returned to the Soil, David A. Romero, My Name is Romero, Iris De Anda, Roots of Redemption, Gina Duran, "…and so, the Wind was Born," and Fernando Salinas, a book signing by FlowerSong authors follows, in-person, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, 5:00-8:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
3 APRIL 2022 — sunday
- Bazaar Writers Salon presents a reading with poets Sally Ashton, The Behaviour of Clocks, Erin Rodoni, And if the Woods Carry You, and Callie Siskel, Arctic Revival, hosted by Peter Kline, in-person, Bazaar Café, 5927 California Street, San Francisco, free, 6:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.facebook.com/BazaarWritersSalon)
- The Benicia Public Library presents Benicia's "Everlovin' Love Poetry Awards Celebration," the winning poems will be announced with an open mic reading, come bring a poem to read or listen to others read, co-sponsored by Benicia Literary Arts and the Benicia Historical Museum, online via Zoom, free, 3:00-5:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.benicialibrary.org/poet/events)
- The San Francisco Public Library presents "Voices of Queer and Trans Arab American Poetry," a reading and conversation featuring poets Janine Mogannam, Amir Rabiyah, Prayers for My 17th Chromosome, Andrea Abi-Karam, Villainy, Bazeed, Kilo Batra: In Death More Radiant, Fargo Tbakhi, and George Abraham, Birthright, online, free, 2:00-3:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: sfpl.org/events/2022/04/03/panel-voices-queer-and-trans-arab-american-poetry)
- The Dominican University of California presents the "Health and Healing Poetry Reading," featuring poets published by Wolf Ridge Press: Rick Benjamin, Elizabeth Percer, Vivian Tater, David Watts (appearing as Harvey Ellis), and Judith Montgomery, Mercy, free, online via Zoom, 3:00-4:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.eventbrite.com/e/health-and-healing-poetry-reading-tickets-272818175507)
4 APRIL 2022 — monday
- The Dominican University of California presents best-selling poet and educator Elizabeth Alexander, The Light of the World, discussing her new book, The Trayvon Generation, expanding on the original essay that spoke to the experiences and cultural expressions of young Black America, in light of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and the civil unrest that followed, in conversation with poet and organizer Mahogany L. Brown, I Remember Death By Its Proximity to What I Love, co-presented with Book Passage, online, $28, 5:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: dominican.extendedsession.com/elizabeth-alexander)
- Aqus presents a poetry open mic reading, hosted by poet and artist Sande Anfang, Xylem Highway, part of the Rivertown Poets reading series, three-minutes per reader, every first and third Monday of the month, free, online, 6:15 pm PDT (Sign up for the open mic: aqus.com/rivertownpoets)
- The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at UC Berkeley presents "Poetry in a Time of War: Voices from Ukraine and Russia," a reading featuring poets Polina Barskova, The Lamentable City, Lyn Hejinian, My Life, Ostap Kin, Eugene Ostashevsky, The Pirate Who Does Not Know the Value of Pi, Katharina Raabe, and Maria Stepanova, The Flower Dies under a Skin of Glass, all work will be read in the original languages as well as English; this is a hybrid in-person and online event in two free sessions, the first is on Zoom, 11:30 am PDT, the second is in-person at the Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall, UC Berkeley campus, 5:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.ghi-dc.org/events/event/date/poetry-in-a-time-of-war-voices-from-ukraine-and-russia-session-2)
5 APRIL 2022 — tuesday
- Green Apple Books presents playwright and author Aamina Ahmad discussing her debut novel, The Return of Faraz Ali, Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-aamina-ahmad)
- Join poet and radio host Jack Foley, along with Nina Serrano, Jovelyn Richards, and Jennifer Stone, for a weekly celebration of poetry and prose, free, listen at 94.1 KPFA, or online, 2:00 pm PDT (Listen here: kpfa.org/program/cover-to-cover/)
- "Towards an Open Field Poetics of the Lecture (On Baraka, Olson, The East Bay and The North Shore)," a lecture by authors and educators Stefano Harney and Fred Moten, co-authors of The Undercommons: Fugitive Planning and Black Study, sponsored by The Scalapino-Hejinian Lecture in Innovative Poetics and The Bagley Wright Lecture Series on Poetry, Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall, UC Berkeley campus, free, 6:00 pm PDT
6 APRIL 2022 — wednesday
- The Poetry Center presents "Involvement and Betrayal," a talk featuring writers and educators Stefano Harney and Fred Moten, co-authors of The Undercommons: Fugitive Planning and Black Study and All Incomplete, the talk will focus on hemispheric black social poetics, in-person, McRoskey Mattress, Co., 1687 Market Street, San Francisco, 7:00-9:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: poetry.sfsu.edu/stefano-harney-and-fred-moten-involvement-and-betrayal-talk)
7 APRIL 2022 — thursday
- Join the World Literature Book Club at the San Francisco Public Library for a discussion of Citizen, by poet Claudia Rankine, the acclaimed meditation on race in the United States, online, free, 6:00-7:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: sfpl.org/events/2022/04/07/book-club-world-literature-claudia-rankines-citizen)
