Poets and singers band together to speak out against Iraq war

It started with a dream list of the best poets Montana had to offer, and now the “Poets for Peace” event will become a reality for University of Montana professors and community members who want to speak out against the Iraq War.

Set to take place on March 19 at the Wilma Theatre, the show will feature original poetry read by 30 artists, as well as live music. The date was picked to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, said Sean Gibbons, event organizer and president of UM Students for Peace and Justice.

Gibbons said the event is a coordinated effort by SPJ, the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, the UM Excellence Fund and the ASUM. The money raised by ticket sales will be donated to the Montana Military Family Relief Fund, which helps the families of soldiers on active duty pay for food, housing and medical expenses.

It may not be the first event of its kind, but UM creative writing professor Judy Blunt believes the issue of peace can always be approached in a new way.

“’Poets for Peace’ was started by people who want to effect a positive change in this war,” she said. “I’m very much for ending the shooting of people.”

The issue holds extra significance for Blunt, whose godson was killed in Iraq last year. Her son, a pilot in the U.S. Army, is scheduled to ship out next year. She plans to read the poem “Making Peace,” her solution to conflict written as a recipe.

Another UM writing professor, Greg Pape, is offering his services for the event as well. Named Poet Laureate of Montana in 2007, he is considered one of the premiere writers in the state. He has been involved in antiwar efforts for many years, and was eager to help when Gibbons asked him.

“It’s a great idea to call attention to the anniversary of the Iraq invasion,” Pape said.

The diverse group of artists hopes to promote a nonviolent solution to war, as well as economic and social justice on a grassroots level. Not all of the subject matter will focus on the Iraq War, but its presence will definitely be felt at the event.

“Every poet will have a slightly different take on the situation, but we want to stress that we are still supportive of those who are caught up in the conflict,” Pape said.

Gibbons thought it might be a “little dangerous” putting so many opinionated poets in a room together, but he acknowledged that artful expression trumps discomfort.

“Art is only a threat to those who want to maintain the status quo,” he said.

Singer-songwriter Amy Martin will provide a musical kickoff and a sing-along finale, while musician John Floridis will play introductions for the poets.

“Poets for Peace” will begin at the Wilma at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $5 at the door, and all proceeds will go to the Montana Military Family Relief Fund.