CT Poet Newsletter

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER UPDATE

2011-01-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

Though the online newsletter has been discontinued, a weekly emailed version is still alive and well, thanks to new editor Terri Klein. You can subscribe by sending an email to ConnecticutPoet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or by writing to Terri Klein directly at ctpoetnews@yahoo.com.

The Connecticut Poetry online calendar is also still in place at the Poetz.com website. Visit www.poetz.com/connecticut to find poetry readings and events around Connecticut.

Finally, continue to send any events or updates you would like added to the calendar to ctpoetnews@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 245

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Dear CT Poet Subscribers,

As I stated in November, I have decided to step down as editor of the CT Poet Newsletter and will no longer update the CT Poet Newsletter blog. This newsletter—January, 2010—will be the last.

I will continue to update the The Connecticut Poetry online calendar at the Poetz.com website, so you will still be able to find poetry readings and events around Connecticut by visiting www.poetz.com/connecticut. Please continue to send any events or updates you would like added to the calendar to ctpoetnews@yahoo.com.

Though the Newsletter will be suspended, I will keep the ConnecticutPoet Yahoo! Group active, in case someone else decides to take over as editor.

Thank you again for all your support of the newsletter and of poetry in Connecticut. It has been a wonderful experience for me, and I hope to see you at a reading sometime. (Like on Jan 30 at the Buttonwood in Middletown!)

Sincerely,

John Jeffrey

______________________________________________________________

Poetry in Connecticut - January, 2010

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________________________________________________

Any poet, if he is to survive beyond his 25th year, must alter; he must seek new literary influences; he will have different emotions to express.
– T. S. Eliot

I prefer to explore the most intimate moments, the smaller, crystallized details we all hinge our lives on.
– Rita Dove

A line will take us hours maybe; Yet if it does not seem a moment’s thought, our stitching and unstinting has been naught.
– William Butler Yeats

II:__POEM OF THE MONTH__________________________________

SLUMBER-SONG

Siegfried Sassoon (1886–1967)

Sleep; and my song shall build about your bed
A paradise of dimness. You shall feel
The folding of tired wings; and peace will dwell
Throned in your silence: and one hour shall hold
Summer, and midnight, and immensity
Lulled to forgetfulness. For, where you dream,
The stately gloom of foliage shall embower
Your slumbering thought with tapestries of blue.
And there shall be no memory of the sky,
Nor sunlight with its cruelty of swords.
But, to your soul that sinks from deep to deep
Through drowned and glimmering colour, Time shall be
Only slow rhythmic swaying; and your breath;
And roses in the darkness; and my love.

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

2009 LONG RIVER RUN

Instead of a book by a single author, this month we highlight a journal with poems by over 60 Connecticut poets.Long River Run is the members journal of the Connecticut Poetry Society. The poems in it are submitted by the members and published in the journal without editorial intervention; in other words, they publish whatever is sent. This format results in some uneven poetry being published, but it’s fun to look for names of people you know, and there are some fine poems, as well. The journal also publishes the winners of the several poetry contests sponsored by the Connecticut Poetry Society.

The journal is free to members of the Connecticut Poetry Society. The $25 membership fee ($10 for students) includes not only the Long River Run journal, but also Connecticut River Review (a national poetry journal), local and national newsletters, CPS sponsored contests and events, and ten chapters throughout the state. It’s a good deal, and worth the membership fee. I would encourage poets in Connecticut to consider joining, if even only for the journals. The membership dues are due in April, so you have a few months to pay off the holiday bills first.

The 2009 Long River Run is published by the Connecticut Poetry Society and will be released in January, 2010. If you are not a member, you can order a copy for $12.00 through the website, at ct-poetry-society.org. There is also information on joining, as well.