- Bookshop Santa Cruz presents novelist and speaker Reyna Grande discussing her much-anticipated new book, A Ballad of Love and Glory, in conversation with short story writer Micah Perks, True Love and Other Dreams of Miraculous Escape, and Sylvanna Falcón, founder of the Human Rights Investigations Lab and author of New Directions of Feminism and Human Rights, Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, Ranch View Road, Santa Cruz, $7, $32 for ticket and a copy of the book, 7:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.bookshopsantacruz.com/ballad-love-glory)
- Books Passage presents poet and translator Raquel Salas Rivera, discussing his new book, antes que es volcán/before island is volcano, a bilingual collection of poems imagining a decolonial Puerto Rico, in conversation with poet and editor Anthony Cody, Borderland Apocrypha, online, free, 5:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.bookpassage.com/event/raquel-salas-rivera-antes-que-isla-es-volc%C3%A1n-island-volcano-online-event)
- Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center presents a reading of new work with poets Amy Uyematsu, That Blue Trickster Time, and Chuck Rosenthal, Let's Face the Music and Dance, introduced by Karen Kevorkian, online, free, 6:00-7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
8 APRIL 2022 — friday
- The Center for Literary Arts of San Jose presents novelist Torrey Peters, Infect Your Friends, Loved Ones, discussing her best-selling novel, Detransition, Baby, free, in-person at San Jose State University, Student Union Theatre, 149-157 S. 9th Street, San Jose, 7:00 pm PST (RSVP to attend: www.clasanjose.org/torrey-peters)
- Blue Light at the Gallery presents a poetry reading by Danusha Laméris, Bonfire Opera, Dion O'Reilly, Ghost Dogs, and Paola Bruni, online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (RSVP to bluelightpress@aol.com for the Zoom link)
- Skylight Books presents poet and artist H. Melt, discussing their newest collection, There Are Trans People Here, centering on the beauty, love, history, and culture of trans people, in conversation with poet Kemi Alabi, Against Heaven, online, free, 6:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.skylightbooks.com/event/live-crowdcast-h-melt-presents-there-are-trans-people-here-kemi-alabi)
- Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center presents "Anfitrionas," a reading and panel discussion with Latinx poets and literary organizers, featuring Angelina Sáenz, Edgecliff, Cynthia Alessandra Briano, Jessica Wilson, Serious Longing, Sarah Rafael Garcia, Las Niñas, Lucy Rodriguez-Hanley, Davina A. Ferreira, If Love had a Name, hosted by poet and editor Lisbeth Coiman, Uprising/Alzamiento, in-person, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, free, 8:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
- Youth Speaks presents the 2022 Teen Poetry Slam Finals, where Bay Area youth poets perform their best original poems, a unique event that showcases young poets, performers, and storytellers in competition, free, in-person event, Sydney Goldstein Theater, 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco, 7:00-9:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: youthspeaks.org/teen-poetry-slam-2/?mc_cid=b783b99f21&mc_eid=460acd26e0)
9 APRIL 2022 — saturday
- Book launch party: Dan Alter reads from and celebrates his new collection of poetry, My Little Book of Exiles, Q&A moderated by Daniel Schifrin, with musical guests, Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 pm PDT
- Writers With Drinks presents a reading featuring Isaac Fellman, Dead Collections, Nefertiti Asanti, fist of wind, Daphne Gottlieb, Saint 1001, tanea Lunsford lynx, Still Here VI: Existence as Resistance, and Kar Johnson, Foglifter, with special guest host Baruch Porras Hernandez, I Miss You, Delicate, The Make Out Room, 3225 22nd Street, San Francisco, $5-$20 sliding scale, all proceeds go to the TGI Justice Project, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.writerswithdrinks.com)
- Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center presents a book launch for Diaries of a Terrorist, Christopher Soto's debut poetry collection, published by Copper Canyon Press; Soto will be joined for a reading by poets Myriam Gurba, Mean, Jennifer Espinoza, There Should Be Flowers, Vanessa Angélica Villarreal, Beast Meridian, Jackie Wang, The Sunflower Cast a Spell to Save Us from the Void and Carceral Capitalism, and Tommy Pico, Nature Poem, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, free, 7:00-9:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
10 APRIL 2022 — sunday
- Come see the Codex International Book Fair, featuring hundreds of artists as well as booksellers and galleries, displaying all kinds of artwork in the realm of book arts, from highly technical fine press books to experimental and conceptual artist's books, all of it stunning work from an array of artists and printers from around the world, the fair runs four days, April 10-13, $10 for students, $15 general admission, tickets can be purchased at the door, Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, 12:30 pm PDT (More information can be found here: www.codexfoundation.org/codex-2022)
- The Desert Split Open invites everyone to read poetry and prose in this outdoor open mic, created by Susan Rukeyser and Angela Mia Torres, come to read or to listen, six-minutes per reader, spoken word readings and performances only, with the theme "what we will/can/must rebuild," at the Pavilion, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree, free, 4:00-6:00 pm PDT (More information here: susanrukeyser.com/the-desert-split-open)
