April is poetry month, and below are a variety of offerings including readings, workshops, and more! Many of these events were included in my previous update; however, I just added two major events: The San Jose Poetry Festival (April 12) and The San Jose Museum of Art Poetry Invitational (April 16). Details below. Hope to see you at an event soon!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Content Magazine
I am now working with Content Magazine to curate a literary arts section, which has become part of every issue! So far the magazine has run stories on Mark Heinlein and myself. The current issue features author Cathleen Miller. Learn more, and pick up your own issue at http://content-magazine.com/home/
Calendar now in “Laureate Schedule”
The “Laureate Schedule” of my blog now contains a google calendar. This should make it easier to see at a glance my upcoming events. Just click on an event in the calendar for more information. Check it out here!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Willow Glen Reading
When: Thu, March 19, 7pm – 9pm (Not an April event, but hey…)
Where: Willow Glen Branch Library, Community Room, 1157 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125
I will be the featured reader at the Willow Glenn Poetry Project, a very well attended reading by some of the south bay’s most dedicated poets. My reading will last about 40 minutes. There will also be an open mic. Make sure to arrive early if you want to sign up. It fills up fast! For more information on the Willow Glenn Poetry Project visit http://willowglenpoetry.com/events/the-venue/
Milpitas Poetry Slam
When: Wed, April 1, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Where: Milpitas Library, 160 North Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035, United States
I’ll be hosting the Milpitas poetry slam on this date. The Milpitas library hosts one of the most active communities in terms of youth poetry in Santa Clara County. The slam reflects this. There are always a lot of youth voices, but older generations usually join in as well. It’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere. One of my favorite recurring events.
Center for Literary Arts Reading
When: Tue, April 7, 7pm – 8pm
Where: MLK Library (Room 225/229), 150 E San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95112
I’ll be doing a solo reading at the CLA on this date. Working on some new poems to debut! Book signing to follow the event. In conjunction with this event, I will also offer a reading for the student body at Mt. Pleasant High School at 3pm on April 14. For more information, visit http://www.litart.org/david-perez/
Cupertino Teen Workshop
When: Thu, April 9, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States
I’m joining Cupertino poet laureate, Jennifer Swanton Brown, to co-teach a teen poetry workshop. The workshop is free of charge. If you know a young person who is interested in writing poetry, please encourage him or her to attend! Attendees must pre-register by contacting Teen Services Librarian, Matt Lorenzo at 408-446-1677 x3344 or sending an email via my contact page.
San Jose Poetry Festival
When: Sun, April 12, 9am – 5pm
Where: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. 5th St. San Jose, CA
Come for one or two events or stay for the whole day! There’ll be readings, book signings, free takeaways to commemorate the event, and plenty of inspiration to try your hand at writing a poem. If you have something to share, you can do so at the open mic. Check out the full schedule of events: https://sjpoetryfest.wordpress.com/schedule/ or view pricing details: https://sjpoetryfest.wordpress.com/register/. Alas, I will not be reading at this event (just couldn’t squeeze it in), but special thanks to David Eisbach for putting it all together!
6th Annual San Jose Museum of Art Poetry Invitational
When: Thurs, April 16, 7-8pm
Where: San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St, San Jose, CA 95110
$5 Admission (free for museum members)
Poetry and visual art come together at the Annual SJMA Poetry Invitational. Poets write pieces inspired by work in the museum’s permanent collection then read their poetry side-by-side with the art. Join us for what has become a proud San Jose tradition.
Visit the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/846127258794279/
Learn more at SJMA’s event page: http://sjmusart.org/event/third-thursday-6th-annual-poetry-invitational
Poetry Booth at Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Sat, April 25, 12pm – 5pm
Where: Cupertino Memorial Park, 10185 North Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States
I’ll be joining Cupertino Poet Laureate, Jennifer Swanton Brown, again to offer custom poetry written off the cuff on my vintage Royal typewriter. The booth is part of the Cherry Blossom festival, a celebration of Japanese culture, with traditional exhibitions, entertainment and food. For more info, visit http://www.cupertinotoyokawa.org/cherry-blossom-festival.html
Milpitas Poetry Workshop (All Ages)
When: Wed, April 29, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Milpitas Library, 160 North Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035, United States
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of work with youth, but this workshop is open to all ages! It is also free of charge. If you like, please bring a poem you’ve written, and I will make time to have the group offer feedback. If you have any questions send an email via my contact page.
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Blog 
Excellent work, David!
Thanks a bunch for the stuff off the press. Looking forward to your reading at Willow Glen, this Thursday. Best, Pushpa
The poetry reading tonight was really great. David set the tone for the rest of the night for the open mike night.
Thanks so much, Larry!