Poetry in Connecticut - Mar, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS_______________________________________
- Quotes
- Poem of the Month
- Book of the Month
- Web Site of the Month
- News Items / Writing Workshops
- Poetry Calendar for March
- Subscription and Contact Information
To view the calendar in a graphical format, go to:
http://www.poetz.com/connecticut (updated weekly)
__QUOTES_______________________________________________
When people praise a poem that I can't understand I always think they're lying.
– Stephen Dunn
All the fun's in how you say a thing.
– Robert Frost
I like to hear poetry read in a small room by a voice without amplification. Reading poems through a microphone is like making love with a condom on. It prevents dangerous contact, but it makes the act less interesting.
– X.J. Kennedy
__POEM OF THE MONTH____________________________________
MY OLD CAT
Hal Summers (1911 - 2005)
My old cat is dead,
Who would butt me with his head,
He had the sleekest fur.
He had the blackest purr.
Always gentle with us
Was this black puss,
But when I found him today
Stiff and cold where he lay
His look was a lion's,
Full of rage, defiance:
Oh, he would not pretend
That what came was a friend
But met it in pure hate.
Well died, my old cat.
__BOOK OF THE MONTH___________________________________
Each month we highlight a book of poetry by a Connecticut author.
DOWN BY THE WATERS
by Cheryl Della Pelle
Ranging from the poet's tumultuous and joyful childhood, to her search for independence and love, to her immersion in the sensory pleasures of the natural world, the poems in Down to the Waters are utterly honest, uninhibited, and close to the bone.
"In this amazing debut book, the poet Cheryl Della Pelle takes us on a journey into a landscape filled with the sensual, the contemplative, the wisdom of the child's eyes and a recognition of, and connection with, the conflicting elements within both nature and human nature. These poems are elegant, poignant, and memorable." – Sandra Bishop Ebner
"This poet's gift is to imbue the ordinary with a significance that makes daily happenings into peak experiences." – Joan Kunsch
Cheryl Della Pelle is an educator, meditation instructor, and master gardener. She founded the Walking Haiku Meditation Workshop, drawing on the Zen tradition which inspires poetry born on the tongue. In 1995 she co-founded Common Thread, a poetry performance group, producing several evenings of poetry, dance and music throughout the year. As an educator, she is a visiting artist in public schools, colleges and retreat centers, helping students find expression through poetry. Her own poems have been published widely, and she has read at venues throughout Connecticut.
$15.00 (ISBN: 978-0-9792226-8-9)
Antrim House (http://www.antrimhousebooks.com)
Hear Cheryl Della Pelle read on March 5 in Torrington.
__WEB SITE OF THE MONTH________________________________
THE GENUINE HAIKU GENERATOR
Have a little fun this month with Absurdities, a page of the EveryPoet.com website that features the Genuine Haiku Generator, an instant computer-generated haiku engine, and the Bushku Generator, which creates haiku based on the words of President Bush. But while some of the computer generated poems are so random they seem meaningless, the trick—and the fun—is to try to give them a title that brings sense to the absurd.
Here is a haiku created by the generator:
demon frowns, magic
huge harmonious snails call
fruits hover, geese rise
What could you title that? "Return of Eden"? "Garden"? Or how about "My Husband Surveys His Meal at the French Restaurant"?
Here's another:
fleas emerge, dry
derisive wife snores fiercely
satyr excreting
Any title ideas for that?
http://www.everypoet.com/absurdities/index.htm
__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS______________________
Saturday, Mar 8 2008
3:30pm - 5:15pm
"TRUTH: THE SOUL OF POETRY"
A workshop led by visiting poets Charlie Rossiter and Dan Wilcox
We'll explore the role of truth in poetry and look at the ways in which poetry is truthful or not. We'll also discuss the ways in which we uncover truths when we create poems. Writing activities will illustrate the ideas we discuss.
Enrollment is limited. Workshop: $20.00 Sign up by Thursday, March 6 to insure a place.
To register for the workshop, call 860-243-3424 or email mailto:Tom.Nicotera@asd-1817.org
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
mailto:near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org
Charlie Rossiter, NEA Fellowship recipient and three-time Pushcart Prize nominee, hosts the audio website poetrypoetry.com. His work has been featured on NPR and numerous statewide public radio networks. His recent co-authored book Back Beat, a memoir with poetry, has been praised by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. His chapbook, What Men Talk About, won the first Red Wheel Barrow Prize from Pudding House Press. His latest book is The Night We Danced With the Raelettes. For more info, see http://www.myspace.com/charlierossiter.
