Will Write for Suite

Would you write a poem for a suite at the Davenport? Vachel Lindsay (1879-1931), an American poet who combined poetry with performing arts, called the Spokane's Davenport Hotel home for five years between 1924 and 1929. While living in room 1129, Lindsey held court in the Davenport lobby, reciting his poetry and mingling with the Spokane elite. Now, his stay is commemorated on a plaque in the hotel's lobby.

Influenced greatly by jazz, Lindsay's poems focused primarily on the sound and performance possible within a poem. His most famous work "The Congo" uses jazz rhythms and onomatopoeia to create, rather than describe, the sounds of indigenous drums and dancing.

Lindsay began his career traveling the country giving performances of his poetry in exchange for food and lodging. As his fame grew, he was invited to more prestigious readings, including a performance for President Woodrow Wilson.

To celebrate this poet, the Davenport Hotel will hold its second annual celebration of Lindsay in the Marie Antoinette Ballroom on Sunday, November 8 at 7pm. “Vachel Lindsay: The Davenport Hotel’s Jazz-Age Mystic” will include performances of Lindsay’s poetry as well as local poets reading their own work. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more about this and other local literary events at Get Lit!'s Literary Event Calendar.