Arriving at a Shoreline Anthology: August 10, 2022

My new poem, Horseback Ride (Mom, Early 1990’s), appears in Great Weather for Media’s latest anthology. Copies available here.

New Poem in Cabildo Quarterly: Spring 2021

A new poem, Delivering Papers, appears in Issue 15 of Cabildo Quarterly! (This is a print issue.)

The Writer’s Inner Journey Interview: October 1, 2020

Thanks to Meredith Gordon Resnick, for including me in her interview series, the Writer’s [Inner] Journey. Check it out here.

Poem in Steel City Slam Anthology: July 17, 2020

I’m perhaps the least likely slam poet ever, but I found myself on the 2011 Steel City Slam team. One of my not-slam-like slammed poems will appear in the forthcoming anthology, "In the Shadow of the Mic: Three Decades of Slam Poetry in Pittsburgh," now available for preorder!

UPDATE: the anthology is out! I got a little shout out in an article about it from WESA, which you can read here.

2 Poems in Cabildo Quarterly Print: August 3, 2018

I've got two additional poems in the print issue of Cabildo Quarterly #12!

5 Poems in Green Linden: June 21, 2017

I've got five poems, including audio, in Issue 3 of Under a Warm Green Linden. What a great editorial process this was! Read and hear the poems here!

Psalms for Mother Emanuel: December 15, 2016

The Pittsburgh Foundation commissioned "Psalms for Mother Emaunel: Elegy From Pittsburgh to Charleston," after the murder, by a white supremacist, of nine black churchgoers during their weekly Wednesday Bible study.

The poem I contributed is written to the three survivors, who must not be forgotten. A digital copy of the chapbook is available to read here.

Poem in Mom Egg Review: April 1, 2016

"Starlight," a poem I wrote for my one-woman show "Big George," is newly published in Mom Egg Review Volume 14. This issue, on the theme of "change" is available for purchase here.

Poem in North American Review: January 15, 2016

My poem, "anonymous," appears in the Winter 2016 issue (volume 301, number 1) of the North American Review!

Grant Award: June 25, 2015

I've just received a grant from the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Program, a program jointly sponsored by The Heinz Endowments and The Pittsburgh Foundation. I'll use this funding to complete my oral history manuscript about my grandmother, "Big George," and The Hill District of Pittsburgh.

Cave Canem Graduate Fellow: June 21, 2015

I completed my third and final year as a fellow at this year's Cave Canem Retreat, and am now a graduate fellow. Our faculty included Cornelius Eady, Chris Abani, Willie Perdomo, Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon, Amber Flora Thomas, and Toi Derricotte, in her 20th and final year at the helm.

LFF Anthology Publication: February 18, 2015

Les Femmes Folles: The Women 2014 is out! To preview my page and order a copy of the anthology click here.

Split This Rock Poem of the Week: Dec. 5, 2014

What an honor! My poem, "bitter crop," was selected as Poem of the Week by Split This Rock.

It's also the first poem in their new series of Poems that Resist Police Brutality and Demand Racial Justice.

Kelli in LFF Anthology: November 29, 2014

I've just been notified that I'll be included in the next Les Femmes Folles Anthology!

Kelli's Poetry in White Space: September 16, 2014

I have three poems in the newly published "White Space Poetry Anthology: Featuring the Work of Deaf and Hearing Poets" edited by Maya Washington. Order your copy here, and watch the short powerful film "White Space" here.

Kelli's New Blog: July 26, 2014

Because my writing needs me to let go of some privacy, and because I'm interested in sharing more about my creative process, I started a blog! My first post is about being a kinesthitic writer taking voice lessons to help develop my writer's voice.

Kelli Returns to Cave Canem: June 15-22, 2014

I'll be in residency as a second year fellow at this year's Cave Canem Retreat. Our faculty will include Toi Derricotte, Cornelius Eady, Chris Abani, Tim Seibles, Patricia Smith, and Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon.

Big George reviewed in India: Sept, 16, 2013

My one-woman show, Big George, got a rave review in India! Read it here.

Kelli in New Hazlett Theater Spotlight: May 22, 2013

I'm today's New Hazlett Theater spotlight artist!

Kelli in Pop City: April 24, 2013

My photo is featured in an article about the New Hazlett CSA Performance Series!

New Hazlett CSA Performance Series: March 25, 2013

After a very competitive application process, I'm happy to report that I've been selected to perform in the inaugural New Hazlett CSA Performance Series in Pittsburgh, PA! See the "appearances" page for more information.

