Poetry News

****POETRYNEWS****
To receive Poetry News in your email or to post events write to
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Here is your Poetry News for the week of August 24, 2009.
Spoken word events are as prolific and colorful as Summer flowers in the Pioneer Valley and beyond.
Scroll all the way down for more poetry in CT, Boston, NH and VT.

THIS WEEK check out:

Tue. Aug. 25 - Janine Roberts, Book Launch Party, Unitarian Society in Amherst 7pm

Word at the “Y”

Poetry writing class with Lori Desrosiers

at the Westfield YMCA

This class will read great poetry from the canon of modern

American poetry, and use this work as a jumping-off place for your

own writing. This will be a supportive and positive environment in

which to write and discuss poetry. The emphasis will be on

generative writing rather than critique, and promises to be fun as

well as interesting. All levels of poets are welcome.

Cost of each 7- week session:

Facility Member: ..........................................................$48

Limited Member: ..........................................................$65

Non-member:..................................................................$70

Day/Time: Mondays 6:30-8:00PM

Two 7-week sessions - early fall session begins Sept. 14

Go to www.westfieldymca.org or call 413-568-8631 for more information and to register.



Chicopee/Holyoke/Springfield Area Poetry


Starving for Art Presents
open mic Tuesdays
@ Blue Fusion Bar and Grille
487 St. James Ave
Springfield, MA
doors open at 6pm for social hour.
Showtime is 7-9pm
All poets, musicians, singers, and visual artists are welcome.
This event is free
For more info visit http://www.brendaschild.com/

Poetry – A Way of Contemplation

Autumn Retreat for Poets and Writers

The six mini retreat sessions are designed to create a contemplative experience for the writing of poetry. Practice of meditation, contemplation and performances by poets, musicians and storytellers to infuse your writing in response to the “speech of the world.”

Saturday Mornings 9:30 – 12 noon

Sept. 5, 19; Oct. 3, 17; Nov. 7, 21

Holyoke Community College www.hcc.edu

at Kittredge Business Center

To register call: 413.594.1255

Refer to: CRN35374 SEC 77

$149 for Six sessions

Dan Shanahan has offered meditation and writing retreats since 1992 and has published three books of poems. He is a founding member of Stone Soup Poets of Boston.

SPRINGFIELD LIBRARY POETRY

There are still a few weeks to submit your entry for the Library's "Write On, Springfield!"
book project. http://www.springfieldlibrary.org/writeon.htmll

Mark your calendar for Poetry in the Park!
The Open Mic series moves outdoors for the summer,
and will also be moving to Wednesday evenings at 5:30.

Any questions, please contact Anna Brandenburg at 263-6828 x426
or by e-mail at .

Journey on the Page:

Proprioceptive Writing with Tzivia Gover

A non-credit course offered through Holyoke Community College starting Sept. 15

Four Tuesdays: Sept. 15, 22, 29 & Oct 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

At Holyoke Community College

303 Homestead Ave. Holyoke, Mass.

www.hcc.edu

CRN 35375 SEC 51, Non-credit tuition: $109.

To Register through Holyoke Community College call: (413) 538-5815 or (413) 538-5817. Register by telephone by using MasterCard, VISA, or Discover. Please have ready the CRN course number and section number (CRN 35375 SEC 51), day and time. Allow two-three business days for processing, as this is an independent answering service.

What is Proprioceptive Writing?

Proprioceptive Writing® is a meditative form of writing that allows you to know yourself more fully by exploring on paper the territory of your mind, memory, and emotions. This form of writing helps synthesize emotion and imagination, generating authentic insight and joy. Proprioceptive Writing® is not formal writing, nor is it automatic or stream-of-consciousness writing. A regular, disciplined practice in a quiet environment, this unique method frees the writer within. It will help to:

• Focus awareness and build self-trust
• Write and speak with strength and clarity
• Awaken the senses and emotions
• Bring increased energy and power to the creative process
• Focus and deepen the thought process

Instructor Tzivia Gover is an author, educator and certified Proprioceptive Writing Teacher.

Visit www.tziviagover.com

Word in the Valley and Beyond

Open Words Writing Workshop
Explore poetry, fiction, memoir, and more in a group of supportive, fun, dedicated writers.
6:30-9 p.m. 9/9-10/28, Easthampton.
Led by published writer Kat Good-Schiff, MFA,
Amherst Writers & Artists Affiliate. 413-695-8251,
http://openwordswriting.blogspot.com.

THE WOVEN WORD

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

for Girls Grades 5-9

Tuesdays, in Hadley, 3:30-5:30

2009-10 Sessions Beginning 22

This workshop is designed to create safe space to develop every writer’s voice, since there are stories and poems that belong to each of us alone.

The Amherst Writers & Artists workshop method takes writers to both unexpected and familiar places, while working in an affirming space among peers. Writers are given prompts that range from opening lines, to objects or photos, as well as more formal writing exercises. Fresh work and on-going work is encouraged. We focus on creativity and fun, not grammar or spelling.

This workshop, now in its fourth year, will provide 2-3 writing and sharing sessions per week, focusing on new material and ongoing work. It is appropriate for experienced writers and those just beginning to explore creative writing.

Parent references available, carpooling referrals made as well. Writers may try out the workshop as a guest for the first week.

For info: contact Lynn at 584-3373,

Lynn Bowmaster is a published poet who has led workshops for 10 years at home, at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School, Hilltown Cooperative Charter School, Finn Ryan Road Elementary, Soldier On, Open Pantry Teen Program & Holyoke Community College.

FLORENCE POETS SOCIETY .

Next business/sharing meeting Thursday Sept. 10, 6:30pm
ALL POETS OF ALL TYPES AND AGES are welcome, bring one of your original works to share,
(12 to 15 copies will=2 0usually be enough for all to share) The meeting is held at Lilly Library community room and begins at 6:30 PM. Poetry presentation and discussion begins at 7PM



WRITING GROUP
Rich Puchalsky and friends meet every 3rd Thursday
at Lilly Library community Room
at 6:30 PM.
See Rich for details, this group is currently open to join.

