Kelli Stevens Kane | Poet, Playwright, and Oral Historian

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Manuscripts:

Kelli is the author of three manuscripts. Together her oral history, "Big George's Wylie Avenue," her play, "I Never Laughed So Much at a Funeral," and her poetry "Hallelujah Science," form a dynamic portrait of her family spanning four generations rooted in Pittsburgh's Historic Hill District.

Sample Poems:

"(9)" and "(42)" first published in Denver Syntax.

"(43)" and "(73)" first published on the Poetry Super Highway.

"(63)" and "(35)" first published in Word Riot. (includes audio)

"(27)" first published in Kweli Journal.

"(65)," "(55)," and "(82)" first published in Little Red Leaves.

"Weeds" first published on E. Ethelbert Miller's site.

an untitled haiku first published on the Peace is a Haiku Song site.

"Quickening" and "(Yes) I Do" first published on Connotation Press: An Online Artifact.

"(59)" first published in Mythium Literary Journal, appearing here as Cave Canem Poem of the Week.

"(66)" first published in Mad Rush.

Press:

Article "What to Do Tonight: Kelli Stevens Kane's One Woman Show," in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. (May 25, 2012)

Article "Big George's Wylie Avenue: Wisdom of the Hill" is a Pop City "Hot Pick." (May 24, 2012)

Article about Kelli's short listed events in the Pittsbugh City Paper. (May 23, 2012)

Interview featuring Kelli, by Khara House of "Our Lost Jungle." (May 17, 2012)

Article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, "Teenie Harris Exhibition Winds Down with Cave Canem Poetry Reading," features Kelli, Yona Harvey and Terrance Hayes. (March 28, 2012)

Guest Post on the Carnegie Museum of Art blog, written by Kelli, about her connection to the exhibit, "Teenie Harris, Photographer: An American Story." (March 27, 2012)

Article about Kelli in Pittsburgh Things. (September 1, 2011)

Podcast of Kelli reading from her oral history manuscript, "Big George's Wylie Avenue," on Radio CLP. (February 5, 2011)

Radio interview of Kelli reading from and discussing her poetry manuscript, "Hallelujah Science" on Prosody, NPR affiliate WYEP's show featuring the work of poets and writers. (January 19, 2011)

Quotes:

"Watching Kelli perform is an intimate experience. There is a spiritual, kind of mystical element...her words are so powerful and her presence is magnetic--almost otherworldly."
-Amanda Gilby, Fiction Contest Winner, Hip Mama Magazine

"She puts her whole body into reading her poems, many of which brought to mind a staccato of gunfire in the distance–brief, quiet, but making a serious impact. There were lines I wanted her to read over and over again."
-Deesha Philyaw, Writer, Instructor, and Columnist

"Kelli's reading was fantastic. One of my coworkers asked in the middle of it whether the readers had switched--because her voice sounded so different as she switched from reading poems to reciting memorized ones to reading the oral history pieces. It was like three readings in one."
-Renée Alberts, Poet, Sunday Poetry and Reading Series organizer

"She's good y'all."
-Taylor, Not a Book Nerd

"My daughter and I really enjoyed your reading yesterday. You have such a warm & welcoming presence, and your work speaks of a generous and courageous/curious heart."
-Claire Barbetti, Poet

"What a fantastic reading! Kelli was brilliant, warm, stunning, heartbreaking, even whimsical."
-Angele Ellis, Author of Spared and Arab on Radar

"Kane’s poetry is accessible and engaging, yet both emotionally and sonically complex. She reminds the reader of the power of the simple, clear word to move to delight. Indeed, Delight is the word that most often comes to mind when reading Kane’s poetry as she coaxes the reader to see the magic in the everyday."
-Elizabeth Hoover, Writer

"Kelli — I just want to tell you that today goes down as one of my very favorite poetry readings ever. I love your work. I love "Big George's Wylie Avenue" — never, ever believe that is not a remarkable, publishable piece of love and extraordinary skill, devotion & insight. It is the story — meaningful and necessary — that keeps us moving forward with love at our center. Your poetry is singular, exciting, fresh and yes, deep. I felt connected — very. And your presence is warm, giving, and most importantly, real. I was so happy to be there... Honored. With great love and respect."
-Leslie Anne McIlroy, Poet

Photos:

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