Recap: Poetry and Music with Rosie Peters & JG Everest at Room 203

Leave it to Rosie Peters and JG Everest to move a room!

In February, Fire in the Village welcomed poet Rosetta “Rosie” Peters and JG Everest back to Grand Rapids for a writing workshop and a livingroom poetry and music show.

Two years ago, Rosie and James worked with village artists Annie Humphrey and Shanai Matteson to present writing workshops and concerts at MacRostie Art Center / Giinawind in Grand Rapids, and at Sampaguita in Aitkin.

Inspired by this workshop, local writers have been meeting ever since - and Fire in the Village has continued to collaborate with Rosie and James on gatherings here and there.

Last September, Fire in the Village kicked off our monthly Paper in Fire Community Writing Circle at Room 203. We meet on the final Wednesday of each month to practice writing and to share a meal and our stories with one another. This group has been growing as more people hear about it!

Rosie joined us on Saturday, February 7th and again on Tuesday the 24th to guide us through some fun creative writing exercises! She reminded us all that writing can help us to heal, and that sharing our poems and stories in circles like this is a kind of ceremony.

On Wednesday the 25th, instead of gathering for our usual writing circle, we joined Rosie and James for a livingroom show and open mic. People were brave and shared things they’d written. James and Rosie performed songs from their chapbook album The Hummingbird’s Dance.

There was wonder - encouragement - tears - and recognition. It was a powerful night. Miigwech, Pidamaya, and thank you to Rosie, James, and everyone who came out to create and share this sacred space with us! We will share video soon for those who could not be there.

JOIN US on March 25th for the next Paper in Fire - Community Writing Circle.

Details are here on our calendar!