- The Benicia-Vallejo Branch of the American Association of University Women presents "Living, On Earth: Poetry on what it means to be alive. Here. Now.," featuring twenty Benicia and Vallejo poets and members of the branch, including previous Poets Laureate from Solano County, Lois Requist, Johanna Ely, and Tom Stanton, as well as poets Mary Eichbauer, Nina Serrano, Diane Murray Ward, Frances Hillyard, Aqueila Lewis-Ross, Claire J. Baker, Dan Williams, Sheryl Goldwasser, Dorothy Gilbert, Aline Soules, Tony Bellotti, Melody Anderson-Brumidis, and Tricia De Jesus-Gutierrez, moderated by current Benicia Poet Laureate Mary Susan Gast, online via Zoom, free, 3:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: beniciavallejo-ca.aauw.net)
- Poetry Flash presents a reading by poet and translator Dorothy Gilbert, Fox Woman, with poet and Jungian analyst Naomi Ruth Lowinsky, Death and His Lorca, online via Zoom, free, 3:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: please click here; you will receive an email with a link to join the reading)
- Small Press Traffic presents "Voice and Tone in Kamau Brathwaite and Abbey Lincoln," a talk with poet and dancer Harmony Holiday, Hollywood Forever and the forthcoming Maafa, online, free, 11:00 am PDT (RSVP to attend: www.smallpresstraffic.org/upcomingevents/harmony-holiday)
- Second Sundays Reading Series presents poets Diane Lee Moomey, Make for Higher Ground, Prartho Sereno, Indian Rope Trick, Elephant Raga, and Kai Coggin, Periscope Heart, Mining for Stardust, online, free, 3:00 pm PDT (secondsundayreadings.com)
11 APRIL 2022 — monday
- Skylight Books presents a reading celebrating Gathering: A Women Who Submit Anthology, a collection of poems, essays, stories, and plays by Women Who Submit (WWS) members from all across the country, featuring readings from contributing authors Angela M. Franklin, Cecilia Caballero, Désirée Zamorano, Kate Maruyama, Lucy Rodriguez-Hanley, and Sandy Yang, in-person, Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, free, 7:30 pm PDT (More information here: www.skylightbooks.com/event/skylight-gathering-women-who-submit-anthology)
- Come see the Codex International Book Fair, featuring hundreds of artists as well as booksellers and galleries, displaying all kinds of artwork in the realm of book arts, from highly technical fine press books to experimental and conceptual artist's books, all of it stunning work from an array of artists and printers from around the world, the fair runs four days, April 10-13, $10 for students, $15 general admission, tickets can be purchased at the door, Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, 12:30 pm PDT (More information can be found here: www.codexfoundation.org/codex-2022)
- Odd Mondays Reading Series celebrates National Poetry Month with "Una Noche de Poesia/A Night of Poetry," a bilingual reading in Spanish and English, featuring Latinx poets Adrian Ernest, Speaking con su Sombra, Natalie Garcia, Cósmica, Jean-Pierre Rueda, Herencias, and Stephanie Sorady, Kiss From God, hosted by local author Wayne Goodman, online via Zoom, free, 7:00-8:00 pm PDT (Email: oddmondaysnoevalley@gmail.com for the Zoom link; more information here: www.facebook.com/OddMondays)
- The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute presents Marcia Falk, poet, painter, and Judaic scholar, discussing her new Haggadah, Night of Beginnings: A Passover Haggadah, part of the Sandra Seltzer Silberman HBI Conversation Series, online via Zoom, free, 4:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.brandeis.edu/hbi/events/index.html)
- Point Loma Library presents a reading in celebration of the 2021-22 San Diego Poetry Annual, an anthology of the best poets in San Diego county, the reading will feature poets published in the anthology, followed by an open mic, Point Loma Library, 3701 Voltaire Street, San Diego, free, 6:30 pm PDT (Register to attend/sign up for the open mic: sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/friends-library-san-diego-poetry-annual-2021-2022, or email: mkklam@gmail.com)
12 APRIL 2022 — tuesday
- City Lights Books presents poet Kemi Alabi, celebrating their debut collection, Against Heaven, winner of the 2021 Academy of American Poets First Book Award, joined in conversation by poet and performer Hieu Minh Nguyen, This Way to the Sugar, and poet Sam Sax, Madness, free, online via Zoom, 6:00 pm PST (Register to attend: citylights.com/events)
- Cobalt Poets presents a reading featuring poet, performer and activist Roya Marsh, dayliGht: Poems, with open mic to follow, free, online via Zoom, 7:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt/calendar.html)
- Come see the Codex International Book Fair, featuring hundreds of artists as well as booksellers and galleries, displaying all kinds of artwork in the realm of book arts, from highly technical fine press books to experimental and conceptual artist's books, stunning work from an array of artists and printers from around the world, the fair runs four days, April 10-13, $10 for students, $15 general admission, tickets can be purchased at the door, at the Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, 12:30 pm PDT (More information can be found here: www.codexfoundation.org/codex-2022)
- Join poet and radio host Jack Foley, along with Nina Serrano, Jovelyn Richards, and Jennifer Stone, for a weekly celebration of poetry and prose, this week with a continuation of a tribute to the poet Robert Sward (1933-2022), author of Uncle Dog & Other Poems, God is in the Cracks, and many more, including an interview with Sward with Jack Foley from some years ago, listen on the KPFA website or on 94.1 KPFA, 2:00 pm PDT (Listen here: kpfa.org/program/cover-to-cover)
- Coastside Poetry presents a reading with poet Caroline Goodwin, Old Snow, White Sun, with open mic to follow, three-minutes per reader, spoken poetry only, online via Zoom, free, 6:00-8:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend/sign up for the open mic: coastsidepoetry.org)
13 APRIL 2022 — wednesday
- Come see the Codex International Book Fair, featuring hundreds of artists as well as booksellers and galleries, displaying all kinds of artwork in the realm of book arts, from highly technical fine press books to experimental and conceptual artist's books, stunning work from an array of artists and printers from around the world, the fair runs four days, April 10-13, $10 for students, $15 general admission, tickets can be purchased at the door, Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, 10:00 am PDT (More information can be found here: www.codexfoundation.org/codex-2022)
- Napa Valley Writers presents "Writing in the Archives: How to Harness the Archives to Write Poetry, Biography, and Memoir," a talk by Iris Jamahl Dunkle, former Poet Laureate of Sonoma County and author of Charmian Kittredge London: Trailblazer, Author, Adventurer and West: Fire: Archive, poems, online, $5, 7:00-9:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: napavalleywriters.online/meetings)
- Poetry reading featuring Elaine Alarcón, with open mic to follow, hosted by Conor Logan and Ron Fullerton, Newbury Park Library, 2331 Borchard Street, Newbury Park, as well as on Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: libcal.tolibrary.org/event/8943003)
- Lyrics and Dirges presents a reading with poets Ananda Lima, Mother/land, Amanda Mei Kim, and Kevin Madrigal Galindo, Hell/a Mexican, online via Zoom, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Zoom link here: us02web.zoom.us/j/81725782252)
- Bookshop West Portal presents a special reading for National Poetry Month, featuring poets Joy Priest, Horsepower, and Aurielle Marie, Gumbo YA YA, both incredible debut collections, online, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.bookshopwestportal.com/event/poetry-month)
14 APRIL 2022 — thursday
- Women's National Book Association presents "Looking Back, Looking Forward," a poetry reading featuring Jan Beatty, American Bastard, The Body Wars, and Dana Levin, Now Do You Know Where You Are, Banana Palace, reading from their recent work and discussing the poets that inspire them, online via Zoom, free, 5:00-6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: wnba-sfchapter.org/april-14th-looking-back-looking-forward-a-reading-with-jan-beatty-and-dana-levi)
- The Mechanics' Institute presents Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Margo Jefferson, Negroland, discussing her new memoir, Constructing a Nervous System, co-sponsored by City Lights Books, online, ticket includes a copy of the book, $30, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.milibrary.org/events/constructing-nervous-system-memoir-virtual-event-zoom-cosponsored-city-lights-books)
- Green Apple Books presents poet and food justice advocate Kevin Madrigal Galindo, celebrating the launch of his new collection, Hell/A Mexican, Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-kevin-madrigal-galindo)
- Ventura County Poetry Project presents a reading featuring poet Allison Adelle Hedge Coke, Dog Road Woman, Streaming, with open mic to follow, hosted by poet Phil Taggart, free, online via Zoom, 6:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.facebook.com/venturacountypoetry)
15 APRIL 2022 — friday
- Point Reyes Books presents writer Kerri ní Dochartaigh, discussing and reading from her new memoir, Thin Places: A Natural History of Healing and Home, a blend of memoir, history, and nature writing, free, online, 11:00 am PDT (Register to attend: www.ptreyesbooks.com/event/kerri-n%C3%AD-dochartaigh)
16 APRIL 2022 — saturday
- The Bay Area Storytelling Festival returns with performances by storyteller and speaker Sheila Arnold, writer and actor Corey Rosen, Your Story, Well Told, Eth-Noh-Tec, storyteller Diane Ferlatte, and musician and storyteller Willy Claflin, Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda, tickets $25-$60, 9:00 am-6:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/bay-area-storytelling-festival-tickets-272360125467)
17 APRIL 2022 — sunday
18 APRIL 2022 — monday
19 APRIL 2022 — tuesday
- Skylight Books presents a reading and conversation featuring Kate Gale, co-founder of Red Hen Press and author of The Loneliest Girl, with poets Kim Dower, I Wore This Dress For You, Mom, and Eloise Klein, Another Phase, in-person, Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, free, 7:30 pm PDT (More information here: www.skylightbooks.com/event/skylight-kate-gale-conversation-kim-dower-and-eloise-klein-healy)
- Nomadic Press presents virtual Get Lit #83, emceed by Dior J. Stephens, celebrate twelve to fifteen writers reading never-before-read work within a three-minute time limit, plus live music, all ages are welcome, Zoom, donations accepted, 7:00-9:00 pm PST (For more information, visit: www.nomadicpress.org/events)
20 APRIL 2022 — wednesday
- The Center for Literary Arts of San José presents acclaimed poet and public speaker Yosimar Reyes reading from his poetry, For Colored Boys Who Speak Softly, on queer, working class, and immigrant themes, Nirvana Soul, 315 S. 1st Street, downtown San José, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Visit: www.clasanjose.org)
- The Center for Literary Arts of San José presents Janice Lobo Sapigao, reading from her documentary poetry collection, like a solid to a shadow, about grieving, fatherlessness, and the limitations of language, Nirvana Soul, 315 S. 1st Street, downtown San José, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Visit: www.clasanjose.org)
