PREVIEW: A Washington Park Tradition: Poets in the Park
Beginning 7/12 @ Washington Park, Albany
For over 35 years, emotional, moving words of poetry have filled the air around the Robert Burns statue in Albany’s Washington Park. This July, the Poets in the Park tradition continues.
This year also marks 20 years since the passing of the series’ founder, Tom Nattell. The first scheduled reading will pay tribute to him on Saturday, July 12. Readings will also take place on Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, July 26. All readings are free and open to the public, but donations are accepted.
All readings will start at 7 p.m. at the Robert Burns statue, which is located near where Henry Johnson Blvd. passes through Washington Park and crosses Hudson Ave. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on.
In the event of rain, the readings will be held at the Social Justice Center, at 33 Central Ave. in Albany.
Poets in the Park 2025 Schedule:
July 12 will feature the original poems by the winners of Albany High School’s 2025 Tom Nattell Peace Poetry Prize, Matilda Gish and Rose Madden. Depending on availability, the students will either read their poems, or Albany poet and photographer Dan Wilcox, who runs the event, will read them. The first Saturday of the series will also offer an open mic opportunity for other writers and community members to read one of Tom Nattell’s poems, one of their own pieces of work or to say a few words about Tom.
On July 19, David Graham and Alyssa Michelle will perform. A self-proclaimed retired teacher and un-retired poet, Graham has published seven collections of poems. His most recent, from Terrapin Books, is titled The Honey of Earth. Michelle is a mother, poet, self-published author and content creator. She explores poetic themes of the lessons she’s learned in life, her experiences as a single mother, self-empowerment and romance.
The final date, July 26, welcomes Jessica Fermiani and JTDAPOET to wrap up the poetry series. Fermiani has recently found a solid home in poetry, with her work gaining attention. Her long poem, The American Gun, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2024. JTDAPOET, also known as Joshua Ward, is an aspiring and inspiring spoken word poet and writer who frequently reads his work at poetry open mics in Albany.
The Poets in the Park program is sponsored and funded by The Poetry Motel Foundation and the Hudson Valley Writers Guild. For more information about the event, contact Dan Wilcox at dwlcx46@gmail.com or 518-482-0262.