Brooks, Powers, Ashbury, Walcott

I have to credit the 92nd Street YMCA, known more for its cultural programming in New York City than it's athletic and aquatic activities (though they have plenty of dance and athletic activities as well), for celebrating the work of departed poets, many of then giants of 20th Century literature.
Earlier this month, I attended a celebration of Gwendolyn Brooks life and work, which featured some of the most prominent contemporary poets reading her work along with recordings of Brooks reading her own poetry. They saved the best for last, with Tyehimba Jess reading -- performing, really -- some Brooks poetry, which brought out plenty of Bravos and practically a standing ovation. (There's a lot of Jess reading/performing to be found on YouTube. I'm particularly fond of a Ted presentation he did about the McCoy sisters.) The 92nd Street Y is celebrating the work of John Ashbury tomorrow (12/13) and has a Derek Walcott event scheduled for January 18 of next year.
In an unrelated note, I also attended a reading at the KGB Bar recently, where I sat on a barstool sipping red wine and listened to Nicholas Powers read -- and compose -- his work. I was not previously familiar with Nicholas Powers, but I can tell you I'll be going to hear him again any chance I get. His poetry was socially engaged and engaging, but what really struck me was his extemporaneous work. He invited audience members to suggest topics/phrases/ideas, and just sort of riffed up poetry on the spot. Such an improv challenge would terrify me, I can assure you. I particularly remember the last one he did, which I'll call "elements" and "elephants," both of which figured prominently in his on the spot composition. I hope the KGB records their readings, so I can go back and hear it again.