(NEW HOPE, PA) -- Dharma Bums in New Hope will host "Sunflower Sutras & Scarlet Begonias: A Tribute to Allen Ginsberg" on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the anniversary of his passing—an evening dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the iconic Beat Generation poet. The event will feature poetry readings by those who knew and collaborated with Ginsberg, along with musical performances.
The evening will begin at 6:00pm with doors opening and an art and photo display, accompanied by background music. A welcome and introduction by David Graham will kick off the formal program at 6:30pm. The following poets will share their work:
* Bob Rosenthal – Allen’s secretary for over 20 years, and author of Straight Around Allen about his years of working with Ginsberg.
* Eliot Katz – Called “another classic NJ bard” by Allen Ginsberg, and author of The Poetry and Politics of Allen Ginsberg.
* Rochelle Kraut – Close NYC poetry scene friend of Allen’s for over 20 years.
* Dan Shot – Long-time publisher of Long Shot literary magazine, which was started in 1982 with Allen Ginsberg's help.
* David Graham – Son of well-known counterculture-promoter and Ginsberg associate Bill Graham.
The event will feature a musical performance by Steven Taylor, a member of The Fugs, who worked with Allen Ginsberg as his guitarist for twenty years. Additionally, the evening will include two sets of acoustic Grateful Dead music by Ripplewood.
“This promises to be a significant evening commemorating Allen’s life and work,” says event organizer Jair-Rohm Parker Wells. “We’re honored to have such a distinguished group of his collaborators and close associates participating.”
The event will take place upstairs at Dharma Bums, which features a stage, sound and lights, and merchandise tables. Lighting design will be by Bill Nobes. Dharma Bums is located at 4935 River Road in New Hope, PA.
Allen Ginberg was born in Newark and grew up in Paterson, New Jersey.
