National Poetry Month April 2010 Various locations and times Free

Word wizardry

There’s still time to celebrate National Poetry Month in central Illinois. Norb Andy’s hosts Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic April 21 from 6-8 p.m. Listen to local poets read their original work or join in by phoning 725-9058 to reserve a time slot. Also on April 21, UIS hosts Literature, Prairie Visions, Prairie Voices from 12-1:30 p.m. Dr. Barbara Burkhardt will discuss William Maxwell and Dr. Dennis Camp, UIS faculty emeritus of English and Vachel Lindsay scholar, will talk about why Lindsay is an important literary figure. Preregistration is requested. Call 206-7395. On April 22, poet Janice N. Harrington reads at the Brinkerhoff Home during Quiddity 3.1’s Release Gala. And, the Decatur Area Arts Council hosts A Night of Poetry on April 26 from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Anne Lloyd Gallery of Madden Arts Center. After a reading by local poets, an open mic follows.