Poetry News

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Here is your Poetry News for the week of September 21, 2009.
Spoken word events are transforming the Pioneer Valley and beyond like the turning leaves.
Scroll all the way down for more poetry in CT, Boston, NH and VT.

THIS WEEK check out:

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!

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.

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

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:

Janet Barry

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.

Emily Dickinson Museum's Poetry Marathon

Green St. Poetry Series

The Green St. Poetry Series showcases the voices of emerging and noted poets from the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts and beyond.

Please join us Thursdays nights at 7:30 (starting October 15th).

Green Street Café
Northampton, Massachusetts

October 15th — Tim Mayo & Kerry O’Keefe

October 22nd — Ben Estes & Brian Foley (Maria will host)

October 29th — Karen Johnston & Oonagh Doherty

November 5th — Lori Desrosiers & Ellen LaFleche

November 12th — Marie Gauthier & Kim Rogers (Maria will host)


If you are a poet and would like to read at Green Street, please contact Maria Williams-Russell at [email protected].

Evening of Art & Poetry

Forbes Library

Wednesday October 7, 2009

7:00 PM



Please join us for an evening of three talented local women who are both

poets and visual artists.



A sculptor, papermaker and poet, Rosalyn Driscoll makes sculptures that

explore the sense of touch, as she collaborates with scientists, artists

and people with visual limitation.  Her sculpture has been exhibited in

the US, Europe and Japan; her poems have been published in various

journals and received numerous awards, including the Pablo Neruda Prize

from Nimrod and nomination for a Pushcart Prize.



Trish Crapo is a writer, photographer and collage artist. Her poetry

chapbook, Walk Through Paradise Backwards, was published by the Slate

Roof press in 2004. Her Keys series of collages was featured in the

show, Altered Realities, at Cooler Gallery, White River Junction, VT.

Another series, created in response to the events of September 11th, was

shown at a variety of venues around New England.  And recently, one of

her photographs was chosen to be included in Hallmark Museum of

Contemporary Photography’s permanent collection.



Denise Fontaine-Pincince is a graduate of Lesley University’s MFA in

Creative Writing Program where her studies included art with poetry. As

a multi-media artist, she combines acrylic paint, collage and text on

canvas, metal and wood. Her presentation, entitled “Melding Word &

Image: Hardware in Poetry and Paint,” represents pieces from her work

recently displayed at the Crest Hardware Art Show in Brooklyn, New York.



This reading is part of the Seventh Annual Forbes Poetry Series. The

series takes place on the first Wednesday of the month from October to

May. Readings are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will

be served courtesy of the Friends of the Forbes Library.



Location: Coolidge Museum



Lisa Downing

Assistant Director

Forbes Library

20 West Street

Northampton, MA 01060

Phone 413-587-1017

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 September 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 October 8, 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!

Join us for the fifth annual Florence Poetry Festival at Look Park Pines Theater on Sunday October 4, 2009 from 1-5pm. Featured readers include Northampton Poet Laureate Leslea Newman, Laura Rodley, Lea Banks and Tzivia Gover. Special musical guests and free refreshments. This fabulous free event is sponsored in part by a grant from the Northampton Arts Council and the Florence Poets Society. For more info call Tom at 413 584-5914 or email at

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.

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

Qi-Write: Invite the Muse

Want to write? First, invite the muse. Learning to center and become energized is one of Qigong's gifts, and a great way to begin. We'll start each session with a few minutes of easy, gentle Qigong, and provide prompts, to enhance writing flow and open the mind and body to new possibilities. We will honor each newly generated piece, and offer writing tools and tips to those wanting to explore ways to enhance their writing.

Rema Boscov, poet, journalist, national parks artist-in-residence, has taught writing for many years. Certified as a Qigong instructor, she also teaches Qigong throughout the valley. No special clothing is necessary. Qigong can be done standing or sitting, accommodating all capabilities.

Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required by the library or stopping by the main desk. Registration preference given to people who have not taken a writing workshop at Forbes before

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

October 20, 2009

Featuring: Howard Faerstein and Lori Desrosiers

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

Poetry-Sharing Group

New participants are welcome at a poetry-sharing group called "Growing Younger Toward Death Every Day: Poetry to Inspire our Lives" on Tuesday September 22 from 6:15 to 9pm at a participant's home in Greenfield. Those attending bring their own supper.

The group has been meeting twice each month for nearly a year, listening to recorded poet David Whyte recite his own poems and those of many others, as well as offer his insightful and inspiring commentary. Whyte's best-known poem, "The Faces at Braga", contains the line "Growing younger toward death every day".

Participants also read aloud and discuss poems and commentary from the book "Ten Poems To Change Your Life" and others in the 'Ten Poems' series edited by Roger Housden. They also share their own original poems, or favorite ones of others, as well as songs, photos, prose writings, and anything else that moves them deeply to live life fully.

