Poetry and strings program at Dexter Universalist Church

DEXTER — Two poets and two musicians will come together to celebrate Maine’s natural world through poetry and music from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Dexter Universalist Church (next Bud’s Shop ‘n Save). This special poetry and strings program will feature poets Kristen Lindquist and Paul Corrigan reading their work, with musicians Susan Ramsey on violin and guitar and Ruth Fogg on cello. Admission is free with donations accepted.

There is something wonderful about the recitation of poetry and the performance of music that allows each art to stand on its own. But the cross-fertilization that arises when the two are combined is something even more special and uplifting, as these four performers have discovered with their unique program. Inspired musicians can make poetic images soar, transporting the audience by evoking thoughts and feelings beyond the words themselves and adding layers of thought and meaning.

Lindquist is a poet and naturalist from Camden. Her poetry and other writings have appeared in Down East Magazine and the Bangor Daily News, as well as many literary journals and anthologies. She writes a monthly Maine natural history column for PenBayPilot.com and has published three poetry collections; her book “TRANSPORTATION” was a finalist for the 2012 Maine Literary Award.

Corrigan, from Millinocket, is a poet and essayist who has worked as a Baxter State Park ranger, a high school English teacher and a whitewater rafting guide. His poems, essays, and stories are inspired by his lifelong love of the Maine woods. His poems have appeared in such publications as the Maine Times, Yankee, and the anthology MAINE SPEAKS, which is used statewide in the public schools.

Ramsey shares her love of music around New England with folksinger/songwriter David Mallett and as the violinist for the touring chamber ensemble Highlands Classical. She also composes and arranges sacred and secular music for the North Country Strings. With a degree in music from Smith College, Susan directs the Foxcroft Academy String Program, operates a private music studio, and serves as music director for the United Methodist Church in Dover-Foxcroft. The beauty of Maine inspires her to teach, perform and compose music.

Fogg is also a member of the Highlands Classical ensemble and performs regularly with Ramsey as the North Country Strings Duo and the Arts Exchange Cello Ensemble. She currently teaches cello in addition to tuning pianos. She started playing the cello at the age of 9 and has played in many groups since then.

The quartet will present another performance of their poetry and strings program from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 19 at the Thompson Free Library, 186 East Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft.