***POETRY NEWS***
Here is your Poetry News for the week of January 20, 2014
Scroll down to see or link to more poetry in Worcester, the Berkshires, Boston and other areas.
To receive Poetry News in your email or to request posting of events write to lori@thepoetrynews.com
**THIS WEEK IN WESTERN MA**:
Tue. Jan. 21 – Gloria Matlock & Cheryl Latuner at Greenfield Word, Greenfield, 7pm
Tue. Jan. 21 – Dead Poets Slam at Hinge, Northampton, 8pm
Thu. Jan. 23 – Threads in the Cloth Open Mic at Christine’s Bean Sprout, Easthampton, 6:30 sign-up, 7:00 begins
Sun. Jan. 26 – Don Wheelock and Mary Beth Brooker, Neilson Library, Smith College, 3pm
Mon. Jan. 27 – Night of Poetry to benefit the Montague Reporter, Deja Brew, Wendell, 7pm
POETRY IN THE VALLEY AND BEYOND:
The Gallery of Readers Series presents
Don Wheelock and Mary Beth Brooker
reading from their recent work
Sunday, January 26, 2014, 3 PM
Neilson Library Browsing Room
Smith College, Northampton
Refreshments will be served.
Don Wheelock has been a participant in the Gallery of Readers workshops for two years, although he has been clandestinely writing fiction since the 80s. He will read passages from a work in progress, about a complicated relationship between an older man, his only child, and his two grandchildren.
Mary Beth Brooker has been a member of the writing community in Northampton for the last twelve years. She will be reading selections from a young adult novel set in the early nineteenth century.
A Night of Poetry to Benefit the Montague Reporter
Monday, January 27, 7pm
Deja Brew Restaurant and Pub
57A Lockes Village Road, Wendell
Bring your ears, love of poetry, and appetites for an enjoyable evening of poetry to benefit the Montague Reporter and provide a warm respite for the body and soul.
$3-$10 sliding scale
Door prize raffle
5 minute open mic slots
Guest and featured readers include:
Jess Mynes, Patricia Pruitt, Lea Banks, Paul Richmond and more!
10 percent of bar proceeds also benefit the MR
Ignite the Mic! Youth Open Mic in Springfield
Poets, Singers, Storytellers, Comedy
by youth for youth age 12-25
Wednesday, January 29, 7-9pm
performers come at 6:45 to sign up
Bing Arts Center
716 Sumner Ave. Springfield
Silkworm is Open for Submissions
Silkworm, the annual review of Florence Poets Society, is open for submissions. Join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Florence Poets Society, and the 7th edition of Silkworm.
Please submit up to 3 poems of no longer than 50 lines each and include a 30-word bio with your submission. Deadline for submissions: March 15, 2014. Only electronic submissions will be accepted, as an MS Word document attached in an email toinfo@florencepoets.com. Members and non-members of Florence Poets Society are encouraged to submit; please visitwww.florencepoets.com for more information.
Slate Roof Press offers 2nd Annual Poetry Chapbook Contest.
Limited-edition, art-quality publisher sponsors annual chapbook contest. Winner becomes active member of the press, a nonprofit collaborative; 3-year commitment, monthly meetings, shared publishing experience. $25 reading fee. Manuscript length: 28 pp. Deadline (upload/postmark): March 31, 2014. Contest guidelines,: www.slateroofpress.com. or http://slateroofpresscontest.submittable.com/submit.
Weekly Poetry Open Mic at Hinge
Every Tuesday Night 8pm – 10pm Signup starts at 7pm.
Upstairs at Hinge
48 Main St. Northampton,MA
Upcoming Featured Poets:
1/21 – Dead Poets Slam
1/28 – Hanif Abduraqqib
2/4 – Cash Slam
Notable perks at Hinge: right in downtown Northampton,
close to bus stops! All ages, beer and wine, and modestly priced meals)
Please bring a 3-5 minute selection of your work to share
Fabulous website with featured poets http://www.northamptonpoetry.com/
Straw Dog Writers Guild presents Writers Night Out
First Tuesday of the month,
at The Elevens, Northampton, 7-9 pm.
For all lovers of writing.
Open mike – put your name in the hat until 7:10; reading begins at 7:15,
followed by time to schmooze, drink, make merry, and find out what’s
happening in the local writing world.
For more information, go to www.strawdogwriters.org/events/
Threads in the Cloth: Come weave your words!