LASTLY PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING AS A MEMBER
OF FLORENCE POETS SOCIETY. THE FEE IS $15.00 FOR THE YEAR
FROM SEPTEMBER TO AUGUST. Your membership supports our Fall festival,
SILKWORM our annual journal, (these first two items also are supported in part
by the Northampton Arts Council via a grant)
our website http://www.florencepoetssociety.org/,, our po box, the annual contest,
the JAN SLAM, our spring art gallery reading. and our summer reading
at William Cullen Bryant homestead.

For more information:
Email us at or check out our web
page at http://www.florencepoetssociety.org/



Florence Poets Society Readings:

Listen to "Twilite's Poetry Pub" now Weekly!
Enjoy the "Pub" with Carl and Tom every Wednesday from 9-10 am
on Valley Free Radio, WXOJ 103.3 fm, Northampton and now
with improved streaming at http://www.valleyfreeradio.org/ !!!
Poetry to the people!
WXOJ-FM LP 103.3 and streaming at http://www.valleyfreeradio.org/.
Bringing to you a variety of interesting poetry and music!

-----------------------------
All events are free and open to the public except as noted
For more information, Call Tom at (413) 584-5914
or email at:
or: or visit:
http://www.florencepoetssociety.org/
or visit: http://www.tommytwilite.com/



Poetry Nights in Northampton:

Writer's Group at Packard's in Northampton:
Northampton Writer's Group is an ongoing writer's group
for any kind of written word. We currently have several openings
for new members.
For information please contact Lori
It meets in the library room at Packard's restaurant/bar at
14 Masonic St. in Northampton.
Participants bring copies of their work to read and have
critiqued in a supportive, gentle, constructive environment.
The next date -
Sunday August 30, 6:00pm

Slate Roof invites you to a book launch party for member Janine Roberts,

to celebrate the publication of her new chapbook The Body Alters

When: Tuesday, August 25, at 7 PM

Where: The Unitarian Society, 121 North Pleasant St., Amherst

What: Janine will read poems from The Body Alters and an excerpt from her memoir-in-progress, Love You Terrible. Natalya will play some fiddle. Afterwards, desserts!

This event is free and open to the public. Copies of The Body Alters will be on hand for sale and signing.

Janine's handsome poems plummet into life; births and deaths collide in both intimate moments and far-flung adventures. They are full of hope for all of our changing selves.

~ Mary Clare Powell, author of Things Owls Ate, Academic Scat, and In the Living Room

The Body Alters is also available at: Food for Thought and Collective Copies in Amherst, The Montague Book Mill, Broadside in Northampton, Collective Copies in Florence, Boswell’s Books in Shelburne Falls, World Eye in Greenfield, and on the web at http://www.slateroofpress.com/Roberts.html where you can read a sample poem as well.

For more information: Contact Janine Roberts at 548-9583 or

POETRY A LA CARTE
on WMUA-Amherst 91.1 FM
5pm to 5:30 pm on Tuesdays this Summer,
streamed live at http://www.wmua.org/.
The program, hosted by Daisy Mathias,
includes reading aloud from past
and contemporary poets, and occasionally
features live interview and
poetry-reading with a local poet.



Poems From the Women’s Movement, a reading at Amherst College

On Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 7:30 pm
in Cole Assembly Room in Converse Hall at
Amherst College there will be an event celebrating
Poems From the Women’s Movement, edited by
Honor Moore and published by Library of America,
now in its second printing. Poets Joan Larkin and Honor
Moore will read their poems and the
work of others in the book. Several students from the
Five Colleges will join them in reading other poems in the anthology.
“What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life?/
The world would split open.” These lines by Muriel Rukeyser
epitomize the spirit that animated a whole generation of women
poets, from the 1960’s to the 1980’s, who in exploring the
unspoken truths of their lives sparked a literary revolution.

Honor Moore’s anthology presents 58 poets whose work defines an era,
among them Sylvia Plath, Adrienne Rich, Anne Sexton, Sonia Sanchez,
May Swenson, Alice Walker, Audre Lorde, Ann Waldman, Sharon Olds,
Diane Di Prima, Lucille Clifton, Judy Grahn, Alice Notley, and Eileen Myles.

Poems From the Women’s Movement , selected by O Magazine,
is number 15 on Oprah’s Book Club’s summer reading list.

Joan Larkin’s newest book is My Body: New and Selected
Poems (Hanging Loose Press) received the Publishing Triangle’s
2008 Audre Lorde Award.
Honor Moore’s recent memoir, The Bishop’s Daughter was a finalist
for a National Book Critics Circle Award.

Eileen Miles, named by BUST magazine “the rock star of modern poetry”
has a new book of essays called The Importance of Being Iceland.
The reading will be followed by a reception and book signing.
Sponsors include the Amherst College English Department and
Creative Writing Program, The Massachusetts Review, the
Poetry Center at Smith College, Perugia Press, The Everywoman’s
Center at the University of Massachusetts.
The event is free and open to the public.

Alumni Reading in Northampton!

Poets of the New England College

Low-Residency M.F.A Program

Saturday, September 26, 2009

1:30 – 4:30pm

Forbes Library, Community Room (downstairs)

20 West Street

Northampton, MA

Featured Poets:

Barbara Benoit

Lori Desrosiers

Howard Faerstein

Kathleen Fagley

Jaqueline Gens

Joe Gouveia

Irina Mashinski

Jenn Munroe

Barbara Paparazzo

Ivy Page

Steven Riel

Irene Willis

The NEC low-residency M.F.A. in Poetry is the only single-genre program in the country, giving poets a chance to study poetry and poetics for the entire residency, and a one-on-one correspondence with a mentor during the term. The alumni have taken off in their careers as poets, are published widely and many are teaching in the field. Please come for an afternoon of extraordinary poetry.