ABAPI Grant Award: January 18, 2013

I am thrilled to report that I've just been awarded a second grant from The Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Fund, an initiative of The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments. More details soon!

Kelli's Poetry in Mad Rush: November 29, 2012

Yet another poem from "Hallelujah Science" will be published soon--I just received an acceptance from Mad Rush!

UPDATE 12/8/12: Here's the poem. Enjoy!

Kelli's Poetry in The Stray Branch: October 4, 2012

One of my poems from "Hallelujah Science" appears in the Fall/Winter 2012 issue of The Stray Branch!

SLB Radio: July 14, 2012

I had the pleasure of talking to Larry Berger of The Saturday Light Brigade about "Big George's Wylie Avenue: Wisdom of The Hill" this morning.

Kelli in the New Pittsburgh Courier: June 8, 2012

Details about my reading and conversation series, "Big George's Wylie Avenue: Wisdom of The Hill" can be found in The New Pittsburgh Courier.

Kelli on KQV Radio: May 26, 2012

I'll be discussing "Big George's Wylie Avenue: Wisdom of The Hill" with Elaine Effort on KQV Radio, 1410 AM, Pittsburgh at 6:30am and 5:30pm on Saturday May 26, 2012.

Kelli in Pop City: May 24, 2012

"Big George's Wylie Avenue: Wisdom of The Hill" is a Pop City Filter Pick! Scroll down to view.

Kelli in Pittsburgh City Paper: May 23, 2012

"An Evening with Kelli Stevens Kane" got short listed in this week's City Paper!

Interview with Kelli: May 17, 2012

A big thanks to Khara House of "Our Lost Jungle" for doing a great interview with me!

Review of "The Swallowtail Project": April 15, 2012

I was one of the poets cast in the staged reading of The Swallowtail Project, a choreopoem written by Bianca Spriggs and directed by Kim El at the August Wilson Center on April 9th.

I'm particularly happy about Bonita Penn's positive review of a monologue I delivered:

"Another powerful monologue when a prisoner recalls memories of painting the toenails of her dead sister; it was more than the act of painting, more than the dead sister, she was able to bond with her sister in ways she couldn’t when she was alive."

In a strange twist of fate, that monologue is thematically related to the oral history and play that I wrote! I love when things like that happen. It was an honor to be part of this piece.

Kelli's Teenie Harris Blog Post: March 27, 2012

I'm a guest blogger for the Carnegie Museum of Art! Read the post here about my family's connection to the exhibit, Teenie Harris, Photographer: An American Story. Enjoy!

Callaloo Writing Workshop: March 5, 2012

I'll be headed to Brown University this summer! I've just been notified of an acceptance to the prestigious Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop in poetry! It will be held at Brown from June 3-16.

This workshop is sponsored by Callaloo, "the premiere literary and cultural journal of the African Diaspora." I attended last year's workshop but had to reapply this year with all new work--there's no guarantee of acceptance to this highly competitive workshop. What an honor!

Kelli's Poetry in The Mom Egg: January 11, 2012

One of my favorite poems from "Hallelujah Science" was just accepted for publication in The Mom Egg 2012, Volume 10, The Body Issue.

Lexi Rudnitsky First Book Prize Semifinalist: December 12, 2011

WOO! My manuscript, "Hallelujah Science," was selected as a Semifinalist for Persea Books's 2011 Lexi Rudnitsky First Book Prize in Poetry! This marks the manuscript's second distinction of 2011: In September it was chosen as a Finalist for the 2011 Four Way Books Levis Poetry Prize.

I can't wait to read the winning manuscript. In the meantime, I'm celebrating this as a win. It's so hard to get distinctions like this and it feels great to know my manuscript is attracting interest in the publishing world!

Poets and Writers Listing: November 1, 2011

My application to be listed in the Poets and Writers Directory was accepted today! Check out my new listing here.

ABAPI Grant: October 19, 2011

I've been awarded an Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments! More info to come.

Levis Poetry Prize Finalist: September 6, 2011

My manuscript, "Hallelujah Science," was selected as a finalist for the 2011 Four Way Books Levis Poetry Prize! The winning manuscript is "Small Porcelain Head" by Allison Benis White of Irvine, California, and will be published in 2013. Congratulations Allison!

Kelli's Poetry in White Space: August 20, 2011

Three poems of mine will be published in The White Space Poetry Anthology!

Cave Canem Fellowship: June 19-26, 2011

I attended Cave Canem’s 16th Annual Retreat, held at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, June 19-26, 2011. In that one week, we were fortunate enough to study with Carl Phillips, Claudia Rankine, Terrance Hayes, Natasha Trethewey, Cornelius Eady, and Toi Derricotte!

