TABLE OF CONTENTS_______________________________________
- Quotes
- Poem of the Month
- Book of the Month
- Website of the Month
- News Items / Writing Workshops
- Poetry Calendar for January
- Subscription and Contact Information
I:__QUOTES________________________________________________
A poem may take a generation to yield its full secret. One might even say that a poem’s meaning varies from age to age.
– John Hall Wheelock
Any good poem is an act of taming the savage or savaging the tame.
– Tony Hoagland
This is how poems happen for me. Bits and pieces, glimpses and strokes, hints and imagistic nudges, and at some almost-accidental moment it all flies together--not to make sense but to induce a feeling. I call these gifts.
– Yusef Komunyakaa
II:__POEM OF THE MONTH__________________________________
258 “There’s a certain Slant of light”
Emily Dickinson (1830 – 1886)
There’s a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons—
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes—
Heavenly Hurt, it gives us—
We can find no scar,
But internal difference,
Where the Meanings, are—
None may teach it—Any—
’Tis the Seal Despair—
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air—
When it comes, the Landscape listens—
Shadows—hold their breath—
When it goes, ’tis like the Distance
On the look of Death—
III:__BOOK OF THE MONTH_________________________________
Each month we highlight a book of poetry by a Connecticut author.
HUSBAND
by Faith Vicinanza
“On a par with Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, this collection is a lyrical, haunting walk thorough the seemingly bottomless depth of grief. Vicinanza guides us along her journey with her husband Peter as they neared, dared, and learned to accept his approaching death. At once starkly honest and starkly beautiful, Husband endeavors to and succeeds at naming the moments of clarity and madness one experiences when a loved one is dying, and is a lasting testimony to the ultimate redemption and truth we achieve only through grieving.” – Lisa Star
“Grounded in the flesh, poem after poem is an uncompromising encounter with reality. However, underpinning each poem is a grace and tenderness that approaches the sacramental. Husband teaches the heart to persevere, to find joy in quiet moments, the surprising turns each day can take, and to cherish the journey even though the inescapable destination is the border that separates the living and the dead.” – Vivian Shipley
“Husband is Faith Vicinanza’s haunting, brutally honest, and sometimes tender threnody of loss, doubt, and love.” – Mark McGuire-Schwartz
Faith Vicinanza is a poet, a nature photographer, a creative writing workshop facilitator, arts educator, editor, member of the performance troupe Shijin. She is the author of three books of poetry, widely published in anthologies and journals, and is working on her fourth collection of poetry, Experimental Faith, and a memoir. As a member of two national slam teams, she competed in National Slam Championship competitions in 1994 and 1996. She was also a member of the U.S. Team that competed in Sweden in 1997, as well as the executive director of The 1997 National Poetry Slam Championships held in Middletown, CT. As a member of Mother Tongue (Elizabeth Thomas, Valerie Lawson and Faith Vicinanza), she will be touring the U.S. in the spring of 2009. Ms. Vicinanza has been featured from Stockholm to San Francisco, has been a poet laureate nominee, and is the recipient of the 2003 CT Commission on the Arts Advocates for the Arts Award. You can check out her three month bicycle trip from Key West to Canada in the summer of 2005 with her husband Peter at faithandpeter.blogs.com..
Hanover Press
IV:__WEBSITE OF THE MONTH______________________________
HAIKU MAGAZINE WEB SITES
The Wednesday Night Poetry Series is having a Haiku Slam on January 14. For inspiration, instruction, or a place to submit to after you've competed you haiku, visit the web sites below. They all specialize in haiku and related forms. But remember, even though haiku are short, they're not easy to write—at least to write a good one. As Roger McGough wrote:
The only problem
with Haiku is that you just
get started and then
I hope these sites are a bit more helpful.
