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Steve Dolan
SDSU Marketing & Communications
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ninth Annual Border Voices Poetry Fair April 26-27 at SDSU
Top-selling author Maya Angelou headlines lineup of distinguished artists

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - Maya Angelou, author of 11 best-sellers and an electrifying stage performer, will appear at 7 p.m. April 26 at San Diego State University's Cox Arena to kick off the ninth annual Border Voices Poetry Fair.

The two-day fair, April 26-27 at SDSU, also features the swift and subtle humor of U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins, Hispanic literary superstar Gary Soto, the music of some of San Diego's best-loved bands, and internationally acclaimed jazz performers Mike Wofford and Holly Hofmann.

Angelou, one of America's most-honored writers, drew standing-room only crowds for each of her last three appearances in San Diego. Her works include the powerful autobiography of her childhood, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."

In 1992, she was asked to compose and recite a poem for President Bill Clinton's inauguration, one of only two poets to be so honored.

The second day of the fair is free and open to the public, and will be centered at Montezuma Hall in Aztec Center on the SDSU campus. The morning will be filled with readings by hundreds of students from throughout the county who have participated in Border Voices workshops, and by presentations by Border Voices poet-teachers.

Featured poets, including Collins, Soto, Jane Hirshfield and Marilyn Chin, begin reading at 11:15 a.m. Festivities continue until 5 p.m. Parking is free both days.

Tickets for Angelou's performance are on sale at the Cox Arena box office on the SDSU campus. They are also available at all Ticketmaster outlets by calling (619) 220-TIXS.

For more information about the fair or the Border Voices Poetry Project, call the Border Voices Hotline at (619) 293-2546.

The Border Voices Poetry Fair's partners include the Union-Tribune, San Diego City Schools, San Diego State University, California Poets in the Schools, the County Office of Education, and numerous other local and state institutions.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 61 areas and doctorates in 14. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

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Editor's Note: Photos of Maya Angelou are available digitally from leslie.reilly@uniontrib.com