OUR VIEW: Poetry and Beverage should not be compromised

Poetry and a Beverage has been going since 1991. Traditionally, there have been four each year – one each month during Spring Semester – according to Trine Thomas, Arts and Lectures vice president for Associated Students of Utah State University.

This semester, the first Poetry and a Beverage was held Saturday in the Skyroom. It was packed. The last one was last fall.

Each Poetry and a Beverage needs a budget of approximately $1,000.

“The thing with Poetry and a Beverage is it’s the atmosphere you create in the Skyroom,” Thomas said. Paying for the drinks, the things on the tables, sometimes a band, is what makes Poetry and a Beverage.

Because of budget cuts, Thomas said she had to make a decision about what to focus her budget on.

“I feel that was more of the mission of the office,” Thomas said, to focus on bringing in quality lectures.

For those who love Poetry and a Beverage, this is an unfortunate reality. A night of open mic and music has gained a reputation on campus, and one show (which was sold out) isn’t enough to accommodate many students who would like to go but can’t.

Budget cuts are inevitable, and it’s too bad Poetry and a Beverage and all those who want to give “snaps” to their favorite poets have to suffer.

The office of Arts and Lectures contributes a large chunk of campus life – it’s brought us great educational lectures by Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and Dr. Joyce Brothers, for instance. But part of campus life is also being involved with the student body, which Poetry and a Beverage provides. Enjoying a drink with friends, listening to music and poetry, and benefiting from others’ talents is a great way to be involved in student life.

Hopefully another sponsor will come forward and support this great tradition at Utah State so it can continue to enrich student life.