Dan Wilcox has been a central figure in the Albany, NY, poetry scene for decades. He is a widely-published poet, who has pleased crowds from coast to coast with his insightful, political, and highly-charged poetry. As a photographer he has amassed the world’s largest collection of photographs of unknown poets.
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008
10:00am - 12:00pm
POETRY: THE QUILL OF THE SOUL
Come and develop your mind and open your heart with poetry. In this two-hour workshop led by award-winning poet and author Dianalee Velie, we will get in touch with the passion and power of poetry. Through a series of writing prompts, we will compose first drafts of poems to capture and encapsulate emotions, experiences and imagery.
The workshop is free, open to the public.
Westport Library
McManus Room
Jesup Street
Westport, CT.
For more information call 203-261-4621
or email mailto:hilarypatrickpro@mac.com.
Sponsored by the National League of American Pen Women, Fairfield County Branch.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 16 2008
10:00am - 5:30pm
SUNDAY WRITING RETREATS in CT and BLOCK ISLAND WRITING RETREATS
with Sharon Charde, award-winning poet and author, Bad Girl At The Altar Rail, and Four Trees Down From Ponte Sisto.
Day-long writing retreats available at Sharon’s home in Lakeville, CT. 10:00am-5:30pm. $75.00 for a day or $60.00 for 4 sessions or more. Each session is limited to eight women. The dates are Sunday, March 16, April 27, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 21, November 9, and December 7.
Also available are three-day weekend retreats at “Turning Point”, a secluded compound overlooking Sachem Pond and the North Light on Block Island, May 16-18 and Oct 24-26. Limited to ten women. There are spaces available in May and October. The fee is $450, inclusive.
For detailed information or to register, visit her web site http://sharoncharde.com (click Writing Retreats), email mailto:sharchar@sbcglobal.net, or call 860-435-0110.
.......................................................................................
Saturday, Mar 29 2008
11:00am - 3:30pm
FROM PAGE TO STAGE:
A Workshop on Performing Your Poetry Presented by Faith Vicinanza
11:00am - 1:00pm: Workshop Presentation
1:00pm - 1:30pm: Lunch Break
1:30pm - 3:30pm: One-on-one Coaching
Free! No fee to attend. Reservations are not required, but space is limited. Brown bag or purchase lunch in town; light refreshments will be available at the workshop.
Email mailto:workshop@stamfordwrites.org or call 203-348-0708 to sign up especially if you are interested in one-on-one coaching! For more information, visit http://www.stamfordwrites.org/tw/tiki-view_articles.php
Unitarian Universalist Society
20 Forest Street, Stamford, CT
Poet Faith Vicinanza will lead a two hour workshop on the art of presenting your work, be it poetry or prose, in an engaging manner, ensuring your audience can hear you, that your pace lets your audience take in the poem, that your audience can enjoy each word. What is enough? What is too much? Learn some simple rules for taking your work to a small audience, an open mike, or a large audience.
Each poet is encouraged to bring a poem up to 3 minutes reading time, though poets can choose to participate in the workshop without presenting a poem. The workshop will be followed by one-on-one coaching sessions where a poet can sign up for a time slot as allotted by the sponsors and can ask Ms. Vicinanza questions about getting published, performance, or a one-on-one critique of a poem.
You can submit your poems ahead of time by mailing by March 21 to PoemAlley c/o UUSIS, 20 Forest Street, Stamford CT 06901, or by emailing workshop@stamfordwrites.org.
Faith Vicinanza is a published poet, photographer, workshop facilitator, visiting artist in grade schools and on college campuses. She is currently working on a memoir along with her fourth and fifth collections of poetry.
Sponsored by PoemAlley with support from the City of Stamford Community Arts Partnership Grants Program.
__POETRY CALENDAR FOR MARCH____________________________
Please contact the venue for details about changes due to holidays or weather.
.......................................................................................
Saturday, Mar 1 2008
1:00pm
JIM PEARCE READS IN WATERFORD
Jim Pearce will read from his debut volume of poetry, Slant Light.
A book-signing will follow.
Borders
Waterford Commons
915 Hartford Turnpike
Waterford, CT
For information, call 860-443-7395
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 2 2008
2:00pm
JOHN BASINGER PERFORMS PARADISE LOST
In celebration of John Milton's 400th anniversary, John
Basinger will be performing a different book of Paradise
Lost every Sunday afternoon.
