Poets Café Interviews – KPFK 90.7 fm Los Angeles


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:

45 thoughts on “Poets Café Interviews – KPFK 90.7 fm Los Angeles

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

    1. 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.

  5. 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.

    1. 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!

  6. 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…

  7. 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!

  8. 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!

    1. 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

  9. Congratulations, Lois, on 50 shows of poetry – always a pleasure to listen in !
    Wishing you many more to come.

  10. 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

  11. Congratulations, Lois, on reaching this fantastic milestone! Your curiosity and brilliance shine through on every program. What a great accomplishment.

  12. 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.

    1. 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.

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