Last year I attended the FisherPoets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon. What, fishermen and women reciting poetry? Yup, that's what it's all about, and this year's edition is Feb. 25-27, 2011. It's a very fun event in a hip, historical community.
More than 80 fishing and maritime industry people will gather this year to share their original poems, stories and songs -- some were first written in journals below deck or recited over the radio during long hours at the helm. The men and women hail from home ports in several states and British Columbia.
The fisher poets are young and old, fresh and seasoned, but what they have in common are stories about their lives on the sea. Their poetry range from emotional poems and vivid personal stories to rowdy rhymes, boisterous shanties and humorous readings. But they're all inspred by their life in the fishing industry.
A number of venues in Astoria play host to the FisherPoets Gathering. In addition to the evening readings, there are workshops, fishing industry discussion panels, documentary film and video showings and a photography and art exhibit. There's also late night entertainment at the VooDoo Lounge. This year's line-up includes a Friday night concert by Alaska artist Ray Troll and the Ratfish Wranglers and the All Musicians Pick-Up Band on Saturday night. East Coast songwriter and performer Gordon Bok is part of a songwriter's workshop panel on Saturday morning, and is in concert on Monday, Feb. 28 at the Astoria Arts & Movement Center.
Admission
- Weekend Button $15
- Patron Highliner Pin $30
- Single-Event Card $5
- Ages 16 and under free when accompanied by an adult at a "minors allowed" venue
Click on the Astoria & Warrenton website for more information about accommodations and the area. And for my up close tour of Astoria during the FisherPoets Gathering last year, read my previous Examiner article.
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