Cave Canem Fellowship: May 11, 2011

I've been selected to attend Cave Canem’s 16th Annual Retreat, June 19-26, 2011!

Prosody Podcast: March 26, 2011

My appearance on Prosody, can now be heard here. It's also available on iTunes! You'll hear me reading from and discussing my first poetry manuscript, "Hallelujah Science," with Renée Alberts. Prosody is WYEP's weekly show featuring the work of poets and writers. WYEP is an NPR affiliate which can be heard in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

Kelli's Research, Part 4: March 18, 2011

As I've mentioned, my new poetry is beginning to explore my dance background. As part of my research I recently watched a documentary about the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

So while I was in NYC for the Dada Poetry Salon I decided to be brave and take a class at The Ailey Extension! I was hoping to take a modern dance class, but it didn't fit with my schedule on this trip. So I observed an Advanced Beginner Ballet Class, and then took my first Zumba class!

Then back in Pittsburgh on Saturday, I went to my Modern Dance Class at the August Wilson Center, and worked in the Dunham Technique!

I'm still processing all of this. The ballet training is no joke, and the new ways I'm asking my body to move is as much of a mental challenge as it is physical. This exploration is feeding my writing and performance practice. How to be more flexible and willing to leave behind familiar ways of being.

I feel like my new work will not allow itself to be written from my current body. These new poems demand a new body that is more fluid. A body that's willing to continually give itself up to an even newer one. My current writing practice is often preceded by yoga or dance. By the time this book is written I'll be in a whole new body. Poetry can do that.

Kelli's Research, Part 3: February 24, 2011

I've met a lot of incredible people in the last year. One of them is choreographer Staycee Pearl.

I've mentioned that I've been incorporating movement into my poetry performances. I decided to ask Staycee's help with two poems: "(83)," a poem that I feel works better on paper than on the stage, and "Hardened," a poem I perform with movements that are starting to feel stale. Interestingly, instead of suggesting specific movements for these poems, Staycee suggested I try improvising movements while practicing the poems in order to develop new choreography--a scary but liberating direction!

UPDATE 3/9/11: Last night I attended a performance of "Lions Will Roar" by Nora Chipaumire with Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited at the August Wilson Center. This is likely the most moving piece I've ever seen, no I'm not exaggerating, if it comes to your area go see it. The dance alone was incredible, and the visual effects and live on-stage music that went with it all blended together in a way that moved me to the core.

Before the show started, I was approached by a woman who was sure she'd seen me dance at the AWC. I explained that I take classes at the AWC but am not a member of the company. She insisted that she'd seen me dance there and I realized she saw me debut "Hardened," at OffCenter in July 2010! She'd been in the audience and remembered me as a dancer, not a poet.

I'm trying to integrate all the different things that I am. Just like the "Lions Will Roar" wasn't just dance, or just music, or just visual art, a person is not just a dancer, or just a poet. I thought I'd learned this once and for all at the coffee shop in Times Square (see February 15 below), but now I see its a process. I think it's called healing.

Kelli's Research, Part 1: February 15, 2011

It occurs to me that until now I've faithfully posted here when I attend a workshop or conference organized by others, but I've neglected to post about my self-designed course of study and research. Time to fix that!

Since July 2010, I've been exploring my dance background in my poetry, and I've started to incorporate movement into my poetry readings. There are actually a couple of poems I've moved to since December 2009!

To try to make sense out of this, in September 2010, I attended Blood Dazzler, created by Patricia and Paloma McGregor, and based on the book by Patricia Smith.

After working on it locally for several months, in November 2010, I performed "Hardended," a poem that includes movement, at Bowery Poetry Club in NYC. To prepare, I started taking dance classes again!

And today I returned from a twelve hour trip to NYC to attend "Body of Words: The Critical and Kinesthetic Intersection of Text and Physical Performance." Moderated by Saifan Shmerer and curated by Emily Skillings, the show featured intriguing work by Lauren Nicole Nixon, Sally Silvers, Rosamond S. King and Alexandra Beller, artists who combine poetry and dance in their work.

I highly recommend all of this work. I can't convey how much it means to find other artists who are "moved" to explore poetry and dance simultaneously, and that there are interested audiences.

Directly after Body of Words, I went to a Times Square coffee shop. The cashier came over and asked out of the blue, "Are you a performing artist?" It was a huge moment. I calmly said, "Yes. I'm a poet and a dancer." I've never been asked that question and would have never given that answer if not for these experiences. Later he told me he's never asked that question of anyone but he was moved to "because of my poise."