- Marin Poetry Center presents Robert Alter, reading from his celebrated 2018 translation of Song of Songs, followed by readings of modern love poems by Marin Poetry Center members, in-person, Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, 7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: marinpoetrycenter.org/mec-events/robert-alter-reads-from-song-of-songs)
21 APRIL 2022 — thursday
- Community of Writers presents the workshop "The Poetry and Poetics of Lucille Clifton," led by poet and novelist Kazim Ali, Inquisition, All One's Blue, Lucille Clifton (1936-2010) was an award-winning poet and educator, twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, and author of such books as Two-Headed Woman and Good Times, this four-week course focuses on the major themes of her work, runs April 21 to May 12, $240, $200 early bird price ends on April 1, online via Zoom, 4:00-6:00 pm PDT (Enroll here: communityofwriters.org/events/event/clifton-poetics)
- "At Home in America? Three Poets on Belonging & Diaspora in an Unsettled Moment," a panel discussion with Dan Alter, My Little Book of Exiles, Daniel Khalastchi, American Parables, winner of the Brittingham Prize in Poetry, and Ericka Meitner, Holy Moly Carry Me, winner of the 2018 National Jewish Book Award and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in poetry, moderated by Naomi Seidman, presented by the UC Berkeley Center for Jewish Studies, in-person, at The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, 2121 Allston Way, Berkeley, free, 5:30 pm PDT
- The CSUS/California State University, Sacramento, Festival of the Arts presents a reading with poet Gillian Conoley, winner of the Shelley Memorial Award and Northern California Book Award for Poetry, author of seven books including A Little More Red Sun on the Human: New and Selected Poems, online via Zoom, free, 6:30 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.facebook.com/events/3196334120692625)
- The Third Thursday Poetry and Jazz Reading Series presents performance poet Dee Allen, Boneyard, Unwritten Law, followed by an open mic, with jazz performance by the Original Ensemble, Arena Market Café, 185 Main Street, Point Arena, in-person and on Zoom, free, 7:30 pm PDT (Zoom link here: us02web.zoom.us/j/85881482990?pwd=L0NjNUhpeU5aeEdhVzRTVy9rUjIxUT09)
- Poetry Flash presents a reading by Sandra M. Gilbert, Judgment Day, and Phyllis Stowell, Threshold State, online via Zoom, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: please click here; you will receive an email with a link to join the reading)
- Bookshop Santa Cruz presents award-winning artist and filmmaker Leopoldo Gout and filmmaker and writer Eva Aridjis, discussing their new novel, Monarca, a blend of Mexican folklore, magical realism, and environmentalism, with full-color illustrations by Leopoldo Gout, online, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.bookshopsantacruz.com/monarca)
- Join poet Sally Love Saunders, Fresh Bread, Pauses, for a one-hour Poetry Conference Call; she will read her poetry for one hour, with audience comments welcome, free, virtual, 10:00 am-11:00 am PDT (Register by calling 877-797-7299, emailing connections@frontporch.net, or visiting by registering online: covia.org/programs/well-connected)
- The Mechanics' Institute presents novelist and librettist J.R. Thorpe, discussing her new book, Learwife: A Novel, in conversation with Philippa Kelly, Resident Dramaturg for the California Shakespeare Theater, online, public sliding scale of $5-10/free for members of Mechanics' Institute and Cal Shakes, Noon PDT (Register to attend: www.milibrary.org/events/learwife-novel-virtual-event-zoom-apr-21-2022)
- Join Dutch artist Erik van Loon as he tours 250 independent bookstores and libraries all across the country, in celebration of National Poetry Month in April, following the route of the annual Poetry Train that ends in Los Angeles; this project will be in California starting April 21, and ending on April 22 at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center; you can follow the trip on Instagram @lapoetrybeach and at: www.poetrybeach.com/2022/01/14/april-poetry-month
- Book Soup presents poet and playwright Sholeh Wolpé with memoirist and poet Suzanne Roberts in a discussion of their new books, Abacus of Loss: A Memoir in Verse and Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties, respectively, in-person, Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.booksoup.com/event/sholeh-wolp%C3%A9-and-suzanne-roberts-present-their-latest-abacus-loss-memoir-verse-and-animal)
22 APRIL 2022 — friday
- Beyond Baroque presents a poetry reading in celebration of Nicky Beer's new collection, Real Phonies and Genuine Fakes, joined by Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, Beg No Pardon, Fretwork, introduced by poet David St. John, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, 8:00 pm-10:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
- Small Press Traffic presents a reading featuring poet and novelist Hannah Lamb-Vines, Stone World, carnal delights, and poet Lindsey Boldt, Overboard, Weirding, with music by The Creatrix, the futurist sound exploration of multidisciplinary artist Fancuilla Gentile, introduced by Tatiana Luboviski-Acosta, in person, The Lab, 2948 16th Street, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.smallpresstraffic.org/upcomingevents/hannah-lamb-vines-lindsey-boldt-the-creatrix)
23 APRIL 2022 — saturday