All readings start at 2:00pm
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
mailto:near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org
The event is free; donations are accepted.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 2 2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
BEAN & LEAF OPEN MIKE POETRY READING
hosted by Tom Weigel
Old poets read, new voices heard in a new venue with
"a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee
and pastries." Visit the web site for more information.
Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 2 2008
4:00pm
SUSAN STEWART SPEAKS ON ANNA AKHMATOVA
Poetry Central: Branching Out at the Hartford Public Library
presents poet Susan Stewart, who will speak on Anna Akhmatova,
a writer who pursued her work under extreme conditions of state
oppression. Stewart's talk explores how poets do not merely
follow and reflect the temporary conditions of society, but create
permanent values through their labor of memory and imagination.
Free. For more information, http://www.hplct.org
Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 3 2008
7:30pm - 9:00pm
POETRY BEAT
Poetry open mike at Las Vetas Lounge.
Las Vetas Lounge
1462 Post Road
Fairfield, CT
203-255-1958
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 3 2008
7:30pm - 9:30pm
SPOKEN PALABRA
A weekly spoken word open Mike at La Paloma Sabanera
every Monday Evening: signup at 7:30pm, starts at 8:00pm.
"The open Mike everyone's been asking for."
Hosted by MIRA and Mind Evolution.
La Paloma Sabanera
405 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT
Ph: 860-548-1670
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 3 2008
9:00pm
BEATNIK 2000
Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by
Ed Leonard. No Cover.
http://www.cafenine.com/schedule.html
Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281
.......................................................................................
Tuesday, Mar 4 2008
2:00pm - 3:30pm
MARY OLIVER DISCUSSED in WALLINGFORD
Part four of a new poetry program: "Four American Poets"
This series will explore the work of four American writers
whose poetry is testimony to the timelessness of literature
and the creative process: Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson,
Billy Collins, and Mary Oliver. Though presented as inde-
pendent discussions of each poet, the four-part series will
also touch on themes common to all that illustrate their
shared relationship in the landscape of American poetry.
David Garnes will lead all four discussions on Tuesdays
2:00-3:30pm, every other week. Multiple copies of the
books are available at the library. To register, please call
203-265-6754 or email mailto:bdevlin@lioninc.org.
Patrons may attend any or all sessions. Sessions will meet
in the library's new Large Meeting Room.
Light refreshments will be available.
Wallingford Public Library
200 N. Main Street
Wallingford, CT
203-265-6754
.......................................................................................
Tuesday, Mar 4 2008
9:00pm
FIRST TUESDAY POETRY
featuring Open Mike
First Tuesday group meets every month on the first
Tuesday, offering an open mike and a mix of guest poets
and featured regular readers. Please come, listen, and bring
a favorite poem. Better still, read your own poems.
Borders Books
14 Danbury Road (just past the Norwalk/Wilton line on Rt 7)
Wilton, CT 06987
203-834-0600
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 5 2008
6:30pm
CHERYL DELLA PELLE at UCONN TORRINGTON
Cheryl Della Pelle will give an inaugural reading & book-
signing to launch her new book, Down by the Waters,
which tells the story of one woman’s search for herself
and for the sort of fulfillment that comes only to those who
refuse to settle for less than everything.
Hogan Lecture Hall
UConn Torrington
855 University Dr.
Torrington, CT.
For information, 860-626-6852
or e-mail: mailto:lcwp@uconn.edu
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 5 2008
7:30pm
POEMALLEY at Curley's Diner
Read poetry, discuss writing and other topics of interest.
Curley's Diner
62 West Park Place
Stamford, CT
203-327-3716
mailto:ayarmal@earthlink.net
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 5 2008
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Charlie Rossiter
Charlie Rossiter, NEA Fellowship recipient and three-
time Pushcart Prize nominee, hosts the audio website
poetrypoetry.com. A widely published poet, his work has
been featured on NPR and numerous statewide public
radio networks. During the '90s he hosted the Poetry Motel
TV program. His chapbook, What Men Talk About, won
the first Red Wheel Barrow Prize from Pudding House Press.
Other publications include CR's Greatest Hits: 1975-2001
and Around the House, also from Pudding House Press.
He recently performed at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry
Festival in NJ, and was among a handful of poets selected
to perform at the 2005 Chicago Blues Festival.
WNPS, the longest running weekly poetry series in
Connecticut, boasts an open mike, feature poets, a Q&A
with the feature, and a poetry critique workshop.
Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313
http://www.wedpoetry.net
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 5 2008
9:00pm - 11:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
Free event. Hosted by Charmagne.