I thought I'd simply used words to order tea, but apparently my body language was communicating "performing artist." How's that for the intersection of words and movement? I'd been "divorced" from the dancer in me for years, and now I can officially say that phase is over! Not sure what that means yet, but I'm looking forward to finding out!

AWP Conference: February 3-4, 2011

I've just gotten back from attending my first AWP Conference in Washington DC!

It was held in the Wardman Park Hotel, where Langston Hughes was working as a busboy when he launched his career by taking the initiative to show his poems to Vachel Lindsay!

I attended a powerful Cave Canem reading featuring Rita Dove, Yusef Komunyakaa, Natasha Tretheway, and Gary Jackson; a great tribute to Langston Hughes that featured Sonia Sanchez, Derrick Weston Brown, Jericho Brown and Sarah Browning; and many panels with writers you should check out--here's a sample: Elmaz Abinader, Faith Adiele, Tyehimba Jess, Douglas Kearney, and Aracelis Girmay.

I also saw two incredible readings at Busboys and Poets: one celebrating Hedgebrook with Suheir Hammad, Ruth Forman and Carolyn Forché; and one celebrating the Affrilachian Poets. I even got to attend an informal VONA reunion!

WYEP Prosody Taping: December 11, 2010

Today I was interviewed for an episode of Prosody, a radio show featuring the work of poets and writers. The episode will air on January 19, 2011 at 7:30pm, and again on January 22, 2011 at 6:00am on 91.3 WYEP FM. I read from and discussed my first poetry manuscript, "Hallelujah Science," with Renée Alberts. WYEP is an NPR affiliate which can be heard in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

LWC}NYC: November 12-13, 2010

While in NYC for The Mom Egg Fall Reading, I attended a literary writer's conference called LWC}NYC. You should have seen me on Saturday running from the conference over to Bowery Poetry Club to read and then running back again! I was in writer heaven. Co-sponsored by The New School Graduate Writing Program, LWC}NYC is a program of the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses [clmp]. I highly recommend this conference for writers of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. There were great editor and agent panels. Check it out in 2011 if you can!

Kelli's Poetry in Little Red Leaves: October 7, 2010

Three poems from "Hallelujah Science" are now online at Little Red Leaves.

Kelli's Poetry in Kweli Journal: September 1, 2010

Another poem from "Hallelujah Science" has just been published in Kweli Journal. Read it here.

Hurston/Wright Writers' Week: July 25-31, 2010

I've been selected to attend the 2010 Hurston/Wright Writers' Week Poetry Workshop taught by Tyehimba Jess at Howard University. From their website: "Hurston/Wright Writers' Week is the nation's only multi-genre summer writing workshop for writers of African descent... The selcetion process is competitive... The Week brings together Black writers from around the United States as well as Black writers from the Carribean, Africa and Europe." A maximum of 12 poets per year are accepted worldwide, so this is a huge honor!

UPDATE 8/10/10: This workshop was a perfect extension of the work I began at VONA, and this trip was a blessing of people. Choosing to be a poet can seem crazy, but I wouldn't trade this life for anything.

Kelli's Poetry in Little Red Leaves: July 4, 2010

Three poems from "Hallelujah Science" have just found a lovely home: they will appear in the Fall issue of Little Red Leaves!

UPDATE 10/7/10: The poems are now online here.

Kelli's in Kweli: May 20, 2010

I just found out that a poem from "Hallelujah Science" will be featured in the next issue of Kweli Journal, a new online journal established to identify, promote and nurture writers of color. I'll post here as soon as the issue comes out.

UPDATE 9/1/10: My poem has just been published!  

Kelli's Poetry in The Mom Egg: March 8, 2010

Wow! Four more poems from "Hallelujah Science" were just accepted for publication in Volume 8 of The Mom Egg.

UPDATE 4/22/2010: The Mom Egg 2010, Volume 8, "Lessons," is now available for purchase.

UPDATE 5/9/2010: I have a poem featured on The Mom Egg website!

Kelli's Poetry in Word Riot: January 18, 2010

The second two poems from "Hallelujah Science" have just been accepted by Word Riot. This means that the first four poems have just been accepted in the order they appear in the manuscript! Info about when the individual poems will appear will be posted here as soon as I know.

UPDATE 7/20/10: The poems are now online! 

VONA Workshop I: June 28-July 4, 2009

I had a fantastic week at the VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation) writing workshop "Building a Poetry Collection" taught by Willie Perdomo at the University of San Francisco. VONA workshops are life-changing, supportive learning environments for writers of color.