IV:__WEBSITE OF THE MONTH______________________________

POETRY ON YOUTUBE

YouTube has become a remarkable site for viewing videos of poetry readings. And not just readings of single poems, though there are plenty of those, but of entire feature poetry readings. Here are links to long readings (between 30 and 60 minutes) by the last four poet laureates:

Kay Ryan: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yfPSnEGQEk (Ryan’s reading is broken into four parts.)
Charles Simic: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_mZ--Ua_wY
Donald Hall: www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-A6veVHhtA
Ted Kooser: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuoWarhWFXw

In addition, there are many amateur readings of classic poems, as well. Check out the YouTube account name, SpokenVerse. There is a collection of SpokenVerse (a man) reading famous poems and short stories while the verses and lines scroll by, or sometimes with an occasional picture or graphic. Supposedly, the man’s name is Tom O’Bedlam, though I’ve heard that may be fake. I don’t care: the guy has quite a voice. Check out his channel at www.youtube.com/user/SpokenVerse.

Here’s a link of John Berryman’s strange reading of Dream Song 14, his poem that begins, “Life, Friends, is Boring.” The poem starts at around 4:20, if you want to fast forward to it. Leading up to it is a ramble of an interview. www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YUu3L-qGMI

Here is Hopkins’ poem “God’s Grandeur” read, lovingly, by Stanley Kunitz. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk5uiJFSSrM

And here are two interesting animated videos of Billy Collins’ poems: “The Dead” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuTNdHadwbk and “Forgetfulness” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-a8ELOVig4

There are many. many videos of readings by contemporary poets. (Try searching by the poet’s name.) Look around. Have fun. But put some time aside before you do; otherwise you’ll look up and suddenly a couple of hours will have gone by.

V:__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS____________________

Friday, January 8 2010
10:00am - 11:30am

FROM JOURNAL TO POEM: FINDING THE DEEP VOICE
A four-part writing workshop

A four-part writing workshop, From Journal to Poem: Finding the Deep Voice, will take place at the Ridgefield Library this winter. The workshop will be led by poet and teacher Alison Woods and will take place on Friday, Jan. 8, 15, 29, and February 5, from 10:00am to 11:30am in the History Room. Registration is required by clicking on the Register button on the January 8th calendar entry or by calling the Library at 203-438-2282, Ext 1014.

This workshop is for writers of all levels of experience. Using the journal, participants will focus on the process of creating moving, believable, powerful writing, finding the deep voice and central themes unique to each individual writer. Through hand-outs (readings of poems and essays) and a series of exercises, each week builds upon the week before as the group develops into a safe and nurturing environment in which to create. “All that is needed is a desire to write and a love of language,” said Ms. Woods.

Alison Woods’ poems have been widely published in journals including The Kean Review, The National Poetry Review, and The Paris Review. She was a semi-finalist in the Discovery/The Nation contest and the Lyric Recovery Festival at Carnegie Hall and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize twice. She is also a lyricist currently collaborating with Steve Addabbo (Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin) writing pop, rock, and country music lyrics. She received her MFA from Columbia University and recently moved to Ridgefield, CT. She teaches at Norwalk Community College.

The program is made possible thanks to the Friends of the Library. Call 203-438-2282 or visit www.ridgefieldlibrary.org for more information.

History Room
Ridgefield Library
472 Main Street (Route 35)
Ridgefield, CT
203-438-2282 or
rdgprograms@biblio.org
www.ridgefieldlibrary.org

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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 (January 14, this 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

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

Sunday, January 3 2010
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, January 4 2010
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.

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

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

Monday, January 4 2010
7:00pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Hosted by J-Cherry this warm group encourages personal development - come play with us! You’ll find Phill is available to drum along if you like. We have a piano and congas or BYO instrument, poem, dance or whatever artistic piece of yourself you’d like to share. We’re all in this together - let’s have some fun and create ourselves anew!

7:00pm sign up; 7:30pm start. $3.00-5.00 suggested donation.

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

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Monday, January 4 2010
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 January 4 2010
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 5 2010
7:00pm - 9:00pm

SHORELINE CLUSTER POETS

Shoreline Cluster Poets meets first and third Tuesday of each month at Scranton Library. For more information, please contact Rudy Sturk at scpoets@yahoo.com.

Scranton Library
801 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
203-245-7365

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

Tuesday, January 5 2010
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

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

Wednesday, January 6 2010
7:30pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Haiku Slam

There will be a Haiku Slam after the open mike. The Slam mistress is Faith Vicinanza.

