The SFSU Poetry Center will continue the yearlong celebration of its 50th birthday with a giant multi-stage poetry event called "50/50 Festival" this Saturday.

Get poetically prepared by listening to Jack Spicer's 1964 reading of his poem "Billy the Kid."Or listen to Robert Duncan (pictured, at left, with Charles Olson and SF State Professor and Poetry Center founder Ruth Witt-Diamant in 1957) recite his poem "Often I am Permitted to Return to a Meadow" from a 1958 reading. Then attend the festival to see SFSU students and alumni inspired by Spicer's "Magic Workshop" perform. Poets from across the spectrum including Lawrence Ferlinghetti, founder of City Lights Bookstore, and Al Robles, founder of Kearny Street Asian American Writer's Workshop, will read alongside student poets. A screening of "¡Presente!", a film by Pablo Neruda will take place followed by readings of his poetry in Spanish and English.

Advance tickets are available at Ticket Web. Admission prices are $10 for students and seniors, $12 general, and $15 at the door.

The "50/50 Festival" will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the Unitarian Center, 1187 Franklin St. in San Francisco.
For details visit the Poetry Center Web site.

Photo: Courtesy of the Poetry Center and American Poetry Archives