Vibz Uptown
3155 Main Street
Hartford, CT
860-246-7390
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 5 2008
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street
Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it's open to every-
one. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little
something. Walk in and you'll be added to the list.
Email mailto:Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-925-9064
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 6 2008
4:00pm
GUILLERMO REBOLLO at UCONN
Sociologist Guillermo Rebollo-Gil has published three books
of highly praised books of poetry in Puerto Rico: Sonero,
Teoría de Conspiración, and Veinte. Willie Perdomo writes,
"Rebollo-Gil speaks with a buoyant human spirit," and calls
his work "the definitive mix of mainland folklórico and
nuyorican soul."
UConn Co-op
2075 Hillside Road
Storrs, CT
860-486-5027
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 6 2008
6:30pm
EILEEN ALBRIZIO in CROMWELL
Eileen Albrizio will talk about writing and her experiences
teaching creative writing, as well as read poetry from her
latest book, Perennials: New and Selected Poems.
Cromwell Public Library
39 West Street
Cromwell, CT
860-632-3460 or mailto:ct_arts@hotmail.com
http://www.angelfire.com/art/albrizio
Sponsored by Cromwell Public Library
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 6 2008
6:30pm
SPOKEN WORD SERIES II at Wood Memorial Library
presents Nancy Kuhl, Cameron K. Gearen, and Suzanne Heyd
Hosted by Victoria Muñoz
An open mike follows featured poets.
The evening will conclude with refreshments.
Admission is free
Wood Memorial Library and Museum
783 Main Street
South Windsor, CT
860-289-1783
For more information, visit the website:
http://www.woodmemoriallibrary.org
Or email: mailto:wood.memorial.lib@snet.net
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 6 2008
7:00pm
CHARLIE ROSSITER & DAN WILCOX in BLOOMFIELD
The Poetry of Memory
Poet Charlie Rossiter will read from his recent book, The
Night We Danced with the Raelettes. He will be accom-
panied by Dan Wilcox, a central figure in the Albany, NY
poetry scene. Please register in advance at the adult refer-
ence desk or by calling 860-243-9721.
Prosser Library
1 Tunxis Ave.
Bloomfield, CT
Charlie's award-winning poetry has been featured on NPR's
"The Poet and the Poem." He has performed at the prestigious
Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival in New Jersey and was
among the handful of poets chosen to perform at the 2005
Chicago Blues Festival. He is an NEA Fellowship recipient,
a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee, and is profiled in Con-
temporary Authors.
Dan Wilcox has been a central figure in the Albany, NY,
poetry scene for decades. He is a widely-published poet,
who has pleased crowds from coast to coast with his in-
sightful, political, and highly-charged poetry. As a photo-
grapher he has amassed the world’s largest collection of
photographs of unknown poets.
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 6 2008
7:00pm
LISA C. TAYLOR & BRENT TERRY at EASTCONN
Lisa C. Taylor teaches at Eastern Connecticut State
University and at Arts at the Capitol Theater. She is writer-
in-residence at EastConn. Her books include Talking to
Trees, Safe Love and Other Political Acts, and Falling
Open. Her work has been published in many journals
and reviews.
Brent Terry is the author of Wicked, Excellently and the
chapbook yesnomaybe. His poems, book reviews, and
articles on distance running have appeared in a wide
variety of publications.
Student Center Café
Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT
.......................................................................................
Saturday, Mar 8 2008
3:30pm - 5:15pm
"TRUTH: THE SOUL OF POETRY"
An Afternoon Workshop led by visiting poets
Charlie Rossiter and Dan Wilcox.
See NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS
.......................................................................................
Saturday, Mar 8 2008
6:30pm
CHARLIE ROSSITER & DAN WILCOX at BUTTONWOOD
Buttonwood Tree Spoken Word Series hosted by Tom
Nicotera presents Charlie Rossiter & Dan Wilcox.
- The evening begins with an open mike at 6:30
- Charlie & Dan's feature begins at 7:30 (For bios, see March 6)
- Followed by more open mic if necessary
$5.00 Suggested Donation
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
mailto:near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 9 2008
2:00pm
JOHN BASINGER PERFORMS PARADISE LOST
In celebration of John Milton's 400th anniversary, John
Basinger will be performing a different book of Paradise
Lost every Sunday afternoon.
All readings start at 2:00pm
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
mailto:near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org
The event is free; donations are accepted.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 9 2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
BEAN & LEAF OPEN MIKE POETRY READING
hosted by Tom Weigel
Old poets read, new voices heard in a new venue with
"a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee
and pastries." Visit the web site for more information.
Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 9 2008
3:00pm
MICHAEL CERVAS in CANTON
Poetry reading by Michael Cervas, author of Inside the Box.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
110 Albany Tpk #305
Canton, CT
860-693-0115
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 10 2008
7:15pm
MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
Monday Night Poetry meets on the second Monday of
each month at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Stamford
Town Center.
Please come and listen to local poets, bring a favorite
poem, read your own poems too.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Stamford Town Center
100 Greyrock Place Suite H009
Stamford, CT
203-323-1248
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 10 2008
7:30pm - 9:30pm
SPOKEN PALABRA
A weekly spoken word open mike at La Paloma Sabanera
every Monday Evening: signup at 7:30pm, starts at 8:00pm.
"The open mike everyone's been asking for."
Hosted by MIRA and Mind Evolution.
La Paloma Sabanera
405 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT
Ph: 860-548-1670
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 10 2008
9:00pm
BEATNIK 2000
Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by
Ed Leonard. No Cover.
http://www.cafenine.com/schedule.html
Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008
10:00am - 12:00pm
POETRY: THE QUILL OF THE SOUL
A workshop with Dianalee Velie
See NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008
7:30pm
POEMALLEY at Curley's Diner
Read poetry, discuss writing and other topics of interest.
Curley's Diner
62 West Park Place
Stamford, CT
203-327-3716
mailto:ayarmal@earthlink.net
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
For info, visit: http://www.wedpoetry.net
WNPS, the longest running weekly poetry series in
Connecticut, boasts an open mike, feature poets, a Q&A
with the feature, and a poetry critique workshop.
Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008
9:00pm - 11:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
Free event. Hosted by Charmagne.
Vibz Uptown
3155 Main Street
Hartford, CT
860-246-7390
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 12 2008
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street
Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it's open to every-
one. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little
something. Walk in and you'll be added to the list.
Email mailto:Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-925-9064
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 13 2008
4:00pm
C.D. WRIGHT at YALE
Yale Collection of American Literature Reading Series in
conjunction with the conference Metaphor Taking Shape:
Poetry, Art, and the Book present C.D. Wright.
C.D. Wright was born and raised in the Ozark Mountains
of Arkansas. She has published numerous collections of
poetry including One Big Self and Just Whistle, two
collaborative projects with photographer Deborah Luster,
as well as the book-length poem Deepstep Come Shining,
Tremble, and String Light, which won the Poetry Center
Book Award. Wright has been awarded the Witter Bynner
Prize for Poetry from the American Academy and Institute
of Arts and Letters, the Whiting Writers' Award, and fellow-
ships from the MacArthur Foundation, National Endow-
ment for the Arts, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the
Bunting Institute.
Beinecke Library
121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT
http://beineckepoetry.wordpress.com/readings-at-beinecke
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 13 2008
5:45pm - 9:00pm
MISHI-MAYA-GAT Spoken Word & Music Series
presents David Thoreen and John Hodgen
5:45pm - Spoken Word Open Mike. Open Mic Feature is
Lisa C. Taylor, author of Talking to Trees, which was
nominated for a L.L. Winship PEN New England Award.
6:45pm - Music: Ken Cormier is a singer/songwriter who
has released two CDs of original music, God Damn Dog-
house and Radio-Bueno, with Elis Eil Records. Critics
have described Ken's music as "whacked-out indie pop";
listen at http://myspace.com/measuringcup.
7:45pm - Poetry: David Thoreen and John Hodgen.
Bios below.
Free and Open to the Public. Sponsored by the MCC
Foundation and hosted by Stephen Campiglio.
Fireside Commons, Learning Resource Center
Manchester Community College
Great Path, Manchester, CT
For more information or directions, please visit the
Mishi-maya-gat web page at:
http://www.mcc.commnet.edu/faculty/spoken.php
or call 860-512-2824.
David Thoreen teaches writing and literature at Assumption
College in Worcester, MA. His fiction, creative nonfiction,
and poetry have appeared in numerous magazines. He has
also published articles on Elizabeth Bishop, Barry Hannah,
and Thomas Pynchon.
John Hodgen is visiting assistant professor of English at
Assumption College in Worcester, MA. He is the author
of three books of poetry: Grace, winner of the 2005
AWP Donald Hall Prize in Poetry, In My Father’s House,
winner of the 1993 Bluestem Award, and Bread Without
Sorrow, winner of the 2002 Balcones Poetry Prize. He
has won numerous other awards and is widely published.
