December 1, 2009

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 244

Poetry in Connecticut - December, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS_______________________________________
  • Quotes
  • Poem of the Month
  • Book of the Month
  • Website of the Month
  • News Items / Writing Workshops
  • Poetry Calendar for December
  • Subscription and Contact Information

I:__QUOTES________________________________________________

How can you write if you can’t cry?
– Ring Lardner

Indeed, I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.
– Virginia Woolf

Poetry, in the past, was the center of our society, but with modernity it has retreated to the outskirts. I think the exile of poetry is also the exile of the best of humankind.
– John Kenneth Galbraith


II:__POEM OF THE MONTH__________________________________

GRAVE BY A HOLM-OAK

Stevie Smith (1902 - 1971)

You lie there, Anna,
In your grave now,
Under a snow-sky,
You lie there now.

Where have the dead gone?
Where do they live now?
Not in the grave, they say,
Then where now?

Tell me, tell me,
Is it where I may go?
Ask not, cries the holm-oak,
Weep, says snow.


III:__BOOK OF THE MONTH_________________________________
Each month we highlight a book of poetry by a Connecticut author.

WHAT GETS LOST
by Doris Henderson

Doris Henderson’s first full-length poetry collection, What Gets Lost, is a work of stunning multiplicity, mingling jubilation and high jinx with a terrible sense of what gets lost, moving between glorying in the world’s beauty and exposing its follies and pitfalls, between reveling in the real and free-falling in a magically surreal realm of dream and fantasy. What holds it all together is a sensibility as witty as it is wise, a voice in love with the possibilities of language and metaphor. About these poems Kathleen O’Connor has written, “Doris Henderson’s What Gets Lost is a beautiful, reflective memoir in narrative free verse. The poems have a dreamlike, almost surreal quality, with an amazing cast of characters who both bedevil and inspire. We are treated to witticisms and warnings from dead relatives, as well as transformations in the animal and vegetable kingdoms—the ‘monkey inside my skull,’ the revolt of threatened weeds who ‘want it all back.’ Colorful friends and playful creatures will capture your imagination and transport you to a different time and place, yet one that is strangely familiar. This witty, precise poetry is accessible but deeply affecting. Ms. Henderson’s work has a place on every poetry lover’s bookshelf.” And this from Christine Beck: “Doris Henderson’s imagery is both striking and original. I savored phrases such as ‘the past...with its eerie blue light and green feathers,’ ‘wine glasses fidget behind glass doors,’ and ‘fall is...the broken doppler of a passing train.’ She writes with assurance of childhood, dreams, and love’s vagaries. These are poems to visit again and again, for the sheer joy of the ride.”

Doris Henderson grew up in a very small town on rural Long Island. She attended the State University of New York at Albany and holds an M.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. A former teacher and theatre coach, she sees poetry as a performance art. Her work has been published in many journals and anthologies, as well as three chapbooks: Transformations, Leaving the Plaza, and Distances. Doris lives in Danbury, Connecticut, where she attends workshops with writer friends, does freelance editing, and serves as president of the Danbury chapter of the Connecticut Poetry Society. She has four children, six grandchildren and a cat named Azure.

$19.00 (ISBN: 978-0-9823970-0-8)
Antrim House

Doris Henderson will be reading from her book, What Gets Lost, in Danbury on the 12th. See the Poetry Calendar below.


IV:__WEBSITE OF THE MONTH______________________________

MIC v. MIKE

Ah, the argument. Most people who have ever read the phrase “open mic” or “open mike” have at least reflected on the spelling, and some have nearly come to blows. In hopes of stoking the fire, I present Sam Bayer’s essay, “Mike, dammit.” Mr. Bayer has a Ph.D. in linguistics and makes the most cogent (and entertaining) argument I’ve read.

He’s also right.

www.sambayer.com/tirades/whymike.html

Here’s an excerpt:

Reason 3: mic really does break the rules

The interesting cases arise when chopping off the word would result in something which isn’t pronounced the same. Two things happen in this case. The first thing that can happen is that the pronunciation changes. Here are a few of those:

- spec (short for specification)
- mayo (short for mayonnaise)
- bro (short for brother; it’s a completely different vowel)
- expat (short for expatriate; the vowel in the short form is short, but it corresponds to a long vowel in the original)
- deli (last vowel is longer)
- bio

The second thing that can happen is that the spelling changes to match the pronunciation. Here are a few of those:

- Prez (short for President)
- rez (short for reservation)
- fridge
- fave
- biz
- cuke (short for cucumber)
- lube
- sarge (short for sergeant)
- Coke (short for Coca-Cola)
- nuke (short for nuclear weapon)

Notice that every one of these which has a long vowel (fave, cuke, lube, Coke, nuke) adds an “e” on the end, where there was no “e” in the original word, in order to indicate that the vowel is long. In other words, when the new word is formed, the long vowel “e” rule is followed. The only exception I can find is mic.


V:__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS____________________

FOR FICTION & PROSE WRITERS: Writers Out Loud

Writers Out Loud provides a venue for prose writers to read their work and get feedback from their peers. This event occurs the second Thursday of each month at the Green Street Art Center in Middletown, which is off North Main Street, two blocks before the entrance to the Arigoni (Portland) Bridge. There are a few regular attendees, but in its two year history, an amazing variety of writers of all ages have shared themselves, coming from homes nearby and as much as two hours’ drive away.

Green Street also provides courses and workshops for writers, but this venue stands alone as an opportunity to share the work and fun of prose—be it novel excerpt, short story or memoir—with other writers, family, friends and strangers in a relaxed atmosphere. Due to limitations of time, six readers sign up each outing for ten minute orations. All are encouraged to come to listen and/or read aloud.

Co-hosts are Al Bower and Cocomo Rock.

Green Street Arts Center
51 Green Street
Middletown, CT
860-685-7871

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Sunday, December 13 2009
10:00am - 5:00pm


SUNDAY WRITING RETREATS
with Sharon Charde

Many of us sense that there are stories within us that need to be told, but cannot find the time, space or circumstances in our busy lives to do so. This series of Sunday writing retreats with Sharon Charde will provide that opportunity. The retreats are intense community writing experiences. Together we create a safe and supportive writing environment that encourages risks we would never take alone. We are fed by the listening of others, the rest from our busy lives, the delicious lunch. There is no critical feedback, only focused attention and deep acceptance.

The group is limited to eight women, many who attend on a regular basis. The cost is $75 per session, or $60 if you sign up for four or more. The one remaining date in 2009 is 12/13. The location is Lakeville, CT, at the home of Sharon Charde. See her web site (http://www.sharoncharde.com/) for more information and testimonials from women who have attended in the past. Write her at sharchar@sbcglobal.net to register or to ask other questions.

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Saturday, December 5 2009
1:00pm - 4:00pm


CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
with Eileen Albrizio

An increasingly popular workshop for the developing writer. Eileen brings a wealth of experience to this class. Limited seating! Registration required.

From the instructor’s web site: “In this workshop, we will begin by exploring the fundamentals of poetry, including form, meter, rhyme, and rhetorical devices such as repetition and metaphor to create a poem in a traditional form. (It’s not nearly as daunting as it may sound. In fact, it’s quite fun!) ‘But, POETRY,’ you say. ‘I want to write prose fiction!’

“By actually learning poetic techniques and writing a poem in the structure of form, you will be able to then approach prose, whether fiction or nonfiction, with a more creative and exciting attitude. After writing our poem, we will then utilize the poetic tools we’ve learned to begin the process of writing that great story locked inside your head.

“In the Dec. 5th workshop, we will begin by learning the English sonnet and understanding its iambic pentameter rhythm. Then, in the prose part, we will work on early character development, again, an essential undertaking before we write that first line of our first chapter.

“Whether you are a novice or advanced writer, poet or novelist, or looking to pen your memoir, these tools will help you to engage in a more enjoyable and productive writing experience.

“This is a 3-hour, hands-on writing workshops that will ensure you walk away with new enthusiasm for the writing process. Participants need only bring writing materials. There is no need to bring previously written works. We will, after all, be writing from scratch!”

For more information or to register, visit: www.angelfire.com/art/albrizio or contact Eileen at EileenRain@aol.com.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
http://www.buttonwood.org/


VI:__POETRY CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER_____________________
Check with venues for possible cancellations due to holidays or inclement weather

Tuesday, December 1 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm

FIRST TUESDAY POETRY
featuring Polly Brody

Author and essayist Polly Brody will read from her new book, Stirring Shadows, her fourth poetry collection. Polly holds a Masters Degree in Biology and is a veteran field ornithologist, as well as an active advocate for the environment. Her work has been published in over forty literary journals, including: The Midwest Quarterly, The Spoon River Poetry Review, The Cream City Review, and many others.

Come help us welcome Polly Brody to the store and share some of your own work too!

On the first Tuesday of every month, Broad Street Books hosts a featured poet followed by an open mike. All are welcome to come and read, recite, perform their work! Admission is free.

45 Broad Street
Middletown, CT
Broad Street Books
For more information, contact Brian Mitchard at 860-685-7323

Before the reading, tune in to “J-Cherry Presents” at 6:30pm on 88.1 FM WESU in Middletown to hear J-Cherry host our featured poet.

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Tuesday, December 1 2009
7:30pm


POEMALLEY at Curley’s Diner
featuring Frank Chambers

Frank is the president of the Fairfield Chapter of the Connecticut Poetry Society and hosts two local poetry series at Barnes & Noble Bookstores in Stamford and Westport. His poetry has appeared in publications such as PostScript, Poetry Emerging, Long River Run, A First Tuesday in Wilton, and Wednesdays at Curley’s. Frank’s poetry reflects his vision and commitment to family and is inspired by four young muses masquerading as children.

Read poetry, discuss writing and other topics of interest.

Curley’s Diner
62 West Park Place
Stamford, CT
203-327-3716
ayarmal@earthlink.net

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Wednesday, December 2 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm


CALLING ALL POETS (And Poetry Lovers)
presents Quentin Smeltzer

Quentin Smeltzer writer/comedian will give a preliminary presentation of his upcoming book due to come out in 2010, Self Help, Your Complete Book of Bad Advice for Every Situation in Life, a book Mr. Smeltzer believes he is particularly well-qualified to write.

Quentin Smeltzer (obviously not his real name) was born in Chicago and grew up in New York, Connecticut and Utah, accounting for a cultural dislocation bordering on schizophrenia. He earned his BA degree in philosophy from Pomona College in Claremont, California. The philosophy degree opened many professional doors including opportunities to work in fast food restaurants, drive delivery vans and make copies. He also holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix, neither of which made any discernible difference in his life whatsoever. After living at the Chelsea Hotel in NY where he met many artists and personalities whom he was not impressed with, he returned to Connecticut where he currently resides with his wife and son and a dog he doesn’t particularly care for. Mr. Smeltzer’s seeds in entertainment can be traced to a successful performance in a high school play. A late bloomer, Mr. Smeltzer has been largely germinating ever since. In addition to writing, for the past two years he has made many appearances on stage performing stand-up comedy to decidedly mixed reviews.

