Monthly Lit Mic event draws Washingtons Poet Laureate to Bushel Bee

The Lit Mic open mic event at Bushel & Bee in Leavenworth featured Washington State’s Poet Laureate, Derek Sheffield, on August 5. This monthly gathering, hosted by Holly Thorpe, attracted a mix of regular readers and new participants, showcasing a range of themes from personal struggles to reflections on companionship. Sheffield, tasked with promoting poetry statewide, read works from his daughter and shared anecdotes, deepening the connection with the audience. The event underscores the value of local literary platforms in nurturing community engagement and artistic expression. Thorpe, who once studied under Sheffield, emphasized the indelible nature of poetry in people's lives.

The vibrant atmosphere of the taproom, filled with board games and craft beverages, provided a unique backdrop for the literary showcase. Sheffield noted that his most rewarding engagement so far has been with the Okanogan Land Trust, reflecting on the interplay of poetry and nature. Such events highlight the role of local voices in the broader cultural landscape and promote the importance of artistic collaboration.