FOR THE HAIKU SLAM

Five—Seven—Five, that’s
the form. Bring lots of haiku—
20, 25!

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 at wedpoetry.wordpress.com.

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

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

Thursday, January 7 2010
7:00pm

CURBSTONE PRESS READING SERIES
with Kate Rushin and Rhonda Ward

Kate Rushin is the author of The Black Back-Ups. Her poem, “The Bridge Poem,” appears in This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color, a ground-breaking feminist anthology edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa. Recipient of the Rose Low Rome Memorial Poetry Prize and the Grolier Poetry Prize, her work is widely anthologized and has been published in such journals as Callaloo. A Connecticut resident, Kate currently teaches creative writing at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.

Rhonda Ward is an Ohio native, born in Cincinnati and raised in Dayton. The youngest of six children, she began writing to get a word in edgewise. Her first influence in poetry was Paul Lawrence Dunbar. She grew up across the street from the home where he lived (now a museum honoring his legacy) and began reciting his poems in elementary school. Her poetry explores African-American culture with a universal voice, taking everyday situations to visual levels that transport listeners into the world of her childhood with surgical attention to details. She shares her experiences of the past and the present, handling her subjects with a combination of grace and spunk. Ward lives and writes in New London.

After the reading, the poets will be available for questions, discussion, and book signing.

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 www.hygienic.org.

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

Thursday, January 7 2010
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

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

Sunday, January 10 2010
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 or read your own poem at the open mike.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Westport
Post Plaza Shopping Center
1076 Post Road East
Westport, CT
203-221-7955

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

Sunday, January 10 2010
2:00pm - 4:00pm

POLLY BRODY in Newtown

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.

Author signing and refreshments after reading.

Snow date Sunday, January 17

Cyrenius Booth Library
25 Main St.
Newtown, CT
203-426-4533

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Sunday, January 10 2010
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, January 11 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. 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 11 2010
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.

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

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

Monday, January 11 2010
7:00pm

WORDFORGE READING SERIES
presents Poetry in Spanish ó English

Favorite Poem Project: Poetry in Spanish ó English. Readings from the great tradition of poetry written in Spanish (Neruda, Paz, Lorca, and many others): Bring favorite poems to read in Spanish or bring an English translation of a poem originally written in Spanish. Open Mike.

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

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

Monday, January 11 2010
7:00pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Hosted by J-Cherry this warm group encourages personal development - come play with us! You’ll find Phill is available to drum along if you like. We have a piano and congas or BYO instrument, poem, dance or whatever artistic piece of yourself you’d like to share. We’re all in this together - let’s have some fun and create ourselves anew!

7:00pm sign up; 7:30pm start. $3.00-5.00 suggested donation.

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

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

Monday, January 11 2010
7:15pm

MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
presents Shijin, a poetry performance troupe

Six voices, six lives, one performance! Since 2004, Shijin, a Connecticut-New York-area poetry performance troupe, has given shows featuring a 30 minute seamless reading where one poem tucks into the one that follows it—as if they were written as one. The group has also published two poetry collections: We Shijin I and Undone, both from Hanover Press. Visit shijinlive.blogspot.com.

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

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Monday January 11 2010
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 12 2010
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, January 13 2010
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

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

Wednesday, January 13 2010
7:30pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring a poetry workshop

A “Found Poem” workshop after the open mike.

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

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

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Wednesday, January 13 2010
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
www.poetzrealm.com

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Thursday, January 14 2010
7:00pm

MISHI-MAYA-GAT Spoken Word & Music Series
presents Brian Clements, Elizabeth Bryant, and Dennis Barone

7:00pm - Featured Musician: Barbara Hopkins, solo flute.

8:00pm - Featured Poets: “A Celebration of Quale Press” with Brian Clements, Elizabeth Bryant, and Dennis Barone.