Followed by an open mike—all about YOU! Bring your original work to read and share with the group or a favorite poem.

Admission is free. The open mike sign-up is at 6:15pm. There will be time to meet the feature after the open mike. Calling All Poets is hosted by Victoria Muñoz.

The Silas Bronson Library
267 Grand Street
Waterbury, CT
203-574-8223
http://www.bronsonlibrary.org/

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Wednesday, December 2 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Mark McGuire-Schwartz

Mark McGuire-Schwartz will read his experimental and non-experimental poems, with and without jokes, with and without an alarm clock ringing, with and without hawks, etc. It’s sure to be full of surprises based on his Word of Mouth reading a few months ago.

Mark is a sometimes host of WNPS, treasurer and chairman of WNPS’s ever evolving “committee,” and a host of Word of Mouth at the Institute Library in New Haven. He sometimes imagines that he was raised by bears, and he says it shows. In his 27 years as a state bureaucrat, Mark strove to raise the level of memos to an art form. Despite this his short play, Meeting Arthur Miller, was produced as part of the Short and NEAT program during the 2004 International Festival of Arts and Ideas, in New Haven. His work has appeared in The Whatever Journal, RougueScholars.com, The Fairfield Review, and Bent Pin Quarterly. However, he protests that he has not yet won many prestigious and lucrative awards, including a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Grant. Oh well. Oh well. Oh well.

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. For more info, visit the website: http://www.wedpoetry.net/.

Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313

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Thursday, December 3 2009
11:00am

ALEXANDRINA SERGIO in New Haven

Alexandrina Sergio will read from her book, My Daughter is Drummer in the Rock ’n Roll Band, with musical accompaniment by pianist David Sergio. Program open to the community.

Alexandrina new collection, My Daughter Is A Drummer in the Rock ’n Roll Band, offers a rich variety of moods: the sad poems contain moments of wry wit, and the overtly humorous or raucous poems contain deeper undercurrents. Ms. Sergio traces her passion for poetry to her mother’s habit of mixing the works of Celtic poets into bedtime tales. As an English teacher, Sandy coached prize-winning student poets. Subsequent careers in mental health and philanthropy-consulting encroached on writing time, but retirement has allowed broader opportunities. Her work has been published in a number of journals and anthologies and has twice been performed by a professional stage company. Her awards include first place in the 2007 Connecticut Senior Poetry Contest and second place in the 2008 Dorman John Grace Contest.

Community Room
ateway Community College
60 Sargent Drive
New Haven, CT
For directions see http://www.gwcc.commnet.edu/

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Thursday, December 3 2009
12:15pm

MORRI CREECH at University of Hartford

Poet Morri Creech was born in Moncks Corner, South Carolina in 1970, and was educated at Winthrop University and McNeese State University. He currently lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana with is daughter Hattie and teaches in the MFA Program at McNeese State University. His poems have appeared in Poetry, The New Criterion, The New Republic, The Southwest Review, The Hudson Review, Crazyhorse, and elsewhere. His first poetry collection, Paper Cathedrals, received the Stan and Tom Wick Award from Kent State University Press. In collaboration with the photographer Robert Parke Harrison, he has published two museum-quality limited editions (21st). Mr. Creech has received a $15,000 Ruth Lilly Fellowship from Poetry Magazine and the Modern Poetry Foundation, an artist’s fellowship from The Louisiana Division of the Arts, and has twice been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. His second collection, Field Knowledge, won the 2005 Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize and was published by Waywiser Press.

Wilde Auditorium
University of Hartford
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT
For information, contact Ben Grossberg at 860-768-4944

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Thursday, December 3 2009
1:00pm

IN AND BEYOND THE METAPHYSICS OF WALLACE STEVENS

Proof & Possibility: A Series of Talks in Philosophy and the History of Ideas
Part 1: Philosophy of the Supreme Fiction: In and Beyond the Metaphysics of Wallace Stevens

Hartford’s most noted poet and once one of its more prominent insurance executives, Wallace Stevens, has often been studied for the philosophical character of his work. Considered a true American heir to the English Romantic poets, Stevens was also influenced by philosophers as diverse as Nietzsche and such pillars of American pragmatism as Ralph Waldo Emerson and George Santayana. So invested, in fact, is Stevens’s verse in the problems of epistemology—the study of knowledge and how, to what extent and how validly we can obtain it—and metaphysics—the study of first principles and what is finally most real—that his poetic output has been freshly examined in the light of current philosophical trends with each new decade.

However, the unique way that Stevens understood the interaction between the imagination and reality stubbornly resists dissection by logicians or diehard rationalists. In discussing what might be called his metaphysics—what he named “a supreme fiction”—Stevens was reluctant to limit it to poetry. However, even as he set out to address its qualities—“It Must Be Abstract,” “It Must Change,” and “It Must Give Pleasure”—he offered an insurance-style disclaimer: “As soon as I start to rationalize, I lose the poetry of the idea.”

Come join James Finnegan, poet, thinker, founder of The Friends and Enemies of Wallace Stevens organization, and insurance executive, for a fascinating hour and a half—over a provided light lunch—to explore the common ground of poetry and philosophy, with Hartford’s local treasure Stevens as our guide and muse.

James Finnegan’s poems have appeared in Ploughshares, Poetry East, The Southern Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review, and other literary magazines. With Dennis Barone he edited Visiting Wallace: Poems Inspired by the Life and Work of Wallace Stevens (U. of Iowa Press, 2009). He currently serves as president of The Friends & Enemies of Wallace Stevens, a Hartford area arts organization that supports the cultural legacy of Wallace Stevens and promotes poetry in the community. He founded an internet discussion listserv called the NewPoetry List, and he blogs aphoristic ars poetica at usrprache (ursprache.blogspot.com). Mr. Finnegan works in the field of financial institutions risk management for Lee & Mason Financial Services, Inc.

Presented by the Tunxis Humanities Department and Tunxis Philosophy Club.

Founders Hall
Tunxis Community College
271 Scott Swamp Rd.
Farmington, CT
tunxis.commnet.edu/events

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Thursday, December 3 2009
6:30pm

RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES presents The UNDERWOOD CAFE
featuring Susan Allison & Tony Fusco.

Susan Allison lives in Middletown with her husband, Stephan, and son, John. Born in Derby and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she calls poetry and wanderlust the two main constants in her life. After mountain-climbing and hitch-hiking through East Africa, she returned to Wesleyan University to earn a BA in African Studies in 1985. Shortly after graduation, she discovered used and rare bookstores, which became new destination points for her wanderlust until she opened her own, Ibis Books & Gallery, in 1989. The bookstore was transformed in 1991 into NEAR, Inc./The Buttonwood Tree, an arts and cultural performance space on Main Street in Middletown, Connecticut. Of her second book of poetry, Down by the Riverside Ways, published earlier this year, John Basinger wrote: “Susan Allison has created poems that seem to have become naturally what they are as diamonds emerge from carbon under pressure, not laid out on black velvet, but set in mother earth.”

Tony Fusco is President of the CT Poetry Society and has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from Southern Connecticut State University. He is the editor of Caduceus, the anthology of the Yale Medical Group Art Place and past editor of The Connecticut River Review and Long River Run, journals of the Connecticut Poetry Society. He has been editor of the Southern News and the poetry anthologies High Tide and Sounds and Waves of West Haven. His work as appeared in many publications including the Connecticut Review, Louisiana Literature, the Red Rock Review, The South Carolina Review, and The Paterson Review. He is the author of two books, Droplines and Jessie’s Garden, and three chapbooks. His poetry has won prizes in several contests including The Sunken Garden Poetry Prize. He is a member of the New England Poetry Club. Tony has produced West Shore Poets a television poetry series at CTV and is web-master for several web sites including the CT Poetry Society. His poem “Harvest” was nominated for a Pushcart Award.

The Underwood Cafe at Wood Memorial Library: entertaining and thought-provoking poetry in a relaxed, cafe-style atmosphere. Open mike follows the feature. Refreshments. Admission is free: donations gratefully accepted. Donations of non-perishable foods will also be accepted for the benefit of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. More info: http://www.riverwoodpoetry.org/ or http://www.woodmemoriallibrary.org/.

Wood Memorial Library
783 Main Street
South Windsor, CT
860-289-1783

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Thursday, December 3 2009
7:00pm

CURBSTONE PRESS READING SERIES
with Doug Anderson

Doug Anderson’s new memoir, Keep Your Head Down: Vietnam, The Sixties, And a Journey of Self-Discovery was published by W.W. Norton in 2009. His book of poetry, The Moon Reflected Fire, won the Kate Tufts Discovery Award in 1995; and Blues for Unemployed Secret Police was published with support from the Eric Matthew King Fund of The Academy of American Poets. His work has appeared in many literary journals including The Virginia Quarterly Review, Field, Ploughshares, The Southern Review, and The Massachusetts Review. He has received fellowships and grants from The National Endowment for the Arts, The Massachusetts Cultural Council, and other funding organizations. In addition to poetry and creative nonfiction, he has written plays, screenplays and journalism. He lives in Hartford, Connecticut and teaches creative writing for the University of Connecticut’s Greater Hartford Campus, and in the Pacific University MFA Program.

Hygienic Art continues its evenings of monthly First Thursday Poetry readings in the Robert Rue Reading Series, funded in part by Curbstone Press. This reading is sponsored by the Robert N. Rue Education Fund at Curbstone Press, established in honor of Dr. Rue, who died in September 2007, honoring his lifelong commitment to education and good writing.

Hygienic Galleries
79-83 Bank Street
New London, CT
860-443-8001
For more information, contact Hygienic Art at 860-443-8001, email gallery@hygienic.org, or visit http://www.hygienic.org/.

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Thursday, December 3 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY
Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: http://www.bean-leaf.com/.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

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Saturday, December 5 2009
2:00pm

POETRY READING AND DISCUSSION
with Cortney Davis, Jim Kelleher, Norah Pollard, David Leff, Cheryl Della Pelle, and Jean Sands

A coffee house style reading by six poets—Cortney Davis, Jim Kelleher, Norah Pollard, David Leff, Cheryl Della Pelle, and Jean Sands—followed by an open discussion of the process of writing poems. A book-signing will follow the reading and discussion.

