Winners of the First Annual Beyond Baroque Poetry Contest have been announced. They are first place winner: Brenda Yates, 2nd place:  Shannon Philips; 3rd place: Peter Nash.

They will be honored at a special reading/reception at 4 p.m. Sunday, October 17th, at Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice.

The three cash winners ($500, $250, $100) and five honorable mentions will read their winning works, and a special appearance will be made by Al Young, immediate past California Poet Laureate.  Young will also read his poetry the preceding night at 7 p.m. at Beyond Baroque.

The final judge was distinguished poet and Whittier College professor Tony Barnstone.  All are welcome to attend the reading and enjoy the refreshments.  No admission will be charged, but donations to Beyond Baroque will be gratefully accepted.

–Sherman Pearl