Stories, Poems & Songs: a Literary Lounge by the LA River

Join us for a poetry salon by the LA River! 

Mike Sonksen, AKA "Mike the Poet" curates an evening with some of L.A's best poets reading their own work and poems by the late FoLAR founder and poet Lewis MacAdams. We will also celebrate the reissue of Mike's book "Letters to My City." This second edition pressing includes a new cover, two new essays and a teaching  guide. One of the new essays highlights his 25 year relationship with his mentor, professor & City of Quartz author Mike Davis.

About Mike Sonksen: Mike the Poet is a third-generation Southern Californian and long-time friend and student of the late poet and activist Lewis MacAdams. A poet, professor, journalist, historian and tour-guide, Mike has written for KCET, Alta, Wax Poetics, PBS, LA Taco, LA Review of Books, LAist, Boom and the Academy of American Poets.  His poetry has been featured on Public Radio Stations KCRW, KPCC & KPFK & Spectrum News. Sonksen is the Coordinator of the First Year Experience Program at Woodbury University. Follow him @mikethepoetLA

Spoken Word Performers: Lee Boek, Brian Dunlap, Nicole Favors, Dez Hope, ER Sanchez, A.K. Toney, Peter Woods

Music By: Miwa Lyric Dante Mitchell & Balam Garcia DJ Peter Wood from Soul Together Radio

LA River Photography Exhibit by Lane Barden - Elysian Valley Arts Collective Member

Art Exhibit by 

Ema Berndt - Elysian Valley Arts Collective Member 

Come see our new headquarters at the Blake Lofts, meet our executive director and some of our board members while enjoying our S'mores station and an evening of inspiring poetry, music and conversation. 

Event Location: The Blake Lofts -  1901 Blake Ave Los Angeles 90039 - In the Community Room. 

Enter the venue by using the LA River Bike and Pedestrian Path. Park near Newell Street, Knox Ave or Coolidge Ave to the North and enter the bikepath and head South. From the Southern end, park near Dallas Street, enter the bikepath and head North. Look for event signs along the path. Rideshare, bicycles and public transportation are highly encourage as parking is tight. Please respect the neighborhood when parking and arriving at our venue. 

RSVP: evartscollective@gmail.com

Support this event, our free art classes and workshops by making a donation HERE.