Poetry News August 22, 2011
****POETRY NEWS****
Here is your Poetry News for the week of August 22, 2011.
Poetry events are hot, hot, hot, wherever you go in the Pioneer Valley and beyond! Scroll all the way down for more poetry in CT, Boston and other areas.
To receive Poetry News in your email or to post events write to lori@thepoetrynews.com
Send announcements to lori@thepoetrynews.com by Wednesday for Thursday publication. Please send in a text-only announcement, preferably in the form of a news release.
THIS WEEK in Western MA and Vicinity:
Thu. Aug.25 - Poetry Slam Final for Springfield Slam Team, MLK Center, 365 Bay St. Spfld, 7pm
Fri. Aug. 26 - Poetry at Rao's Cafe, Amherst, 8pm
This is just a sampling. There are many other poetry events in Western MA, Boston, CT and beyond this week - Please scroll down!
SPRINGFIELD POETRY
Final Qualifying Slam for Springfield Slam Team
Last chance to slam for your spot on the Springfield, MA poetry slam team
Thursday, August 25, 7pm - 10pm
Martin Luther King Center, 365 Bay St., Springfield, MA
September Author Fair
The Springfield Central Library will host its 3rd Author Fair on Saturday, September 17
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Rotunda. Area authors with recently published pieces will display their work, meet the public to discuss their writing, and sell and sign copies of their books. This all day Author Fair spotlights the literary skill, talent, and inspiration of area residents while helping readers discover a wide range of literature that they may not find otherwise.
Some of the featured authors include Maria Luisa Arroyo (poet, Springfield), Eric Bascom (biographer, Springfield), Gineen Cooper (editor and poet, Springfield), Wayne Dusza (novelist, Longmeadow), Carolyn Gibbs (teen novelist, Wilbraham), John Hess (local historian, East Longmeadow), Blanche Jackson-Hill (non-fiction writer, Wilbraham), Kaolin (non-fiction writer, Northampton), Judith Kappenman (biographer, Chicopee), Joan Morris Reilly (local interest author, Springfield), Lori Szepelak (spiritual author, Westhampton), Price Van Ray (poet and children’s author, South Hadley), Jacqueline Williams-Hines (children’s book author focusing on autism, Springfield) and others. There is room at the Fair for a few more local authors--please contact librarian Matthew Jaquith at (413) 263-6828, ext. 221 for details. Come to the Central Library and join us at the Fair!
POETRY IN THE VALLEY AND BEYOND
A Northampton based poetry critique group is seeking new members who actively write poetry, have previously published their work, and can commit to meeting every Tuesday morning. Send inquiries to
Tuesdaypoets @yahoo.com
Flying Object Poetry Readings and Workshops
Flying Object in Hadley has all sorts of poetry readings and workshops going on. Please go to their website at http://www.flying-object.org for more information.
Poetry at Rao's in Amherst
There will be a poetry reading on Friday August 26th from 8- 9:30 pm.
at Rao's Cafe, 17 Kellogg Ave. Amherst, MA
Book Launch of "The Girls Club"
a novel by Sally Bellerose
Saturday, September 24, 2011, 3pm
Forbes Library Community Room
20 West St. Northampton, MA
Refreshments will be served - All welcome
Forbes Library Weekly Poetry Discussion Group
The Poetry Discussion at Forbes Library will resume meeting on Mondays at 7 PM in the Coolidge Room, starting September 26 and running through December 12 for the fall session. Poets to be discussed will include Jane Hirshfield, Diane Gilliam, Ida Stewart, John Ashbery, Patricia Smith and Gerald Stern.
The Woven Word Creative Writing Workshops For Young Writers
After School Workshops in Hadley
To Begin Week of September 12
Tuesdays (Girls Only), Wednesdays & Thursdays (Boys & Girls)
Grades 5-9 3:30-5:30 PM $17/Week Paid In Sessions
Home School Workshops in Hadley
Wednesday 10:30-12:30 Ages 8-teens
(Other Home School Times Possible by Arrangement)
These workshops are designed to create a 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 writing in an affirming circle of peers.
There are usually two writing sessions per workshop followed by reading and positive comments. We focus on fun and creativity, not on grammar and spelling. We teach writing and literary techniques through example and positive feedback. We work to support each writer's style and voice.