Modern Haiku is an Independent Journal of Haiku and Haiku Studies.
http://www.modernhaiku.org/
Frogpond is an official publication of the Haiku Society of America.
http://www.hsa-haiku.org/frogpond/index.html
Lilliput Review is a print magazine founded in 1989 and dedicated to the short poem.
http://lilliputreview.googlepages.com/home
The Heron’s Nest is a quarterly journal.
http://www.theheronsnest.com/
Simply Haiku: A Quarterly Journal of Japanese Short Form Poetry
http://www.simplyhaiku.com/
Acorn is a small biannual journal dedicated to publishing the best of contemporary English-language haiku.
http://home.earthlink.net/~
bottle rockets is a magazine & publisher dedicated to haiku, senryu, and related poetry.
http://www.bottlerocketspress.com/
The White Lotus is a chapbook style biannual magazine featuring haiku, senryu, tanka and haiga.
http://www.shadowpoetry.com/
V:__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS____________________
Monday, January 11 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 dates for 2009 are 1/11, 3/15 ,4/19, 5/17, 6/14, 7/12, 8/16, 9/13, 11/15, and 12/13. (In October the annual Block Island Writing Retreat will be 23-25). We meet from 10:00 to 5:00. 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.
VI:__POETRY CALENDAR FOR JANUARY___________________
Please contact venues for any possible cancellations due to the holidays or inclement weather.
Thursday, January 1 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, January 4 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: http://www.bean-leaf.com/
Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 4 2009
3:00pm
YOUTH POETRY SLAM
and All Ages Open Mike
Elizabeth Thomas hosts this terrific opportunity for young poets. If you are between the ages of 13 and 20 and are thinking about trying out for the CT National Youth Poetry Slam Team 2009, this is a good opportunity to practice in front of a live audience.
Get your practice in now. Team tryouts begin in March!
2:45 sign up, 3:00 performance. Admission is free. For directions or other information please visit: http://www.upwordspoetry.com/.
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org/
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 4 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 of August 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.
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 5 2009
7:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.
The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussell.net/
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 5 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
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 5 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, January 6 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm
FIRST TUESDAY POETRY (Middletown)
Broad Street Books hosts a monthly poetry reading, First Tuesday Poetry Series, with a featured poet followed by an open mike, on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm. Admission is free.
45 Broad Street
Middletown, CT
Broad Street Books
For more information, contact Brian Mitchard at 860-685-READ
.......................................................................................
Tuesday, January 6 2009
7:15pm
FIRST TUESDAY POETRY (Norwalk)
The First Tuesday Poetry group meets every month at Barnes & Noble Booksellers. (Note the new location. First Tuesday Poetry no longer meets at Borders in Wilton.)
Please come and listen to local poets, bring a favorite poem, read your own poems too. We offer a mix of guest poets, featured regular readers, Open Mike, and Occasional Workshop sessions.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Shoprite Plaza
360 Connecticut Avenue
Norwalk, CT
203-866-2213
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 7 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, January 7 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Poems of Intention
What do intend for the new year? Make it a poem, say it with metaphor! What can you bring into being for the future? Intentions can be personal, political, community, poems for peace, poems for happiness, so forth and so on You can write your own intentions and you can also read a poem or poems by some of the great writers of the past.
As always, you can read for the theme or you can read whatever poem is on your mind. Come and join us to contemplate the future.
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
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 7 2009
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it’s open to everyone. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little something. Walk in and you’ll be added to the list.
Email Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-925-9064
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 8 2009
3:30pm
JEAN-YVES SOLINGA at YALE
Reading from his collection of poems, Clair-Obscur of the Soul, Connecticut author Jean-Yves Solinga recalls the Morocco of his youth and the Connecticut shoreline of his adulthood. A former Visiting Instructor of French at Connecticut College, he is the guest of The Center for the Teaching of French at Yale University. This reading and book signing is co-hosted by The World Language Center at The Yale Bookstore.