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 13 2008
6:30pm
ERNIE BLUE in SOUTH WINDSOR
Poet Ernie Blue will read his work at the South Windsor
Human Relations Commission Diversity Poster and Poetry
Competition Awards Ceremony. Mr. Blue is recognized
for his insightful and entertaining poetry. He was a member
of the Poetry Slam Team that participated in a national
competition in Middletown, CT in 1995. Ernie has in-
structed students in the art of performance poetry in many
Connecticut towns. Blue says, "Poetry answers the
questions that were never asked."
The HRC Awards Ceremony will display the posters and
poetry of South Windsor students, in grades kindergarten
through high school. The ceremony will be held in the
Friends Room of the South Windsor Public Library. For
information, contact Janice Favreau at 860-644-8315
or the South Windsor library at: 860-644-1541.
South Windsor library
1550 Sullivan Ave
South Windsor, CT
.......................................................................................
Saturday, Mar 15 2008
10:00am - Noon
FAXON POET'S CRITIQUE GROUP
The Faxon Poet's critique group meets on the third
Saturday of the month.
The Faxon Library
1073 New Britain Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860-523-5545
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 16 2008
10:00am - 5:30pm
SUNDAY WRITING RETREAT
with Sharon Charde
See NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 16 2008
2:00pm
JOHN BASINGER PERFORMS PARADISE LOST
In celebration of John Milton's 400th anniversary, John
Basinger will be performing a different book of Paradise
Lost every Sunday afternoon.
All readings start at 2:00pm
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
mailto:near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org
The event is free; donations are accepted.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 16 2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
BEAN & LEAF OPEN MIKE POETRY READING
hosted by Tom Weigel
Old poets read, new voices heard in a new venue with
"a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee
and pastries." Visit the web site for more information.
Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 17 2008
6:00pm - 8:00pm
CPS POETRY WORKSHOP in DANBURY
The Danbury Chapter of the Connecticut Poetry Society
holds a writing workshop at the Danbury Library on the
third Monday of each month. Newcomers are welcome!
Bring poems for sharing and discussion (about 6 copies
to pass around, if possible).
For information, contact: mailto:dmh2000@sbcglobal.net
Danbury Library
Upstairs Conference Room
170 Main Street
Danbury, CT
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 17 2008
7:30pm - 9:30pm
SPOKEN PALABRA
A weekly spoken word open mike at La Paloma Sabanera
every Monday Evening: signup at 7:30pm, starts at 8:00pm.
"The open mike everyone's been asking for."
Hosted by MIRA and Mind Evolution.
La Paloma Sabanera
405 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT
Ph: 860-548-1670
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 17 2008
9:00pm
BEATNIK 2000
Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by
Ed Leonard. No Cover.
http://www.cafenine.com/schedule.html
Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 19 2008
7:30pm
POEMALLEY at Curley's Diner
Read poetry, discuss writing and other topics of interest.
Curley's Diner
62 West Park Place
Stamford, CT
203-327-3716
mailto:ayarmal@earthlink.net
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 19 2008
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Richard Deming
Richard Deming is a poet and a theorist who works on the
philosophy of literature. His poems have appeared numerous
publications, and he is the author of Let’s Not Call It Con-
sequence, about which Susan Howe has written, "Deming
restlessly calculates the split between promised and actual
experience. The poems in his impressive new collection
balance at an edge of danger syntax can only shadow."
He edits Phylum Press (with Nancy Kuhl) and is currently
a lecturer at Yale University.
For more info, visit the website: http://www.wedpoetry.net
WNPS, the longest running weekly poetry series in
Connecticut, boasts an open mike, feature poets, a Q&A
with the feature, and a poetry critique workshop.
Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 19 2008
9:00pm - 11:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
Free event. Hosted by Charmagne.
Vibz Uptown
3155 Main Street
Hartford, CT
860-246-7390
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 19 2008
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street
Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it's open to every-
one. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little
something. Walk in and you'll be added to the list.
Email mailto:Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-925-9064
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 20 2008
7:00pm
WINTONBURY LIBRARY POETRY SERIES
featuring Daniel Donaghy
Daniel Donaghy, Professor of English at Eastern Connecticut
State University, reads from his new book, Streetfighting.
Mr. Donaghy says that the title of his book may be taken two
ways, "either as a literal term, as something I did, because I
did get into street fights (in the Kensington section of Phila-
delphia)…and also as a metaphor for trying to find a way
out of the city." He has published widely, with poems forth-
coming in Southern Review and Prairie Schooner.