Initially starting with the quarterly literary magazine, key satch(el), in 1997, Quale Press LLC has been publishing chapbooks and small collections of prose poetry. A full catalog of Quale Press titles, subscription information, and more information on Brian Clements, Elizabeth Bryant, and Dennis Barone, are available at: www.quale.com. Founder and editor Gian Lombardo will speak briefly about the press’s history and mission.

Brian Clements is the author of several collections of poetry, including his 2008 Quale Press title, And How to End It. Clements is also editor of the independent, non-profit press, Firewheel Editions and of Firewheel’s flagship publication, Sentence: A Journal of Prose Poetics. He is professor of Writing, Linguistics, and Creative Process at Western Connecticut State University and coordinator of WestConn’s MFA in Professional Writing.

Elizabeth Bryant’s forthcoming title from Quale Press, nevertheless enjoyment, is a series of prose poems that “build on the winding and unwinding of a relationship as seen in slant light and around corners.” Her work has appeared in several journals, including Wheelhouse and Dusie. She is the author of the chapbook Fluorescence Buzz and a forthcoming chapbook entitled, No Subject. Also forthcoming is her second, full-length book, Reality Visits the Land of Illusions. Visit elizabeth-bryant.org.

Dennis Barone’s work has appeared in the Chicago Review, The Prose Poem: An International Journal, and Quarter After Eight, among others. Barone has edited numerous collections and published several books of fiction, including Temple of the Rat and Echoes. In 1992 he held the Thomas Jefferson Chair, a distinguished lecturing award in the Netherlands. Left Hand Books published an edition of his selected poems, Separate Objects, in 1998. He is a professor of English and director of the American Studies Program at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford. Quale Press has published several works of his: Precise Machine, Walking Backwards, and The Disguise of Events, and the most recent, North Arrow.

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, January 14 2010
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, January 16 2010
2:00pm - 4:00pm

WILTON CHAPTER of CT POETRY SOCIETY

Wilton Chapter of the CT Poetry Society (formerly Saugatuck Chapter) will meet in Room A of the Wilton Library in Wilton Center. Meeting format will be the structured workshop held for several prior meetings. Bring one poem and copies of it for the other participants.

Poems should be no longer than 2 pages of Times Roman, Font 12.

Reference desk can direct you to Room A

Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road
Wilton, CT
203-762-3950

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Sunday, January 17 2010
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, January 18 2010
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, January 18 2010
7:00pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Hosted by J-Cherry this warm group encourages personal development - come play with us! You’ll find Phill is available to drum along if you like. We have a piano and congas or BYO instrument, poem, dance or whatever artistic piece of yourself you’d like to share. We’re all in this together - let’s have some fun and create ourselves anew!

7:00pm sign up; 7:30pm start. $3.00-5.00 suggested donation.

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

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

Monday January 18 2010
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 19 2010
7:00pm

THE ORDINARY EVENING READING SERIES
featuring Lisa Siedlarz and Sheila Kohler

Lisa Siedlarz’s debut poet collection, I Dream My Brother Plays Baseball, was published in 2009 by Clemson University Digital Press. Lisa holds a Masters in Fine Arts from Western Connecticut State University. She is the editor of Connecticut River Review and managing editor of Connecticut Review. She has won the John Holmes Poetry Prize and the Leo Connellan Award and was nominated for the 2009 Best New Poets Award. She also facilitated a 16-week writing workshop with Vietnam veterans and edited a collection of their work called The Season of Now. Lisa works for Southern Connecticut State University and lives in New Haven.

Sheila Kohler’s most recent novel, Becoming Jane Eyre, will be published in January 2010 by Viking, Penguin. She has written six other novels: The Perfect Place; The House on R Street; Cracks; Children of Pithiviers; Crossways; and Bluebird or the Invention of Happiness; and three collections of short stories: Miracles in America; One Girl; and Stories from Another World. Her work has been translated in a variety of languages including Hebrew and Japanese and published widely abroad, and has appeared in a host of top publications. Sheila has received the O.Henry twice, the Open Voice Award, the Smart Family Foundation prize, The Willa Cather Prize, and the Antioch Review Prize. In addition, Sheila was a fellow at the New York Public Library’s Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers in 2003-4.