Periodicals Department, Upper Level
The Yale Bookstore At Barnes & Noble
77 Broadway
New Haven, CT
203-777-8440
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 8 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, January 8 2009
7:30pm
POE AT 200: A CELEBRATION OF AN AMERICAN MASTER
Natural Supernaturalism: A Perspective on the Enduring Appeal of Edgar Allan Poe
Mark Schenker will present a talk on Edgar Allan Poe that places his life and works in the context of the American Gothic and 19th-century romanticism. The creator of one of the most popular literary forms, the detective story, and a master of another, the tale of psychological horror, Poe has a status with the reading public-both in an out of the classroom, with both children and adults-that is matched by no other American writer of his century with the possible exception of Mark Twain. And like Twain, Poe made a contribution to the American literary landscape with a public persona that remains as memorable as some of his fictional creations.
Event sponsored by Susan Tane.
McManus Room
Westport Public Library
Arnold Bernhard Plaza
20 Jesup Road
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-291-4840
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 11 2009
9:00am & 10:15am
BOB JACOB in Hartford
At the 9:00am and 10:15am services at Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, Bob Jacob will give a reading and book-signing after service. As ever, all proceeds benefit the Connecticut Hospice in Branford.
Asylum Hill Congregational Church
814 Asylum Ave
Hartford, CT
860-525-5696
Bob Jacob’s book, Perspective, is a testament to the human spirit. Readers have been enthusiastic about the verse of a man who has dedicated himself to those most in need of what Jacob calls his loving words. Jean Valentine writes, “I admire Bob Jacob’s loving, tender voice valuing people close to death.” And Stephen Dunn has commented that the poems “reveal a man you’d like to know.” In 2004 a short selection of Jacob’s hospice poems, Upon Their Quiet Altars, was published. Like his full-length collection, the earlier book appeared under the aegis of The Connecticut Hospice, to which all proceeds of both books are being donated.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 11 2009
1:00pm
FAIRFIELD AREA POETS OPEN MIKE
Fairfield Area Poets meets each month at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Westport. Please come and listen to local poets, bring a favorite poem, read your own poems too.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers Westport
Post Plaza Shopping Center
1076 Post Road East
Westport, CT
203-221-7955
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 11 2009
2:00pm
POE AT 200: A CELEBRATION OF AN AMERICAN MASTER
Poe Impersonator David Keltz
Appearing in costume and character as Edgar Allan Poe, David Keltz’s one-man show provides an up-close and personal encounter with this classic storyteller. Becoming all the characters in Poe’s stories, Keltz will entertain with Poe’s chilling prose, haunting poetry and charming fantasies, getting to know Poe personally as a human being as well as a famous author. Appropriate for age 12 and up. Visit his web site at http://www.davidkeltz.com/.
Event sponsored by Susan Tane.
McManus Room
Westport Public Library
Arnold Bernhard Plaza
20 Jesup Road
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-291-4840
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 11 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: http://www.bean-leaf.com/
Bean & Leaf Cafe
13 Washington St.
New London, CT
860-701-0000
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 12 2009
7:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.
The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussell.net/
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 12 2009
7:15pm
MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
Monday Night Poetry meets on the second Monday of each month at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Stamford Town Center.
Please come and listen to local poets, bring a favorite poem, or read your own.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Stamford Town Center
100 Greyrock Place Suite H009
Stamford, CT
203-323-1248
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 12 2009
7:30pm
POE AT 200: A CELEBRATION OF AN AMERICAN MASTER
Collecting Edgar Allan Poe
Today, as the bicentennial of Poe’s birth is celebrated, he is more avidly collected than ever. The preeminent contemporary private Poe collector, Westporter Susan Jaffe Tane has lectured on her collection worldwide and continues to be featured in books and magazines highlighting prominent collectors. Over the course of twenty years, she has built the most exceptional Poe library in private hands and includes many of Poe’s unique manuscripts and letters, scarce copies of his first editions, rare examples of the original newspaper and magazine issues in which much of his work first appeared, and editions of his most famous poem, “The Raven”. She will talk about the history of her extraordinary collection and how it documents Poe’s remarkable life and work through the artifacts of his own hand in his own time.
Event sponsored by Susan Tane.
McManus Room
Westport Public Library
Arnold Bernhard Plaza
20 Jesup Road
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-291-4840
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 12 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
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 14 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, January 14 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Haiku Slam
A little can mean a lot. Battle of the bits. Come and throw haiku at the wall as Faith Vicinanza holds a Haiku Slam. The form is Five syllables in the first line, Seven syllables in the second and Five again in the third line. Yes, you can write Haiku. DO IT!
