“Poetry is meant to be heard. It needs the human voice to really live.” – Maya Angelou
At Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), we believe poetry is not only an art to be read but one to be heard. When spoken aloud, poetry transcends the written word, bringing to life rhythms, emotions, and stories that resonate deep within us. And here in Ely, MN, where nature’s beauty inspires every aspect of life, poetry has found its voice.
Join us for Call of the Wild Poetry Night, where the essence of Ely merges with the timeless art of poetry. Hosted at the Ely Folk School, this monthly event brings together poets, nature lovers, and community members to explore the rich connection between the spoken word and the wild landscapes of Northern Minnesota.
The Story Behind Call of the Wild Poetry Night
Imagine this: a cozy evening at the Ely Folk School, surrounded by the warmth of a fire and fellow poetry lovers. Outside, the forest whispers and the wind echoes through the pines. Inside, poets take turns sharing their words, the cadence of each poem reflecting the beauty of the land. From October through April, on the first Thursday of each month, this is the scene at Call of the Wild Poetry Night—an event where creativity thrives and voices come alive.
Each gathering focuses on a seasonal theme, inviting poets to connect with the natural world in new and thoughtful ways:
October: “Echoes of Autumn”
November: “Roots and Remembrance”
December: “Winter’s Whispers”
January: “Between Ice and Ember”
February: “Wild Heart, Silent Song”
March: “The Thawing Truth”
April: “Awakening the Wild Within”
These themes serve as inspiration, reflecting the changing landscapes around us and giving voice to the poetry that lives in nature itself. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a newcomer to the craft, you’re invited to explore your creativity in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Poetry Meets Podcast: Call of the Wild Goes Digital
If you’ve ever wished you could bring the serenity and creativity of the Northwoods into your daily life, we have wonderful news—the Call of the Wild Podcast is now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This podcast offers listeners a moment of respite, transporting them to the wilderness of Northern Minnesota to hear the words of poets, writers, and dreamers.
Each episode features readings that capture the essence of Ely’s Call of the Wild Poetry Night, letting you experience the magic of spoken word no matter where you are. Let this podcast serve as your escape, a quiet moment in a busy world where nature and poetry intertwine to inspire and soothe.
Why Listening to Poetry Matters
Maya Angelou once said, “Poetry is meant to be heard.” And we believe there’s something truly transformative about hearing poetry aloud. When a poet reads their work, the human voice adds layers of meaning, emotion, and nuance that can’t always be captured on paper. The rhythm of the words, the rise and fall of tone, and the pause between lines all contribute to a rich, immersive experience.
At Call of the Wild Poetry Night, we celebrate this oral tradition, which stretches back centuries. Listening to poetry read aloud is more than a performance—it’s a shared experience, a chance for the audience to connect not only with the poet’s words but with their own thoughts and feelings.
For those who attend, the act of listening is often as powerful as the act of writing. It reminds us that poetry, in its essence, is a communal art form. Through voice, we connect across time, place, and perspective, finding common ground in the beauty of language.
The Impact of Call of the Wild on Our Community
Ely’s long winters and quiet landscapes provide a unique backdrop for creativity. In this setting, poetry becomes more than an artistic outlet—it’s a means of introspection, conversation, and connection. Call of the Wild has become a gathering place where people from all walks of life come together to share, reflect, and engage in dialogue through poetry.
For the North Country, where isolation can sometimes feel overwhelming, poetry offers a warm, inviting space. Whether through the monthly gatherings or the new podcast, Call of the Wild creates opportunities for people to come together, listen to each other, and be inspired.
By building a bridge between nature and art, NLAA provides a space for voices—young and old, experienced and novice—to be heard and celebrated. And with the launch of the Call of the Wild Podcast, that space is expanding to reach even more people across the globe.
How You Can Support the Arts in Ely, MN
At Northern Lakes Arts Association, our mission is simple: to make high-quality, accessible arts experiences available to everyone in our community. But we can’t do it alone.
By supporting Call of the Wild, you help ensure that events like these continue to flourish in the Northwoods. Consider donating to NLAA—your contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Become an Event Sponsor for Call of the Wild with a $50 donation, or elevate your impact by becoming a Season Sponsor with a $500 contribution. Every dollar helps us keep the arts alive in Ely and beyond, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive in our community.
Join Us at Call of the Wild Poetry Night or Tune In!
Whether you attend Call of the Wild Poetry Night in person at the Ely Folk School or tune in to the Call of the Wild Podcast, we invite you to be part of this unique community. Together, we can keep the creative spirit of the North alive, one poem at a time.
For more information about Call of the Wild and other NLAA events, visit our website or follow us on social media for updates. Let the wild beauty of Ely inspire your poetry, and let your voice be heard.
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