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

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Tuesday, January 19 2010
7:00pm - 9:00pm

SHORELINE CLUSTER POETS

Shoreline Cluster Poets meets first and third Tuesday of each month at Scranton Library. For more information, please contact Rudy Sturk at scpoets@yahoo.com.

Scranton Library
801 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
203-245-7365

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

Tuesday, January 19 2010
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, January 20 2010
7:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Sympetalous

Direct from the 60’s, wild-eyed poet-guy Sympetalous will read his own all-natural hipster beat poetry. The following poem is what Sympetalous sent as a bio:

A mild mannered reporter for The Subterranean Homesick News
hears the call of fate and suddenly awakes Some Velvet Morning
when he’s straight then starts to sway and write this way
for no apparent planetary reason save the subtle motion
of a Deep Blue Moon and the Red Dwarf Stars…

And all the while a Whirling Earth performs
one full ellipsis around an ever Sacred Sun and soon
bright pulsing words from Pipes of Pan now rise & soar
and hang a bit about a pointed space filled with heat & light
and pairs of eager ears open wide to vivid minds
some even willing to shoot the rapids
and then float the calms
of this Stream o’ Con
Ki-o-tay
!

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 at wedpoetry.wordpress.com.

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

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Thursday, January 21 2010
12:30pm - 2:00pm

TIME OUT FOR POETRY

Ogden Nash, Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Dr. Seuss, Emily Dickinson and maybe even the Burma Shave verses will live again at Madison’s Scranton Library. Area residents are invited to share their favorite poems on the third Thursday of every month, when it will be “Time Out for Poetry.” This informal gathering is free and welcomes those who wish to share two or three short poems, or simply to listen. “Time Out for Poetry” will provide, as Robert Frost defined poetry, “a momentary stay against confusion.”

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Scranton Library and hosted by Susannah Graedel. For further information please call her at 203-421-1961.

Local History Room
Scranton Library
801 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
203-245-7365

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Thursday, January 21 2010
6:30pm

WORD OF MOUTH POETRY SERIES

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.

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Thursday, January 21 2010
7:00pm

WINTONBURY BRANCH POETRY SERIES
featuring Alexandria Sergio

Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series & Open Mike presents Alexandria Sergio, author of a recent collection, My Daughter is Drummer in the Rock ‘n Roll Band. She is first prize-winner in the 2007 Connecticut Senior Poetry Contest and has published widely in many journals, including in Caduceus and the Connecticut River Review.

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

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Thursday, January 21 2010
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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Thursday, January 21 2010
7:30pm - 9:00pm

THIRD THURSDAY OPEN MIC

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

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

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Friday, January 22 2010
7:00pm - 8:00pm

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL POETRY SERIES

Westminster School will host a series of literary readings given by students, teachers and guest writers in the Gund Reading Room of its Armour Academic Center. The readings are free and open to the public. Upcoming readings are scheduled on Jan. 22, Feb. 26, April 16, and May 21. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the readings and ample parking will be available in the parking lot adjacent to the Armour Academic Center.

Gund Reading Room
Armour Academic Center
Westminster School
995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT

Anyone wishing additional information about the reading series should contact Michael Cervas at 860-784-1865.

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Sunday, January 24 2010
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, January 25 2010
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, January 25 2010
7:00pm

ANYTHING GOES!
An open mike with J-Cherry

Hosted by J-Cherry this warm group encourages personal development - come play with us! You’ll find Phill is available to drum along if you like. We have a piano and congas or BYO instrument, poem, dance or whatever artistic piece of yourself you’d like to share. We’re all in this together - let’s have some fun and create ourselves anew!

7:00pm sign up; 7:30pm start. $3.00-5.00 suggested donation.

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

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Monday, January 25 2010
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, January 26 2010
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, January 27 2010
7:30pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Return of the Hosts

“You thought they were gone but now they’re back!”

Following the open mike, the feature for the evening is a gaggle of present and former Wednesday Night Poetry hosts doing their own song and dance act...er, wait no, reading their poetry. And we have quite a pack of present and former hosts. Take a look at our Hosts page at wedpoetry.wordpress.com/hosts-2.