(quiet acoustic music also welcome)
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Sign-ups: 6:30, Open Mic Begins: 7:00pm
Christine’s Bean Sprout has been open in Easthampton for just under a year. In addition to coffee and fresh juice, they feature delicious meals, with options for vegan/gluten free/local/etc. Come out to support them, and bring your poetry! All kinds of verse welcome, from slam to sestina.
The length of the slots will depend on how many people sign up, but should run about 5-7 minutes each. This is a first event and, if it goes well, we have the opportunity to host a monthly open mic! Come show your enthusiasm for this possibility!
Any questions, feel free to contact emjollie@gmail.com or EliotCardinaux@gmail.com
Robert Burns Night Concert
Folk duo Three of Cups performs Scottish fiddle tunes and traditional songs, including many by Robert Burns, on Saturday, January 25, 7pm in Robyn Newhouse Hall at the Community Music School of Springfield, 127 State St, Springfield, 01109. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door and online www.newhousehall.com. There is free parking in the lot behind the building on Stockbridge St.
The Forbes poetry discussion series
Our winter/spring semester will have a variety of poets under discussion through May, led by several different discussion leaders. Several of the evenings are timed to precede a reading by that poet in the area (including Jean Valentine and W.S. Merwin). As always, we’ll meet at 7 pm in the Calvin Coolidge Museum on the second floor of the Forbes Library.
Emily Dickinson International Society (EDIS) presents:
“Poetry Conversation”
Jones Library, 43 Amity Street, Amherst, MA;
in the Amherst Room, 2nd floor
1st Friday of each month — 2pm – 3:30pm
2nd Thursday of each month — 5:45pm – 7:15pm
All who are interested in sharing thoughts and ideas in a group
discussion based on selected poems/letter by Emily Dickinson are welcome.
FLORENCE POETS SOCIETY
The next business/sharing meeting is Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 6:30pmPlease consider joining the Florence Poets Society. Your $20 membership dues (Sept. – Aug.) support our annual journal, Silkworm, as well as public readings and events. We meet monthly at the Lilly Library in Florence on the 2nd Thurs. of each month, and all are welcome. Please visit our web site for more information: http://www.florencepoets.com or contact us at info@florencepoets.com.
POETRY A LA CARTE RADIO SHOW
on WMUA-Amherst 91.1 FM
Wednesdays at 5:00pm (Note change of day and time!)
WMUA is ably run by students, and the Programmer, who has the unenviable job of arranging a continuous, live, on-air series of shows, 24 hours a day, is hard-pressed to get coverage when the UMass students are on vacation. (DJs are usually about half students and half community members). Hence the change in schedule. Streamed live at http://www.wmua.org/.
The program, hosted by Daisy Mathias, includes reading aloud from past and contemporary poets, and occasionally features live interview and poetry-reading with a local poet.
WOVEN WORD YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOPS
Woven Word Young Writers workshops are now open for registration for fall 2013-14. Afterschool workshops, organized into sessions, are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, beginning the week of September 9 in Hadley. Woven Word focuses on developing each individual’s creative voice in a safe, affirming space among peers. Now in its 14th year, the workshops build on a wealth of experience in what makes young writers tick. We offer an enriched workshop setting complete with great prompts, and lots of permission to have fun among a group of supportive young writers.
For More Information Contact:
Lynne Bowmaster, 413-584-3373, Lrbowmaster@gmail.com,
or visit the website at www.wovenwordyoungwriters.weebly.com
to see writer, parent and teacher references.
GREENFIELD, SHELBURNE FALLS AND NORTH
Greenfield Word
Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Featured poets: Cheryl Latuner and Gloria Matlock
Always the Third Tuesday
At 9 Mill St in Greenfield
Doors open at 7:00
Open Mike at 7:30
$1-5 sliding scale cover
10 open mike slots each will be five minute slots
Northfield Open Mic
You are invited to an evening of poetry
at Northfield Coffee and Books.
Northfield Coffee and Books is at 105 Main St., Northfield, MA.
The series will take place on the third Thursday of every month, and is hosted
by Bernardston poet and track and field coach Jim Bell. Arrive a little early to sign up.
All Small Caps at the Deja Brew in Wendell
Fourth Monday of the Month
Doors open at 7:00 and the first reader is at 7:30.