- Skylight Books will be at the LA Times Festival of Books, with book signings by authors Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, The Disordered Cosmos, Safia Elhilo, Home is Not a Country, Julie Buxbaum, Year on Fire, and Mary Laura Philpott, Bomb Shelter Love Time and Other Explosives; these authors will stop by Skylight Books' booth, #138, to sign their books, come by to purchase signed copies of the books, plus other great titles representing Skylight Books, in person, University of Southern California campus, Los Angeles, free, 10:00 am-6:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.skylightbooks.com/event/la-times-festival-books-usc)
- Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Poetry Stage presents Carlos López Estrada and Spoken Word Poets, Summertime Odes Project; Christopher Merrill, Flares; Phil Taggart, Walking the Dog in a Time of Rage; Adriana E. Ramirez, In the Shadow of the Mic; Mai Der Vang, Yellow Rain; Cyrus Cassells, The World That the Shooter Left Us; Amy Uyematsu, That Blue Trickster Time; Michael Waters, Caw; Mihaela Moscaliuc, Cemetery Ink; Tyehimba Jess, Olio; CM Burroughs, Master Suffering; Edward Hirsch, The Heart of American Poetry; Victoria Redel, Paradise; Reginald Dwayne Betts, Felon; Kim Dower, I Wore this Dress Today for You, Mom; Forrest Gander, Twice Alive, Morgan Parker, Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up at Night; Anna Journey, The Judas Ear; Nicky Beer, Real Phonies and Genuine Fakes; Roberto Tejada, Why the Assembly Disbanded; Jennifer Militello, The Pact; Ra Malika Imhotep, gossypiin; Katharine Coles, (Solve for) X; and WriteGirl Presents Sofía Aguilar reading from her work; Elena Karina Byrne emcees the Poetry Stage, University of Southern California campus, Los Angeles, free, 10:00 am-6:00 pm PDT (For more information, visit: events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks)
- Richmond Literary Arts Center presents a reading featuring poets Joseph Miller, Overtime, Dark Harvest: New & Selected Poems, and Dorianne Laux, The Book of Men, followed by an open mic, online via Zoom, free, donations welcome, Noon PDT (RSVP to attend: us02web.zoom.us/j/84068311239?pwd=MmQ0c0ZUWXlGaktZcEgzSFdjRmhVdz09)
24 APRIL 2022 — sunday
- Skylight Books will be at the LA Times Festival of Books, with book signings by authors Elaine Hsieh Chou, Disorientation, Bryonn Rolly Bain, Rebel Speak: A Justice Movement Mixtape, Tommy Pico, Feed, Jordan Crane, Smoke Signals, Ron Rege, Jr., Halcyon, and Casey McQuiston, One Last Stop; these authors will stop by Skylight Books' booth, #138, to sign their books, come by to purchase signed copies of the books, plus other great titles representing Skylight Books, in person, University of Southern California campus, Los Angeles, 10:00 am-5:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.skylightbooks.com/event/la-times-festival-books-usc-0)
- Fourth Sundays Poetry presents a reading featuring poets Judy Kronenfeld, Groaning and Singing, and George Hammons, Witness, in person, Claremont United Church of Christ, 233 W. Harrison Avenue, Claremont, free, 2:00 pm PDT
- Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Poetry Stage presents Kate Gale, The Loneliest Girl; Tommy Pico, Feed; Jos Charles, A Year & Other Poems; Peter Campion, One Summer Evening at the Falls; Sholeh Wolpé, Abacus of Loss-A Memoir in Verse; Jonathan Wells, Debris; Patricia Smith, Incendiary Art; Marty Williams, Game; Elena Karina Byrne, If This Makes You Nervous; Luis J. Rodriguez reading from selected works; Jerry Garcia, Trumpets in the Sky; Allison Adelle Hedge Coke, Look at This Blue; Daniel Tiffany, Cry Baby Mystic; Steven Reigns, A Quilt for David; LA Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, Fretwork; Jane Wong, How to Not Be Afraid of Everything; Suzanne Roberts, Animal Bodies: On Death, Desire, and Other Difficulties; Paul Tran, All the Flowers Kneeling; Maureen Alsop, Pyre; Michelle Bitting, Nightmares and Miracles; WriteGirl presents Kai Adia reading from her work, University of Southern California campus, Los Angeles, free, 10:00 am-5:00 pm PDT (For more information, visit: events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks)
- The San Francisco Public Library presents "Standing Our Ground," a celebration of Bay Area Black Poet Laureates, featuring San Francisco's eighth and current Poet Laureate, Tongo Eisen-Martin, Someone's Dead Already, third Poet Laureate of San Francisco devorah major, califia's daughter, and Oakland's first Poet Laureate Dr. Ayodele "WordSlanger" Nzinga, co-presented with AfroSolo and the African American Center, Koret Auditorium, Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, fee, 2:30-4:00 pm PDT (More information here: sfpl.org/events/2022/04/24/performance-standing-our-ground)
- Book Passage presents poet Tess Taylor, reading from two new works, Rift Zone and Last West, a meditation on the work of Dorothea Lange in California, in conversation with Nathan Heller, essayist and staff writer for the The New Yorker, in person, Book Passage, 51 Tama Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, free, 4:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.bookpassage.com/event/tess-taylor-nathan-heller-rift-zone-last-west-corte-madera-store)
25 APRIL 2022 — monday
- Point Reyes Books presents poet Ocean Vuong, celebrating the publication of his new collection, Time is a Mother, in conversation with poet and editor Emily Jungmin Yoon, A Cruelty Special to Our Species, online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.ptreyesbooks.com/event/ocean-vuong-and-emily-jungmin-yoon)
26 APRIL 2022 — tuesday
- Cobalt Poets presents a poetry reading featuring Roger Funston, with open mic to follow, free, online via Zoom, 7:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt/calendar.html)
