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John S. O'Connor is a public school teacher and a writer from Chicago. He will read from his newest poetry collection, Streets & San: Poems (Finishing Line Press, 2025). Previous books include two books on the teaching of writing (Wordplaygrounds; and This Time It's Personal), a chapbook of poem called Rooting, and three books of haiku, most recently Natural Consequences, a winner of the annual Brooks Books chapbook contest. His poems have appeared in Bennington Review, The Cortland Review, Poetry East, and Rhino.Melissa Huff's debut poetry collection is To Speak to Each Day in Its Own Language (Kelsay Books, 2025). An advocate of the power of poetry presented out loud, Melissa twice won awards in the Blackberry Peach Prizes for Poetry: Spoken and Heard, sponsored by the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. He work has appeared in many journals, including Blue Heron Review, The Orchards Poetry Journal, RockPaperPoem, Gyroscope Review, Persimmon Tree and Amethyst Review. Having grown up in New Jersey and California, she now splits her time between Illinois and Colorado.
Open-mic follows features. Come a few minutes early to sign up for the line-up. Poets may bring up to three short poems to share; however, Highland Park Poetry reserves the right to limit that number so that all participants have a chance to read.
The event takes place at the Wayfarer Theater Office, 1850 Second Street. There is free parking for up to three hours in the Renaissance Place Underground Garage (use the 1849 Green Bay Road entrance). Elevator takes you inside the theater lobby; venue is outside and to your immediate right. Or use the southeast stairwell and turn left.
There is no cover; however, we hope that you will support the authors and buy a book and support local Highland Park businesses that support us and poetry.
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Event Venue
Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 Second Street,Highland Park, Illinois, United States
Tickets
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