Literary Event Celebrates Southern Poetry in Aiken

News Summary

On April 1, 2025, Aiken will host a unique gathering featuring poets from the anthology ‘Southern Voices: 50 Contemporary Poets’. The event at the Etherredge Center will showcase five talented poets, including notable figures representing various regions of South Carolina. Attendees can expect an evening filled with poetry readings and the opportunity to purchase books from the poets. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, making it essential for poetry lovers to arrive early.

Exciting Literary Event Coming to Aiken

Mark your calendars, Aiken! On April 1, 2025, the city will be showcasing an extraordinary event that celebrates the art of poetry. The Oswald Distinguished Writers Series is hosting a unique gathering that promises to bring together some of the finest poetic talents from South Carolina. The enchanting atmosphere of the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken will set the stage for an intimate evening filled with verse and insight.

Meet the Poets

Five remarkable poets will take the spotlight, each bringing their own unique voice and perspective. These talented individuals have been featured in an incredible anthology called “Southern Voices: 50 Contemporary Poets,” published by the Lamar University Literary Press. This anthology is truly a treasure as it showcases poets from all 15 states in the Greater South, illustrating the rich and diverse literary scene of the region.

Each poet featured in the anthology has contributed around six poems that explore a range of topics including geography, flora and fauna, as well as the quirky cultural aspects and distinctive cuisines that define the Southern experience. Whether you’re a long-time poetry lover or just curious, there’s bound to be something that resonates with you!

Representing Various Regions

Let’s give a shout-out to the amazing poets who will be captivating the audience for approximately one hour. Representing the Upstate, we have John Lane, a distinguished poet and novelist, in addition to being a professor emeritus at Wofford College. Lane has a collection of works published by the University of Georgia Press and became a member of the South Carolina Academy of Authors in 2014. His eloquent words sure promise to inspire!

From the scenic shores of the Lowcountry comes Marcus Amaker, who made history as Charleston’s first poet laureate. Apart from his beautiful poetry, Amaker is also an accomplished graphic designer and musician, showcasing his multifaceted talents. He’s sure to bring a special flair to this gathering.

We also have three remarkable poets coming from the Midlands region. Jo Angela Edwins serves as the poet laureate of the Pee Dee Region and is a professor at Francis Marion University. Her recent book, “A Dangerous Heaven,” has received much acclaim. Joining her are Amanda Rachelle Warren and Roy Seeger, both esteemed educators in the BFA program at USC Aiken. Warren’s latest work, “Rituals for to Call Down Light,” and Seeger’s notable book, “The Boy Whose Hands Were Birds,”, are sure to leave the audience in awe.

Join the Experience

The evening will kick off at 7:30 p.m., and each poet will take turns reading for about 10 minutes. It’s a golden opportunity to soak up their words and share in the spirit of creativity. To make this experience even more special, copies of “Southern Voices” and individual books by these talented poets will be available for purchase after the event. If you’ve got your own copy of “Southern Voices,” don’t forget to bring it along for autographs! There’s nothing quite like getting a personal touch from the poets themselves.

First Come, First Served

Just a friendly heads-up—seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early might just guarantee you a good spot! If you want to learn more about the event, feel free to reach out to Dr. Andrew Geyer from the Department of English at USC Aiken. Get ready for an unforgettable night of poetry and connection that celebrates the heart and soul of Southern literature!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Eric Lawson’s Poems
• The Atlantic: Conrad Aiken, The Poet
• Los Angeles Times: Conrad Aiken
• Wikipedia: Poetry
• Google Search: Southern Poets