Admission is free. For more information contact: White Memorial Conservation Center at 860-567-0857 or info@whitememorial.org, or Jean Sands at 860-485-9522, http://www.blogger.com/jeansands@sbcglobal.net.

White Memorial Conservation Center
Carriage House
80 Whitehall Rd
Litchfield, CT

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Sunday, December 6 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com/

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Sunday, December 6 2009
4:00pm


POETRY at DRAGON'S EGG

Poetry Reading, original poetry by original voices, with a general theme of Fire and Ice. The reading will be followed by a book signing on the part of various of the published poets.

Come early!

Dragon's Egg
401 Shewville Road
Ledyard, CT

The reading is part of a holiday event at the Dragon's Egg, from 12-6 pm. A holiday sale of various services and crafts, including original Xmas tree ornaments designed by artists and donated to benefit the Egg. These - from bath salts to books to services - will be spread out on rugs around the space from noon on, and at 4 pm there will be the Poetry Reading!

For more information, write mybeasts@aol.com.

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Sunday, December 6 2009
4:30pm - 6:00pm


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 this first Sunday at The Sanctuary in East Haddam 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.

The Sanctuary at Shepardfields
59 Bogel Road
East Haddam, CT
(From Daniels Road, turn left onto Bogel, then look for the “Labyrinth & Yurt” sign. It’s a dirt driveway.)

For more information call 860-319-1134 or visit http://www.sanctuaryatshepardfields.org/activities.html. Pass this along to anyone you think might be interested in being part of this discussion group. This is a different type of poetry event. Instead of a particular feature or an open mike where we read our own poetry, this is a gathering to read aloud some of your favorite poems - those not written by you. In a way, it’s like a poetry salon, a sharing of the poetic intellect. We’ve called it a “Poetry Potluck” because whoever comes will bring something different to it. (There will be foodstuffs of cookies and hot drinks available.)

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Monday, December 7 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussellct.com/

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Monday, December 7 2009
7:00pm

WORDFORGE READING SERIES
presents current and former members of the Brickwalk Poets group.

WordForge is a series of readings featuring local poets along with an open mike. Many readings will have a theme. All events will be scheduled for Monday nights, with a 7:00pm start time.

The Studio @ Billings Forge
563 Broad Street
Hartford, CT
(Parking at Firebox Restaurant or along Broad Street.)

For more information, contact: Jim Finnegan at JforJames@aol.com or 860-508-2810

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Monday, December 7 2009
7:00pm

POETRY AND MUSIC at Asnuntuck

Café II will come alive when eight poets and eight musicians combine their talents to celebrate the end of the Fall semester. The semester’s final coffee house, sponsored by Asnuntuck’s nationally known poetry journal, Freshwater, will feature readings by faculty and staff and guitar music by students.

The readers include Adjunct Instructor in Theatre, Frank Borelli; Professor Emeritus Elaine Folkers; Librarian Sherry Gelbwasser; Adjunct Instructor in Anatomy and Physiology, Fran Rago; Adjunct Instructors in English, Laura Hayden and Elizabeth Szewczyk; and English Professors John Sheirer and Edwina Trentham.

Students from Judi Simonds’ Guitar I class will play, including Chris Albano, Andrew Baris, Joseph Brandt, Jasien Christian, Alton Hayes, Michael May, Andrew Poirier, and Bruce Smith.

Copies of Freshwater’s Tenth Anniversary issue will be on sale, together with copies of Sheirer, Szewczyk, and Trentham’s books, and an open poetry and music mike will follow the reading.

Don’t miss this final coffee house of the season, which takes place in Café II, with flowers and delicious refreshments to set the mood. The coffee house is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Edwina Trentham at 860-253-3105 or etrentham@acc.commnet.edu.

Café II
Asnuntuck Community College
170 Elm Street
Enfield, CT
For directions, go to http://www.acc.commnet.edu/

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Monday, December 7 2009
7:15pm

MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
featuring Mark McGuire-Schwartz

The poet who was raised by friendly bears, Mark McGuire-Schwartz will read his experimental and non-experimental poems, with and without jokes, with and without an alarm clock ringing, with and without hawks, etc. It's sure to be full of surprises! Mark McGuire-Schwartz is a sometimes host of WNPS, treasurer and chairman of WNPS’s ever evolving “committee,” and also a host of Word of Mouth at the Institute Library in New Haven. In his 27 years as a state bureaucrat, Mark strove to raise the level of memos to an art form. Despite this his short play, Meeting Arthur Miller, was produced as part of the Short and NEAT program during the 2004 International Festival of Arts and Ideas, in New Haven. His work has appeared in The Whatever Journal, RougueScholars.com, The Fairfield Review, and Bent Pin Quarterly. However, he protests that he has not yet won many prestigious and lucrative awards, including a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Grant.

Monday Night Poetry usually meets on the second Monday of each month (not this month, though) at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Stamford Town Center. Please come and listen to local poets, bring a favorite poem, or read your own.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Stamford Town Center
100 Greyrock Place Suite H009
Stamford, CT
203-323-1248

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Monday, December 7 2009
7:30pm - 9:00pm

POETRY BEAT

Poetry open mike at Las Vetas Lounge.

Las Vetas Lounge
1462 Post Road
Fairfield, CT
203-255-1958

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Monday December 7 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

.......................................................................................

Tuesday, December 8 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, December 9 2009
7:00pm


INESCAPABLE RHYTHMS

“Inescapable Rhythms,” a poetry reading and open mike series, takes place on the second Wednesday of each month. A featured poet gives a half hour reading (7:00pm) followed by an open mike (7:30pm), in which members of the audience are invited to share their work.

The series takes its title from the Wallace Stevens poem, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” Stevens, a major American Modernist poet, was a Hartford resident.

Real Art Ways
56 Arbor St.
Hartford CT
http://www.realartways.org/
Email questions to: ahenchey@hotmail.com

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, December 9 2009
7:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Elizabeth Thomas

Note new location: WNPS has moved to the Blue Z Coffeehouse in Newtown. See the new address below.

Elizabeth Thomas is a widely published poet, performer, teacher and advocate of the arts. The author of two poetry collections and one book on writing for youth and teachers, she has read her work throughout the United States. She’s been a member of three Connecticut National Poetry Slam teams and in 1998 was a member of the U.S. team that traveled to Sweden. Much of her energy and time is devoted to designing and teaching writing programs for schools and organizations in many parts of the country. These programs promote literacy and the power of written and spoken word. As an outstanding advocate of youth in the arts, Elizabeth Thomas is a coach and organizer with Brave New Voices: International Youth Poetry Slam and Festival. She is also the founder of UpWords Poetry, a company dedicated to promoting programs for young writers and educators, based on the belief that poetry is meant to be heard out loud and in person.

For features and details, please go to wedpoetry.wordpress.com

Blue Z Coffeehouse
127 South Main Street (Route 25)
Newtown CT
203-364-0631
http://www.blue-z-coffeehouse.com/

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, December 9 2009
9:00pm


POETZ REALM

Poetz Realm is not just a physical location where artists can get together and share in their artistry. Poetz Realm also provides web services such as a social networking community which allows its members to network, upload videos, pictures , music, chat, post poetry, written work and much more. Whether it be in the form of spoken word, poetry, and emceeing, singing or simply verbal expression, Poetz Realm is the place to be.

Poetz Realm meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Admission is $5.00 for regular patrons and free for whomever signs up for the open mike. There is a feature for each show. Features have included: Ngoma, Fredrick Douglas, Mo Jarvis, Baub Bidon, E da Storyteller, Shanna Melton, Kamal Imani, Influence, Ainsley Burrows, and many others. “Let Your Voice Be Heard!”

Hosted by Ernel Grant, Founder/CEO

Bridgeport Innovation Center
Gallery 1212
955 Connecticut Ave
Bridgeport, CT. 06607
http://www.poetzrealm.com/

...........................................................................................

Thursday, December 10 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY

Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: http://www.bean-leaf.com/.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

...........................................................................................

Thursday, December 10 2009
7:15pm - 9:15pm

THE GUILFORD POETS GUILD
presents Anthology Book Launch

In the Menuncatuck Room of the Guilford Community Center, The Guilford Poets Guild will unveil The Guilford Poets Guild Tenth Anniversary Anthology. Each poet who is represented in the book will be reading one poem (their choice) from the book.

Copies of the book will be for sale at $15.00 each. Poets in the anthology, and donors in our present campaign who have given $50.00 or more, will receive a complimentary copy.

Light refreshments will be served. No open mike.

Menencatuck Room
Guilford Community Center
32 Church St (Rt 77)
Guilford, CT

The reading is part of the Guilford Poets Guild Second Thursday Poetry Series. See guilfordpoetsguild.wordpress.com.

.......................................................................................

Saturday, December 12 2009
10:00am

DORIS HENDERSON in Danbury

Doris Henderson will read from her new book, What Gets Lost, at the Farioly Program Room at Danbury Library. The reading begins at 10:00am. (It’s never too early for poetry, right?) Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

Doris’s poems have been widely published in national journals and anthologies, also garnering a Pushcart nomination and winning the Brodine and Winchell poetry contests. She facilitates a writing workshop in Danbury in conjunction with the Connecticut Poetry Society.

What Gets Lost, Doris’s first full-length book of poetry, is due to be released December 1st, and is also available through Antrim House Books online at http://www.antrimhousebooks.com/.

Farioly Program Room
Danbury Library
170 Main Street
Danbury, CT

.......................................................................................

Saturday, December 12 2009
6:00pm - 9:00pm

OPEN MIC NIGHTS at Bru Cafe

Hosted by Baub Bidon
Music DJ Ccoubz
Admission: “Just buy something to eat.”
Second Saturday of each month.

Bru Cafe
141 Orange Street
New Haven, CT
203-752-0052

.......................................................................................

Sunday, December 13 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com/

.......................................................................................

Monday, December 14 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussellct.com/

......................................................................................

Monday December 14 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

.......................................................................................

Tuesday, December 15 2009
7:00pm


THE ORDINARY EVENING READING SERIES
featuring April Bernard and Jude Stewart

Romanticism, April’s most recent poetry collection, was published in June 2009. Her prior publications include three books of poetry: Swan Electric, Psalms, and Blackbird Bye Bye, and one novel, Pirate Jenny. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Boston Review, Agni, Ploughshares, and The New York Review of Books, and is included in The Penguin Book of the Sonnet: 500 Years of a Classic Tradition in English and By Herself: Women Reclaim Poetry. She has also received a Guggenheim Award.

