Poetry News September 7, 2009
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Here is your Poetry News for the week of September 7, 2009.
Spoken word events are blowing over the Pioneer valley and beyond with the late summer wind.
Scroll all the way down for more poetry in CT, Boston, NH and VT.
THIS WEEK check out:
Thu. Sept. 10 - Bart's Bards Greenfield presents Mary Clare Powell 7pm
Thu. Sept. 10 - Florence Poets Society Meeting Lilly Library 6:30pm
Poetry Classes at HCC, Westfield YMCA and Easthampton starting this week and next!
Worcester is teaming with open mics nearly every night! Check them out below
or at www.poetsasylum.org
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/
Anthology on Bullies and Bullying
Call for submissions!
Go to: http://www.teatrovida.com/calling-all-writers.htmlPoetry – 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.
Central Library Poetry Writing Workshops
Springfield Library - Community Room, 220 State St.Saturday mornings, 9:30 - 11:30
September 5, September 19
The Central Library will continue to host Saturday morning poetry writing workshops, which will be facilitated by María Luisa Arroyo. Sessions will include time for new writing as well as for feedback on existing pieces. If you want feedback, bring 15 copies of your piece. Both newcomers and regulars ages 12+ are welcome to join any or all dates. Please watch this space for upcoming dates. Pre-registration is not necessary, but feel free to contact the Central Library Reference Department at 263-6828 x213 or .
A native of Springfield's North End educated at Colby (B.A.), Tufts (M.A.) and Harvard (A.B.D.), María Luisa Arroyo won a 2004 Massachusetts Cultural Council grant in poetry and first place in the Spanish-language division of the Library's 2006 Poetry Contest. In addition to being an award-winning poet, Arroyo is an educator, single parent, and currently, a GED instructor at a local non-profit organization. Her poems have been published in many journals including PALABRA: A Magazine for Chicano and Latino Literary Art , CALYX, and The Women's Times. The Bilingual Review/Press (AZ) published her first full-length volume of poems, Gathering Words/Recogiendo Palabras, last summer (2008).
These workshops are supported by the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council .
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
Please join us for these events!
Martin Espada Reading
September 22 7 PM
Dodge Room
Williston Northampton School
Easthampton, MA
Contact: Burns Maxey, [email protected]
Anthology of Poems about Northampton
Call for Submissions!
Go to: http://www.nohoanthology.blogspot.com
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
FLORENCE POETRY FESTIVAL SUNDAY OCTOBER 4TH IN LOOK PARK!
Mark your calendars. Details soon.
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 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:
Mary Alexandra Agner
Jessica Bane Robert
Sally Bellerose
Floyd Cheung
Oonagh Doherty
Howard Faerstein
Joe Gouveia
Ellen LaFleche
Lesléa Newman
Will Nixon
Steven Riel
Laura Rodley
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
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
To begin Y2, we have a wonderful featured reader: Mary Clare Powell.
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
Power of Words, Open Mic
Sept 15th, 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:
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:
September 6
Our feature this week, Scott Woods, has published work in a variety of publications and has been featured multiple times in national press, including multiple appearances on National Public Radio. He is the President of Poetry Slam Inc. and MCs the Writers' Block Poetry Night, an open mic series in Columbus , Ohio . In 2006 he became the first poet to ever complete a 24-hour solo poetry reading, a feat he bested every year since by performing for 24 hours each time, but without repeating a single poem. Check out his work at www.blackair.org.
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
Dennis Barone Reading
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Main Library
Library Meeting Room
A reading by West Hartford’s new Poet Laureate, Dennis Barone
Author of fourteen books, Barone most recently co-edited with West Hartford resident James Finnegan, Visiting Wallace: Poems Inspired by the Life and Work of Wallace Stevens (University of Iowa Press, 2009). In 2008 Quale Press published North Arrow, a collection of seventeen stories that traverse stylistic, emotional, and geographical landscapes. From New Jersey to the Netherlands to abstract poetic terrain, Dennis Barone places his characters in situations where they’re forced to confront the nature of memory, of change, and of finding one’s way in a society that can be hostile to those who circumvent its meager expectations.
The poet Noah Eli Gordon has written: ‘There is a muscularity with which [Barone’s] writing unfolds, an accumulative approach that manages to move each piece through a veritable cornucopia of contrasting images and characters, of sets and props, enlivened by his consistently rhythmic and often speedy prose.’ In 1998 Left Hand Books published his volume of selected poems entitled Separate Objects.
Dennis Barone is a Professor of English and Director of American Studies at Saint Joseph College.
The event is free. Books will be available for purchase
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 first Sunday of each month from 4.30-6.00 PM. Our next meeting is on Sunday, September 6, 2009, at the Yurt at 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

To be removed from this mailing list just hit reply and ask. This message can be forwarded to anyone who might be interested. Be sure to check our website at http://wedpoetry.net to see upcoming events or for more information about this series.
Boston Area/Cape Cod Poetry Info:
The Greater Brockton Society for Poetry and the Arts
Presents
Poetry Series: at the Brockton Library
304 Main Street. Our website www.gbspa.org
Coming soon on our website…books and artwork for sale
Celebrating Poetry One Saturday Every Month
Sat., September 19, 2009
Nancy Brady Cunninghamhttp://gbspa.homestead.com/NancyCunningham.html
Joanna Nealonhttp://gbspa.homestead.com/JoannaNealon.html
Sheila Mullen Twymanhttp://gbspa.homestead.com/SheilaTwyman.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. Oct.17 - Ellen steinbaum
Paul Hostovsky
Pamela Alexander
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
Al Bouchard, Lowell poet will be reading from his new book of poems, The Fogg (Loom Press 2009) described as “a collection of poems written in response to artworks in the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University along with a range of other poems dealing with the relations of men and women, existential questions that pose themselves on the street, and dreamscapes that beg meaning”. Reading followed by reception and book signing.
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, 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.
Champion of Champions Poetry Slam! Title holder Maxwell R. Kessler will defend his title for the first time, taking on the September 9 season champion in a best-of-seven slam for $100.
• Wednesday, September 30
Member of the 2008 Cantab NPS finalist team, 2008 NorthBEAST champion, and longtime member of the Cantab community, April Ranger’s dramatic, vivid work has been delighting Cantab audiences for years. Tonight we wish her well before she travels to represent the Cantab at the 2009 Individual World Poetry Slam in Berkeley, California. Special $5 cover tonight to help fund April’s trip to IWPS!
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
_____
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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