Free Admission. Refreshments. Some material may be inappropriate for children.

Valley Writers School: Now Accepting Applications for Fall Session

The Valley Writers School offers fiction, non-fiction, and poetry workshops for
writers seeking to generate new work, refine works-in-progress, read and
discuss great literature, and join a supportive writing community. This fall
we will run two workshops: one in poetry and one in fiction/memoir.
Session begins the week of September 14 and runs for ten weeks.
Workshops are in the evenings and held at the Writers' Mill in Florence.
Tuition is $290. (Also ask about our one-day memoir workshop for parents of all ages!)

Workshop will be serious, fun, eye-opening, and supportive.
Please contact us at or at
413-636-5088 if you have any questions or if you'd like to apply.

THE WOVEN WORD

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

for Girls Grades 5-8

Tuesdays, After School, in Hadley

2009-10 Sessions Beginning September 22, 2009

This workshop is designed to create safe space to develop every

writer’s voice, since there are stories and poems that belong to each of us alone.

The Amherst Writers & Artists workshop method takes writers to both unexpected and familiar places, while working in an affirming space among peers. Writers are given prompts that range from opening lines, to objects or photos, as well as more formal writing exercises. Fresh work and on-going work is encouraged. We focus on creativity and fun, not grammar or spelling.

This workshop, now in its fourth year, will provide 2-3 writing and sharing sessions per week, focusing on new material and on going work. It is appropriate for experienced writers and those just beginning to explore creative writing.

Parent references available, carpooling referrals made as well. Writers may try out the workshop as a guest for the first week.

For info: contact Lynn at 584-3373,

Lynn Bowmaster is a published poet who has led workshops for 10 years at home, at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School, Hilltown Cooperative Charter School, Finn Ryan Road Elementary, Soldier On, Open Pantry Teen Program & Holyoke Community College.

Greenfield/Shelburne Falls and North

Greenfield Spoken Word

September 15

Featuring: Poets of Naugatuck River Review, a journal of narrative poetry:

Howie Faerstein

Ellen LaFleche

Sally Bellerose

Lesléa Newman

Laura Rodley

Joe Gouveia

Roderick Bates

Always the third Tuesday of the month

9 Mill St

Greenfield, MA

Doors open at 7:00

Open Mic starts at 7:30

Open Mic will be 10 - five-minute slots

Donation - Sliding Scale $1 - $5

Feature Readers

I have to honestly say I don't know who the featured readers are

I can't find anything in my piles that gives me a clue

I know I talked to a few people, yet have no acknowledgment

Of anyone being definite

Or I didn't contact people back

Which I apologize a head of time for if this is true

So

If who I talked to reads this and says

Yeah I was one of the featured readers, great

Other wise we will have more time for everyone else to read, or and more slots

Book signing and selling of local writers works will be available

Directions

If you come up 91

Come into the center of Greenfield

At the lights of Federal and Main

Where the Common is

You take a right

Down the hill

Toyota will be on you left

You go under the railroad bridge

Come to a light

Take a RT

and you are there

That is Mill St

9 is on the corner

You can park in the Art Space next door

or on the street

OR

If you are coming up 5 & 10 into Greenfield

When you come to the lights

Where you can either go left

Or Right under the Railroad bridge

You want to go left

That is Mill St

9 is the first building

Women’s Writing Weekend

September 25 – 27, 2009

Angels’ Rest Retreat Center

Leyden, Massachusetts

Facilitators: Amy Swisher, Mary Ellen Kelly and Fanny Rothschild

We held our first writing retreat in February, and had such a great time we decided to do it again! Angels’ Rest offers a perfect getaway spot, complete with great company, delicious meals, and two outdoor hot tubs.

Check out the retreat center at http://www.angelsrestretreat.com/.

For those who would welcome a creative jump start, we’ll provide a variety of writing prompts and theme sessions. Or if you’d prefer to work on your own material in your own time, that’s okay, too. This is your weekend and all activities are completely optional.

There’s no charge for the program itself; $200 covers your room (double or triple occupancy), meals and snacks, and taxes. This fee does not include tip; 5% in cash is a recommended guideline. The weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 25 with dinner at 6:30pm, and will wrap up on Sunday, Sept. 27 shortly after lunch.

We’re limiting the retreat to 18 participants, and anticipate it will fill quickly.

To hold your place, please send your $100 non-refundable deposit by August 7 to Fanny Rothschild, 26 Morgan Circle, Amherst, MA. 01002. Make check payable to “Nancy Rothschild.” The remaining balance will be due when you come to the retreat. For more information, contact Fanny at .

ARMS LIBRARY READING
Third Friday Prose and Poetry Readings.
7 p.m. at The Arms Library,
Corner of Main and Bridge Streets,
Shelburne Falls, Mass.
413-625-0306.

Held in the upstairs Reading Room, readers should arrive a
couple of minutes early to sign up for a reading slot, and then
have five minutes to share their work.
The building is accessible by entering at lower level
and taking the elevator upstairs.



All SMALL CAPS READING
at the Deja Brew Pub
57 Lockes Village Road,
Wendell, MA.
The last Monday of Every Month

Open Mic Sign Up 7-7:15
Open Mic Readings 7:15-8:00

$1-$5 sliding scale admission
This program is supported, in part, by the Wendell Cultural Council, a local agency, The Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

$1 - $5
Sliding scale admission
For directions and additional information see our website
http://allsmallcaps.blogspot.com/

We hope to see you there. Come read, listen, eat food, drink beer, and celebrate this wonderful reading series that wouldn't be possible without your continued support. Thanks very much.