Jude Stewart has written on design, art and culture for Slate, Metropolis, BusinessWeek, and Print, as well as a column on color for STEP Inside Design Magazine which she is developing into a book. She has lectured about design at RISD, the Adult Education series in Brooklyn, and the Fachhochschule Mainz in Germany and been interviewed on related topics on NPR’s Day to Day and by Brian Lehrer on WNYC. Her introduction to mobile architecture appears in More Mobile: Portable Architecture Today. A recipient of the Free University Berlin’s European Journalism Fellowship, in 2005 - 2006 she pursued a year-long independent project on the influence of the former East Germany’s design on current visual culture in Berlin. Jude divides her time between Berlin, Germany, and New Haven, USA, where she is also co-curator of the Ordinary Evening Reading Series. Read more at http://www.judestewart.com/ or follow her daily tweets on color at twitter.com/joodstew.

The Ordinary Evening Reading Series was created to bring emerging and established poets and writers to New Haven, and to enrich the already robust artistic, cultural, and literary scene in the Elm City. The readings take place on a Tuesday at 7:00pm in the Anchor Bar’s Mermaid Room. Seating is limited so get there early!

The Anchor Bar’s Mermaid Room (Downstairs)
272 College Street
New Haven, CT
203-865-1512
ordinaryevening.blogspot.com

.......................................................................................

Tuesday, December 15 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, December 16 2009
7:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Grinch Night & workshop

Note new location: WNPS has moved to the Blue Z Coffeehouse in Newtown. See the new address below.

Tonight the theme at the open mike will be Grinch Night. It will be followed by a workshop.

For features and details, please go to wedpoetry.wordpress.com

Blue Z Coffeehouse
127 South Main Street (Route 25)
Newtown CT
203-364-0631
http://www.blue-z-coffeehouse.com/

.......................................................................................

Thursday, December 17 2009
6:30pm


WORD OF MOUTH POETRY SERIES
featuring Marilyn Nelson

Marilyn Nelson is the author or translator of twelve books and three chapbooks. Her book, The Homeplace, won the 1992 Annisfield-Wolf Award and was a finalist for the 1991 National Book Award. The Fields Of Praise: New And Selected Poems won the 1998 Poets’ Prize and was a finalist for the 1997 National Book Award, the PEN Winship Award, and the Lenore Marshall Prize. Carver: A Life In Poems won the 2001 Boston Globe/Hornbook Award and the Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, was a finalist for the 2001 National Book Award, a Newbery Honor Book, and a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. Fortune’s Bones was a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and won the Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry. A Wreath For Emmett Till won the 2005 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award and was a 2006 Coretta Scott King Honor Book, a 2006 Michael L. Printz Honor Book, and a 2006 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book. The Cachoiera Tales And Other Poems won the L.E. Phillabaum Award and was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award. Nelson’s newest book of poetry, Sweethearts of Rhythm, was released in 2009 from Dial.

Her honors include two NEA creative writing fellowships, the 1990 Connecticut Arts Award, an A.C.L.S. Contemplative Practices Fellowship, a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship, and a fellowship from the J.S. Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Nelson is a professor emeritus of English at the University of Connecticut; founder and director of Soul Mountain Retreat, a small writers’ colony; and was Poet Laureate of the State of Connecticut from 2001-2006.

On the third Thursday of each month, Word of Mouth Poetry Series celebrates an eclectic mix of poetic voices. Free. Refreshments. Open mike. Outstanding featured readers. In a casual setting. Open to all members of the public and others. For more information, please contact allwordofmouth@gmail.com or mcguireschwartz@gmail.com.

Doors Open at 6:30. Open mike at 7:00. Please arrive a few minutes early to sign up for open mike.

The Institute Library
847 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT

Word of Mouth is an affiliate of Arts and Literature Laboratory.
Please visit our website at http://sites.google.com/site/wordofmouthpoetryseries/Home.

.......................................................................................

Thursday, December 17 2009
7:00pm


WINTONBURY BRANCH POETRY SERIES
featuring Maggie Green & Nora Pasco

Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series & Open Mike presents Mother-daughter duo, Maggie Green & Nora Pasco.

An open mike follows the featured poet. Free admission, refreshments included. 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
www.prosserlibrary.info/wintonbury_branch.htm

...........................................................................................

Thursday, December 17 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY

Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: http://www.bean-leaf.com/.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

.......................................................................................

Thursday, December 17 2009
7:30pm - 9:00pm


THIRD THURSDAY OPEN MIC

Open mike poetry reading on the third Thursday of every month at the Stamford Borders.

Borders
1041 High Ridge Road (near Merritt Parkway exit 35)
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-968-9700

.......................................................................................

Friday, December 18 2009
1:00pm

POETRY DISCUSSION GROUP

A 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
203-438-2282 or
rdgprograms@biblio.org
http://www.ridgefieldlibrary.org/

.......................................................................................

Friday, December 18 2009
7:00pm

ASHFORD AT NIGHT
New venue

Announcing: Ashford at Night, coffee house style open mike nights! We welcome poets, musicians, artists and more. The nights will start at 7:00pm with a host band (Jeffrey Garden, Rob Dauphinais, and John Boiano playing jazz and world fusion), after which the mike will open up to everyone. Musicians will be on-hand to accompany you or you may choose to perform alone or with your friends. A sign-up to perform list will be on a first come, first up basis. We will end the night with the host band and others who came to play/perform in a BIG jam!

Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase at a reasonable price. Since these are family friendly events, we ask that profanity and adult subject matter in performances be curbed for the evening.

Requested donation is $2.00 per musician, $3.00 per spectator, and a $10.00 family maximum. No money? Please see us at the door.

Knowlton Hall
Ashford Library
25 Pompey Hollow Road (Rt. 44)
Ashford, CT
(in-between the Town Hall and Cumberland Farms)

Hosted by the Ashford Park & Rec. Department
Contact info: Park & Rec Commissioner, John Boiano, 860-798-5692

.......................................................................................

Sunday, December 20 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com/

.......................................................................................

Monday, December 21 2008
5:00pm - 7:00pm

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: dmh2000@sbcglobal.net

Danbury Library
Upstairs Conference Room
170 Main Street
Danbury, CT

.......................................................................................

Monday, December 21 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussellct.com/

......................................................................................

Monday, December 21 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

.......................................................................................

Tuesday, December 22 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, December 23 2009
9:00pm


POETZ REALM

Poetz Realm is not just a physical location where artists can get together and share in their artistry. Poetz Realm also provides web services such as a social networking community which allows its members to network, upload videos, pictures , music, chat, post poetry, written work and much more. Whether it be in the form of spoken word, poetry, and emceeing, singing or simply verbal expression, Poetz Realm is the place to be.

Poetz Realm meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Admission is $5.00 for regular patrons and free for whomever signs up for the open mike. There is a feature for each show. Features have included: Ngoma, Fredrick Douglas, Mo Jarvis, Baub Bidon, E da Storyteller, Shanna Melton, Kamal Imani, Influence, Ainsley Burrows, and many others.

“Let Your Voice Be Heard!”

Hosted by Ernel Grant, Founder/CEO

Bridgeport Innovation Center
Gallery 1212
955 Connecticut Ave
Bridgeport, CT. 06607
http://www.poetzrealm.com/

.......................................................................................

Thursday, December 24 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY

Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: http://www.bean-leaf.com/.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

.......................................................................................

Sunday, December 27 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
http://www.bean-leaf.com/

.......................................................................................

Monday, December 28 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussellct.com/

......................................................................................

Monday, December 28 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

.......................................................................................

Tuesday, December 29 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, December 30 2009
7:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Daniel Nester

Note: This reading will be held in Alumni Hall at WestConn in Danbury. It starts with open mike at 7:00pm, followed by the feature.

Daniel Nester is a journalist, essayist, poet, editor, and teacher. His next book, How to Be Inappropriate, a collection of humorous nonfiction, will be published by Soft Skull Press in Fall 2009. Nester’s first two books, God Save My Queen and God Save My Queen II, are collections on his obsession with the rock band Queen. His third, The History of My World Tonight, is a collection of poems.

As a journalist and essayist, his work has appeared in a variety of places, such as Poets & Writers, The Daily Beast, Time Out New York, The Rumpus, Bloomsbury Review, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and Bookslut. He is the former editor of the online journals Unpleasant Event Schedule and La Petite Zine and worked as Assistant Web Editor for Sestinas for McSweeney’s Internet Tendency.

His work has been anthologized in such collections as Lost and Found, The Best American Poetry 2003, The Best Creative Nonfiction, Vol. 1, Third Rail: The Poetry of Rock and Roll, and Isn’t It Romantic? 100 Love Poems by Younger American Poets. His poems have appeared in such journals as Coconut, jubilat, Crazyhorse, Spoon River Poetry Review, and other places.

He is an assistant professor of English at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, where he teaches creative nonfiction.

For more information: danielnester.com/index.html.

Alumni Hall
Western Connecticut State University
Midtown campus
181 White St.
Danbury, CT
(Alumni Hall is off Dr. James Roach Ave.)

For features and details, please go to wedpoetry.wordpress.com

...........................................................................................

Thursday, December 31 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY

Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: http://www.bean-leaf.com/.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000


VII:__SUBSCRIPTION AND CONTACT INFORMATION_________

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ConnecticutPoet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

If you do not wish to belong to ConnecticutPoet, please send an email to:
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You may also visit the YahooGroups website to modify your subscription:
www.yahoogroups.com/groups

For questions or information, please contact:
John Jeffrey at ctpoetnews@yahoo.com

November 1, 2009

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 243

Poetry in Connecticut - November, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS_______________________________________
  • Quotes
  • Poem of the Month
  • Book of the Month
  • Website of the Month
  • News Items / Writing Workshops
  • Poetry Calendar for November
  • Subscription and Contact Information

I:__QUOTES________________________________________________

Creativity is the ability to see relationships where none exist.
– Thomas Disch

I see no reason for calling my work poetry except that there is no other category in which to put it.
– Marianne Moore

The first poems I knew were nursery rhymes, and before I could read them for myself I had come to love just the words of them, the words alone. What the words stood for, symbolized, or meant, was of very secondary importance; what mattered was the sound of them as I heard them for the first time.
– Dylan Thomas


II:__POEM OF THE MONTH__________________________________

EVENING

H. D. (1886 - 1961)

The light passes
from ridge to ridge,
from flower to flower—
the hepaticas, wide-spread
under the light
grow faint—
the petals reach inward,
the blue tips bend
toward the bluer heart
and the flowers are lost.

The cornel-buds are still white,
but shadows dart
from the cornel-roots—
black creeps from root to root,
each leaf
cuts another leaf on the grass,
shadow seeks shadow,
then both leaf
and leaf-shadow are lost.


III:__BOOK OF THE MONTH_________________________________
Each month we highlight a book of poetry by a Connecticut author.

