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2024 Poetry Palooza

Inspired by an educational and entertainment event of nearly 20 years ago, this creative experience – Poetry Palooza! – has been a long time in the making. Now, the time is right.

Poetry Palooza worked in partnership with Humanities Iowa, Polk County Board of Supervisors, and the Iowa Poetry Association to make Poetry Palooza! a dynamic, interactive, and integrated performing arts experience.

This festival celebrated Featured Poets, cultivated students and emerging talent, and demonstrated the positive power of poetry.

2024 Featured Poets

Debra Marquart

Iowa Poet Laureate (2019-2024)

Camille T. Dungy

Colorado State University Distinguished Professor

Traci Brimhall

Kansas Poet Laureate

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Jennifer L. Knox

Nationally Recognized Iowa Poet

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Paul Brooke

Professor of English at Grand View University

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Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey

Nationally Recognized Iowa Poet

2024 Schedule of Events

Friday, April 19, 2024

Various Times | Featured Poets Visiting Classrooms Around the State
Learn About The Youth Workshops

5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception
Featuring: Debra Marquart receiving the James A. Autry Award and Lucille Morgan Wilson receiving the Iowa Honorary Poet Laureate Award

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | IPA Poetry Slam Finals
Featuring: Top Iowa poets competing for state championship

Saturday, April 20, 2024
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Poetry Workshops
Led by Traci Brimhall, Jennifer L. Knox, and Paul Brooke

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Feature Poet Panel
Featuring: Camille Dungy, Traci Brimhall, Jennifer L. Knox, Deb Marquart, and Paul Brooke
Moderated by Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey

1:15 - 3:00 p.m. | Poetry Workshops
Led by Camille Dungy, Debra Marquart, and Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | "The Cities of the Plains" Book Launch & Reading
Hosted by Paul Brooke

3:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Open Mic
Emceed by Kelsey Bigelow

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Featured Poets Performance
Featuring: Camille Dungy, Traci Brimhall, Jennifer L. Knox, Debra Marquart, and Paul Brooke
Emceed by Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey

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