Jess, Paul, Charles, Stephen

Deja Brew Pub
& Cafe
57 Lockes Village Rd.
Wendell MA
(978) 544-2739

__________


Bart’s Bards

Dr. Mary Clare Powell is a professor at Lesley University, formerly Director of the Creative Arts in Learning Division, now adjunct professor who teaches poetry to teachers across the country. She has published several books, including This Way Daybreak Comes: Women's Values and the Future, The Widow, Arts, Education and Social Change (editor). She is also author of several books of poetry, including Things Owls Ate, Academic Scat, and In the Living Room. She lives in Greenfield, MA where she works on the Franklin County Arts and Culture Partnership, and is on the Board of Trustees of the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School in South Hadley. She writes articles on integrated arts in education, and poetry.

I hope you can join us at 7:00p.m. on September 10 (sign up to read at 6:45).

Bring friends to help ensure that Bart's Bards second year will add success to success.

Warmly,

~Larry Fader

Collected Poets Series
Closed August & September
October 1st: Annie Finch & Lisa Olstein

Mocha Maya’s Coffee House,
47 Bridge Street,
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370,
413-625-6292.
Wheelchair accessible. Free.

See www.collectedpoets.com or www.mochamayas.com for more information.

2009 Series
--- no CPS for August and Sept.---
Oct. 1 Annie Finch and Lisa Olstein
Nov. 5 April Ossman, Peter Waldor, and Pamela Stewart
Dec. 3 Mary Koncel and Kate Greenstreet

The Collected Poets Series highlights the work of established and emerging poets. Each event showcases the remarkable local poets of Western Massachusetts and the finest regional, national, and international talent. The series is usually held every first Thursday of the month. See http://www.collectedpoets.com/ for more info about upcoming events.


_____________

Writing Groups
for beginning and experienced writers
Come write in an encouraging supportive environment, experience the
deepening and growth of your own writing, and contribute to the deepening
and growth of others' writing. No experience necessary--only the
willingness to put pen to paper.

Groups meet weekly in Greenfield, are ongoing, and open to all genres. We
follow the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method,
http://www.amherstwriters.com/.
$125 per 5-week session,
6 - 8 people per group.
To join or for more info
call or email Ann McNelly: 413 772 2375,

________________

News from Mo and Ginger Cat Press

The web site can be accessed with this address:
http://www.thebooksmyth.com/
Maureen
Web site: http://www.thebooksmyth.com/ submission guidelines now available

The Equinox is available at http://www.thebooksmyth..com/



Word in the Berkshires

AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER RETURNS TO MASS. WITH 2 ENSEMBLES

(Poetry and Music at Pittsfield WordxWord Festival)

ASCAP award-winning composer, pianist, and producer Wendy Loomis will be returning to Massachusetts from her home in San Francisco to perform with her two ensembles, COPUS and Phoenix Rising. On Wednesday, August 19th, the groups will be at the innovative Outpost 186 Gallery in Cambridge. www.zeitgeist-outpost.org

COPUS will also be performing at the 1st annual WordxWord Festival in Pittsfield on Thursday and Friday, August 20-21, as well as presenting a “Poetry + Music” master class on Saturday. www.wordxwordfestival.com

COPUS is a world beat ensemble that presents conscious lyrics and beautiful melodies for the intelligent listener. Formed by poet Royal Kent and composer Wendy Loomis in 1999, the group has performed at clubs, theaters, and festivals in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Atlanta. Flutist
Monica Williams, bass player Patrick Mahon and guest percussionists round out the group. The group has released CD “Later Than You Think”, single ‘The Fool”, trilogy “Jah Provide” and is currently working on their next full-length recording. “COPUS could become legendary if given the opportunity to thrive!”
~Michael Allison, MusicDish.com www.copuscatalog.com

Power of Words, Open Mic

Sept 15^th, Tuesday

7pm to 8:30 pm

Hosted by Garfield Reed.
This is an open opportunity to share poetry,
readings, music and other spoken word.
Free and open to the public
Berkshire South Regional Community Center
Crissey Rd. Great Barrington, MA
Every third Tuesday of the month.
Please call Garfield at 528 4127 for more information.



In Words, Out Words in Housatonic

In Housatonic, MA there is an open mic for poets and performers
of all styles and ages.
1st Tuesday of each month at
the Deb Koffman Gallery
137 Front Street,
Housatonic, MA 01236. “In Words, Out Words.”
is hosted by John Meeks and there is usually
a $7 suggested donation for heat and electricity.
There are snacks there provided by whoever wants to bring them.
The sign up technically is at 6:30 however the way it works is a
lottery system. If you go to check it out once, then you can put
your name on the contact email list. The following month you
get an email reminding you of the upcoming event.
If it’s your first time performing at In Words, Out Words,
you are guaranteed a spot on the roster as long as you reply
to the reminder email. If you’ve performed there before then
you are put into the lottery system and randomly names are selected.
Sometimes there are still slots open at the door.
The open mic begins at 7 and the featured performer goes on
for about 20 minutes. It usually lasts until between 9 and 9:30.



Zeitgeist Gallery Pittsfield

Monday Poetry Nights
6 to10pm
648 North Street in Pittsfield
call Alan Nidle, the Director at (857) 991-8448 for detail

Lee Writers Group
(every 2nd Tuesday of the month)
at the Lee Library Conference Room.

Develop and hone writing skills through constructively critiquing
others as well as receiving helpful hints and suggestions.
This forum will host a variety of short stories, poetic compilations,
insightful and original essays, and other varieties of writing similarly
tangible in length. The purpose of this group is to embody character
and narrator through obsessive directive fervor with written and
spoken words.
The group will meet every second Tuesday sharing original works
via recitation and distribution and should be prepared to accept
constructive feedback and be able to, in return, deliver such
feedback in a respectable and deliberate manner.
Contact
or call 413 243-8116 for further information.



