(Charles Kruger)

Had enough Litquake? Are you overdosed on literary passion? Don’t hibernate yet. Something big is coming next week: October 18, 2011 is officially Lawrence Ferlinghetti Day in Santa Cruz. The celebration will feature a showing of Chris Felver‘s feature-length documentary film, “Ferlinghetti,” with both the filmmaker and the poet in attendance (and if you didn’t get enough during LF’s SF reading this week…). Watch the trailer:

The event has been organized by Daniel Yaryan, the energetic producer of the state-wide poetry series, “Sparring With Beatnik Ghosts,” which shares this event’s sponsorship with Nickleodeon Theatres. The 30-something Mr. Yaryan, who styles himself a disciple of beloved Santa Cruz poet William Everson (Brother Antoninus, the “beat friar”), has been involved with the Santa Cruz poetry scene since he was a teenager. He is currently devoting his efforts to reviving the Poetry Festival Santa Cruz for the first time in 30 years. This is scheduled for February 12, 2012 at the Cocoanut Grove.

Mr. Ferlinghetti shares a lot of history with the Santa Cruz poetry community, and was a featured performer at the original Poetry Festival thirty years ago. “Lawrence Ferlinghetti Day” is an appropriate trumpet call to announce the festival’s immanent return. As poet, publisher, bookstore owner and activist, Ferlinghetti at 92 is one of the towering figures of 20th century letters. It may well be a hundred years from now before his contribution and importance will be fully understood and appreciated. We remain fortunate to have his vital presence here with us now as he remains active into his 10th decade.

Multiple award-winning filmmaker and photographer Chris Felver is internationally known for his films and photographs of artists of all sorts. Retrospectives of his films have been presented at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., the Boston Museum of Fine Art and the New York Public Library. Of the film “Ferlinghetti,” Box Office Magazine said: “Truly, the authenticity of this doc… sweeps you off your feet.”

Don’t miss this opportunity, folks! If you don’t have a car, transport yourselves there via Caltrain and the Santa Cruz Metro (it’s a brilliant 3-hr trip).