VISITING WALLACE: Poems Inspired by the Life and Work of Wallace Stevens
Edited by Dennis Barone and James Finnegan, Foreword by Alan Filreis

The poetry of Wallace Stevens has inspired generations of poets of every school. Here, for the first time, is assembled an astonishing variety of poems, by a full range of poets, inspired by Stevens’s life and work. In its own way, each poem exhibits the torque and feel of his poetry, yet each also is deeply personal and conveys how meaningful Stevens was and remains for poets and poetry.

Whether whimsical or serious, solemn or light, the poems in Dennis Barone and James Finnegan’s Visiting Wallace are sure to inspire delight and thought. Alan Filreis’s brilliant foreword asks us to consider whether there is another modern poet who means as much to contemporary verse as Stevens: “seventy-six poems giving us seventy-six distinct Stevenses to follow and succeed.”

Dennis Barone is a professor of English and American studies at St. Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut. He is the author of numerous books of fiction and poetry and editor of three volumes. James Finnegan is an executive with Lee & Mason Financial Services in Farmington, Connecticut. Alan Filreis is the Kelly Professor of English and the faculty director of the Kelly Writers House at the University of Pennsylvania.

Contributors include John Ashbery, Paul Auster, John Berryman, Robert Bly, William Bronk, Robert Creeley, W. S. Di Piero, Annie Finch, Forrest Gander, Dana Gioia, Peter Gizzi, Edward Hirsch, Richard Howard, Susan Howe, Donald Justice, Ann Lauterbach, Robert Lowell, Paul Mariani, James Merrill, Marianne Moore, Adrienne Rich, Theodore Roethke, David St. John, Carl Sandburg, Ravi Shankar, Mark Strand, William Carlos Williams, and Charles Wright.

$18.00 University of Iowa Press (ISBN: 978-1587298110)


IV:__WEBSITE OF THE MONTH______________________________

POETRY LEARNING LAB

The Poetry Foundation invites teachers and students to tap into its new online resource, the Poetry Learning Lab. Hosted on www.poetryfoundation.org, the Poetry Learning Lab is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about poetry.

A dynamic resource for teachers, students, and learners of every age, the Poetry Learning Lab has been developed by the Poetry Foundation in conjunction with a team of education experts—including writing and literature teachers, librarians, and poets—to provide an immersive educational experience with poetry. By allowing students to experiment with different ways of reading poems—as text, sound, and visual artifacts—the Learning Lab provides readers of all levels with the opportunity to practice close reading and listening skills and to think broadly and analytically about poetry and poetics.

The Poetry Learning Lab’s multimedia educational resources are offered in connection with 10 selected poems:

Louise Bogan’s “A Tale”
Robert Browning’s “Fra Lippo Lippi”
Lucille Clifton’s “won’t you celebrate with me”
Emily Dickinson’s “I started Early - Took my Dog”
John Donne’s “The Sun Rising”
Gerard Manley Hopkins’s “The Windhover”
Yusef Komunyakaa’s “Facing It”
Sylvia Plath’s “Fever 103°”
Walt Whitman’s “A Passage to India”
William Carlos Williams’s “To a Poor Old Woman”

Also serving as a one-stop portal for reference materials, the Poetry Learning Lab is replete with engaging articles about poets and poetry, bibliographies, a thorough glossary of literary terms, and a large selection of poetics essays and manifestos ranging from Plato to today. For more information on the Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Learning Lab, please visit:

www.poetryfoundation.org/learninglab.


V:__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS____________________

Thursday, November 12 2009
7:00pm


FOR FICTION & PROSE WRITERS: Writers Out Loud

Writers Out Loud provides a venue for prose writers to read their work and get feedback from their peers. This event occurs the second Thursday of each month at the Green Street Art Center in Middletown, which is off North Main Street, two blocks before the entrance to the Arigoni (Portland) Bridge. There are a few regular attendees, but in its two year history, an amazing variety of writers of all ages have shared themselves, coming from homes nearby and as much as two hours' drive away.

Green Street also provides courses and workshops for writers, but this venue stands alone as an opportunity to share the work and fun of prose—be it novel excerpt, short story or memoir—with other writers, family, friends and strangers in a relaxed atmosphere. Due to limitations of time, six readers sign up each outing for ten minute orations. All are encouraged to come to listen and/or read aloud.

Co-hosts are Al Bower and Cocomo Rock.

Green Street Arts Center
51 Green Street
Middletown, CT
860-685-7871

..........................................................................................

Sunday, November 15 2009
10:00am - 5:00pm


SUNDAY WRITING RETREATS
with Sharon Charde

Many of us sense that there are stories within us that need to be told, but cannot find the time, space or circumstances in our busy lives to do so. This series of Sunday writing retreats with Sharon Charde will provide that opportunity. The retreats are intense community writing experiences. Together we create a safe and supportive writing environment that encourages risks we would never take alone. We are fed by the listening of others, the rest from our busy lives, the delicious lunch. There is no critical feedback, only focused attention and deep acceptance.

The group is limited to eight women, many who attend on a regular basis. The cost is $75 per session, or $60 if you sign up for four or more. Remaining dates for 2009 are 11/15, and 12/13. The location is Lakeville, CT, at the home of Sharon Charde. See her web site (www.SharonCharde.com) for more information and testimonials from women who have attended in the past. Write her at sharchar@sbcglobal.net to register or to ask other questions.

..........................................................................................

Saturday, November 21 2009
1:00pm - 4:00pm


CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
with Eileen Albrizio

An increasingly popular workshop for the developing writer. Eileen brings a wealth of experience to this class. Limited seating! Registration required. This is a 3-hour, hands-on writing workshop that will ensure you walk away with new enthusiasm for the writing process. Participants need only bring writing materials. There is no need to bring previously written works. Content to be determined, but be assured it will have poetic aspects. For more information or to register, visit: www.angelfire.com/art/albrizio or contact Eileen at EileenRain@aol.com.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
www.buttonwood.org


VI:__POETRY CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER_____________________

Sunday, November 1 2009
1:00pm - 2:00pm


COMING HOME
Soldier/Poets Remember Veterans of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan

This event, a program from the William Meredith Foundation, features poets from the Veterans Arts Council in West Haven, CT, reading from the Season of Now: A Collection of Poetry by Vietnam Veterans. Allan Garry, veteran and poet, will also be reading his newly published poems. The event will be moderated by award winning poet Lisa Siedlarz, author of I Dream My Brother Plays Baseball, a collection of war poems that draws from her brother’s deployment to Afghanistan. Ms Siedlarz is also the editor of the Connecticut River Review.

This event is free and open to the public.

Expressiones Cultural Center
74 State Street
New London, CT
860-501-4278

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Sunday, November 1 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
www.bean-leaf.com

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Sunday, November 1 2009
4:30pm - 6:00pm


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 this first Sunday at The Sanctuary in East Haddam 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.

The Sanctuary at Shepardfields
59 Bogel Road
East Haddam, CT
(From Daniels Road, turn left onto Bogel, then look for the “Labyrinth & Yurt” sign. It’s a dirt driveway.)

For more information call 860-319-1134 or visit www.sanctuaryatshepardfields.org. Pass this along to anyone you think might be interested in being part of this discussion group. This is a different type of poetry event. Instead of a particular feature or an open mike where we read our own poetry, this is a gathering to read aloud some of your favorite poems - those not written by you. In a way, it’s like a poetry salon, a sharing of the poetic intellect. We’ve called it a “Poetry Potluck” because whoever comes will bring something different to it. (There will be foodstuffs of cookies and hot drinks available.)

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Monday, November 2 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
www.therussellct.com

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Monday, November 2 2009
7:30pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Anything goes for this open mike - spoken word, poetry, etc. BYO instrument or play our congas or piano. Warm, casual and friendly group offers encouragement and an ongoing sign-up list. Refreshments available. Happens every Monday!

7:30pm sign up; 8:00pm start. $3.00 suggested donation - give what you can.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com
www.buttonwood.org

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Monday, November 2 2009
7:30pm - 9:00pm

POETRY BEAT

Poetry open mike at Las Vetas Lounge.

Las Vetas Lounge
1462 Post Road
Fairfield, CT
203-255-1958

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Monday November 2 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

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Tuesday, November 3 2009
6:00pm - 7:00pm

SHARON BRYAN at UConn

Like the poets of old, Sharon Bryan is nomadic, traveling from university to university where she serves as poet-in-residence or visiting writer. Her journeys have taken her from coast to coast. Currently she is at UConn. We will be celebrating Bryan’s fourth book of poetry, Sharp Stars, newly out from the prestigious Boa Editions. Bryan has received numerous awards for her work, including the Academy of America Poets Prize and two NEA fellowships.

UConn Co-op Bookstore
2075 Hillside Rd.
Storrs, CT
http://generalbooks.bookstore.uconn.edu/event/sharon-bryan-poetry-reading-0

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Tuesday, November 3 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm

FIRST TUESDAY POETRY
featuring Rennie McQuilkin

Rennie McQuilkin’s poetry has appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, Poetry, The Yale Review, Crazyhorse, The American Scholar, and elsewhere. He is the author of ten poetry collections, the most recent of which is The Weathering: New & Selected Poems (2009), and he has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as the State of Connecticut. He co-founded and for nine years directed the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival. In 2003 he received the Connecticut Center for the Book’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Rennie McQuilkin lives in Simsbury, CT, where he is the publisher & editor of Antrim House Books.

Come help us welcome Rennie McQuilkin to the store and share some of your own work too!

On the first Tuesday of every month, Broad Street Books hosts a featured poet followed by an open mike. All are welcome to come and read, recite, perform their work! Admission is free.

45 Broad Street
Middletown, CT
Broad Street Books
For more information, contact Brian Mitchard at 860-685-7323

Before the reading, tune in to “J-Cherry Presents” at 6:30pm on 88.1 FM WESU in Middletown to hear J-Cherry host our featured poet.

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Tuesday, November 3 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

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Wednesday, November 4 2009
6:00pm - 7:30pm


OPEN MIKE with Claire Zoghb

New Haven Poet Claire Zoghb will get things rolling with excerpts from her recent book of poems, Small House Breathing, winner of the 2008 Quercus Review Book Award. Zoghb’s work has appeared in many magazines and anthologies as well as online at www.locuspoint.org. Twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize and winner of the 2008 Dogwood annual poetry competition, Zoghb is a recipient of two Artist Fellowships from the CT Commission on Culture & Tourism, an Urban Artists Initiative grant, and a residency at the Vermont Studio Center.

Come to share your own poetry or just to listen! Time limits might apply. No charge and free parking.

New Haven Free Public Library
133 Elm St.
New Haven, CT

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Wednesday, November 4 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm


CALLING ALL POETS (And Poetry Lovers)
presents David K. Leff and Dana Sonnenschein

David K. Leff, environmentalist, former Deputy Commissioner of the DEP, columnist, and author of The Last Undiscovered Place, a Connecticut Book Award Finalist, will read from his newest book, The Price of Water.

