Blues & Haikus: Event Recap

Snaps for claps.

The Paper Covers Rock 2022 festival kicked off with Blues & Haikus. The event began with open mic readings, with musician Marta McKeever providing improvisational music responses to each short poem. Attendees could also step up and read from Jack Kerouac’s Book of Haikus, if they didn’t have their own poem to read.

Poet Stasia Garraway then took the stage, reading through a season of her haiku poems while Marta responded on the keys. The collaboration between the two artists created a unique and captivating experience for the audience.

Blues & Haikus was a great example of the power of collaboration in the arts. The improvisational music responses added a new dimension to the reading of the poems, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Garraway's haiku poems were beautiful and visceral, and the music added a layer of emotion and depth to her words.

The event also highlighted the importance of community in the arts. The open mic readings allowed anyone to participate, creating a sense of inclusivity and support for all attendees.

Overall, Blues & Haikus was a magical night of improvisation, collaboration, music, and words. It was a great start to the Paper Covers Rock 2022 festival, and set the tone for a week of creative exploration and community building.

Marta McKeever is a musician based in British Columbia, Canada. She is known for her improvisational style and has collaborated with artists from a wide range of disciplines. McKeever's work often blends elements of jazz, blues, and folk.

Stasia Garraway is a Canadian poet, artist and photographer. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Emily Carr University and has been a professional photographer for 12 years.