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

We do it again on October 8. Please come and bring friends. We are fortunate to have two featured readers for our October meeting:

Cyn J Horton cites black & white television, cowboys and spies as her early influences, spicing her work with a film noir flavor. Trained as a child in the graphic arts, she began journaling on the advice of her oil painting instructor. Poetry became a natural outlet. Born and raised outside Boston, MA, Cyn attended Beloit College and received a degree in Theatre Arts. She moved on to NYC where she broke into the union at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as the first woman ''art handler." After an eight year stint in San Francisco, she returned to New England craving the change of seasons.

Please bring friends and, if the spirit so moves you, something to read of your own.

Warmly,

~Larry Fader

Collected Poets Series

Thursday, Oct. 1^st, 2009 at 7:30 pm, poets Annie Finch and local author,Lisa Olstein will read from their work. We're excited to be kicking off the Collected Poets Series new season with these two astounding poets!

Free. Mocha Maya's Coffee House, 47 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370, 413-625-6292. Wheelchair accessible. See www.collectedpoets.com for more information.

Finch is the author or editor of fifteen books of poetry, translation, and criticism, most recently Among the Goddesses and The Body of Poetry. Olstein is the author of the 2009 Lost Alphabet, Radio Crackling, Radio Gone, and Cold Satellite, an album of songs based on her poems and lyrics, is forthcoming from singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault.

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.

(Please contact Lea Banks at this email or 413-625-6702 for more information).

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
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

Irene Willis

Reading from her new book, Those Flames

Thursday October 8, 7pm

at Chapters Book Store

78 North Street

Pittsfield, MA

Massachusetts Poetry Festival Berkshire County Opening Event

The Massachusetts Poetry Festival for 2009 the Festival will start on the evening of Thursday October 15th with 7 simultaneous opening events in Boston, Worcester, New Bedford, Salem, Lowell, Amherst and the Berkshires. Then the Festival returns to downtown Lowell for two days.

The Berkshire County kickoff event for the Massachusetts Poetry Festival will be held at The Mount, the beautiful home of Edith Wharton in Lenox on Thursday, Oct 15th and will feature a panel of local publishers discussing how they decide what to publish, moderated by Michelle Gillett. The panel includes: Jeffrey Levine, Tupelo Press; Barry Sternlieb, Mad River Press; Vivian Dorsel, upstreet, Ledgetop Publishing; and Hannah Fries, Orion Magazine. The panel discussion will be followed by a reading by eight local poets who have had work published by the panelists. The poets reading are: Leslie Harrison, Hannah Fries, Abbot Cutler, Lisken Van Pelt Dus, Aaron Beatty and Patty Crane, Jennifer Militello and Mary Koncel.

There will be a reception and book signing after the event which will be held from 5:30-7pm.

For more information about the Festival go to: http://masspoetry.org

Power of Words, Open Mic

October 20^th, Tuesday

7pm to 8:30 pm

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:

• Join the winners of the 2009 WCPA Poetry contest on Sunday, September 27th for the Winners' Reading. It will be held at the First Unitarian Church (90 Main Street, Worcester) from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• Cleopatra Mathis will perform on Thursday, October 8th at the First Annual Gregory Stockmal Reading. The reading will start at 7:30 p.m. and is being held in the Rehm Library at Holy Cross College (1 College Street, Worcester). Free & open to the public. Sponsored by the Worcester County Poetry Association, the Gregory Stockmal Memorial Fund and the College of the Holy Cross.
• A Footsteps in History Tour of the childhood home of Stanley Kunitz will take place on Sunday , October 11th and Monday, October 12th. Tours, readings & discussion of the poet's work will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on both days. Docent tours will be given on the half hour. A poetry open mic will be held daily at 2:00 p.m. in the second floor gallery. The home is located at 4 Woodford Street in Worcester. Hosted by members of the Worcester County Poetry Association.

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 20

This week the Poets' Asylum welcomes Dave Macpherson as our feature. Macpherson is a fixture on the Worcester poetry scene. He might be in front of the mic sharing his unique take on the secret lives of superheroes, classic cars or suburban housewives. He might be helming the once a month Worcester Storytellers. Or he could be quietly deliberating as one of the assistant editors for Ballard Street Poetry Journal. What is certain is that when he steps up to the mic he brings the best words he has to offer. A prolific writer Dave is always finding a new topic to tackle, offering a fresh take on legends, urban myths and the everyday.

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, October 4, 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 (Use Parking Lot B)

Manchester, CT 06040

Sponsored by MCC Foundation / Hosted by Stephen Campiglio

2^rd 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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

7 p.m. – Featured Musician: Bob Jordan, guitarist, singer and songwriter

A native of Grafton, MA, Bob Jordan has been touring on the strength of his new CD, The Country That Never Was, which has been critically acclaimed by the Boston Globe and several music reviews in the Worcester area. In the vein of country rock, the CD features several Jordan originals, as well as new versions of songs by Merle Haggard, Joni Mitchell, Gene Clark, and Michael Nesmith. Jordan has toured and recorded with Eugene Chadbourne, Michael Hurley, and Twang, among others. He was a groundbreaking and highly esteemed DJ at WCUW (91.3 FM) in Worcester from 1976-1992. He has also hosted an annual “Bob Dylan Tribute” in Worcester for the last seven years. The CD, and more information about Jordan, are available at: www.myspace.com/vitaminbobjordan.