There are 10 – 5 minutes open mic slots
Two featured readers
$1 to $5 sliding scale donation
For anyone interested in being a featured reader
Contact paul@humanerrorpublishing.com
WORD IN THE BERKSHIRES
WRITERS READ
The Good Purpose Gallery
40 Main St #1 Lee, MA
A monthly series of established poets and writers reading from their works.
Each fourth Friday
$3 Suggested donation to support the gallery and the poets
David Giannini, coordinator davidgpoet@gmail.com.
Rambling Poets Presents
Poetry Slam @ Parlor Cafe
Every third Thursday of the month The Parlor Cafe 303 Ashland St North Adams, MA $2-5 Suggested Donation – Bartering Welcomed. We are a 14 poet, 3 round slam, with cash and prizes awarded to all poets who sign up. Sign ups start at 7pm Poets meeting at 7:45 Event starts promptly at 8pm
www.facebook.com/RAMBLINGPOETS www.theparlorcafe.com
OUTSPOKEN!
Pittsfield’s Monthly Performance Series and Open Mic
– Outspoken! hosted by Matt Mcfadden, is held the 3rd Thursday of every month.
– Micro Theater (311 North St. in Pittsfield, Greylock Bldg. upstairs among the ArtOnNo studios –
Up the block from Jae’s Spice – Entrance to theater is around the corner on Union St. thru Orange door,
right next door to Mary’s Carrot Cake.
– 8 pm ($5 suggested donation)
– Interested open mic performers can sign up for 5 minute slot by
e-mailing matt at mcfaddensrus@yahoo.com
– Those needing more information can e-mail the same address
Power of Words, Open Mic
Third Tuesdays 7pm to 8:30 pm Hosted by Garfield Reed.
This is an open opportunity to share poetry, readings, music and other spoken word.
Free and open to the public at Berkshire South Regional Community Center
Crissey Rd.,Great Barrington, MA Every third Tuesday of the month.
Please call Garfield at 528 4127 for more information.
In Words, Out Words in Housatonic
In Housatonic, MA there is an open mic for poets and performers of all styles and ages.
1st Tuesday of each month at the Deb Koffman Gallery 137 Front Street, Housatonic, MA 01236. “In Words, Out Words.” is hosted by Francine Ciccarelli and there is usually a $1-6 suggested donation for heat and electricity. There are snacks there provided by whoever wants to bring them. The open mic begins at 7 and the featured performer goes on for about 20 minutes. It usually lasts until between 9 and 9:30.
Zeitgeist Gallery Pittsfield
Monday Poetry Nights 6 to10pm
648 North Street in Pittsfield
call Alan Nidle, the Director at (857) 991-8448 for details
WORD IN WORCESTER
Poetry, People!
Every Thursday 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (sometimes later)
@ The Coffee Loft
406 Lincoln Street
Marlborough, MA
508.251.1431
Poetry, verse, and short stories are are welcome at this very friendly, informal open reading. Now booking for features to start in March. Please contact Jarad at CoffeeLoftBooking@gmail.com for more info or to become a featured poet.
The Little “a” Poetry Series
Every Thursday night at 7pm, with an open mic preceding the feature. It is free and all ages, and will be held at The Strange Attractor, 97D Webster St, Worcester MA. Hosted by “Cowboy” Matt Hopewell, who also does the booking and can be reached at themadcowboy@gmail.com or by phone at (508) 479 8311 .
More to follow as August and September dates are confirmed!
The d’Alzon Arts Series: Poetry Reading
takes place at Assumption College (500 Salisbury Street, Worcester) in the Emmanuel d’Alzon Library on the third Friday of each month during the academic year. The format is an open mic for the first half-hour or so, a short break with refreshments and then 2 featured poets.. The reading starts at 7:00 p.m. and typically runs for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Readings run throughout the school year. See below for Sept’s reading:
The Dirty Gerund
The Dirty Gerund Poetry Show will be held every Monday night starting at 8:30 p.m. The reading is being held at Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner (148 Grove Street, Worcester) and is hosted by Rushelle Frazier. There will be an open mic every week with a mix of poetry slams and featured poets. No cover; donations accepted. 21+ Please join us at our new home,
CONNECTICUT POETRY
Since CT has a wonderful and comprehensive newsletter online, I have decided to cut the CT Poetry section from Poetry News and only post special events that might be of interest to MA poets. Write to Terri Klein at ctpoetnews@yahoo.com to get the CT Poet newsletter in your email, or the CT Poetry Calendar is online at www.ctpoetrycalendar.com
BOSTON/CAPE COD POETRY
If you want more events in the Boston area (and there are many more!) write to Dan Bouchard to get his poetry calendar in your email at bouchard@MIT.EDU
The Brockton Poetry Series
at The Fuller Craft Museum
455 Oak St. Brockton, MA 508-588-6000 fullercraft.org
Third Saturday each month
Poetry workshop at 12:00
Open mic 2:15
Our feature poets 3:00
We will also have a new website up and running mid-month. artsbrockton.org
The Fuller Craft Museum, in Northwest Brockton, has invited us to hold our monthly poetry readings in their beautiful facilities. The Fuller is a highly regarded, internationally known museum with a lovely reflection pool, kitchen, and of course, interesting monthly craft/art shows. (fullercraft.org)
Cantab Lounge
Every Wednesday Night at 8, Featured Poet, Poetry Slam!