Dana Sonnenschein, associate professor of English at Southern Connecticut State University and author of No Angels But These and Corvus, a chapbook which won Wind Magazine’s Quentin R. Howard prize. Her newest book, Natural Forms, is her first full-length collection of poetry.

Admission is free. The open mike sign-up is at 6:15pm. There will be time to meet the poet and book signing after the open mike. “Calling All Poets” is hosted by Victoria Muñoz.

Downstairs Auditorium
The Silas Bronson Library
267 Grand Street
Waterbury, CT
203-574-8223
www.bronsonlibrary.org

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Wednesday, November 4 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Open Mike & Workshop

Come read your work or that of a favorite poet. When the open mike is done there will be a workshop lead jointly by Faith Vicinanza and Robin Sampson. You can do some writing or bring a copies of a poem for critique.

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. For more info, visit the website: www.wedpoetry.net.

Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313

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Thursday, November 5 2009
7:00pm

GRADUATE POET'S READING SERIES
presents Peter Gizzi

Peter Gizzi’s books include The Outernationale, Some Values of Landscape and Weather, Artificial Heart, and Periplum and other poems 1987-92. His many honors include the Lavan Younger Poet Award from the Academy of American Poets and Guggenheim Fellowship. He is the editor of The House That Jack Built: The Collected Lectures of Jack Spicer and, with Kevin Killian, of My Vocabulary Did This To Me: The Collected Poetry of Jack Spicer. Currently he teaches at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Linsly-Chittenden Hall, Room 317
Yale University
63 High Street
New Haven, CT
english.commons.yale.edu/graduate_poets
Contact: justin.sider@yale.edu

For additional information on readings at Yale: beineckepoetry.wordpress.com/readings-at-yale-university

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Thursday, November 5 2009
7:00pm

CURBSTONE PRESS READING SERIES
with Mahogany L. Browne and Marcus Jackson

Cave Canem fellow Mahogany L. Browne is a freelance journalist, editor and the author of several books, including her latest collection of poems, Destroy, Rebuild & Other Reconstructions of the Human Muscle. She has released five LPs; co-founded the Off Broadway poetry production, Jam On It; and co-produced New York City’s first performance poetry festival, SoundBites. She facilitates performance poetry and writing workshops throughout the country, focusing on women’s empowerment and youth mentoring. She is the owner of PoetCD.Com, an on-line marketing and distribution company for poets, and is host and curator at the Nuyorcan Poets Cafe.

Marcus Jackson’s poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in such publications as The New Yorker, Cave Canem Anthology, Evansville Review, Harvard Review, and The New Delta Review. He has received degrees from the University of Toledo and NYU. He lives in New York City, where he has worked as a mover, a mailroom clerk, and an adjunct instructor.

Hygienic Art continues its evenings of monthly poetry readings in association with Curbstone Press from Willimantic on the first Thursday of the month. This reading is sponsored by the Robert N. Rue Education Fund at Curbstone Press, established in honor of Dr. Rue, who died in September 2007, honoring his lifelong commitment to education and good writing.

Hygienic Galleries
79-83 Bank Street
New London, CT
860-443-8001
For more information, contact Hygienic Art at 860-443-8001, email gallery@hygienic.org, or visit www.hygienic.org.

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Thursday, November 5 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY
Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: www.bean-leaf.com.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

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Saturday, November 7 2009
4:00pm

SHARON CHARDE in Salisbury

Sharon Charde will read from her collection, Branch in His Hand, an elegy for her son Geoffrey. About the book, Lisa Starr, Rhode Island's Poet Laureate, has said, “Charde teaches us, poem by beautiful poem, that the only thing a serious poet can do with the unsayable is say it. With her extraordinary emotional integrity, exquisite eye for detail, and sometimes painful precision with language, Charde teaches us what it is like to lose one's heart to loss, and to find it there as well.”

Charde has been published in over twenty five journals and anthologies, and has two first prize-winning chapbooks, Bad Girl At The Altar Rail (Flume Press) and Four Trees Down From Ponte Sisto (Dallas Community Poets Press), as well as a number of prizes and awards for her teaching and other poems. Her full-length collection, Branch In His Hand, was published in November 2008 by Backwaters Press. She has also edited and published the prize-winning I Am Not A Juvenile Delinquent (2004), an anthology of poems written by adjudicated adolescent girls with whom she has worked for ten years doing a weekly poetry workshop. For the last six years she has volunteered at Hotchkiss, leading the Monday night “Touchstone” writing group.

There will be a discussion and book-signing following the reading.

Wardell Room
Scoville Memorial Library
38 Main Street
Salisbury, CT
860-435-2838
scovlibn@biblio.org

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Saturday, November 7 2009
6:30pm

14th Annual WALLACE STEVENS BIRTHDAY BASH

Join a gathering of poets and poetry lovers to commemorate the birth of Hartford poet Wallace Stevens, sponsored by Connecticut Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library with help from The Friends & Enemies of Wallace Stevens.

- 6:30pm - Reception
- 7:30pm - Marjorie Perloff, contemporary poetry critic and Professor Emerita of English at Stanford University, will speak: "Beyond Adagia: Eccentric Design in Wallace Stevens' Poetry" (As Wallace Steven wrote in Adagia, “Poetry is a pheasant disappearing in the brush.”)
- 8:30pm - Birthday cake and champagne

Tickets cost $45.00 per person; send check payable to Connecticut Center for the Book, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Or reserve a ticket and pay at the door. Contact Kat Lyons: klyons@hplct.org or call 860-695-6320.

R.S.V.P. by November 2, please.

Atrium
Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT
For more information, contact James Finnegan: jforjames@aol.com or call 860-508-2810.

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Sunday, November 8 2009
2:00pm


AFTERNOON OF POETRY to honor Herb Davison

"Afternoon of Poetry" is a poetry program in honor of the late Herb Davison. Local poets from Curley's Diner and Poem Alley will share their work. Hosted by Ira Joe Fisher. Reception following.

Ferguson Library
Main Library Third Floor Auditorium
One Public Library Plaza
Stamford, CT
(Corner of Broad & Bedford Sts.)
Phone: 203-964-1000

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Sunday, November 8 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
www.bean-leaf.com

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Monday, November 9 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
www.therussellct.com

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Monday, November 9 2009
7:15pm

MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
featuring Lucinda Sands

Lucinda's writing reflects an upbringing on the Central Coast of California, where a large nuclear family, the rural landscape, and ocean air were her childhood experience. Her poetry and short fiction has appeared in Poeticas, Long River Run II, and The Whatever Journal. A member of the Connecticut Poetry Society, and a supporter of the American Poetry Foundation and The Academy of American Poets. Currently She is working on a periodic publication entitled The Imprint Journal of Poetry and Visual Art.

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, or read your own at the Open Mike.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Stamford Town Center
100 Greyrock Place Suite H009
Stamford, CT
203-323-1248

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Monday, November 9 2009
7:30pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Anything goes for this open mike - spoken word, poetry, etc. BYO instrument or play our congas or piano. Warm, casual and friendly group offers encouragement and an ongoing sign-up list. Refreshments available. Happens every Monday!

7:30pm sign up; 8:00pm start. $3.00 suggested donation - give what you can.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com
www.buttonwood.org

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Monday November 9 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

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Tuesday, November 10 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

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Wednesday, November 11 2009
5:30pm - 7:00pm


VETERAN'S VOICES: An Evening of Poetry

Keeping the light on for returning homeless veterans, a Fundraising event for "The Homefront," a Transitional Housing Program run by the Columbus House that provides housing and support for veterans returning from Irag and Afghanistan.

The evening features poets from the Veterans Arts Council in West Haven, CT, who will read from Season of Now: A Collection of Poetry by Vietnam Veterans. Also, Allan Garry, veteran and poet, will read his newly published poems, and award winning poet Lisa Siedlarz will read from I Dream My Brother Plays Baseball, a collection of war poems that draw from her brother’s deployment to Afghanistan.

Bru Café
141 Orange Street
New Haven, CT
brucafe.net/default.htm

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Wednesday, November 11 2009
7:00pm


INESCAPABLE RHYTHMS

“Inescapable Rhythms,” a poetry reading and open mike series, takes place on the second Wednesday of each month. A featured poet gives a half hour reading (7:00pm) followed by an open mike (7:30pm), in which members of the audience are invited to share their work.

The series takes its title from the Wallace Stevens poem, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” Stevens, a major American Modernist poet, was a Hartford resident.

Real Art Ways
56 Arbor St.
Hartford CT
www.realartways.org
Email questions to: ahenchey@hotmail.com

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Wednesday, November 11 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Last Automat Poets

A few poets and writers from Lou Orfanella’s Last Automat Press (www.thelastautomat.com) will share the feature spot tonight. Poets include James R. Scrimgeour, Barbara Stout, Lynne Paris-Purtle, Roxanne Ringer, and Lou Orfanella. Please visit the website for extended bios on each poet: 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. For more info, visit the website: www.wedpoetry.net.

Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313

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Wednesday, November 11 2009
9:00pm


POETZ REALM

Poetz Realm is not just a physical location where artists can get together and share in their artistry. Poetz Realm also provides web services such as a social networking community which allows it’s members to network, upload videos, pictures , music, chat, post poetry, written work and much more. Whether it be in the form of spoken word, poetry, and emceeing, singing or simply verbal expression, Poetz Realm is the place to be.

Poetz Realm meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Admission is $5.00 for regular patrons and free for whomever signs up for the open mike. There is a feature for each show. Features have included: Ngoma, Fredrick Douglas, Mo Jarvis, Baub Bidon, E da Storyteller, Shanna Melton, Kamal Imani, Influence, Ainsley Burrows, and many others. “Let Your Voice Be Heard!”

Hosted by Ernel Grant, Founder/CEO

Bridgeport Innovation Center
Gallery 1212
955 Connecticut Ave
Bridgeport, CT. 06607
www.poetzrealm.com

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Thursday, November 12 2009
7:00pm

THE GUILFORD POETS GUILD
presents Guild members Carol Leavitt Altieri and Patricia O’Brien.

Carol Leavitt Altieri is a conservation activist who recently won the State of Connecticut’s Green Circle Award for environmental projects. She has published three books of poetry: In Beijing, There Are No Dawn Redwoods; The Isinglass River; and The Jade Bower.

Patricia O’Brien has facilitated poetry workshops at the York C.I. hospice program, and has been published in CT River Review, Fairfield County Magazine, Poet Lore, Caduceus, and Red Fox Review. She has been awarded prizes from the Trumbull Arts Council and the Old Saybrook Acton Public Library.