Each round of poetry is the best of five haiku between two poets. Poets battle against each other until one poet is left standing. Five judges. A new haiku each time. Bring every haiku you have! Write some on the spot if need be. As many as 25 haiku may be needed to win the slam.
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
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 14 2009
9:00pm
POETZ REALM
Blessings from the Poetz Realm. The venue goes down every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each 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 others.
Hosted by E da Storyteller and Baub Bidon.
Innovation Center
955 Connecticut Ave
Bridgeport, CT.
poetzrealm.com
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 14 2009
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it’s open to everyone. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little something. Walk in and you’ll be added to the list.
Email Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-925-9064
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 15 2009
6:30pm
WORD OF MOUTH POETRY SERIES
featuring Alison D. Moncrief
Alison D. Moncrief has a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and an MFA from New York University. Her poems have appeared in or are forthcoming in Caduceus, The Connecticut River Review, and The Paris Review. She is also a contributing poetry editor for the on-line literary journal Drunken Boat. Alison teaches English at Southern Connecticut State University and the Foote School.
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 allgallery.org.
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 15 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm
WINTONBURY LIBRARY POETRY SERIES
featuring Michael Cervas.
Michael Cervas, poet and teacher of English at Simsbury’s Westminster School, kicks off our winter season. He has authored one full collection of poetry, Inside the Box, published by Antrim House Books in 2007.
An open mike follows the featured poet.
Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series, now in its eleventh year, presents a featured poet followed by a themed open mike. 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, January 15 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm
MISHI-MAYA-GAT Spoken Word & Music Series
presents Jeff Cannon and Gray Jacobik
7:00pm - Featured Musician: Lydia Fortune, guitar & vocals, with Miguel Melendez, guitar. Fortune’s interpretive vocals cover everything from ballads, blues and spirituals to country, pop and subtle jazz. Her first recording, Songs from the Road, earned her Best New Artist in the “Worcester Wormtown Sound Awards” in 2001. For more information on Fortune, including CDs, visit her website: http://www.lydiafortune.com/. Venezuelan-born Melendez has been playing guitar for more than 30 years and performs at various venues in the central Massachusetts area.
8:00pm - Jeff Cannon and Gray Jacobik. Jeff Cannon was published in the 2004 release of Jennifer Graf Groneberg’s anthology celebrating parenthood, My Heart’s First Steps. In May 2008, he self-published a sampling of his work, Traces of Passionate Leaves. His forthcoming book, Intimate Witness: The Carol Poems, will be published by Goose River Press. See his web site: http://www.myspace.com//yellowpadpoet.
Gray Jacobik is on the graduate faculty of the Stonecoast M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing at the University of Southern Maine. She earned her Ph.D. in American and British Literature from Brandeis University and for many years was professor of literature at Eastern Connecticut State University. Her books include The Double Task, The Surface of Last Scattering, and Brave Disguises.
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 http://www.mcc.commnet.edu/faculty/spoken.php or call 860-512-2824.
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 15 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
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 15 2009
7:30pm
POE AT 200: A CELEBRATION OF AN AMERICAN MASTER
A Graphological Look at Poe
Edgar Allan Poe was heavily influenced by the aesthetic pattern of the writing, as well as the writer’s reputation and literary output. Graphologist Arlyn Imberman, author of Signature for Success, will draw on the collection of Susan Tane’s Poe memorabilia, as well as manuscripts and letters of well known literary figures of the time, to offer an enlightening, professional opinion of Poe’s graphological analysis. The comparisons between Poe’s analyses and those of a professional graphologist will create an interesting and fascinating presentation.
Event sponsored by Susan Tane.
McManus Room
Westport Public Library
Arnold Bernhard Plaza
20 Jesup Road
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-291-4840
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 15 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, January 16 2009
1:00pm - 2:45pm
POETRY DISCUSSION GROUP
Retired English professor Alan Holder leads this once-a-month poetry discussion, which take place on the third Friday of the month at 1:00pm. Each month a different poet’s work will be up for discussion. New members always welcome.
