Poets Café, a radio program created and produced by Marlena Bond since 2003 follows a long legacy of literary showcasing at Pacifica Radio, running back to the Beats and the era of Ginsberg, Kerouac, Patchen, Ferlinghetti, Bruce, Sahl, and Rexroth. Through the years KPFK has continued its tradition of bringing poetry to an eclectic audience including a long series hosted by Wanda Coleman and Austin Straus.
Poets Café draws on the casual conversations and overlapping boundaries of poetry as host Lois P. Jones chats with actors, cosmologists, policewomen, astrophysicists, musicians and more who draw on poetry as a source of inspiration and creative engagement with the world. Local, national and internationally recognized poets join the conversation for a lively and imaginative half hour.
Poets Cafe is now on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. PST on 90.7 fm KPFK in Los Angeles. Jones has hosted the show since 2007.
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Tune in to KPFK (90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM Santa Barbara) or listen to the live stream at kpfk.org.
Shows in Alphabetical Order:
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- Neil Aitken
- Lana Hechtman Ayers
- Tony Barnstone and Genuine Brandish
- Willis Barnstone
- Margo Berdeshevsky
- Allen Braden
- Don Kingfisher Campbell
- rg cantalupo
- Teresa Mei Chuc
- Marcia Cohee
- Sarah Cortez
- Cyrano (Troy Kotsur, Paul Raci, Stephen Sachs)
- Marsha de la O
- Peggy Dobreer
- Boris Dralyuk
- Alexis Rhone Fancher
- Joseph Fasano
- Mario Feninger
- John FitzGerald
- Diane Frank
- Richard Gilbert
- Lucia Galloway
- Richard Gilbert
- Timothy Green
- John Guzlowski
- Joy Harjo
- Cynthia Hogue
- Pam Houston
- Carolyn Howard-Johnson
- Michael Hulse
- Georgia Jones-Davis
- Homeboy Poets
- Mandy Kahn
- Elena Karina Byrne
- Ami Kaye
- Just Kibbe
- Mariko Kitakubo
- Deborah P. Kolodji
- Ilyse Kusnetz
- Peter Ludwin
- Douglas Manuel
- Mira Mataric
- Neil McCarthy
- Katrina Naomi
- William O’Daly
- April Ossmann
- Dean Pasch
- Alice Pero
- Robert Pinsky
- Annie Reiner
- Cindy Rinne
- Luis J. Rodriguez
- Susan Rogers
- Mary Kay Rummel
- Russell Salamon
- Julian Sands
- Fereidun Shokatfard
- M.E. Silverman
- Ron Starbuck
- Austin Straus
- Melissa Studdard
- Taoli-Ambika Talwar
- Kelly Thomas
- Lynne Thompson
- Corine Topal
- Mary Torregrossa
- Maja Trochimczyk
- Brian Turner
- Neil deGrasse Tyson
- Pam Uschuk
- Ken Waldman
- J. Michael Walker
- Yun Wang
- Hilda Weiss
- Hugh Welchmann
- David Whyte
- Kath Abela Wilson
- Mariano Zaro
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- Lois P. Jones was the shortlist prize winner for two poems in the 9th annual Terrain Poetry Contest judged by Jane Hirschfield (2018). Other awards include the Lascaux Poetry Prize in 2018, the Bristol Poetry Prize in 2017 judged by Liz Berry and the Tiferet Poetry Prize in 2012, with work thrice listed for the Bridport Prize as well as The London Magazine. Jones has work published or forthcoming in New Voices: Contemporary Writers Confronting the Holocaust (Vallentine Mitchell of London); Narrative, American Poetry Journal, Verse Daily, One, Tupelo Quarterly, The Warwick Review, Cider Press Review, and Tinderbox Poetry Journal. Jones’ first collection of poems, Night Ladder, was a finalist for the Lascaux Poetry Prize and semi-finalist for the Julie Suk Award. Her poem Reflections on La Scapigliata was one of 30 featured film-poem collaborations for the 2019 Visible Poetry Project. She hosts KPFK’s Poets Café in Los Angeles, is the Poetry Editor of the Kyoto Journal and co-hosts the long running Moonday Poetry Series.We come to painting, to poetry, to the stage, hoping to revive the soul. And any artist whose work touches us earns our gratitude. – Lewis Hyde, The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World.
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Hi Lois,
I always want to meet you. So glad to listen to your programs. Wonderful poets and discussions. Thanks for keeping doing that and sharing their great works.
Anna
Thank you Anna. I hope to meet you one day too. We’ve “known” one another for many years now. Best wishes!
Thank you for poeticizing the thoughts that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Thank you Jay! That’s one of the true duties of poetry.
I was honored to be a guest on Poets Cafe, one of Lois’ first interviewees on the show. Lois is sensitive and intelligent with a lovely, gentle “airwaves” voice. I have listened to her shows throughout the history of her hosting; the knowledge of poetry that she brings and her exceptional ability to listen to her guest are extraordinary. Congrats on 50 shows! The future is bright for poetry on KPFK.
Your presence and support over the years is greatly appreciated by us Alice! Thanks for all you do for poetry here and afar!
I was honored to be a guest on Poets Cafe after my first chapbook, “Blue Poodle,” was published in 2011 by Finishing Line Press. What an extraordinary experience! Congratulations to Lois P. Jones and the entire staff of Poets Cafe, a truly invigorating and refreshing corner of cultural commentary, delightful conversation, insight and beauty coming across the airwaves.
Vive la Cafe, la poesie!
What a great experience it was for me too Georgia! A true fan of your words.
So grateful to Lois P. Jones for her literary gifts and the light she spreads around to the entire community. Thank you Marlena Bond for making the show possible.
