Festival of Words announces 2014 lineup

            The Festival of Words, a literary festival featuring readings by nationally recognized authors, creative writing workshops in the public schools and community centers, a community stage for open mics and more will be Thursday through Saturday in Grand Coteau and surrounding areas.

            This year’s festival authors include Pulitzer Prize finalist Luis Alberto Urrea, Louisiana Poet Laureate Ava Leavell Hayman, songwriter Roddie Romero of the Grammy-nominated Roddie Romero & the Hub City All Stars, mentor, educator and poet Latasha Weatherspoon, and poet-activist, cultural journalist, playwright and actor Anderson Dovila. Students from throughout Acadiana will participate in the annual “Drive-by Poetry” readings, where poetry will be read impromptu in places such as grocery stores, boutiques and restaurants.

            To learn more about featured authors and view a schedule of events, visit festivalofwords.org or contact Patrice Melnick at (337) 254-9695 or festivalwords@gmail.com.

Festival of Words Schedule

Thursday, Nov. 6

Authors teach in the St. Landry and St. Martin Public schools.

Event: Awards Ceremony for grades 6–12

Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Location: South St. Landry Community Library, 235 Marie St., Sunset, LA 70584

Plus: Open Mic & Special Performance by LaTasha Weatherspoon, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7

Authors teach in the St. Landry and St. Martin Public schools.

Authors: Roddie Romero & Anderson Dovilas

Event: Poetry and Musical performance and Q & A

Time: 7-9:30 p.m.    

Location: St. Charles Chapel, 252-A Church St., Grand Coteau, LA 70541

Saturday, Nov. 8

Presenters:  Bruce Coen, James Blanchard and friends

Event: “Drive-by Poetry”

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Martin Luther King Drive in Grand Coteau in cafes and gift shops, and on the streets.

Author: Ava Leavell Haymon

Event: Poetry Workshop

Time: 1-2:50 p.m.

Location:  St. Charles Chapel, 252-A, Church St., Grand Coteau, LA 70541

Author:  Anderson Dovilas

Event: Poetry Writing Workshop (French/English)

Time: 1-2:50 p.m.

Location:  St. Charles Chapel, 252-A, Church St., Grand Coteau, LA 70541

Author:  Luis Alberto Urrea

Event: Fiction Writing Workshop

Time: 3-5 p.m.

Location:  St. Charles Chapel, 252-A, Church St., Grand Coteau, LA 70541

Event: Community Stage showcasing literary and spoken word groups of Acadiana

Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: The Thensted Center, 268 Church St., Grand Coteau, LA 70541

Authors: Luis Alberto Urrea and Ava Leavell Haymon

Event: Public Reading and Q & A

Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location:  St. Charles Chapel, 252-A Church St., Grand Coteau, LA 70541

Cheré Coen is the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.