Admission is free and open to the public. There will be an open mike beginning at 7:00 for the first 5 who sign up. Refreshments will be served. The reading is part of the Guilford Poets Guild Second Thursday Poetry Series.

The Greene Art Gallery
(Red barn behind Whitfield’s Cafe)
29 Whitfield St.
Guilford, CT
Contact: 203-453-2036, 203-453-8836
guilfordpoetsguild.wordpress.com

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Thursday, November 12 2009
7:00pm

MISHI-MAYA-GAT Spoken Word & Music Series
presents Nancy Kuhl and Richard Deming

7:00pm - Featured Musician: Zeno’s Eros, progressive music with spoken word.

8:00pm - Featured Poets: Nancy Kuhl and Richard Deming.

Nancy Kuhl’s second full-length collection of poems, Suspend, is forthcoming in 2010 from Shearsman Books; her first book, The Wife of the Left Hand, was published in 2007. She is the author of two chapbooks, The Nocturnal Factory and In the Arbor, which was a winner of the Wick Poetry Chapbook Prize. She is co-editor of Phylum Press and Curator of Poetry for the Yale Collection of American Literature at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University. She is also the author of two exhibition catalogs, Intimate Circles: American Women in the Arts and Extravagant Crowd: Carl Van Vechten’s Portraits of Women, both distributed by Yale University Press. For more information, please visit her web site at: www.phylumpress.com/nancykuhl.htm.

Richard Deming’s poems have appeared in such journals as Sulfur, Field, Indiana Review, and The Nation, as well as the anthology, Great American Prose Poems: From Poe to the Present. He is the author of Let’s Not Call It Consequence, which was the winner of the 2009 Norma Farber First Book Award from the Poetry Society of America and a finalist for this year’s Connecticut Book Award for Poetry. Currently a lecturer at Yale University, he is also the author of Listening on All Sides: Toward an Emersonian Ethics of Reading from Stanford University Press. Along with Nancy Kuhl, he is co-editor of Phylum Press. For more information, please visit his web site at: www.phylumpress.com/richarddeming/.

Readings on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Free and Open to the Public.
Sponsored by the MCC Foundation. 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 www.mcc.commnet.edu.

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Thursday, November 12 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY

Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: www.bean-leaf.com.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

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Friday, November 13 2009
7:00pm

MYSTIC ARTS CAFÉ
featuring Rennie McQuilkin

Rennie McQuilkin’s poetry has appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, Poetry, The Yale Review, The Hudson Review, Crazyhorse, The Gettysburg Review, and elsewhere. He is the author of ten poetry collections, the most recent of which is The Weathering: New & Selected Poems (2009) and he has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as the State of Connecticut. He co-founded and for nine years directed the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival. In 2003 he received the Connecticut Center for the Book’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Rennie McQuilkin lives in Simsbury, CT, where he is the publisher & editor of Antrim House Books.

Mystic Arts Café is an eclectic series featuring nationally renowned poets. The doors open at 7:00pm, reading begins at 7:30pm. Admission - $8, Seniors - $6, Students $4.

Mystic Arts Center
9 Water Street
Mystic, CT
860-536-5680
www.mysticarts.org/events.html

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Friday, November 13 2009
7:00pm

A WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES Extracurricular Event
featuring Stephen Elliott

Stephen Elliott is the author of seven books including the true crime memoir, The Adderall Diaries; the novel, Happy Baby; and the story collection, My Girlfriend Comes To The City and Beats Me Up. His work has been included in the New York Times, GQ, Esquire, Best American Erotica, Best American Non-Required Reading 2005 & 2007, Best American Sex Writing, and elsewhere. He was a Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University and is a member of the San Francisco Writer’s Grotto. He is also the editor of The Rumpus (therumpus.net).

In addition to writing fiction he frequently writes on politics. In 2004 he wrote Looking Forward To It about the quest for the Democratic Presidential nomination. For more info visit www.stephenelliott.com.

7:00pm on Friday the 13th

Molten Java
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313

For features and details, please go to www.wedpoetry.net

Every Wednesday night WNPS features accomplished poets and new voices from around the world, an opportunity for poetic discourse with the featured poet(s), the hottest open poetry mike in the state, and a poetry critique workshop in a warm, friendly atmosphere. In their 14th year, WNPS is the longest-running weekly Poetry Open Mike series in Connecticut!

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Saturday, November 14 2009
2:00pm - 5:00pm

MEMORIAL READING
in honor of Robert J. Saunders

A Wintonbury Library Poetry Series Special Event, A Memorial Reading in honor of Robert J. Saunders: a public reading of The Poetry of Robert J. Saunders in round robin format by members of the Greater Hartford Poetry Ensemble, including Eileen Albrizio, John Basinger, Lonnie Black, Michael Cervantes, Stephanie Elliott, James and Susan Finnegan, Stanford M. Forrester, Maggie Greene, Colin Haskins, Marilyn Johnston, Hendree Millward, Tom Nicotera, Cynthia Peck, Pit Pinegar, Geri Radasci, Maria Sassi. Please come to participate in the open mike which follows featured reading. Light refreshments and reception included. For information call 860-243-8855, Marilyn Johnston.

Wintonbury Branch Library
1015 Blue Hills Avenue
Bloomfield, CT
www.prosserlibrary.info/wintonbury_branch.htm

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Saturday, November 14 2009
6:00pm - 9:00pm

OPEN MIC NIGHTS at Bru Cafe

Hosted by Baub Bidon
Music DJ Ccoubz
Admission: “Just buy something to eat.”
Second Saturday of each month.

Bru Cafe
141 Orange Street
New Haven, CT
203-752-0052

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Sunday, November 15 2009
2:00pm


POETRY ON THE LINE SERIES at the Windsor Art Center
presents Norah Pollard and Steve Foley in an event entitled "Death & Rapture"

Stratford resident Norah Pollard lives by the Housatonic River, which keeps her afloat spiritually; works by day at a Bridgeport steel company, which keeps her grounded; and shares the spirit of her father, legendary jockey Red Pollard, which keeps her flying on Pegasus just as he flew on Seabiscuit. At various points in her life she has been a folk-singer, seam-stitcher, nanny, teacher, solderer and print shop calligrapher. She received the Academy of American Poets Prize from the University of Bridgeport and for several years edited The Connecticut River Review. Pollard has published three poetry collections: Leaning In, Report from the Banana Hospital, and Death & Rapture in the Animal Kingdom. She has had a life-long passion for the visual arts, which she has put to good use as an editor-designer and illustrator.

Steve Foley’s poetry has appeared in publications such as Northeast Magazine, Friends’ Journal, and The Portland Review. He has published a chapbook, With the Hollow of Your Hand, and a full-length poetry book, A Place at the Table. During the past twenty-five years he has given many poetry readings at venues such as the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival. Selected as 1980 Poet of the Year by the New England Association of Teachers of English, Foley has taught English and directed dramatic productions in Connecticut public high schools for more than three decades. He currently chairs the English Department of the High School and Middle School in South Windsor.

This is a new poetry series occurring in the old, now beautifully renovated Freight House of the Windsor Depot. Refreshments and conversation after the reading. For directions see www.windsorartcenter.org and for additional information 860-688-2528 or email info@windsorartcenter.org.

Free. Tea and more will be served after the reading.

Windsor Arts Center
40 Mechanic St.
Windsor, CT
Made possible through a grant from the Greater Hartford Arts Council

.......................................................................................

Sunday, November 15 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
www.bean-leaf.com

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 16 2008
5:00pm - 7:00pm

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: dmh2000@sbcglobal.net

Danbury Library
Upstairs Conference Room
170 Main Street
Danbury, CT

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 16 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
www.therussellct.com

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 16 2009
7:00pm

WORDFORGE READING SERIES

A new reading series will kick-off with a "Fall Harvest Reading" open mike benefit for a local food bank. Bring a non-perishable food item or small donation.

A series of readings featuring local poets along with an open mike. Many readings will have a theme. All events will be scheduled for Monday nights, with a 7:00pm start time.

The Studio @ Billings Forge
563 Broad Street
Hartford, CT
(Parking at Firebox Restaurant or along Broad Street.)

For more information, contact: Jim Finnegan at JforJames@aol.com or 860-508-2810

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 16 2009
7:00pm

JOHN FOX and BOB JACOB

John Fox manages the Institute of Poetic Medicine in Palo Alto California. He travels the country and internationally reading at hospitals and getting patients face to face with poetry. He is a passionate advocate of the healing power of poetry. He will be making a special visit to the Farmington Library to perform a joint reading with local poet Bob Jacob.

Bob Jacob began to read poetry to cancer support groups in the 1990’s. In addition, he has made his large collection of poems available to churches, chaplains, and individual cancer and MS patients. For seven years he has been reading poetry as a hospice volunteer at The Connecticut Hospice Hospital in Branford. He has also been a hospice volunteer at the Visiting Nurses Association in East Hartford, and is at present a hospice volunteer through the VNA at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, reading to home-bound patients. His short selection of hospice poems, Upon Their Quiet Altars, and his full-length collection, Perspective—nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award—appeared under the aegis of The Connecticut Hospice, to which all proceeds of both books are being donated.

Community Room
Farmington Library
6 Monteith Drive
Farmington, CT
860-673-6791
For more information, contact Bob Jacob at RobertPoetry@aol.com or 860-232-1948

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 16 2009
7:30pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Anything goes for this open mike - spoken word, poetry, etc. BYO instrument or play our congas or piano. Warm, casual and friendly group offers encouragement and an ongoing sign-up list. Refreshments available. Happens every Monday!

7:30pm sign up; 8:00pm start. $3.00 suggested donation - give what you can.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com
www.buttonwood.org

.......................................................................................

Monday November 16 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

.......................................................................................

Tuesday, November 17 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, November 18 2009
4:00pm


YALE COLLECTION of AMERICAN LITERATURE READING SERIES
presents Natasha Trethewey

Natasha Trethewey is the author of Domestic Work (selected by Rita Dove as the winner of the inaugural Cave Canem Poetry Prize for the best first book by an African American poet), Bellocq’s Ophelia, and Native Guard, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Trethewey has received awards and fellowships from the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation. She is Professor of English at Emory University where she holds the Phillis Wheatley Distinguished Chair in Poetry. She is the 2009 James Weldon Johnson Fellow at the Beinecke Library.