- City Lights Books presents award-winning science fiction and fantasy author Alain Damasio, The Outer Zone, The WindWalkers, in conversation with computer scientist and artist Jaron Lanier, You Are Not a Gadget, presented in conjunction with Cultural Services of the Consul General of France in San Francisco, Editions La Volte, and Villa San Francisco, online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: citylights.com/events)
- Poetic License Sonoma presents a poetry reading featuring the eight poets Joseph Cutler, Susanne Arrhenius, Paul DeMarco, Leo McCloskey, Steve Trenam, Judith Vaughn, Jaime Zukowski, and Kusum Irene Jain, with special guest poet Rebecca Foust, Paradise Drive, Only, and guest student poet Stork Rein, the reading will explore the theme "Ars Poetica," part of the Fourth Tuesday Zoom Poetry Series hosted by the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, online via Zoom, $5, donations welcome, 7:00-8:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.sebarts.org/classes-lectures/poetic-license-sonoma-foust-042622)
- Loose Lips Poetry Reading presents artist and poet Peg Quinn, Mother Lode, and Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, Beg No Pardon, Fretwork, online, free, 6:00-7:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.pw.org/literary_events/loose_lips_poetry_reading)
27 APRIL 2022 — wednesday
- City Lights Books presents a panel discussion on educator Sarah Dryden-Peterson's book, Right Where We Belong: How Refugee Teachers and Students Are Changing the Future of Education, Sarah Dryden-Peterson is joined by Monisha Bajaj, Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Human Rights Education and Esther Elonga, former refugee and MD/PhD Candidate at Stanford University School of Medicine, presented in conjunction with the nonprofit organization Refugee and Immigrant Transitions, free, online via Zoom, 6:00 pm PST (Register to attend: citylights.com/events)
- Books Inc. presents novelist Lucy Jane Bledsoe, reading from her latest book, No Stopping Us Now, about a high school girl's fight to establish an all-girls' basketball team in 1974, based on the author's true story, Books Inc.,1491 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.booksinc.net/event/lucy-jane-bledsoe-berkeley)
- The Center for Southeast Asia Studies at UC Berkeley presents a reading and conversation on Burmese poetry, featuring poet Ko Ko Thett, reading from his new collection Bamboophobia, and poets Kenneth Wong, Mae Yway, and Maw Shein Win, Storage Unit for the Spirit House, all four poets will read from the new anthology Picking off new shoots will not stop the spring: Witness poems and essays from Burma/Myanmar (1988-2021), readings will be in English and Burmese, introduced by Penny Edwards, Associate Professor of South and Southeast Asian Studies at UC Berkeley, online via Zoom, free, 11:00 am-12:15 pm PDT (Register to attend: events.berkeley.edu/index.php/calendar/sn/ieas.html?event_ID=145130&date=2022-04-27&filter=Secondary%20Event%20Type&filtersel=)
28 APRIL 2022 — thursday
- Bookshop West Portal presents a special poetry reading for National Poetry Month, featuring Taylor Byas, Year of the Unicorn Kidz, and Jason B. Crawford, Bloodwarm, online, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.bookshopwestportal.com/event/poetry-month)
- The Mechanics' Institute presents "No Poetry No Peace," a reading and celebration of human expression and peace, featuring poets Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte, co-author of the collection No Poetry No Peace, for which the reading series is named, Mireya S. Vela, Douglas Cole, The Blue Island, Grace Marie Grafton, Lens, Gini Grossenbacher, Madam of My Heart, and Aqueila M. Lewis-Ross, Stop Hurting and Dance, online via Zoom, free, 6:00-7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.milibrary.org/events/no-poetry-no-peace-reading-and-celebration-human-expression-and-peace-apr-28-2022)
- Copperfield's Books presents novelist and editor Heather Chavez, No Bad Deed, discussing her latest book, Blood Will Tell, online, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/heather-chavez-online)
- Medicine for Nightmares presents an evening of music and poetry to celebrate poet Katie Aliferis and her new collection, Fool(ishly Optimistic), joining her will be poets Nazelah Jamison, Yeva Johnson, Dena Rod, Scattered Arils, and hector son of hector, with music by Chris Cuadrado, Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore & Gallery, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco, 7:00-9:30 pm PDT (More information here: medicinefornightmares.com/events)
- Writers Read Ukiah presents a reading with featured poet Stephen Kessler, Last Call, The Mental Traveler, followed by an open mic, free, suggested donation $5, in person, Grace Hudson Museum, 431 South Main Street, Ukiah, 7:00-8:00 pm PDT
- Sacramento Poetry Alliance presents a reading featuring poets Doug Rice, Here Lies Memory, Jamil Jan Kochai, 99 Nights in Logar, and Tristan Beach, online, free, 7:00-9:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.facebook.com/events/321116876649986)
- Poetry Flash presents a reading by Susan Kelly-DeWitt, Gatherer's Alphabet, and Kathleen Winter, Cat's Tongue, online via Zoom, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: please click here; you will receive an email with a link to join the reading)
29 APRIL 2022 — friday
- The Doug Adams Gallery presents a reading and discussion on poetry, spirituality, and the Song of Songs, in tandem with the exhibition, Draw me after you: a visual Song of Songs, featuring poets Peter Cole, Hymns and Qualms: New and Selected Poems and Translations, and Nate Klug, Hosts and Guests; Peter Cole will also read from his forthcoming book, Draw Me After, online, free, Noon-1:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: gtu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkde-qqjwrEtPlE-dHSrUmXxfi53yAnDVR)