For Information & Registration Contact: Lynn Bowmaster at 413-584-3373, Lrbowmaster@gmail.com
Green Street Poetry Series
Green Street Café, Northampton, Massachusetts
Green Street readings now take place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. 7:30 pm
Green St. Series is finished for the summer. Fall schedule will be posted soon.
If you are interested in reading at Green Street, send a note with bio and sample poems to
Maria Williams-Russell at mariawilliams@gmail.com
FLORENCE POETS SOCIETY
The next business/sharing meeting is Thursday, September 8, 2011 6:30pm
ALL POETS OF ALL TYPES AND AGES are welcome, bring one of your original works to share,
(12 to 15 copies will usually 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
Martina Robinson and friends meet every 3rd Thursday at Lilly Library community Room at 6:30 PM. This group is currently open to join.
PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING AS A MEMBER OF FLORENCE POETS SOCIETY.
THE FEE IS $20.00 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.net/,, 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 FPOETS@localnet.com or check out our new web page at http://www.florencepoetssociety.net
NEW DAY AND TIME: Listen to "Twilite's Poetry Pub"
Enjoy the "Pub" with Carl and Tom every Tuesday night, 8pm 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: tommytwilite@gmail.com or: FPOETS@localnet.com or visit: http://www.florencepoetssociety.org/
POETRY A LA CARTE RADIO SHOW
on WMUA-Amherst 91.1 FM
Mondays from 6:00 to 6:30pm
WMUA is ably run by students, and the Programmer, who has the unenviable job of arranging a continuous, live, on-air series of shows, 24 hours a day, is hard-pressed to get coverage when the UMass students are on vacation. (DJs are usually about half students and half community members). Hence the change in schedule.
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.
Poetry at the Leverett Library
6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, Poetry reading at the Leverett Library. 75 Montague Rd. Leverett, MA. Area poets are invited to read. For more information contact Petriana at 413. 549.9336 or by email at pmonize@hcc.mass.edu
26th Annual WriteAngles Writers’ Conference
Saturday, October 22, 2011, 8:15 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Mount Holyoke College’s Willits-Hallowell Center, South Hadley, Mass.
Sponsor: WriteAngles Volunteer Committee
Admission: $100 in advance ($110 at the door); $80 seniors and students ($90 at the door); fee covers breakfast, lunch and parking
More Information or to Register: http://writeanglesconference.com
GREENFIELD, SHELBURNE FALLS AND NORTH
Open Mic 4th Thursdays in Northfield
All ages are welcome to share poetry and hear local poets at a monthly open mic.
at Northfield Coffee and Books, 105 Main St., Northfield, MA., 8pm
The series will take place on the third Thursday of every month, and is sponsored by Bernardston poet and track & field coach Jim Bell. Arrive a little early to sign up.
Greenfield Spoken Word
September 20th, Always the Third Tuesday
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
Spoken Word Wendell
The Last Monday of every Month
Sept - April At the Deja Brew Pub
57 Lockes Village Road Wendell, MA
For directions and additional
information see our website or
send an email:
http://allsmallcaps.blogspot.com
The Watershed Poets Series
at The Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls explores the natural world along the Connecticut River as seen through the eyes of local poets. We will explore field guides, poetry, and possibly the Discovery Center grounds to wake up our senses. Poems by Emily Dickinson, Poet’s Seat poet, Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, Wallace Stevens, and many more!
Sunday, September 11, 2-3:30 p.m. WATERSHED POETS AND WATERSHED TREES
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
413-863-3221, www.greatfallsma.org
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.
Collected Poets Series
$2– $5 suggested donation. Mocha Maya's Coffee House, 47 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, 413-625-6292. Wheelchair accessible. See www.collectedpoets.com or www.mochamayas.com for more information. 7pm
2011 upcoming in the Series:
No CPS Readings in August or September
OCTOBER 6- Joan Houlihan & Timothy Liu
NOVEMBER 3 - Patricia Lee Lewis & Special Guest
DECEMBER 1 - Peter Covino & Daniel Hall
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.
WORD IN THE BERKSHIRES
The 3rd Annual Word X Word Festival
(music, spoken word, storytelling/fiction, theater)
Pittsfield, MA featuring over 60 performers on about 15 stages all over town!