A limited number of free copies of the book to be discussed will be available for approximately one month before the meeting. See the library’s Circulation Desk. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Location: Dayton Program Room
Ridgefield Library
472 Main Street (Route 35)
Ridgefield, CT
203-438-2282 or
rdgprograms@biblio.org
http://www.ridgefieldlibrary.org/
.......................................................................................
Friday, January 16 2009
7:00pm
OPEN MIKE NIGHT at RJ JULIA
Come read from your newest short story, poem, or essay and feel the rush of taking your work public. All we ask in return? That you limit your time to 5-7 minutes, and that you come prepared to be impressed! Please reserve your spot at the Information counter.
Visit our events page at www.rjjulia.com/events/madison.lasso.
RJ Julia Booksellers
768 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
203-245-3959
books@rjjulia.com
.....................................................................................
Friday, January 16 2009
7:30pm
KEN WALDMAN, THE ALASKAN FIDDLING POET at BUTTONWOOD
performing with The Secret Visitors, featuring Brian Slattery
Ken Waldman, The Alaskan Fiddling Poet, has drawn on his 23 years in Alaska to produce poems, stories and fiddle tunes that combine into a performance uniquely his own. A former college professor, Waldman has had published six full-length poetry collections, a memoir, and has released seven CDs that combine old-time Appalachian-style string-band music with original poetry. Since 1994 he’s worked full-time as Alaska’s Fiddling Poet, performing at some of the nation’s leading universities, festivals, arts centers, and clubs. Over 400 of his poems and stories have appeared in such journals as Beloit Poetry Journal, Chariton Review, Quarterly West, and Yankee.
“It’s hard to draw an existing parallel to describe Waldman’s lyrical and musical style. Imagine, instead, if you will, traditional Appalachian fiddle tunes performed alongside poetry and storytelling—all somehow related to uniquely Alaskan experiences,” writes Karen Auble of the Cleveland Free Times.
For more information on Kan Waldman, see http://www.kenwaldman.com/. See also http://www.bfslattery.com/.
$10.00 (Suggested donation)
The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street
Middletown, CT
860-347-4957
near@buttonwood.org
http://www.buttonwood.org/
Ken will also be entertaining the children on Saturday morning, Jan 17. See the Buttonwood website for details.
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 18 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, January 19 2009
7:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.
The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussell.net/
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 19 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
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 21 2009
7:00pm
THIRD WEDNESDAY POETRY
Third Wednesday Poetry Series is a new series at Corleones Cafe. An open mike will follow feature readers.
Host: Edmond Chibeau
Corleones Cafe
103 Union Street
Willimantic, CT
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 21 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, January 21 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring a CT Slam Team Slam
Consider slamming, the Olympic-style poetry recitations... with judges, and decimals. "The point is not the points. The Point is the Poems!" - Alan Wolf. There will also be a standard open mike. For the slam, bring at least three poems, original work only can be slammed, and poems must be performed in three minutes or less.
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
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 21 2009
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it’s open to everyone. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little something. Walk in and you’ll be added to the list.
Email Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
Phone: 203-925-9064
.......................................................................................
Friday, January 22 2009
7:00pm - 8:00pm
IN PRAISE OF THE SHADES: A Musical Poetry Presentation
presented by Wayne Nobes
Classic poetry performed to classical music! Come and enjoy this multi-media performance of poems by Wilfred Owen, Robert Frost, Dylan Thomas and some other poets you may not have heard of.
Location: Dayton Program Room
Ridgefield Library
472 Main Street (Route 35)
Ridgefield, CT
203-438-2282 or
rdgprograms@biblio.org
http://www.ridgefieldlibrary.org/
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 22 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
.......................................................................................
Saturday, January 24 2009
7:30pm
ARTSPEAK - A New Open Mike in Simsbury!
