By Ron Evans
Local poet and publisher C.G. Dahlin prepares to hit the trails out of Wenatchee to pursue creative academic studies in Spokane. For many years, Dahlin has been a non-stop force in the local poetry world. Attending, promoting and hosting open mics, curating and printing collections of poetry and short writings (Whispers Of Wenatchee Vol.1 and Vol.2) and always showing up to support and encourage other writers and readers as they step into the spotlight - many for the first time.
There will definitely be a noticeable absence of his quality (and passionate) poetry here in Wenatchee when Dahlin takes his unique stylings away from us. But the community he leaves behind has a thriving, connected network of active poets and writers, largely because of the work he’s done here over the years. Before he rides off into the late summer sunset, Dahlin has organized a parting gift of sorts with a showcase of live readings by many of these talented poets and writers this Saturday at Pybus Market. Voices Of The Valley: Community Reading will take place outdoors on a stage set up at the north end of the market and starts at 11AM. I reached out to Dahlin to learn more about this event and about his new adventures as he aims his gaze eastward.
Tell us about the event on Saturday and what inspired it?
Upon letting it be known that I was set to leave the valley, the poetry group that I’ve led since 2017 brought up the possibility of a last hoorah. I was hesitant, given the cultural seclusion we’ve all undergone the last two years. Some time ago, at the RadarStation, I treasured the opportunity to host a Whispers of Wenatchee community reading. I remember this occasion fondly, bringing together all manner of voices, young, old, raw, and cultured.
Having published the two volumes of the Whispers of Wenatchee, I now knew an even larger fold of creators. I wanted to, yet again, honor their works and provide a space where we can be heard by a likened audience, to assemble a community in otherwise divisive times.
Was the decision to hold it outdoors covid-related?
Not necessarily. It was a happenstance of needing a place. Since 2019, public venues for such events have all but vanished. In other locations, it requires a substantial financial contribution. Being outside of Pybus, while convenient for covid-related considerations, offers both an open ambiance, and comfortability in more ways than one.
Is there still time to sign up or is it a set list of readers?
Unfortunately the list of readers is now set. There are 16 in total. This already, given time considerations, is a lengthy event. Although I am not opposed to serendipity, if a familiar face comes wishing to read.
I’ll withhold the full list of readers for the event, however, here are some names your readers might recognize: Michael Schooler, Faith Merz, Holly Thorpe, Jessemyn Cacka, and Mitch McCarrell
Talk about your move from the area, and what are the odds of you returning full time?
I am moving to Spokane to undertake a Masters Degree in Creative Writing through Eastern Washington University. I made the heavy decision to sacrifice for the pursuit of furthering my craft. Poetry and Performance Art have been one of the few long standing passions in my life. The opportunity to lean into it and see where it takes me was the perfect lure to take me out of the valley I’ve grown to love.
I find it terribly tricky speaking of the future. I would certainly love if a teaching position were to open up at Wenatchee Valley College, or another congruent opportunity that would utilize my freshly earned credentials. However, there are no guarantees in this regard.
What I can say is that I will semi-frequently be returning to the valley. If there is ever a place that could put me in a show, I will drive that drive. I’ve been a Palm & Tarot reader at Ye Old Bookshop for 3 years and counting, and it’s very likely I will return to book appointments with regulars. Beyond this, how could I ever say no to a trip out of the city to get back to the Cascades. So in truth, I can’t speak about full-time, however, I can say, I’ll never be far away.
Will there be more Whispers of Wenatchee down the road?
Similarly, I can’t say right now.
I want to take the time to express something about the Whispers that most might not realize. This collection is truly rare. By that I mean, contemporary poetry journals are painfully niche, oftentimes rife with nepotism, and overall narrow in their reach. The Whispers is quite the opposite. It’s broad, it involves a great many whom I’ve never met, and it’s unifying. There simply aren't any other anthologies like it, and intentionally so. The credit goes to each and every contributor, not to any institution that hosts it.
To get back to the point, I think it’s clear that I have no shortage of love for this project, however, at this time, I cannot guarantee a Volume 3. The Whispers was all about the community. The events of the last two years have largely shattered the connectedness between this community in the way of growth. Volume 1 was 34 contributors, Volume 2 was 68, by trend, if there is ever any way to expand this reach once more, Volume 3 will be made. However, it’s very possible that I will return to put on a future event much like this one, given that place, time, and all the intricacies line up.
Is there any place folks can follow your new adventures online?
Friend Request or follow me on Facebook - Connor Grisinger Dahlin. I make the profile more professional and active than any other internet presence I have. Otherwise, follow @cgdahlin on Instagram.