Bits & Bytes: WordXWord January 2020

Pittsfield — WordXWord steps into the new year with three events: a Story Slam at Dottie’s on January 17; A Letter From Pittsfield celebrating Dr Martin Luther King on January  20; and Counting America / Poets Creating Conversation at the Berkshire Museum on January 27. All three events are free to attend. Some content may be best suited for mature audiences.

Curtis Elfenbein reciting at a recent Poets Creating Conversation event. photo: courtesy WordXWord

“Road Trip” is the theme for a story slam, January 17, 7 p.m., at Dottie’s, 444 North St., Pittsfield. A story slam is a storytelling competition scored by volunteers from the audience. Story slams are lively events with widely ranging responses to the theme. Dottie’s will have an assortment of desserts and beverages available for purchase. Seating is limited: first come, first served.

For “A Letter From Pittsfield / WXW” celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr, WordXWord invites poets to add their voices in reflection on the life and legacy of, as well as the causes championed by, Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. “A Letter From Pittsfield” takes place January 20, 7 p.m. at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield.

Donna Motta reciting at a recent Poets Creating Conversation event. photo: courtesy WordXWord

Poets Creating Conversation kicks off its third year with Counting America, January 27, 7 p.m. at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield. More than a math exercise, the 2020 Census will have an impact on everything in America, but who’s counting and who gets counted? WXW has invited poets to leave no stone unturned. Poets Creating Conversation challenges poets to provoke and bear witness, challenging them to circle loosely around a theme or issue in the current discourse in order to create a broad, multi-dimensional “conversation” between poems, poets, and audience.

WordXWord events are always free and open to all; however, parents and guardians are advised that some content may be challenging for younger children. The schedule is subject to  change. For more information visit WordXWordFestival.com.
WordXWord is made possible by lead sponsor Greylock Federal Credit Union, with additional support from Housatonic Heritage.

WordXWord encourages poets to accept a greater role in the cultural landscape, to provoke and bear witness, to use their craft to advocate for social justice, to act as agents of change, and to add their voices in celebration of the full potential of the human spirit. We use the arts — spoken word, poetry and storytelling — to build community, promote creativity, and provide a safe space for celebration of identity and exploration of the challenges of our time.