10th Annual Tennessee Poets Day 2026
Join Tennessee Poets From the Neighborhood in celebrating National Poetry Month. Poets and poetry lovers of all ages are invited to enjoy a full day of readings, guest speakers, and community connection. Bring your lunch and spend the day with us. Be sure to sign up at the door for open mic participation and door prizes.
Schedule
10:00 a.m. – Welcoming
Dr. Veera S. Rajaratnam, Founder of Tennessee Poets From the Neighborhood and event organizer, and Jeffie Nicholson, WCPL Adult Services Manager
10:10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony and PFTN Awards Presentation
Hon. Rogers Anderson, Williamson County Mayor
11:00–11:30 a.m. – Open Mic Poetry
Emcee: Catherine Moore
(Sign up at the door to participate)
11:30 a.m. – Keynote Speaker
Kory Wells, Murfreesboro’s Inaugural Poet Laureate
12:30 p.m. – Authors’ Book Signings & Readings
Emcee: David M. Harris
Featuring Bruce Jennings, Nina Adel, Catherine Moore, Henry L. Jones, Veera R., and others
1:00–1:30 p.m. – Open Mic Poetry
Emcee: Catherine Moore
(Sign up at the door to participate)
1:30 p.m. – Publishing Tools and Logistics
Paige Hurley (WCPL) and Leigh Pierce (IngramSpark)
2:15 p.m. – Songs of a Soldier
Col. W. Stan Tyson, poet and Vietnam veteran
3:00 p.m. – Poetry and Painting Readings / TN Poets National Poetry Month Art Exhibition
Emcee: Henry L. Jones
Featuring Amy Hoskins, Joseph P. Sanfilippo, JoyPoet VeerajaR, and others
Sponsored by: Tennessee Poets From the Neighborhood