FIRST COAST POETRY SHOWCASE
March 29, 2025
On March 29th from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Southeast Regional Library in Jacksonville, the First Coast Poetry Showcase will host readings by members of the North Florida Poetry Hub, A Gathering of Poets, and Women Writing For (a) Change in an early celebration of National Poetry Month. Also participating will be members of the staff of Élan Magazine, a student international literary magazine from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.
The showcase will include a presentation of awards to the winners of the fourth annual First Coast Young Voices High and Middle School Poetry Contests, judged from entries by students of Northeast County High Schools. The award-winning students will read their poems.
Well-known children’s book author, poet, and event participant, Shutta Crum, comments, “Poetry is alive, and well, in the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra area. Each year I am blown away by the quality of the poetry readings at the Showcase. In addition, having the joyful opportunity to hear the winners of the First Coast Young Voices High School Poetry Contest lets us applaud their work and encourage them in their creative journeys.”
Author book signings to follow the awards presentations and readings. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Please come join us in this early celebration of National Poetry Month!
Featured Readers from North Florida Poetry Hub
Kelsy Melton
Kelsy Melton, novel poet who finds inspiration through spending time in nature. She began her poetry journey in Los Angeles when she began to attend a Poetry workshop hosted at the Los Angeles Public Library. Since then, she has continued to build her poetry community and collection. Her interest in tapping into her own human condition motivates her to explore herself through the medium of writing.
Kelsy currently shares her writing on her Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/processofpoetry/
Nancy Murrey-Settle
Nancy Murrey-Settle is a retired librarian and educator who lives in Jacksonville, Florida along the St Johns River. She has written for radio as a journalist at WMNF 88.5 in Tampa, FL and at WBEZ 91.5 in Chicago. Her poetry has appeared on WJCT Square and (a) River Rising Anthology published by Women Writing for (a) Change, Jacksonville.
Rakesh Maurya
Rakesh Maurya is a poet whose work weaves the delicate threads of human experience, self-reflection, and existential wonder. His poetry explores themes of love, resilience, identity, and interconnectedness, often drawing from vivid personal memories and universal truths. Dr. Maurya's verses invite readers to journey inward, embrace vulnerability, and discover beauty in the mundane. A professor in the school counseling program at the University of North Florida, he balances his academic pursuits with a profound dedication to the art of storytelling through poetry. His work is a heartfelt offering, resonating with readers seeking depth and authenticity.
Alternate Reader:
Kenneth Boyd
Ken Boyd is a native Jacksonville boy and writes under the pen names of K. Lucius Boyd and Bardo Poetry. He published his debut book of poetry, Grasshopper Dreams, on October 16, 2023. Grasshopper Dreams is a stirring series of poems that reflect upon all different stages of life. Grasshopper Dreams is at bookstores everywhere, or online at Amazon, the Apple iTunes store, Google Play, and Barnes and Noble. More information can be found at www.bardopoetry.com Or Mr. Boyd can be contacted at bardo.poetry@gmail.com.
Alternate Reader:
Laura Dill
Laura is an award-winning visual artist and writer living in Jacksonville, Florida. Laura’s work frequently pairs photography and paintings with poetry and essays focusing on resilience, environmental issues, and social justice. She has been published in numerous anthologies and exhibits in solo and juried shows in galleries throughout NE Florida’s First Coast and St. Augustine.
Website: www.LauraDillArt.com
Instagram: @Perspectvz
Alternate Reader:
Chris Kastle
Chris Kastle is an award-winning storyteller, poet, musician and acclaimed songsmith, author, and educator with a number of recordings and publications to her credit. She is a recipient of the Annette J. Bruce Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Storytelling Association and received an honorable mention in the 2023 St Johns County Haiku Contest.
FIRST COAST POETRY SHOWCASE 2022-2024
Photos from the first First Coast Poetry Showcase 2022
Our Sponsor
North Florida Poetry Hub is a chapter of the Florida State Poets Association and was created by the local nonprofit Hope at Hand, Inc. to support and help the arts flourish for poets, writers and lovers of all things poetic and artistic in the North Florida region.
POETRY. WELLNESS. HOPE ~ Hope At Hand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides art and poetry sessions to vulnerable and at-risk youth populations. Using creativity, language, art and therapeutic approaches, we facilitate healing and personal growth for children and adolescents.
North Florida Poetry Hub is Funded in Part by Generous Donations From
