BWW Interviews: Poet DANA INGEBRETSON

Dana Ingebretson is one of the four featured poets/writers that will be performing April 11th at American Repertory Theater of Western New York

MCL: Do you write prose or just poetry?

DI: Currently, just poetry.

MCL: How did you get into poetry?

When I moved to Buffalo in August of 2013, I saw all these open mics around and wanted to challenge myself to write and read something. I thought it would be scary but good to push myself. I met local poet/lyricist Melvin Griffin in line at Spot Coffee during an open mic - I told him I'd never shared poetry but wanted to. He encouraged me to come share at an open mic he was hosting so I wrote some stuff and went and read it, and was hooked. I loved the atmosphere of poetry and wanted to be a part of it.

MCL: Some poetry influences?

DI: Hafiz, Maya Angelou, Buddy Wakefield.

MCL: What is it about those poets you find interesting?

DI: Hafiz is just ancient and deep and the words are so beautiful. I love the way Angelou shares her life in such a practical way. And Buddy Wakefield has crazy metaphor, and is really vulnerable at the same time - he just draws you in.

MCL: Describe your poetry?

I'm not entirely sure how to, and I'm pretty sure my poetic career peaked with a poem about donuts. But I like bringing people through some kind of story, and I like making people laugh.

MCL: What's the Buffalo, New York scene like?

DI: I'm always finding new pockets of poets and styles, which I think is great. Buffalo is full of hidden art and talent that just keeps coming out of the woodwork.

MCL: Any local poets who helped you grow?

DI: So many. It's going to sound like a cop-out, but I think I can truly say that every poet I've met and worked with has encouraged, inspired, or opened up the door for me into the poetic community.

MCL: Some of your favorite venues and why?

DI: Em Tea Coffee Cup because when I've been there the energy has been really soulful. The Gypsy Parlor for slams, food and drinks.

MCL: If you could go back in time and be a poet when would it be and why?

DI: Hmm, maybe the 1980's? I would have made a name for myself with a great perm and asking everybody what love has to do with it.

MCL: Finally, promote yourself. What's going on in 2015 for you?

I'm helping to grow a noncompetitive open mic called Wordism, inspired by Wordizm, which was created in the mid 90's by poet and author Kendra Durand. It happens every third Saturday of the month, and seeks to promote an atmosphere where people can come and share their stories, hearts, and words. Look it up at Wordism on Facebook. I'll also be featuring on May 1st at Shea's Smith Theater for the Living Poet Society: One Year of Poetry event. Look for more info regarding that on Facebook at Living Poet Society

For information on some of the venues:

http://www.artofwny.org/

http://www.thegypsyparlor.com/

http://www.buffaloah.com/a/main/646/hp.html