Burning Word: the Festival of Poetic Fire

Icicle Creek Music Center hosts Burning Word, a groundbreaking poetry event that inspired, entertained, and provoked literary arts lovers for years in its previous life on Whidbey Island. Burning Word at Icicle Creek Music Center is co-sponsored by the Washington Poets Association and A Book for All Seasons Bookstore.

Burning Word offers a weekend of readings, workshops, recital rounds, open mic opportunities, a small press fair, a master class featuring internationally-renowned poet Sam Hamill, and the launch of Cascade Journal. The Icicle Creek Music Center campus offers poetry and nature lovers a chance for a transformative experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sleeping Lady Mountain, on the shores of pristine Icicle Creek, the campus' venues will be used to showcase, inspire, and complement the work of many of the finest poets in the Pacific Northwest.

Events include a master class led by Sam Hamill and Paul Nelson, entitled The Way of Poetry, and a number of venues in which all poets have the opportunity to share their work, in settings from on-stage open mics to intimate small group "recital rounds." Browse exhibitor displays and the on-site bookstore. The Mainstage on Saturday, May 21, features shows by published poets from all corners of the State. Closing the evening is the presentation of the Burning Word Award and a special performance by renowned poet Sam Hamill.

Sunday's events include The Way of Poetry and the launch of Cascade Journal. Festivities conclude with an "After-word" at d'Vinery wine tasting room, featuring readings by poets Angel Latterell and Michael Schein, with free tastings and "poet's discounts" for Burning Word guests.

Tickets are available at A Book for All Seasons and Brown Paper Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com (800) 838-3006. A full schedule can be found at www.icicle.org