738 Mass Ave., Cambridge, MA
Doors for the show open at 7:15. The open mic begins at 8:00 and the
feature performs at approximately 10:00. When indicated (most nights),
an open poetry slam follows the feature. The show is 18+ (ID required)
and the cover charge is $3 unless otherwise noted.
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/
Stone Soup Poetry
meets from 8-10 pm. every Monday at the Out of The Blue Art
Gallery at 106 Prospect Street in Cambridge with an open mic sign-up at 7:30
p.m. A featured poet follows the open mic.
For links to the feature’s work, information on future features and more, visit
the Stone Soup Web site: http://stonesouppoetry.blogspot.com
Last Thursday Open Mic at The Cultural Center of Cape Cod
307 Old Main St., S. Yarmouth, MA co-hosts Joe Gouveia and Barry Hellman:
The last Thursday of every month, 7pm. Open mic and featured poet.
Thu. May 30 – Lori Desrosiers
Bring your own refreshments.
Arrive early to sign up for open mic. For updated info on this and other
Cape activities go to:https://sites.google.com/site/barryhellmanspoetrywebsite/
Lowell Poetry Slam and Open Mic
Every FIRST Thursday at Brew’d Awakening! Only poets can compete in the slam and win the prize… but the mic is open to musical performers as well. Whether you come to perform, compete or just enjoy some coffee and great local talent,
don’t miss this event! 7:00pm – 9:30 pm *Sign-up between 6:30-7:00*
The event is free and open to the public—so come on down for an evening of good
company and some terrific regional voices!
Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus, 61 Market Street, Lowell, MA 978-454-BREW
For more info, please email CIntern2@lowellma.gov
Lizard Lounge Poetry Jam Sunday Night!
Cambridge Common 1667 Mass. Ave., Cambridge $5 Cover Every Sunday Poetry Slam: 8:00 pm,
Feature: 9:30 pm, Open Mike: 10:30 pm 617-547-0759 http://poetryjam.org/
Newton Free Library Poetry Reading Series
The series meets the second Tuesday of every month open mic after features. Starts 7PM For complete information go to http://newtonfreelibrarypoetryseries.blogspot.com/ Director: Doug Holder http://authorsden.com/douglasholder
Cambridge Community Television
Tuesdays at 11:00 PM Saturdays at 10:30PM Catch the latest from the Boston Poetry Slam I
NFO: kentthompson@comcast.net
LETRA Poetry Nights
in LAWRENCE MASS Every TUESDAY at Julio’s 99 Club 99 Essex Street Lawrence, MA
Doors open at 7pm open mic starts at 8pm Admission $3.00 For more information or for directions please call Michelle Richardson at 978-423-7045
VERMONT POETRY
Poets Tim Mayo, Patricia Fargnoli, Rick Bates and James Fowler will be reading from their most recent works at Misty Valley Books in Chester, VT Sunday, Feb 9th, 4:00 p.m.: There will be a book signing after the reading.
Brattleboro SLAM and OPEN MIC:
Every first and third Wednesday of the month.
First is a poetry slam + open mic
Third is an open mic
Equilibrium
14 Elm Street
sign-up at 7:30 event is 8-10pm
www.facebook.com/BrattleboroPoetry
For a VT poetry events calendar go to: http://www.phayvanh.com/
For info on Brattleboro poetry and Write Action visit their website – www.writeaction.org
Poetry readings at the Putney Library
55 Main Street, Putney VT (802) 387-4407
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