Jerry's Place Poetry
There will be 2--one hour poetry programs starting at 2:00 pm at the
Pittsfield Community television station on Federico Drive, Pittsfield
Mass. A Jerry's Place production.This is an ongoing reading every third Thursday.
OUTSPOKEN!
Pittsfield's Monthly Performance Series and Open Mic
- Outspoken! hosted by Matt Mcfadden, is held the 3rd Thursday of every month.
- Micro Theater (311 North St. in Pittsfield, Greylock Bldg. upstairs among the ArtOnNo studios - Up the block from Jae's Spice - Entrance to theater is around the corner on Union St. thru Orange door, right next door to Mary's Carrot Cake.
- 8 pm ($5 suggested donation)
- Interested open mic performers can sign up for 5 minute slot by
e-mailing matt at mcfaddensrus@yahoo.com
- Those needing more information can e-mail the same address
Power of Words, Open Mic
Third Tuesdays 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 at 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 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 details
WORD IN WORCESTER
The Little "a" Poetry Series
Every Thursday night at 7pm, with an open mic preceding the feature. It is free and all ages, and will be held at The Strange Attractor, 97D Webster St, Worcester MA. Hosted by "Cowboy" Matt Hopewell, who also does the booking and can be reached at themadcowboy@gmail.com or by phone at (508) 479 8311.
More to follow as August and September dates are confirmed!
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.
THE POETS ASYLUM
Sunday, August 21:
This week the Poets' Asylum welcomes back Denver poet & performer, Paulie Lipman. He has been a part of 7 Denver Mercury National Slam Teams (including '04's second place and '06's national champions). In addition to extensively touring the U.S. and Canada, he has just put out a poetry w/music album The Obscene Gravity of Silence. His work has appeared in The Legendary, Borderline, and the Write Bloody anthology: The Good Things About Aerica. He is a Libra, enjoys windy walks, and can't wait to meet you.
Come down to the Front Room at WCUW (910 Main Street, Worcester). Remember, the reading now starts at 7:00 p.m. ; doors open at 6:30 p.m. No cover; donations accepted to support the feature. Don't skip this one, we think you'll regret it!
The Dirty Gerund
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 slams and featured poets. No cover; donations accepted. 21+ Please join us at our new home,
CONNECTICUT POETRY
Write to Terri Klein at ctpoetnews@yahoo.com to get the new CT Poet newsletter in your email.
There is an online version of the CT Poetry Calendar at http://poetz.com/connecticut
Poetry Potluck
is alive and well at our new home at The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown, Connecticut. We are continuing with our scheduled day: the third Sunday of the month, and same hours: 4:30 to 6 p.m. It's a different location, but one with
heat, light and plenty of room - plus munchies and tea/coffee are available for purchase. Donations requested to support The Buttonwood Tree. I invite you to attend, try out our new place. It happens on the third Sunday of each month at The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown from 4:30 to 6 p.m
Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series & Open Mike/ Spring 2011
Celebrating 15 years! "my time" "my place " "my creativity"
Third Thursdays-- 7:00 PM
A warm, supportive place to meet fellow poets and share your poems! Refreshments and an open mike follows each featured poet.
Wintonbury Branch Library, 1015 Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield, CT
860 242-0041 www.prosserlibrary.info "Wintonbury Branch"
INESCAPABLE RHYTHMS POETRY SERIES
Real Art Ways, 7pm
56 Arbor St., Hartford
Ongoing: monthly, second Wednesday
Series format: a featured poet gives a half hour reading (7:00pm) followed by an open mike (7:30pm), in which members of the audience are invited to share their work. The series takes its title from the Wallace Stevens poem, "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird." Stevens, a major American Modernist poet, was a Hartford resident. More info: Contact Andrea Henchey at ahenchey@hotmail.com .
Potluck Poetry
is a monthly gathering of local (and not so local) writers who come together to share their work and listen to others. Original work preferred but not required. Please bring a small donation or dish to share and an open spirit to our beautiful space.
3rd Sunday of every month 5- 7pm.
Yoga Center of Collinsville (860) 693-9642, 10 Front St, Ste 102, Collinsville, CT 06019
Wednesday Night Poetry Series
Wed. Aug. 24 - song lyrics/poems by Joni Mitchell. Read ‘em or sing ‘em.