Word in Ware/Palmer

Carpe Stylum! (Latin for Seize the pen!)
meets every Wednesday 6-8pm, usually at the Ware Library
but some meetings are held elsewhere.
This group includes poets, short story writers and novelists.
All are welcome.
Call LuWanda Cheney (413) 277-9676 for a schedule.



Word in Worcester:

OVERVIEW OF WORCESTER EVENTS THIS WEEK:

Thursday, Aug. 20 7:00 p.m.
Liz Heath @ The After Nine Poetry Series Friday, Aug. 21 7:00 p.m.
poetry reading @ Starry Night Cafe (201-205 Main Street, Webster, MA) Saturday, Aug. 22 11:30 a.m.
Bill MacMillan @ the Saturday Evening Open Mic
(Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Plaza, 541D Lincoln Streeet, Worcester) Sunday, Aug. 23 6:00 p.m.
David Perez & iWPS Qualifier @ the Poet's Asylum Monday, Aug. 24 7:00 p.m.
The Little "a" Poetry Series (362 Chandler Street, Worcester)
8:30 p.m.
Sean Conlon @ the Dirty Gerund Poetry Show (148 Grove Street, Worcester) Thursday, Aug. 27 8:00 p.m.
Naomi Christianson at the After Nine Poetry Series

The Little "a" Poetry Series
at the Q Cafe, 362 Chandler St in Worcester, MA.
We run the reading every Monday night, the sign-up list for
the open mic goes up at 7:00pm and we get started shortly thereafter.


Worcester Storytellers
Worcester Storytellers meets on the second Friday of each month at the Village Arts Gallery
(1 Ekman Street, Worcester). The reading starts at 8:00 p.m. There will be an open mic followed by a feature.
Worcester Storytellers never charges a cover. They ask you throw some money into the basket to support the artists who feature. For more info please contact [email protected]


The d'Alzon Arts Series: Poetry Reading
takes place at Assumption College (500 Salisbury Street, Worcester) in the Emmanuel d'Alzon Library on the third Friday of each month during the academic year. The format is an open mic for the first half-hour or so, a short break with refreshments and then 2 featured poets.. The reading starts at 7:00 p.m. and typically runs for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Readings run throughout the school year.


New Name - Same Great Poetry
The After Nine Poetry Series - Every Thursday Night
The The After Nine Poetry Series, formerly The Spot,
is a weekly poetry reading in the Ship Room at the Hotel Vernon
(1 Kelly Square, Worcester).

The reading is held in the Ship Room of the Hotel Vernon (1 Kelly Square, Worcester). The official start time is 8:00 p.m. but honestly, things get going closer to 9. Maybe this week will be different.

21+ and proper id is required

Speakout! Youth Slam Saturday Night
The Speakout! Youth Poetry Slam returns from the winter hiatus and is back to meeting every Saturday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The format is an open mic, youth slam (ages 13-19 welcome) and a feature. This week their feature will be 2008 Worcester Slam team member Trevor Byrne-Smith. Come share a poem at the open mic or come to see slammers. Join them in The Bisto in Higgins Student Center (950 Main Street, Worcester).


Poets Asylum
Sundays:

August 23
t's going to be a busy night at the Poets' Asylum this Sunday, August 23rd, with the regular poetry open mic, a feature and a slam on the docket. Tonight we will host a feature by David Perez and hold the second iWPS Qualifying Slam.

David Perez enjoys jet skiing, racquetball and starlit walks on the beach with the Queen of Denmark. In 2008 he represented San Jose at the Individual World Poetry slam. In 2009 he is pried again from the bosom of the Bay Area to compete at the National Poetry Slam with team San Jose. For the past two years he has coached San Jose's youth slam team and worked as Performing Arts Program Coordinator for MACLA, Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana.

After the feature we'll hold the second iWPS Qualifying Slam. Up to eight poets will compete in the Slam tonight. It will be two 3-minute rounds with the usual rules. The top two poets tonight move on to the iWPS Selection Slam next Sunday night. You can find out more info on iWPS by visiting http://iwps.poetryslam.com.

Poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. It puts a dual emphasis on writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what they're saying and how they're saying it. Slam poetry can be moving, funny and deadly serious, sometimes all in the same poem. If that sounds like a good time then join us for some great words.

Come on down to Jumpin' Juice and Java (335 Chandler Street, Worcester). The reading starts at 6:00 p.m. No cover; please throw some money in the bucket to support the feature.



The Dirty Gerund
There's a new poetry reading in town! The Dirty Gerund Poetry Show will be held every Monday night starting at 8:30 p.m. The reading is being held at Ralph's Chadwick Square Diner (148 Grove Street, Worcester) and is hosted by Rushelle Frazier. There will be an open mic every week with a mix of poetry s lams and featured poets.
No cover; donations accepted. 21+
Please join us at our new home,


Shakti Women's Writing Pact
The Shakti Women's Writing Pact meets
every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at
the Java Hut (1073A Main Street, Worcester).
Shakti was created with the intention of enhancing women's
sense of belonging within the poetry community through the
an unmoderated writing circle.
For more information please contact Sou MacMillan at
.

THE ECLECTIC WORD, Radio Show
Poet and journalist Victor D. Infante hosts The Eclectic Word, an
Internet radio show that will delve into literature's fringe with poets,
satirists, alternative journalists and even (gasp!) bloggers. We'll be
stepping off the beaten path of literature, taking a close look at the odd,
the eccentric and the cutting-edge. Should be fun.

The show will run at 7 p.m. EST the first and third Friday of every month,
as part of The World Wide Word Radio Network. You can listen to the
shows live, or you can download it later for your listening convenience.
So give it a listen! It's going to be a blast!


CT POETRY
-------------------------------------------------------
Visit the CT Poet Online calendar,
updated weekly: http://www.poetz.com/connecticut


Wintonbury Poetry Series & Open Mike
Third Thursdays 7:00 PM

An open mike follows the featured guests each evening. Themes are optional.

