The first Writers Read of 2025 will feature Chris Olander. A poet/teacher with California Poets in the Schools (CPITS) since 1984, Chris blends performance techniques with spoken word to create action art poetry. Using musical image phrasing to dramatize relative experiences, his poetry rises from oral and bard traditions, a sound poet exploring meanings and ideas in rhythm patterns. Chris will start off the evening at 7:00 and will be followed by an hour of open mic beginning around 8:00.

Writers Read has been happening in Ukiah since 1999, and occurs on the last Thursday of almost every month. The program focuses on poetry, spoken word, short stories, song, and expository prose. There is no fee to participate, but donations are warmly welcome.