An open mike follows the featured poet. The theme is
"Contrast/Conflict."
Watch for announcements of theme nights for our open mike
sessions. For more information, please call the Wintonbury
Branch at 860-242-0041.
Wintonbury Branch Library
1015 Blue Hills Avenue
Bloomfield, CT
http://www.prosserlibrary.info/wintonbury_branch.htm
.......................................................................................
Thursday, Mar 20 2008
7:30pm - 9:00pm
THIRD THURSDAY OPEN MIKE
Third Thursday every month in Stamford Borders
near Merritt Parkway exit 35
1041 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: 203-968-9700
.......................................................................................
Friday, Mar 21 2008
1:00pm - 2:45pm
POETRY DISCUSSION GROUP
Topic: TBA
Retired English professor Alan Holder leads this once-a-
month poetry discussion, which take place on the third
Friday of the month at 1:00pm. Each month a different
poet's work will be up for discussion. New members
always welcome.
A limited number of free copies of the book to be discussed
will be available for approximately one month before the
meeting. See the library's Circulation Desk. Sponsored
by the Friends of the Library.
Location: Dayton Program Room
Ridgefield Library
472 Main Street (Route 35)
Ridgefield, CT
Contact: Lesley Lambton, 203-438-2282 or
mailto:rdgprograms@biblio.org
.......................................................................................
Saturday, Mar 22 2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
CPS POETRY WORKSHOP in WILTON
Wilton Chapter of the Connecticut Poetry Society
(formerly Saugatuck Chapter) will meet in Room A
of the Wilton Library in Wilton Center.
The meeting format will be a structured workshop.
Bring one poem and copies of it for the other participants.
Poems should be no longer than 2 pages of Font 12.
The workshop is free.
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Rd
Wilton, CT
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 23 2008
2:00pm
JOHN BASINGER PERFORMS PARADISE LOST
In celebration of John Milton's 400th anniversary, John
Basinger will be performing a different book of Paradise
Lost every Sunday afternoon.
All readings start at 2:00pm
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
mailto:near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org
The event is free; donations are accepted.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 23 2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
BEAN & LEAF OPEN MIKE POETRY READING
hosted by Tom Weigel
Old poets read, new voices heard in a new venue with
"a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee
and pastries." Visit the web site for more information.
Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 24 2008
7:30pm - 9:30pm
SPOKEN PALABRA
A weekly spoken word open mike at La Paloma Sabanera
every Monday Evening: signup at 7:30pm, starts at 8:00pm.
"The open mike everyone's been asking for."
Hosted by MIRA and Mind Evolution.
La Paloma Sabanera
405 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT
Ph: 860-548-1670
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 24 2008
9:00pm
BEATNIK 2000
Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by
Ed Leonard. No Cover.
http://www.cafenine.com/schedule.html
Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281
.......................................................................................
Tuesday, Mar 25 2008
6:30pm
POET'S OPEN MIKE
E njoy an evening of poetry with Poet's Open Mike.
Read something or just come and listen.
Harry Bennett Branch Ferguson Library
115 Vine Road
Stamford, CT
203-351-8291
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 26 2008
7:00pm - 8:00pm
KIM ADDONIZIO at EASTCONN
Kim Addonizio is the author of four books of poetry, The
Philosopher's Club, Jimmy & Rita, Tell Me (2000 National
Book Award Finalist), and What Is This Thing Called Love,
and two novels. In addition, she has published a book of
stories, In the Box Called Pleasure, and co-authored, with
Dorianne Laux, The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the
Pleasures of Writing Poetry. With Cheryl Dumesnil she
co-edited Dorothy Parker's Elbow: Tattoos on Writers,
Writers on Tattoos.
Her awards include two fellowships from the National En-
dowment for the Arts, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Pushcart
Prize, a Commonwealth Club Poetry Medal, and the John
Ciardi Lifetime Achievement Award. A book signing follows.
Johnson Community Room 204
J. Eugene Smith Library (North Campus)
83 Windham Street
Willimantic, CT
Contact Information: Miranda Lau 860-465-4570
Email: mailto:laum@easternct.edu
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 26 2008
7:30pm
POEMALLEY at Curley's Diner
Read poetry, discuss writing and other topics of interest.
