Roots & Branches is our local homage to National Poetry Month (April), which extends from April 9 through the end of the month.

Last year's Roots & Branches event was a multi-event celebration. It's "Broad(er)- sides" exhibit provided a varied selection of work by poet-artists of all experience and ages and from all areas of the county. Even the concept of the "Broad(er)side" was original, defined as "whatever form the poet feels best communicates his/her work."

Roots & Branches also featured free workshops hosted by county poet/teachers; large posters containing youth poetry posted in many of the windows of our local businesses, a free "open mic" reading (open to all poet-readers), and an evening reading featuring poetry by the poet/ teachers who had donated their time and guest featured poet Mr. Gary Young. 2004's Roots & Branches only failing was that it did not deliver enough to our local youth.

But it must have done something right.

This year, members of the original Roots & Branches team took it onto themselves to find, secure, and provide the community with a nationally known featured poet - Philip Levine. Also, local teenager Leo Barton stepped up to the plate to present "Another Side of Verse."

Roots & Branches 2005 concentrates on continuing the Broad(er)side concept by hosting another Broad(er)sides exhibit in Gualala Arts Center Elaine Jacob Foyer (and extending as far and wide as the number of entries demand). The exhibit will consist of presented poetry (framed or freewheeling) and poetry books and chapbooks - presented for your inspection, appreciation, and purchase.

The opening of the Broad(er)sides exhibit will take place Friday, April 9, 5-7 p.m. (The opening will be followed by the Philip Levine Reading). This fortunate juxtaposition of events provides an opportunity for attendees to take in both events.

Youth poetry will again grace the windows of local interested businesses.

Poetry tasted is enticing. Poetry chewed can be challenging. Poetry digested can be life-changing. The Broad(er)sides exhibit will remain in view for the remainder of the month of April and will be available to all who come to dine on the varied venue of what the Gualala Arts Center chooses to call "Jazz & Poetry Month."

Gualala Arts Center is located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, and is open from 9 am to 4 pm weekdays, and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information.