Beinecke Library
121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT
Contact: nancy.kuhl@yale.edu

For additional information on readings at Yale: beineckepoetry.wordpress.com/readings-at-yale-university

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, November 18 2009
7:00pm


POLLY BRODY BOOK LAUNCH

Author and essayist Polly Brody will present the first reading from her new book, Stirring Shadows, her fourth poetry collection. Polly holds a Masters Degree in Biology and is a veteran field ornithologist, as well as an active advocate for the environment. Her work has been published in over forty literary journals, including: The Midwest Quarterly, The Spoon River Poetry Review, The Cream City Review, and many others.

The reading is open to the public without charge. Registration by phone required. Call 203-262-0626, Ext. 130. A book-signing and reception with refreshments will follow the reading.

Southbury Public Library
100 Poverty Rd.
Southbury, CT

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, November 18 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Allan Garry

Allan Garry is a Vietnam veteran who recently returned to writing after a long hiatus. His poetry has been published in The Red Fox Review, the Pennypaper, Curbstone Press, and Helix. He has read his work at Wesleyan University, Yale University, Trinity College, Connecticut College and a number of other venues as a winner of the Wesleyan University Honors College Connecticut Poetry Circuit. His new play, Gathering Shells, co-written with Crystal Brian, has been produced at the Long Wharf Theater and the Little Theater in New Haven, CT, and is due to be read at the Abingdon Theater in New York later this year. New poems will be appearing in the forthcoming issues of The Connecticut River Review, Connecticut Review, and Avocet Review.

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. For more info, visit the website: www.wedpoetry.net.

Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313

.......................................................................................

Thursday, November 19 2009
6:30pm


WORD OF MOUTH POETRY SERIES
featuring Claire Zoghb

Claire Zoghb’s first full-length collection, Small House Breathing, won the 2008 Quercus Review annual competition. A chapbook, Dispatches from Everest, is forthcoming from Pudding House Press. Her work has appeared in Yankee, Connecticut Review, Connecticut River Review, Caduceus, and CALYX, and in the anthologies Through A Child’s Eyes: Poems and Stories About War and Eating Her Wedding Dress: A Collection of Clothing Poems. Twice a Pushcart Prize nominee, Claire was the winner of the 2008 Dogwood annual poetry competition. She is a recipient of two Artist Fellowships from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, an Urban Artists Initiative grant, a residency at the Vermont Studio Center, and has earned a certificate from the Amherst Writers and Artists Institute. She lives in New Haven, where she works as a graphic artist and book designer and teaches writing workshops for kids.

On the third Thursday of each month, Word of Mouth Poetry Series celebrates an eclectic mix of poetic voices. Free. Refreshments. Open mike. Outstanding featured readers. In a casual setting. Open to all members of the public and others. For more information, please contact allwordofmouth@gmail.com or mcguireschwartz@gmail.com.

Doors Open at 6:30. Open mike at 7:00. Please arrive a few minutes early to sign up for open mike.

The Institute Library
847 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT

Word of Mouth is an affiliate of Arts and Literature Laboratory.
Please visit our website at http://sites.google.com/site/wordofmouthpoetryseries/Home.

.......................................................................................

Thursday, November 19 2009
7:00pm


WINTONBURY BRANCH POETRY SERIES
featuring Wally Swist

Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series & Open Mike presents Wally Swist, who will read his poetry. Filmmaker Elizabeth Wilda will also show her documentary which features Swist's work.

An open mike follows the featured poet. Free admission, refreshments included. 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
www.prosserlibrary.info/wintonbury_branch.htm

...........................................................................................

Thursday, November 19 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY

Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: www.bean-leaf.com.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

.......................................................................................

Thursday, November 19 2009
7:30pm - 9:00pm


THIRD THURSDAY OPEN MIC

Open mike poetry reading on the third Thursday of every month at the Stamford Borders.

Borders
1041 High Ridge Road (near Merritt Parkway exit 35)
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-968-9700

.......................................................................................

Friday, November 20 2009
1:00pm

POETRY DISCUSSION GROUP

A 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
203-438-2282 or
rdgprograms@biblio.org
www.ridgefieldlibrary.org

.......................................................................................

Friday, November 20 2009
7:00pm

DON BARKIN

Poet Don Barkin reading & book-signing from his first full-length poetry collection, That Dark Lake.

Don Barkin has published poems in Poetry, The Virginia Quarterly Review, Prairie Schooner, Verse, and other journals. He is the author of two poetry chapbooks and has twice been awarded grants by the State of Connecticut. He was educated at Harvard College and Cambridge University. A former newspaper reporter, he is currently a high school English teacher. He has also taught writing seminars at Yale and Wesleyan Universities, and on-line for a consortium of Oxford, Yale, and Stanford Universities.

Wine and light snacks will be available. The event is co-sponsored by the Kehler Liddell Gallery and the Westville Village Renaissance Alliance.

Kehler Liddell Gallery
873 Whalley Ave.
New Haven, CT
For more information: www.kehlerliddell.com

.......................................................................................

Friday, November 20 2009
7:00pm

ASHFORD AT NIGHT
New venue

Announcing: Ashford at Night, coffee house style open mike nights! We welcome poets, musicians, artists and more. The nights will start at 7:00pm with a host band (Jeffrey Garden, Rob Dauphinais, and John Boiano playing jazz and world fusion), after which the mike will open up to everyone. Musicians will be on-hand to accompany you or you may choose to perform alone or with your friends. A sign-up to perform list will be on a first come, first up basis. We will end the night with the host band and others who came to play/perform in a BIG jam!

Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks will be available for purchase at a reasonable price. Since these are family friendly events, we ask that profanity and adult subject matter in performances be curbed for the evening.

Requested donation is $2.00 per musician, $3.00 per spectator, and a $10.00 family maximum. No money? Please see us at the door.

Knowlton Hall
Ashford Library
25 Pompey Hollow Road (Rt. 44)
Ashford, CT
(in-between the Town Hall and Cumberland Farms)

Hosted by the Ashford Park & Rec. Department
Contact info: Park & Rec Commissioner, John Boiano, 860-798-5692

.......................................................................................

Sunday, November 22 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
www.bean-leaf.com

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 23 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
www.therussellct.com

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 23 2009
7:30pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Anything goes for this open mike - spoken word, poetry, etc. BYO instrument or play our congas or piano. Warm, casual and friendly group offers encouragement and an ongoing sign-up list. Refreshments available. Happens every Monday!

7:30pm sign up; 8:00pm start. $3.00 suggested donation - give what you can.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com
www.buttonwood.org

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 23 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281

.......................................................................................

Tuesday, November 24 2009
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
ayarmal@earthlink.net

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, November 25 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm


WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring "Taking stock of the good" Open Mike

Okay, the jobs are hard to find, everything is expensive, credit is impossible, health insurance who the heck knows... Things are tough all over. But the leaves are still a fall kaleidoscope, the sunrise still streaks with peach and gold, little kids still smile, a crazy Picasso is just as startling, tea is still hot, a brisk walk still makes the inner clockworks hum.

This is the open mike to celebrate what is good in your life. And if you come up to the open mike and claim there is absolutely nothing good about your life—then there will be an attitude intervention! Seriously. Come and count the good that is rather than the difficulties.

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. For more info, visit the website: www.wedpoetry.net.

Molten Java Coffee Roasters, LLC
102 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT
203-739-0313

.......................................................................................

Wednesday, November 25 2009
9:00pm


POETZ REALM

Poetz Realm is not just a physical location where artists can get together and share in their artistry. Poetz Realm also provides web services such as a social networking community which allows it’s members to network, upload videos, pictures , music, chat, post poetry, written work and much more. Whether it be in the form of spoken word, poetry, and emceeing, singing or simply verbal expression, Poetz Realm is the place to be.

Poetz Realm meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Admission is $5.00 for regular patrons and free for whomever signs up for the open mike. There is a feature for each show. Features have included: Ngoma, Fredrick Douglas, Mo Jarvis, Baub Bidon, E da Storyteller, Shanna Melton, Kamal Imani, Influence, Ainsley Burrows, and many others.

“Let Your Voice Be Heard!”

Hosted by Ernel Grant, Founder/CEO

Bridgeport Innovation Center
Gallery 1212
955 Connecticut Ave
Bridgeport, CT. 06607
www.poetzrealm.com

.......................................................................................

Thursday, November 26 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT POETRY

Open Mike Poetry Reading at Bean & Leaf. Old poets read, new voices heard. A new venue with “a killer sound system and lots of delicious teas and coffee and pastries.” Visit the website for more information: www.bean-leaf.com.

Bean & Leaf cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000

.......................................................................................

Friday, November 27 2009
7:30pm

DAVID K. LEFF and Citizen Spy at Buttonwood

David K. Leff will be reading between sets played by Citizen Spy, a Connecticut-based accoustic folk group that harmonizes traditional elements of country, blues, and rockabilly with classic radio pop. Check them out at www.myspace.com/thecitizenspy. Call 860-347-4957 for more information on the event, or visit www.buttonwood.org.

Tickets on sale: only $8.00 in advance: $10.00 at the door!

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com

.......................................................................................

Saturday, November 28 2009
6:30pm


THE RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES at Buttonwood
presents Jen Gates

Jen Gates’ first collection of poems, Crazy Girl with Lighter, is a searingly honest depiction of its author’s descent into an underworld of drugs and strip joints, followed by a long, courageous return to the world of hope, joy and “at-onement” with the people dearest to her. This is the story of one remarkably resilient young woman, but it is also a legendary tale of innocence lost and rediscovered. Of the book, Steve Straight has said, “Crazy Girl with Lighter has the feel of a memoir, but the language catches you with the surprises of good poetry... This book is the opposite of a suicide note: it is the kind of note you leave to announce why you have decided to live.”

Suggested donation is $3.00 and a non-perishable food item to be donated to the local soup kitchen/food pantry. Non-perishable food donations welcome to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Place. Goodwill donations welcome. See www.riverwoodpoetry.org for details.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com
www.buttonwood.org

.......................................................................................

Sunday, November 29 2009
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 website for more information.

Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
www.bean-leaf.com

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 30 2009
7:00pm

THE LOVE JONES EXPERIENCE

Poetry & Jam Session. Bring your poems and instruments to our spoken word and song event.
All poets welcome. Amateurs welcome and encouraged to perform.

$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.

The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
www.therussellct.com

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 30 2009
7:30pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Anything goes for this open mike - spoken word, poetry, etc. BYO instrument or play our congas or piano. Warm, casual and friendly group offers encouragement and an ongoing sign-up list. Refreshments available. Happens every Monday!

7:30pm sign up; 8:00pm start. $3.00 suggested donation - give what you can.

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com
www.buttonwood.org

.......................................................................................

Monday, November 30 2009
9:00pm

BEATNIK 2000

Music and poetry every Monday night, hosted by Ed Leonard. No Cover.

www.cafenine.com/schedule.html

Cafe 9
250 State Street
New Haven, CT
203-789-8281


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