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.
Files
Fred Kasten, Everette Maddox, and Maxine Cassin at the Maple Leaf Bar.
Source: Photo courtesy of Fred Kasten.
Flyer for Tom Dent and Andrei Codrescu reading at the Maple Leaf Bar.
Source: Courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection.
Flyer for Annual Mardi Gras Open Mic Reading at the Maple Leaf Bar.
Source: Courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection
Flyer for Nancy Harris as Featured Reader at Maple Leaf Bar Reading Series.
After Everette Maddox's death, Nancy Harris took over the running of the Maple Leaf Bar Reading Series. | Source: Courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection.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.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.Map
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