Celebrating 30 Years of National Poetry Month on The Midnight Special

WFMT radio host Marilyn Rea Beyer highlights Chicago's rich poetic legacy

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:00am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in shades of navy, teal, and mustard yellow, conceptually representing the themes of poetry, performance, and the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago.The Midnight Special celebrates National Poetry Month with a special focus on Chicago's rich poetic legacy.Boston Today

In honor of the 30th Annual National Poetry Month, WFMT's The Midnight Special radio program is featuring a special playlist celebrating the work of renowned poets with ties to Chicago, including Carl Sandburg, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Marc Kelly Smith. The show is hosted by Marilyn Rea Beyer, a veteran radio personality who has spent decades championing folk and roots music in both Boston and Chicago.

Why it matters

Poetry has long been an integral part of Chicago's cultural fabric, with the city producing some of the most acclaimed poets of the 20th century. This special programming on WFMT's The Midnight Special shines a spotlight on that rich poetic legacy and introduces a new generation of listeners to the power and beauty of the written word.

The details

The Midnight Special's National Poetry Month celebration will feature readings and performances of works by iconic Chicago poets like Carl Sandburg, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Marc Kelly Smith, the founder of the Chicago poetry slam movement. Host Marilyn Rea Beyer will also share insights into the lives and creative processes of these celebrated wordsmiths, providing listeners with a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the literary landscape.

  • The 30th Annual National Poetry Month is celebrated throughout April 2026.
  • The special Poems and Poets programming on The Midnight Special will air throughout the month of April 2026.

The players

Marilyn Rea Beyer

The host of WFMT's The Midnight Special radio program, Beyer is a veteran radio personality who has spent decades championing folk and roots music in both Boston and Chicago.

Carl Sandburg

One of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, Sandburg was known for his free-verse poems that captured the gritty realities of urban life in Chicago.

Gwendolyn Brooks

The first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize, Brooks was a renowned poet who chronicled the African American experience in Chicago and beyond.

Marc Kelly Smith

The founder of the Chicago poetry slam movement, Smith helped popularize the art form and inspired a new generation of spoken word artists.

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What they’re saying

“Poetry has the power to transport us, to challenge us, and to connect us in ways that few other art forms can. I'm thrilled to be able to share the work of these incredible Chicago poets with our listeners.”

— Marilyn Rea Beyer, Host, The Midnight Special

The takeaway

The Midnight Special's celebration of National Poetry Month shines a well-deserved spotlight on Chicago's rich poetic legacy, introducing listeners to the timeless works of some of the city's most celebrated wordsmiths. By highlighting the enduring impact of these poets, the program underscores the vital role that poetry plays in capturing the human experience and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared cultural heritage.