Sweet words. Many thanks Stephen. I could say the same for you.
Happy 50th show, Lois. 50 more shows!
Thanks Carl! Let’s hope Poets Cafe has another 50 shows on the air. We appreciate your support!
Congratulations on 50 shows with an extraordinary host and producer team. Lois is one of the best interviewers on the airwaves today. I will never forget first discovering her shows and being amazed by the intelligence, sensitivity, and heart she brings to every episode. The depth of her engagement with the subject matter and the incredible respect she shows her guests are precious gifts that I hope all the interviewees and listeners appreciate as much as I do. Marlena is an editing genius and a warm and gracious presence in the studio. Much gratitude to both of them, and kudos to KPFK for its commitment to the arts.
Deepest appreciation to you Melissa. You and Krista Tippett are my favorite interviews on the literary scene today. Thank you so much for your kind and generous words. It has been an honor to know you, to spend time with you both as an interviewer and interviewee. Wishing you continued success as you touch the stars.
HIGHLY IMPRESSED AND HAPPY WITH YOUR PROGRAMS, WISHING YOU MANY MORE YEARS OF SUCCESS AND SENDING BEST WISHES FROM EUROPE, MIRA N. MATARIC
Thank you Mira! Many blessings to you.
Thank you for your high-quality programs.
Congratulations on 50 shows!
Thank you Donna! x
Thank you Lois. I have often enjoyed deep, unexpected, rich interviews in your program. I’ve learned and I’ve been delighted.
Many thanks Toti! We appreciate your discerning ear and close attention to the aesthetic world.
If there are cut of pieces of life that are meaningful in certain way and stay fresh in your mind, for me is the encounter with Lois Jones at KPFK studio. That day I had a bad back and she had to drag my heavy santur to the studio. The conversation felt like I was having a drink on a cliff in Laguna Beach, chatting and looking at the beautiful scenery. As much as I want to credit her for her skill as a host and interviewer, it is her personality and the endless smile that keeps you going. congratulations my friend and here a big hug.
A toast to you and a huge thanks for all the work you are doing to help children with cancer. We appreciate your dedication, your art and poetry and of course we love Rumi and Hafiz! Many thanks!
Lois,
Congratulations on 50 shows! Thank you for sharing the voices of poets I am familiar with and introducing me to others. Wishing you 50 doubled.
Thank you Loretta. It’s great to cross paths with mutual poet connections. Appreciate your support and beautiful work.
Lois- You have a way of inviting artists into a conversation which elevates and elucidates with a smile. The exchanges bring out little sparks of imagination and understanding and weave a delicate, rich and interlaced web of art through our lives. Grazi…
Our thanks Tamir. Still hoping to have you on the show one day at the gorgeous grand piano…when you’re ready.
Your shows, Lois, your readings, your guests are such an inspiration for all. Thank you for sharing your talents and those who speak the language of the arts. I love listening to Poets Cafe and the whole clan!
Thank you Maria Elena! Abrazos y gracias from the clan at Poets Cafe!
Such an inspiring experience to be hosted and interviewed by remarkable Lois and Marlena. You make Poets Cafe rock! Thanks for bringing such beauty into the world.
The honor was ours Cynthia. One of my favorite poets and guests. Thank you!
Once in a long while you come across a person who perfectly embodies the word artiste. Lois P. Jones is that person. She is an extraordinary poet and human being, completely immersing herself in life and art, and she has an uncanny way of making everyone around her open up in new and exciting ways. This makes her an exceptional interviewer and host. Listening to this program is not only a pleasure I actively seek, but one I hope will be preserved for generations to come. Lois plies her immensely talented guests with probing yet sensitive questions and the conversations that ensue are fascinating in their rich content. Beauty, warmth, depth, intelligence…this program has it all, thanks to Lois and Marlena, and those involved in this show’s production. Hearty congratulations on the 50th show! Brava! Here’s to the next 50!
Wow. I don’t know what to say..except your appreciation and continued support of Poets Cafe makes me feel that poetry does matter. That words can change a person’s day and sometimes a life. I know they have mine. Deepest appreciation and blessings to you, Lois xxo
Congratulations, Lois, on 50 shows of poetry – always a pleasure to listen in !
Wishing you many more to come.
Many thanks Erika!
I want to state that first and foremost I am so glad a show like Poet Cafe is on the radio. Poetry, art, and the appreciation of culture in general in America is waning this show is an Oasis in the dessert. One of my personal biggest goals as a poet would be to appear on this show because of its intellectual and spiritual approach to presenting the medium of poetry on the radio. As a show it is a cut above most shows, as a part of the American poetry landscape, I feel it is an utter necessity this show continues…
Only the best to Lois P. Jones and the staff at Poets Cafe. Please bring us hundreds if possible thousands of more shows with great poets from all over.
Sincerely,
Robert Colella
Website Designer and Organizer
http://www.creative3.us
Thank you for your kind words, Robert and for your support in the poetry community!
I only wish I could do more for the poetry community, your welcome Lois and keep broadcasting these great shows 🙂
Congratulations, Lois, on reaching this fantastic milestone! Your curiosity and brilliance shine through on every program. What a great accomplishment.
Many thanks for all your listening hours Kathi and for your support of our program. Deep appreciation!
My radio interview with Lois Jones on Poets Cafe was one of the best ever! It isn’t a common thing for someone to be prepared at this level. Before coming to KPFK, Lois had read all of my books, had a list of favorite poems she wanted to talk about, and knew my writing intimately. The interview was a love fest, and this is a rare gift. I could have kept talking to her for hours, and am eager to continue the conversation.
Many thanks Diane. It’s easy to have a love fest with a being who is as deeply reaching and aware as you. A conversation I will always hold close.