VIII Kerouac Festival New York

The 8th edition of the “Kerouac Festival” returns with five days of multilingual poetry, music, and art.

The eighth edition of the Kerouac Festival in New York presents a diverse convergence of poetry, music, and performance art, with participants from various parts of the world. Headlining this year’s event is musician David Amram, known for his association with Jack Kerouac, performing at the age of 93.

The festival spans five days and takes place at notable venues in New York City, such as the Bowery Club, Instituto Cervantes, and The Francis Kite Club. It showcases the talents of over 25 poets, musicians, and artists, including six poets traveling from Spain. These poets will offer recitals in Galician, Basque, Catalan, and Spanish, adding an international dimension to the event.

The festival’s program includes a range of events, from open mic nights to garden gatherings, featuring a mix of poetry readings and musical performances. Noteworthy participants include figures such as Bob Holman, Mercy Tullis-Bukhari, and Devin Brahja, among others.

A unique aspect of this year’s festival is the poetic march through Manhattan, where a group of poets will journey from Washington Square Park to Central Park, engaging audiences with impromptu readings accompanied by live music. This initiative aims to foster inclusivity and community engagement among poetry enthusiasts.

In its eighth iteration, the Kerouac Festival provides a platform for artistic exchange, celebrating the legacy of Jack Kerouac while embracing contemporary voices in poetry and performance art. With its diverse lineup and inclusive programming, the festival offers a cultural experience that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Dates and venues

• Wednesday, May 1: Bowery Poetry Club
• Thursday, May 2: Instituto Cervantes New York
• Friday, May 3: The Francis Kite Club
• Sunday, May 5: Caravan of Poets, from Washington Square Park to Central Park