Lou McKee. Photo submitted by Eileen D'Angelo, taken by Robin Hiteshew

A great light has gone out of the Philadelphia literary community, and for many of us who loved Philadelphia teacher and poet Louis McKee.

There will be a celebration of his remarkable life on Sunday, March 18 at 1 p.m. at the Mansion Parlor and Gallery of Media Borough Hall [map]. Please join us that day.

Remembrances, stories and memories will be shared by his friends, including Daniel Hoffman, W.D. Ehrhart, Joe Farley, Harry Humes, Paul Martin, Ray Greenblatt, Thomas Devaney, Elaine Terranova, Steve Delia, Peter Krok, Dan Maguire, Lynn Levin, Barb Crooker, Richard Bank, Mel Brake, myself and many others.

Everyone is invited to come and take to the podium, or rise from their seats, Quaker-style, as the spirit moves them, to share one of your favorite poems written by Lou, or tell a story, an anecdote or share a fond memory of our dear friend. Please come and help us celebrate his life. With your help, we can make it a very special day to remember him.

Lou McKee taught for many years at Father Judge High School. continue reading »

Ryerss Museum and Library, the Fox Chase Reading Series venue. Photo/G. E. Reutter

The Fox Chase Reading series kicked off the winter/spring season with a reading at Ryerss Museum and Library featuring poets Mike Cohen and Anthony Buccino. The series continues until the summer break with a reading each month at Ryerss.

“We are offering a group of diverse poets many who have appeared in magazines nationally and internationally,” said G Emil Reutter, who assists in coordinating the series and contributes to NEast Philly.

Poets Nathalie Anderson and Teresa Leo will appear on February 26th followed by Marie- Elizabeth Mali and Dilruba Ahmed on March 25.

Diane Sahms-Guarnieri the poetry editor of The Fox Chase Review added, “We are celebrating National Poetry Month on April 29 with a special event in memory of Northeast Philadelphia Poet and former Father Judge Teacher Louis McKee.” continue reading »