Maple Leaf Reading Series
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The Maple Leaf reading series is the longest-running poetry reading series in New Orleans as well as the South. In 1979, famed local poet Everette Maddox began the series with sculptor Franz Heldner and poet Nancy Harris. Maddox had moved to New Orleans from Alabama earlier in the decade to teach at Xavier University. Almost immediately after arriving, Maddox became a prominent figure in the local poetry scene. Until his death in 1989, Maddox served as host for the Maple Leaf readings.
The weekly reading series continues today. On Sundays at 3 pm in the courtyard, poets of all experience levels are welcome to participate in open microphone readings.
Media
Video
Interview with Ken Fontenot, a friend of Everette Maddox.
Source: Video courtesy of Michael Mizell-Nelson.Interview with poet Thaddeus Conti.
Source: Video courtesy of Michael Mizell-Nelson.Images
Audio
Maple Leaf Reading Series, David Kunian, producer.
David Kunian interviews Fred Heldner about the start of the Maple Leaf reading series. ~ Source: Audio courtesy of David Kunian and WWOZ.