Wintonbury Branch Library
1015 Blue Hills Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06002
860-243-8855

POETRY POTLUCK
at
The Sanctuary

Do you love poetry?

Would you like to be part of an ongoing poetry discussion group offering food for the mind and the heart?

If so, come and join us on the this first Sunday of June (June 7th) from 4.30-6.00 PM at at the Yurt in The Sanctuary in East Haddam, Connecticut, to discuss poetry and build community.

This is not about sharing our own work but instead offers us a chance to share the work of poets we love, so you don’t have to be a poet to be part of this group. Just come and bring your love of poetry and a poem you would like to share.

Hosted by Greg Coleman, Suzy Lamson, and Edwina Trentham

For more information call 860-319-1134.

Directions to the Sanctuary for Poetry Potluck
on Bogel Road – Look for sign: Labyrinth & Yurt
(it’s a dirt driveway)

FROM HARTFORD: Take I-84 East towards East Hartford. Take exit 55 onto Route 2 East towards Norwich. Take exit 16. Go RIGHT onto Route 149. Turn LEFT onto Route 151 (Plains Road). Turn LEFT onto Daniels Road. Turn LEFT onto Bogel Road.
Phone number: 860-319-1134

FROM NEW HAVEN: Take I-95 North towards New London. Take exit 67; stay to the LEFT at the fork on the ramp. Turn LEFT onto Route 154 (Middlesex Turnpike). Take Route 9 North towards Middletown. Take exit 7 onto Route 82 East. Turn LEFT onto Route 154 (Saybrook Road). Turn RIGHT onto Route 82 (Bridge Road). Turn LEFT onto Route 151 (Town Street). Turn RIGHT onto Daniels Road. Turn LEFT onto Bogel Road. Phone number: 860-319-1134

FROM NEW LONDON: Take I-95 South towards New Haven. Take Route 9 North towards Middletown. Take exit 7 onto Route 82 East. Turn LEFT onto Route 154 (Saybrook Road). Turn RIGHT onto Route 82 (Bridge Road). Turn LEFT onto Route 151 (Town Street). Turn RIGHT onto Daniels Road. Turn LEFT onto Bogel Road.
Phone number: 860-319-1134

FROM MIDDLETOWN AND POINTS WEST:
Take I-84 East to exit 27 onto Rte 691. Stay on 691 when it becomes Rte 66 East headed toward Meriden. Go all the way through Meriden and Middletown onto Rte 9 South. Take exit 7 onto Route 82 East. Turn LEFT onto Route 154 (Saybrook Road). Turn RIGHT onto Route 82 (Bridge Road). Turn LEFT onto Route 151 (Town Street). Turn RIGHT onto Daniels Road. Turn LEFT onto Bogel Road.
Phone number: 860-319-1134

Mishi-maya-gat Spoken Word & Music Series

NOW IN ITS 4th SEASON!

at Manchester Community College

Great Path Academy, Community Commons

Manchester, CT 06040

Sponsored by MCC Foundation / Hosted by Stephen Campiglio

2rd Thursday of each month; 7-9 p.m.

Free and Open to the Public

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

7 p.m. – Yovianna García Alvarado, classical guitarist and composer

Ms. Garcia was born into a family of musicians in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1985. Her compositions have been performed by many artists and featured in festivals in Puerto Rico and the United States, including most recently at the Annual Women Composers Festival in Hartford and the Primer Festival de Guitarra Clásica in Ponce. She appears on several tracks of Puerto Rican folk musician Alejandro Croatto’s CD, “Mi Gente Bella,” and has performed with the renowned Alturas Duo. She is currently finishing a master of music degree in classical guitar performance at the Hartt School of Music, where she studies with Richard Provost and Christopher Ladd. Ms. García also teaches classical guitar at The Hartt School Community Division of the University of Hartford. More information on the artist can be found at: http://www.yoviannagarcia.com/.

8 p.m. – Asnuntuck Community College English Department Featured Reading, with John Sheirer, Edwina Trentham, and Elizabeth Szewczyk

John Sheirer (pronounced Shy-er) is the author of the memoir, Loop Year: 365 Days on the Trail (PublishingWorks, 2008), which received the Connecticut Green Circle Award for environmental activism. He is also the author of the 2005 memoir, Growing Up Mostly Normal in the Middle of Nowhere, a finalist for the Sante Fe Writers Project Literary Award and published by Foremost Press, as well as a book of poetry, Saying my Name (PublishAmerica: 2003). He teaches English and Communications at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut. More information on John, his books, and other reading appearances, can be found on his website: http://www.johnsheirer.com/.

Edwina Trentham’s first book of poetry, Stumbling into the Light, was published by Antrim House in 2004. She has published her work in a number of magazines, including The American Scholar, Kalliope, The Massachusetts Review, Prairie Schooner, and Connecticut Review. Her work has also appeared in several anthologies. She has been a fellow at Yaddo, and has won a number of awards for her poetry, including honorable mention in the 2004 Sunken Garden Poetry Festival International Competition. She is professor of English at Asnuntuck Community College, where she is also the editor of Freshwater, a national poetry journal. More information on Freshwater can be found at: www.acc.commnet.edu/freshwater.htm. The poet’s website is: http://www.edwinatrentham.com/.

Elizabeth Szewczyk is an adjunct professor of English at Asnuntuck Community College. Her chapbook, This Becoming, was recently published by Big Table Publishing( http://www.bigtablepublishing.com/). One reviewer of This Becoming states: “Rich language and abundant imagery immediately set the tone for this unique collection filled with surprising insights. Once immersed, the reader is presented with honest recollections of both happiness and heartache as Elizabeth Szewczyk tackles themes of love and loss without sentimentality, self-pity, or vague generalizations.” ~ Alexis Czencz Belluzzi, Practicing Distance.