Peaberry’s Café of Simsbury is starting Artspeak, a poetry open mike on the fourth Saturday of every month hosted by Rob Dauphinais. We are hoping to generate interest in every corner of CT, so spread the word! The night will begin at 7:30 and go until 9:30, however, if there is an abundance of artists, we will go until 10:00. Our aim is to create an environment where poets of all ages will feel welcome and wanted, as well as challenged. We want this to be an atmosphere where artists can share and network, and, most importantly, grow!
All ages are welcome and we ask that each artist be sensitive to the audience and what may or may not be appropriate. Beyond this request, we want to keep censorship to a minimum, and we support freedom of speech and expression.
Artspeak will feature another experimental element, improvisational jazz. We’re interested in the marriage of poetry and music, words and rhythm. If you are a jazz musician interested in playing, please come! These events will be relatively fluid and open. Our desire is to cultivate a dialogue between the art of words and the art of music.
Peaberry’s Café
712 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT
860-658-2930
.......................................................................................
Sunday, January 25 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, January 26 2008
6:00pm - 8:00pm
CPS POETRY WORKSHOP in DANBURY
The Danbury Chapter of the Connecticut Poetry Society holds a writing workshop at the Danbury Library on the third Monday of each month. (Note that in January and February the workshop will be held on the fourth Monday due to holiday library closures.)
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, January 26 2009
7:00pm
THE LOVE JONES OPEN MIC
Spoken Word and Song event. All poets welcome.
$5.00 cover. Hosted by Darlene Brandon Scott.
The Russell
103 Pratt Street
Hartford, CT
http://www.therussell.net/
.......................................................................................
Monday, January 26 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
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 28 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, January 28 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Robert Riche
Robert Riche, poet, novelist, playwright and screen writer, will read from his new book of poetry, On the Line, by Pudding House. Mr. Riche says he came to poetry only recently in his long life. He has one previous chapbook called Eternity and Other Mundane Matters, from Foothills Publishing's Springfed series, and has published poems in the Alsop Review's online magazine, Octavo. For his drama, Robert Riche has been awarded a Connecticut Foundation for the Arts grant, Advanced Drama Research grant, and is a winner of the prestigious Stanley Drama Award. He's also a Breadloaf Writers Conference scholar.
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
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 28 2009
9:00pm
POETZ REALM
Blessings from the Poetz Realm. The venue goes down every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each 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 others.
Hosted by E da Storyteller and Baub Bidon.
Innovation Center
955 Connecticut Ave
Bridgeport, CT.
poetzrealm.com
.......................................................................................
Wednesday, January 28 2009
9:30pm - 11:00pm
POETRY NITE at the Huntington Street Café
Poetry Nite every Wednesday at the Huntington Street Café. Run by Sammy and Natalie, it’s open to everyone. Stop by to check the scene or even read a little something. Walk in and you’ll be added to the list.
Email Pollie_Vack@yahoo.com for info.
Huntington Street Café
90 Huntington Street
Shelton, CT
203-925-9064
......................................................................................
Thursday, January 29 2009
6:30pm
CENTRAL VALLEY POETRY SERIES at WOOD
The Central Valley Poetry Series presents feature readers and an open mike. Admission is free. Refreshments served.
Wood Memorial Library
783 Main Street
South Windsor, CT
http://www.woodmemoriallibrary.org/
860-289-1783
.......................................................................................
Thursday, January 29 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
.......................................................................................
Friday, January 30 2009
8:00pm - 9:00pm
SUZANNE FRISCHKORN and PAMELA ST. CLAIR
with musician Eric Lichter
Suzanne Frischkorn will read from her book, Lit Windowpane, and Pamela St. Clair will read from her chapbook, On Receiving Word. Also, Eric Lichter will perform songs from his cd Owl.
Borders Books
470 Lewis Ave.
Meriden, CT
203-237-5510
VII:__SUBSCRIPTION AND CONTACT INFORMATION_________
To subscribe to the ConnecticutPoet newsletter, please send an email to:
ConnecticutPoet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
If you do not wish to belong to ConnecticutPoet, please send an email to:
ConnecticutPoet-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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