- Sacramento City College's El Gigante presents an evening with celebrated poet Sesshu Foster, City of the Future, World Ball Notebook, followed by an open mic reading, hosted by Danny Romero, this event supported partly by Poets and Writers, online, free, 7:00-8:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: cccconfer.zoom.us/j/9348057923)
30 APRIL 2022 — saturday
- Medicine for Nightmares presents a reading in celebration of new works from Dog Park Collective, featuring poets Gabrielle Daniels, Something Else Again: Poetry and Prose, 1975-2019, Maryam Gunja, Right to Comfort, and Hung Q. Tu, The New Boma, in person, Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore and Gallery, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco, 4:00-5:30 pm PDT (More information here: medicinefornightmares.com/events)
- Poet's Corner Bookshop celebrates Independent Bookstore Day with a day of local author readings, including Iris Jamahl Dunkle, Interrupted Geographies, Toby Neal, Blood Orchids, John Mark Schnick, Cold 'Coon and Collards, John McCarty, Neal Grace, Fresh Eyes Upon the World, and more, with musical performance by JoAnne and Felipe Ferraz, wine tastings courtesy of Sophie's Cellars, free, Poet's Corner Bookshop, 25195 B Street, Duncans Mills (More information here: poetscornerbookshop.com/pages/events)
- Book Passage presents poet Terri Glass, celebrating her latest book, Being Animal, joined by poets Susan G. Wooldridge, Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words, and Emilie Lygren, Book Passage, 51 Tama Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, free, 4:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.bookpassage.com/event/terri-glass-being-animal-corte-madera-store)
- Come join Hayward's first Lit Hop, a lit crawl across multiple venues, beginning at the Hayward Public Library where the first Hayward Teen Poet Laureate will be announced, followed by a poetry reading and a Ballet Folklorico performance, with readings on or near B Street featuring the B Street Writers, the AfroSurrealists, students from Chabot College, the Queer Writers, the Peer Writers' Group, and tributes to Julia Vinograd, with numerous venues including Books on B, Aranea's Craft Studio, the Sun Gallery, and the Odd Fellows Hall, concluding with an afterparty at the Sun Gallery, at the downtown Hayward Public Library, 888 C Street, Hayward, free, 2:00-7:00 pm PDT
- Future Now Reading Series, an open mic highlighting black and brown writers, features poets Lupita Limón Corrales, Adrian Ibarra, hector son of hector, Mimi Tempestt, the monumental misrememberings, Josiah Luis Alderete, Baby Axolotls and Old Pochos, with San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin, Heaven is All Goodbyes, hybrid event on Zoom and in person, Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore and Gallery, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco, free, 8:00-10:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: medicinefornightmares.com/events)
- Beyond Baroque presents the inaugural screening of the International Poetry Film Festival, Hollywood, with over forty poetry-based films from around the world, the films will be in the categories of Animation, Experimental, Documentary, and Narrative, and will be accompanied by poetry readings from special guests, followed by an award ceremony and reception, $8 for members, $10 general admission, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, 2:00-9:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
- Come join the Last Saturday of the Month Open Mic, held virtually in Encino-Tarzana, bring a poem to share, or come just to listen, online via Zoom, free, 2:00 pm PDT (Zoom link: us02web.zoom.us/j/85213728144?pwd=V0tCY0M0UHR3V2JmbW1pN3hKZEpRdz09; more information here: www.facebook.com/LastSaturdayOfTheMonthOpenMicInEncinoTarzana)
- The Women's National Book Association presents 2022's Pitch-O-Rama, writers can pitch their works to agents and editors for publication, online, $65 for members, $95 for nonmembers, 8:00 am-1:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: wnba-sfchapter.org/april-30th-virtual-pitch-o-rama-2022)
- The California Institute for Community, Art, and Nature presents Native American organizer and spiritual leader Fred Short, discussing his new memoir, The Story of Fred Short: American Indian Movement Spiritual Leader, in conversation with Kim Bancroft, California-based writer and editor of the book, online via Zoom, free, 11:00 am-12:30 pm PDT, anyone interested in purchasing the book can email aimsober@yahoo.com or contact Fred Short through Facebook, copies are $20 each (Zoom link here: us02web.zoom.us/j/82970879634)
- Nevada County Arts Council presents the 6th Annual Sierra Poetry Festival, a day of poetry readings and performances featuring readings and talks by Pulitzer Prize-winner Forrest Gander, Twice Alive; Danusha Laméris, Bonfire Opera, winner of the Northern California Book Award for Poetry, National Book Critics Circle-winner Amy Gerstler, Index of Women; Dana Gioia in conversation with Cynthia L. Haven, author of Czeslaw Milosz: A California Life, her biography of the Nobel Prize-winning poet; Doc Dachtler; Nevada County Poet Laureate Kirsten Casey; Shangyang Fang; Mark Tredinnick; Poetry Out Loud Student Champions and Finalists, lunch-time open reading, Poetry Place bookfair (Poetry Flash will exhibit), hybrid in-person and online, Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street, Nevada City, free, 9:00 am-5:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)
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