For more information on this event, upcoming events, and directions, please visit the Series website at: www.mcc.commnet.edu/faculty/spoken.php.

Wednesday Night Poetry

8/26/09 - Janice Krasselt Medin

Boston Area/Cape Cod Poetry Info:

The Greater Brockton Society for Poetry and the Arts

Presents

Poetry Series at the Brockton Library

http://www.gbspa.org/

Go to our website and click on the CAT to read about City Lights

Celebrating Poetry One Saturday Every Month

Features Saturday August 15:

Doug Holder http://gbspa.homestead.com/DougHolder.html
Kate Chadbourne http://gbspa.homestead.com/KateChadbourne.html

Our workshop and venue are free, the seats comfortable, the refreshments delicious.

12:00 - 2:00 Poetry Writing Workshop

1:30 - 2:00 Sign up for Open-Mic Reading

2:15 - 3:15 Open-Mic Reading

3:30 - 4:30 Feature Poets

During Open-Mic Reading share your own poetry

or read from works of your favorite poets

Upcoming Features (For information on the following poets click on our website)

Sat. Aug 15 - Doug Holder

Kate Chadbourne

Sat. Sep 19 - Nancy Brady Cunningham

Sheila Mullen Twyman

Joanna Nealon

Sat. Oct.17 - Ellen steinbaum

Paul Hostovsky

Sat. Nov. 21- Wendy Mnookin

Daniel Tobin

Sat. Dec. 19 - Faye George

Everett Hoagland

Brockton Library Poetry Series

Sheila Mullen Twyman

Lowell Poetry Network Events: September 2009

Poetry Reading at 119 Gallery

119 Chelmsford Street, Lowell, MA

Thursday, September 24 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

$3.00 admission – All welcome

Featured Reader, Janet Stevenson followed by open mic. Come listen. Come read.

Admission includes light refreshments. Janet’s passionate about poetry – and loves a poetry party.

_______________________________________________

How to Successfully Revise a Poem

Facilitated by Tom Daley

Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center

40 French Street, Lowell, MA

Saturday, September 26 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

$35 registration --- To register: email Janet Stevenson at [email protected]

A great opportunity to stretch your poetic muscles! Registration is limited to 12 participants. All welcome. Registration includes light refreshments.

Tom Daley is a member of the faculty of the Online School of Poetry and serves on the tutorial faculty of Walnut Hill School for the Arts. He also teaches poetry writing at the Boston Center for Adult Education and at Lexington (MA) Community Education.

Here’s a testimonial from one of Tom’s workshop participants: “ Your assignments have been so interesting and provocative that they've put me back in the zone where I don't question the value of writing, but just relish doing it and long for more time to do it.”

____________________________________________

Book Launch

Al Bouchard: The Fogg

Whistler House Museum of Art

243 Worthen Street, Lowell, MA

Saturday, September 26 2:00 -4:00 p.m.

Free ~ All welcome

The Lowell Poetrytry Network is made up of people of all backgrounds, ages and skills who appreciate the craft of poetry. The network consists of a free e-mail list, occasional workshops, poetry performances and other literary events. or more information, visit www.lowellpoetrynetwork.org

WEDNESDAYS at the CANTAB

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Central Square's world-famous Cantab Lounge
presents weekly performances from local and national poets, as well as a
chance to present your own work in the open mic or poetry slam.
DJ Muse spins before the show and between poets.

Upcoming features include:

• Wednesday, August 26
Brian S. Ellis reads poems of his own devising to friends and family and strangers. He’s a founding member of the Whitehaus Family Arkestra and his book, Uncontrolled Experiments in Freedom, was published last year on Write Bloody. A member of the Cantab slam team since his first year in the venue, Brian held the Champion of Champions title for more than a full year and represented the Cantab at the Individual World Poetry Slam in 2007. Semi-final slam with April, Sam, Andy, Sean.

• Wednesday, September 2
SCHEDULE CHANGE! Our previously scheduled featured poet has postponed his Cantab appearance. Instead, we will have San Jose Poet David Perez. A Bay Area slammer and MFA candidate, David is a two-year veteran coach of his local Brave New Voice team. Come check out this unique voice rarely heard on the East Coast. Semi-final slam with Charley, Kevin, 8/12 winner, and 8/19 winner.

• Wednesday, September 9
Born of a family of scientists, Jade Sylvan spent her adult education studying world religion, esoteric mysticism, the occult, sustainable design, rock & roll history, and how to pour a good glass of absinthe. After spending her 2008 as a regular reader at the Cantab, we can finally welcome her for a combination birthday party and book release! Come celebrate with Jade and get a peek at her new book, The Spark Singer. Season final poetry slam: 8/26 winner vs. 9/2 winner.

AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER RETURNS TO MASS. WITH 2 ENSEMBLES

ASCAP award-winning composer, pianist, and producer Wendy Loomis will be returning to Massachusetts from her home in San Francisco to perform with her two ensembles, COPUS and Phoenix Rising. On Wednesday, August 19th, the groups will be at the innovative Outpost 186 Gallery in Cambridge. www.zeitgeist-outpost.org

COPUS will also be performing at the 1st annual WordxWord Festival in Pittsfield on Thursday and Friday, August 20-21, as well as presenting a “Poetry + Music” master class on Saturday. www.wordxwordfestival.com

COPUS is a world beat ensemble that presents conscious lyrics and beautiful melodies for the intelligent listener. Formed by poet Royal Kent and composer Wendy Loomis in 1999, the group has performed at clubs, theaters, and festivals in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Atlanta. Flutist
Monica Williams, bass player Patrick Mahon and guest percussionists round out the group. The group has released CD “Later Than You Think”, single ‘The Fool”, trilogy “Jah Provide” and is currently working on their next full-length recording. “COPUS could become legendary if given the opportunity to thrive!”
~Michael Allison, MusicDish.com www.copuscatalog.com

Nancy K. Pearson Features

at Last Thursday Open Mic
at The Cultural Center of Cape Cod

August 27, 2009

307 Old Main St.,
S. Yarmouth, MA
co-hosts Joe Gouveia and Barry Hellman:
The last Thursday of every month, 7pm.
Open mic and featured poet.
Bring your own refreshments.
Arrive early to sign up for open mic.
For updated info on this and other Cape activities go to:
http://home.comcast.net/~bmhellman

_____

The Chapel In The Pines in Eastham
Biannual Poetry Open Mic (April & October)
10AM-Noon
October 25, 2009.
Hosted by Barry Hellman
Free & Refreshments Served
Read Your Own Work
Or Just Come to Listen
Plus this time around: A Featured Poet!



