Poetry in penn station? this publisher is bringing joy back to reading

Forget hushed libraries and stuffy literary circles. Matt Starr and Dream Baby Press are staging poetry readings in Burger Kings and boxing gyms, and the crowds are showing up—sometimes numbering in the hundreds. The unconventional approach, born from a poignant connection with a 99-year-old man, is challenging the perception of what poetry can be and opening up literary spaces to a wider audience.

From short films to spoken word: a serendipitous beginning

Starr’s journey into the world of poetry wasn't planned. Initially a filmmaker, he created a short film inspired by Annie Hall, featuring actors in their 80s and 90s. This led to a profound friendship with Harry Miller, a 94-year-old who profoundly impacted Starr’s perspective on life and storytelling. “When you spend time with someone in their 90s, it strips away all the ego, all the drama,” Starr explains. This experience fueled a desire to share stories that resonate with authenticity and vulnerability, a mission temporarily derailed by the pandemic.

The perverted book club and a penn station revelation

Frustrated by the perceived inaccessibility of traditional poetry readings—often characterized by phone-scrolling and jargon—Starr and collaborator Zack Roif launched Dream Baby Press in 2022. Their debut event, “The Perverted Book Club,” held in an East Village gay porn shop, drew 250 attendees. But the true turning point came with a reading in Penn Station, a location usually associated with urban melancholy. “300 people showed up to that,” Starr recounts. “Then The New York Times wrote about it.”

Beyond the unexpected venue: a community-focused mission

What sets Dream Baby Press apart isn't just the quirky locations—Burger King remains a favorite—but a commitment to inclusivity. The publisher is now opening its doors to submissions, hiring Juliette Jeffers as their first poetry editor. Starr's vision extends beyond established writers, aiming to amplify the voices of seniors and children. “The goal was always to find other writers in people who don’t necessarily see themselves as writers,” he states. Plans include collaborations with senior homes and schools, showcasing prose from older generations and poetry from young minds.

Monetizing the muse: sustainability through connection

While passion drives Dream Baby Press, financial sustainability is also a consideration. Starr explains their model relies on paid subscriptions to their writing club, book sales, and strategic brand partnerships—including a notable collaboration with Valentino for Valentine’s Day. “I just care about breaking even at this point,” Starr admits. “I charge for tickets and that pays for venues. At Burger King, we bring people in and they buy drinks and food.” The focus remains on providing accessible and joyful experiences, a priority balanced with a day job to ensure the project’s longevity.

Love/hate lists and the pursuit of authentic connection

Dream Baby Press’s “Love/Hate” lists, inspired by a vintage Cher list circulating online, offer a glimpse into the personal tastes of those they admire. These curated lists, eschewing traditional promotional tactics, provide a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures. “It’s such a nice time capsule of who she was at the time,” Starr observes, reflecting on the original Cher list.

London calling: a boxing gym debut

Dream Baby Press is bringing its unique brand of literary revelry to London in April, hosting a reading in a boxing gym. The move signals a continued expansion and a dedication to disrupting conventional literary spaces, one unexpected venue at a time.