Where were you when you first heard a Joni Mitchell song? What nostalgic memories rush back when you hear her unmistakable voice? What song of hers were you obsessed with?
Come join us for a Joni Mitchell open mike night. Read her lyrics, sing them, bring a guitar, read a poem inspired by her music/words, or a poem that relates back to a time, for those of us around back then, when she gave you something you could not name but you knew you needed. Aug 24th, WNPS The Garage, Newtown, CT
RIVERWOOD AT THE BUTTONWOOD TREE
Last Saturday of Jan, Feb., Mar., Apr., May, June. ( NO poetry in Dec., July, Aug.)
Time: 6:30 PM
Riverwood Poetry Series presents the Saturday Night Poetry
The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown, CT
$5 suggested donation or $3 with a non-perishable food item for the benefit of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Open mike follows feature.
More info: www.riverwoodpoetry.org
ANYTHING GOES!
The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street, Middletown, $3.00 - $5.00 suggested donation
Ongoing: every Monday
This open mike, hosted by J-Cherry, is a warm group that encourages personal development--come play with us! You'll find Phill is available to drum along if you like. We have a piano and congas or BYO instrument, poem, dance, or whatever artistic piece of yourself you'd like to share. We're all in this together--let's have some fun and create ourselves anew! More info: thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com; http://www.buttonwood.org; (860) 347-4957.
Mishi-maya-gat Spoken Word & Music Series
at Manchester Community College, Great Path Academy, Community Commons (Use Parking Lot B), Manchester, CT 06040
Sponsored by MCC Foundation Annual Fund Campaign / Hosted by Stephen Campiglio
3rd Thursday of each month; 7-9 p.m.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For more information and directions: www.mcc.commnet.edu/faculty/spoken.php
Doors for the show open at 7:15. The open mic begins at 8:00, the feature performs at approximately 10:00, and an open poetry slam follows. The show is 18+ (ID required) and the cover charge is $3 unless otherwise noted.
BOSTON/CAPE COD POETRY
Poetry Series at the Brockton Library
304 Main Street. Our website www.gbspa.org
Our workshops and venue are free, the seats comfortable, the refreshments delicious.
1:00 - 2:00 Prose Workshop (critique & discussion)
2:30 - 4:30 Memoir Workshop
~~~~~
12:00 - 2:00 Poetry 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. August 20 - Sandra Kohler, Dzivinia Orlowsky
Sat. Sept. 17 - Mignon Ariel King, Barbara Crooker
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/
The Blacksmith House Poetry Series
is held on Monday nights at 8:00 p.m.
at the Blacksmith House, 56 Brattle Street, Cambridge.
Tickets are $3.00, available 45 minutes prior to each reading.
For more information, including a list of upcoming features at the reading, call
617-547-6789 x1, or visit http://www.ccae.org/events/blacksmith.html .
Stone Soup Poetry
meets from 8-10 pm. every Monday at the Out of The Blue Art
Gallery at 106 Prospect Street in Cambridge with an open mic sign-up at 7:30
p.m. A featured poet follows the open mic.
For links to the feature's work, information on future features and more, visit
the Stone Soup Web site: http://stonesouppoetry.blogspot.com
Last Thursday Open Mic at The Cultural Center of Cape Cod
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
CHECK OUT http://home.comcast.net/~bmhellman FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DETAILS ABOUT CAPE COD POETRY AND ALL OF THESE EVENTS.
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 CIntern2@lowellma.gov
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/
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: kentthompson@comcast.net
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
NH/VT POETRY
For a VT poetry events calendar go to: http://www.phayvanh.com/
For info on Brattleboro poetry and Write Action visit their website - www.writeaction.net
Brattleboro Literary Festival is Coming! October 14-16, 2011.
For information on workshops and the festival go to their website at: http://brattleboroliteraryfestival.org/
Poetry readings at the Putney Library
55 Main Street, Putney VT (802) 387-4407
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News for Poetry News should be sent to lori@thepoetrynews.com. Please send your announcements in text only - do not format (no special fonts, colors, etc.) Send by Wednesday for Thursday publication. Thank you, Lori Desrosiers - Publisher.
posted by Lori Desrosiers @ 6:21 PM
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