Tony Hoagland (that's right, Tony Hoagland)
will be the Featured Poet
at Open Mic Night at The Cultural Center of Cape Cod in S. Yarmouth
7PM October 29, 2009.
Co-Hosted by Barry Hellman and Joe Gouveia

CHECK OUT http://home.comcast.net/~bmhellman
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DETAILS
ABOUT ALL OF THESE EVENTS.

The Pleasure of Poetry

with Ada Jill Schneider

at The Somerset Public Library

every Wednesday in September, 2009 at 2 PM

1464 County Street

Somerset, MA 02726

(508) 646-2829

Free

Participants are invited to bring a favorite poem

or two to read aloud and share with the group.

Tea and cookies will be served.

Guest Reader on Wednesday, Sept. 30

Janice Miller Potter, author of Psalms in Time

Lowell Poetry Slam and Open Mic Every FIRST Thursday at Brew'd
Awakening! Only poets can compete in the slam and win the prize...
but the mic is open to musical performers as well.
Whether you come to perform, compete or just enjoy some coffee
and great local talent, don't miss this event!
7:00pm - 9:30 pm
*Sign-up between 6:30-7:00*
The event is free and open to the public—so come on down for an evening
of good company and some terrific regional voices!
Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus
61 Market Street
Lowell, MA 978-454-BREW
For more info, please email


* * *
the Poetry Session at O'Shea's
THE CAPE GETS ITS VOICE BACK
7 to 8:30PM Every Third Thursday!
The Poetry Session at O'Shea's is a free monthly all-ages open mic
for poets and lovers of poetry held in the Back Room
at O'Shea's Olde Inne. 348 Main Street,
Rte. 28 West Dennis, MA 02670 Free
Contact Info: Gregory Hischak

* * *

SATURDAYS

The Greater Brockton Society for Poetry and the Arts
Presents
Poetry Series: at the Brockton Library
304 Main Street. Map it! New website!! www.gbspa.org

Celebrating Poetry One Saturday Every Month
This is a Free Event
with really comfortable chairs and divine refreshments

12:00 - 2:00 Workshop with Danielle Legros Georges
1:30 - 2:00 Sign up for Open-Mic Reading
2:15 - 3:15 Open-Mic Reading
3:30 - 4:30 Feature Poets

During Open-Mic Reading share your own poetry
or read from works of your favorite poets

* * *
OPEN BARK
meets @ the Out Of The Blue Art Gallery,
106 PROSPECT ST. (the home of Stone Soup)
CENTRAL SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE.
SIGN-UP AT 8:00pm
OPEN MIC STARTS @ 8:15pm,
FEATURE @ 9:00pm
Come and perform or listen!

Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam Sunday Night!
Cambridge Common
1667 Mass. Ave., Cambridge
$5 Cover Every Sunday
Poetry Slam: 8:00 pm,
Feature: 9:30 pm,
Open Mike: 10:30 pm
617-547-0759 http://poetryjam.org/


_____ MONDAYS
Stone Soup Poetry
Stone Soup Poetry meets from 8-10 p.m. every Monday at the
Out of The Blue Art Gallery (located on 106 Prospect Street in Cambridge)
with an open mike si gn-up at 7:30 p.m.
http://stonesouppoetry.blogspot.com/

_____ TUESDAYS
Newton Free Library Poetry Reading Series
The series meets the second Tuesday of every month open mic after features.
Starts 7PM For complete information go to
http://newtonfreelibrarypoetryseries.blogspot.com/
Director: Doug Holder http://authorsden.com/douglasholder

* * *
Cambridge Community Television
Tuesdays at 11:00 PM Saturdays at 10:30PM
Catch the latest from the Boston Poetry Slam I
NFO:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LETRA Poetry Nights
in LAWRENCE MASS
Every TUESDAY at
Julio's 99 Club
99 Essex Street Lawrence, MA
Doors open at 7pm open mic starts at 8pm
Admission $3.00
For more information or for directions please call
Michelle Richardson at 978-423-7045


Gypsypashn's Poetry Caravan
at Bestseller's Cafe
24 High Street
Medford, MA. 02155
Third Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM.
Free refreshments open mic.
The Poetry Man' hosts
The Main St. Cafe, North Easton MA.


VT/NH Poetry

BRATTLEBORO LITERARY FESTIVAL

2009 FESTIVAL DATES ANNOUNCED
The 8th annual Brattleboro Literary Festival will take place October 2-4, 2009.

The Festival is a three-day celebration of those who read books, those who write books,

and of the books themselves. Located in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont, the Festival

includes readings, panel discussions, and special events, featuring emerging and established authors.

All events are free. Go to: http://www.brattleboroliteraryfestival.org/ for details


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News for Poetry News should be sent to .

Please send your announcements in text only format - do not format (no special fonts, colors, etc.) and do not

include underlined links, as my server will not accept them for the email list. Typed web addresses are fine.
Send by Wednesday for Thursday publication. Thank you , Lori Desrosiers - Publisher.