Poetry and history events often are free in our community, but three weekend events stand out.
Tonight, the Puget Sound Poetry Connection’s monthly Distinguished Writer Series reading event features Houston poet John Milkeriet, whose poetry marries stark metaphor with conversational tone to build powerful pictures of human nature that have been published in two chapbooks (Pudding House Press). There’s also an open mic after the reading from 7-9 p.m. at Kings Bookstore, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma. Free. Call 253-471-8804 or go to pugetsoundpoetry connection.org.
Every year, high school students around the state compete in Poetry Out Loud, exploring poetry’s depths and learning rhetorical techniques for public speaking. This year, the finals are in Tacoma, making it a great night to hear poetry for free. Hear well-spoken poetry at 1 p.m. Saturday at Theatre On The Square, 915 Broadway, Tacoma. Free. Call 253-591-5890 or go to broadwaycenter.org, poetryoutloud.org. Winners will go on to the Nationals in Washington, D.C., in April.
The University of Puget Sound is celebrating 125 years next week. On Monday, you can hear about all of them in “A Brief History of the University of Puget Sound,” presented by alumni George Mills and John Finney at 4 p.m. Monday at the University of Puget Sound Trimble Forum, North 13th and Lawrence streets, Tacoma. It’s free. Call 253-879-3100 or go to pugetsound.edu/news-and-events.
Rosemary Ponnekanti: 253-597-8568 rosemary.ponnekanti@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/arts
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