Curley's Diner
62 West Park Place
Stamford, CT
203-327-3716
mailto:ayarmal@earthlink.net
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 26 2008
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
For info, visit: http://www.wedpoetry.net
WNPS, the longest running weekly poetry series in
Connecticut, boasts an open mike, feature poets, a Q&A
with the feature, and a poetry critique workshop.
Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 26 2008
8:00pm
RAE ARMANTROUT at WESLEYAN
Distinguished Writer’s-New Voices presents Rae Armantrout
Rae Armantrout’s most recent books of poetry are Next Life,
Up to Speed, and Veil: New and Selected Poems, all from
Wesleyan University Press. She is a professor of writing in
the literature department at the University of California at San
Diego. Her work frequently appears in The Best American
Poetry as well as in such literary magazines as American
Poetry Review, Boston Review, and The New Yorker.
Free. Sponsored by Wesleyan University Press.
Millett Room
Russell House
350 High Street
Middletown CT
http://www.wesleyan.edu/writing/distinguished_writers
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 26 2008
9:00pm - 11:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
Free event. Hosted by Charmagne.
Vibz Uptown
3155 Main Street
Hartford, CT
860-246-7390
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, Mar 26 2008
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street
Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it's open to every-
one. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little
something. Walk in and you'll be added to the list.
Email mailto:Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-925-9064
.......................................................................................
Saturday, Mar 29 2008
11:00am - 3:30pm
FROM PAGE TO STAGE:
A Workshop on Performing Your Poetry
Presented by Faith Vicinanza
See NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 30 2008
2:00pm
JOHN BASINGER PERFORMS PARADISE LOST
In celebration of John Milton's 400th anniversary, John
Basinger will be performing a different book of Paradise
Lost every Sunday afternoon.
All readings start at 2:00pm
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
mailto:near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org
The event is free; donations are accepted.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 30 2008
2:00pm
TEA AND POETRY (Women's History Month event) with
Lynn Tudor Deming, Doris Henderson, & Rebecca Dobson
WestConn will host a tea and poetry reading at the Danbury
Women's Center. Three local poets will read from their work:
Lynn Tudor Deming's chapbook Heady Rubbish was selected
by former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky to receive the
2005 Philbrick Poetry Prize. Her work has appeared in nu-
merous publications and she is the recipient of several awards,
including second prize in Atlanta Review's 2005 International
Poetry Competition. Dr. Deming is a clinical psychologist who
practiced many years in Manhattan before moving to CT. She
is currently working on a full-length poetry manuscript.
Doris Henderson’s poems have appeared in numerous journals
and anthologies, and her poem “Distances” was nominated for
a Pushcart Prize. Doris lives in Danbury, facilitates a writing work-
shop at Danbury Library. A longtime member of the Women’s
Center, she worked on its newsletter in the Center’s early years
and also served as editor. She began writing poetry at a workshop
at the Center in 1982 and has been writing ever since.
Rebecca Dobson spent thirty years in New York City acting in
theatre and television. She also co-founded American Kalei-
doscope Theatre, where she was producing artistic director.
After moving to Connecticut in 1990, she began to write more
regularly, and has read her poetry in Connecticut and New
York City venues. Rebecca’s work touches on themes partic-
ular to women’s lives, and on nature observed. She lives in
New Milford, where she teaches speech and acting.
Women’s Center of Greater Danbury
2 West Street
Danbury, CT
For more information, call (203) 837-8486.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, Mar 30 2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
BEAN & LEAF OPEN MIKE POETRY READING
hosted by Tom Weigel
Old poets read, new voices heard in a new venue with
"a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee
and pastries." Visit the web site for more information.
Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 31 2008
7:00pm
LISA C. TAYLOR at UCONN
Lisa C. Taylor teaches at Eastern Connecticut State Uni-
versity and at Arts at the Capitol Theater. She is writer-
in-residence at EastConn. Her books include Talking to
Trees, Safe Love and Other Political Acts, and Falling
Open. Her work has been published in many journals
and reviews.
UConn Co-op
2075 Hillside Road
Storrs, CT
Tel: 860-486-5027
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 31 2008
7:30pm - 9:30pm
SPOKEN PALABRA
A weekly spoken word open mike at La Paloma Sabanera
every Monday Evening: signup at 7:30pm, starts at 8:00pm.
"The open mike everyone's been asking for."
Hosted by MIRA and Mind Evolution.
La Paloma Sabanera
405 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT
Ph: 860-548-1670
.......................................................................................
Monday, Mar 31 2008
9:00pm
BEATNIK 2000
Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by
Ed Leonard. No Cover.
http://www.cafenine.com/schedule.html
Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281
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