TRURO - A local poet wants to showcase other local artists in the area and is doing so this weekend with RiverWords: A poetry and music festival.
Chad Norman, who published Hugging the Huge Father through his Grant Block Press last year, is organizing the event to take place at the Riverfront Park along the Salmon River.
"I'm trying to show that these types of things, these events, can be put on without any government money," said Norman from the gazebo at the park.
"This way, we're inviting local talent. I want to showcase the musicians and writers around the area."
From 2 to 4 p.m. on July 14, RiverWords will feature a number of musicians and writers, including poets Penny Ferguson, Paul Zann and Norman, children's writer Chelsey VanRossum, and musicians Sabrina and HerJazz Pals, Ben Edwards from Black Rock Road, and Joyce Saunders.
"I think this type of event is very important to the Town of Truro," said Norman. "It's amazing the amount of local talent we have in our community."
Norman said Sabrina and HerJazz Pals are students in grades six and seven at Truro Junior High School, and children's author VanRossum is geared for younger kids.
"We have them on the schedule first. It's an opportunity for families and single parents to bring out their children for an afternoon and give them some experience of the arts," said Norman.
Reading from one of his well-known publications, Zann will be geared toward older children and early teens, and those adults with vivid imaginations, said Norman.
Ben Edwards is also making a name for himself locally through his music with Black Rock Road, but will be performing a solo set.
Ferguson, who dabbles in some writing and singing, will stick to some poetry for the event, but Norman said she may include a short story.
Saunders will perform some folk songs, while Norman will finish the event with readings from his publication.
"I'll be reading a poem that I've never read in public before called The Fixture, for my dad," he said.
While there is the amphitheatre seating at the park, Norman suggests people bring their own chairs and snacks if they'd like.
Admission is free.
rtetanish@trurodaily.com
IF YOU GO:
What: RiverWords: A poetry and music festival
When: July 14, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Riverfront Park, Truro (next to bridge to Bible Hill)
Who: Featuring a variety of artists including poets Penny Ferguson, Paul Zann, Chad Norman, children's writer Chelsey VanRossum, musicians Sabrina and HerJazz Pals, Ben Edwards (from Black Rock Road) and Joyce Saunders
Admission: free
