Hungry Young Poets is a reading series for writers at the start of their careers to share their work with a supportive, vibrant literary community. Despite the series’ name, we know youth isn’t required to sustain the art of literature; the series has evolved from its original parameters to become a celebration of emerging writers of all ages and all genres. It gives newer writers a forum to show the world how they will expand this art form.
River Styx wants you: newer to the publishing world, hungry for a chance to share your work, and sincerely yourself.
To apply to read, please submit a few pieces of your original work. A video or recording of you reading is optional, but we’d love to see if if you have one. The Co-director of the reading series will be in touch about your application and further details once reviewed.
Though the series has traditionally focused on writers from the bi-state St. Louis area, writers from outside the area are welcome to apply; however we’re unable to arrange travel, room, and board. Selected poets will read for 5-10 minutes. There will also be a musical guest for each event.
If you enjoy our Hungry Young Poets series, check out our River Styx reading series, which starts in the fall.
Previous Hungry Young Poets
2019 Season
June Artists
Anna Schmidt, Troy Varvel, Katelyn Delvaux, and Taylor Kolkmeyer.
Music by Langen Neubacher.
July Artists
Louis Damani-Jones, Hannah Cajandig-Taylor, Audrey Lindemann, David Iacob, Ree Sherwood, and S.G. Maldonado-Velez.
Music by Hugh Vincent
August Artists
Matthew Gordon, Mary Ardery, Blake Barringer, Kailah Peters, Rachel Adams, and Molly Harris.
Music by Sister Wizzard.
2018 Season
July
Kristi Carter, Joseph Emanuel, Luther Hughes, Michelle Tong, Paul Tran, and Ruth Williams
Music by Syna So Pro
August
David Alejandro Hernandez, Joss Barton, Joe Betz, Charlotte Covey, Frances Klein, Raphael Maurice, and Billy Youngblood
Music by Catching the Westbound
2017 Season
June
Danny Caine, Nick Christian, Kristina Marie Darling, Owen Neace, Lizzy Petersen, and Patrick Topping
Music by Matthew Freeman
July
Aaron Coleman, Emily Grise, Brigitte Leschhorn, Sandra Marchetti, Ryan Patrick Smith, and Clay Whisler
Music by Ellen (the Felon) Cook
August
Zachary Alley, Traci Brimhall, Teresa Lynn Hasan-Kerr, Kyle McCord, and Allison C. Rollins
Music by Miss Jubilee
2016 Season
June 20
Kelsey Ann Kerr, Sean Arnold, Baba Badji, Katryn Dierksen, Nick Kriefall, Josh Myers, and Jake Russell
Music by The Erin Bode Group
July 18
Endya Goliday, Canese Jarboe, Lizzy Petersen, and Andrew Smart
Music by Miss Jubilee
August 15
Clayton Adam Clark, Zachary Alley, Anna Leigh Knowles, Timothy Leyrson, Jessica Lynn Suchon, and Taylor Supplee
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