8 p.m. – Featured Writers: Marshall Brooks, publisher & writer and Marilyn Johnston, poet

Marshall Brooks has been involved in literary publishing for 40 years and has published work in numerous publications, including the Boston Globe, Worcester Telegram, New York Times, Canadian Literature, Biblio, Home Planet News, and the Generalist Papers. He the author of A Brief Illustrated History of the Bookshelf and edited and wrote the introduction to The Romance of the Book (Birch Brook Press), which encompasses a selection of essays based on intense reading experiences. In 1979, Brooks established Arts End Books (www.artsendbooks.com) whose titles include Studs Lonegan’s Neighborhood, Eight Short Short Stories & Sketches by James T. Farrell, and Blackness of a White Night: Stories and Poems by Sherry Mangan. Since 1999, Arts End Books has also been the sole distributor of the pioneering, independent, NYC-based book publisher, The Smith. More information on the writer and publisher can be found at: www.marshallbrooks.com. For his Mishi-maya-gat presentation, “Talking about Books in the 21st Century: Strategies & Anecdotes for Bibliophiles,” Brooks will offer ideas to fellow book aficionados on how best to address the fate of bookmaking in today’s rapidly changing world.

Marilyn Johnston received an M.A. in English from Trinity College and for many years pursued a career in insurance communications, a career that she abandoned in order to concentrate on the writing of poetry. In the past decade, her work has received five Pushcart Prize nominations and has appeared in numerous literary journals, including The Worcester Review, Atlanta Review, South Carolina Review, and Poet Lore. She is the author of two full collections of poetry: Silk Fist Songs (Antrim House Books, 2008) and Weight of the Angel (forthcoming, Antrim House). More information on these titles can be found at: www.antrimhousebooks.com. Her chapbook, Against Disappearance, was published as a finalist for the 2001 Redgreene Press Poetry Prize. She also directs the Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series and Open Mike in Bloomfield.

Boston Area/Cape Cod Poetry Info:

September 17 - Lori Desrosiers

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

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

SPOKEN WORD NANTUCKET

This Coming Sunday, September 27

Lea C. Deschenes and Victor D.Infante feature

Spoken Word Nantucket!

The First Show of our Fifth Year!



Spoken Word Nantucket

Umass Boston Nantucket Field Station

Grace Grossman Environmental Center

180 Polpis Road

From 2-4 PM

Open Mic. For poets and musicians

Free and open to the public

Pass the hat for the feature

Hosts Sarah Oktay and Len Germinara

THE POETS’ CORNER OPEN MIC

THE LAST THURSDAY MONTHLY

at The Cultural Center of Cape Cod

SEPTEMBER 24, 2009, 7 PM

A SPECIAL CELEBRATION OF THE CAPE COD POET’S THEATER

HOSTED BY BARRY HELLMAN & JOE GOUVEIA

Because this is a special event to celebrate the Cape Cod Poets' Theater,

and will feature both Jacqueline Gens and John Landry, there’ll be a one

poem/ 2 minute time limit at the open mic tonight. Come early to sign up.

John Landry is Poet Laureate of New Bedford and teaches at The University of

Massachusetts at Dartmouth and Bristol Community College. He served as

contributing editor for San Francisco's New College Review and the 50th

anniversary anthology of Beatitude. His work has been translated into

Vietnamese, Hungarian, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. He has read poetry in

places like City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco and the United States

Library of Congress at the invitation of U.S. Poet Laureate Gwendolyn

Brooks. His poetry often reflects the character and environment of daily

life in the city of New Bedford.

Jacqueline Gens is the co-director and a founder of the MFA Program in

Poetry at New England College. She is a regular contributor to number of

Buddhist publications and has lectured widely on the Beats and Buddhism. A

radio show host and former program director of numerous regional nonprofits,

she is currently on the board of Write Action. Her poetry chapbook, Primo

Pensiero, with a foreword by Anne Waldman, was published by Shivastan Press

in the fall of 2008.

THE CULTURAL CENTER OF CAPE COD

307 OLD MAIN ST.,

S. YARMOUTH, MA

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:

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




* * *

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

Brattleboro Literary Festival

October 2-4, 2009

Details of events and locations at

www.brattleboroliteraryfestival.org

Featured Poets and Publications:

Katharine Coles-Fault, Burnt Offerings

Michael Collier-The Ledge, Dark, Wild Realm

Wyn Cooper-Postcards From the Interior, The Way Back

Annie Finch-Calendars, Among the Goddesses

Janice Harrington-Even the Hollow My Body Made is Gone

Philip Levine-News of the World, The Simple Truth

Paul Mariani-Gerard Manley Hopkins:A Life, Lost Puritan: A Life of Robert Lowell

Dzvinia Orlowsky-Convertible Night, Flurry of Stones, A Handful of Bees

Baron Wormser -Scattered Chapters: New and Selected Poems, The Poetry Life: Ten Stories

Special Event-Cellist Jody Redhage in American Poetry Takes Flight Through Song

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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