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 at wedpoetry.wordpress.com.

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

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Wednesday, January 27 2010
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
www.poetzrealm.com

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Thursday, January 28 2010
6:30pm

RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES presents The UNDERWOOD CAFE
featuring Kate Rushin

Kate Rushin is the author of The Black Back-Ups. Her poem, “The Bridge Poem,” appears in This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color, a ground-breaking feminist anthology edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa. Her work is widely anthologized and has been published in such journals as Callaloo.

A Connecticut resident, Kate currently teaches creative writing at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Previously, she taught at Wesleyan University as Associate Professor and Visiting Poet. She has read and presented workshops at HillStead Museum’s Sunken Garden Poetry Festival, and has led workshops for the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies and Cave Canem Foundation. She has served as a judge for the Connecticut State University-IMPAC Young Writers Award, the Connecticut Poetry Circuit Student Poetry Contest, and the NEA’s/Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Out Loud. Kate received her B.A. from Oberlin College and her M.F.A. from Brown University. She is a former Fellow of The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown and a graduate fellow of Cave Canem Foundation.

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: www.riverwoodpoetry.org or www.woodmemoriallibrary.org.

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

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Thursday, January 28 2010
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, January 30 2010
6:30pm

THE RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES at Buttonwood
presents John Jeffrey and David Leff

John Jeffrey is editor of the internet-based CT Poet Newsletter. His fiction and poetry have appeared in journals such as The Fairfield Review, Bent Pin Quarterly, and the Connecticut River Review, among others, and he has read at numerous venues around the state. Years ago, John earned a double degree in writing and literature, but he has spent his adult life trying to unlearn what he was taught.

David K. Leff is a freelance writer from Collinsville, Connecticut. By turns lyrical, angry, and philosophical, his poems are always elegant in language, accurate in observation, and passionate in point of view. His essays and fiction have appeared in newspapers and magazines, and he has written two non-fiction books: The Last Undiscovered Place, a Connecticut Book Award finalist, and Deep Travel. A graduate of the University Of Connecticut School of Law, Leff was a Deputy Commissioner with the Connecticut DEP until his retirement in 2006.

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

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Sunday, January 31 2010
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

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

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 244

2009-12-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

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

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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

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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

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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/

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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/

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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/

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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/

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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

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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

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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

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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/

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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/

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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

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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/

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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

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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

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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/

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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

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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

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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:
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

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 243

2009-11-01T00:01:00.007-04:00

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

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

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

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

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.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

VII:__SUBSCRIPTION AND CONTACT INFORMATION_________

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THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 242

2009-10-01T00:01:00.008-04:00

Poetry in Connecticut - October, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS_______________________________________

Quotes
Poem of the Month
Book of the Month
Website of the Month
News Items / Writing Workshops
Poetry Calendar for October
Subscription and Contact Information

I:__QUOTES________________________________________________

You don’t make a poem with ideas, but with words.
– Stéphane Mallarmé

A poet must never make a statement simply because it sounds poetically exciting; he must also believe it to be true.
– W. H. Auden

I can’t understand these chaps who go round American universities explaining how they write poems: It’s like going round explaining how you sleep with your wife.
– Philip Larkin

II:__POEM OF THE MONTH__________________________________

“Love is not all: It is not meat nor drink”

Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892 - 1950)

Love is not all: It is not meat nor drink
Nor slumber nor a roof against the rain,
Nor yet a floating spar to men that sink
and rise and sink and rise and sink again.
Love cannot fill the thickened lung with breath
Nor clean the blood, nor set the fractured bone;
Yet many a man is making friends with death
even as I speak, for lack of love alone.
It well may be that in a difficult hour,
pinned down by need and moaning for release
or nagged by want past resolution’s power,
I might be driven to sell your love for peace,
Or trade the memory of this night for food.
It may well be. I do not think I would.

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

IN VITRO: NEW SHORT RHYMING POEMS POST-9/11
by Leland Jamieson

In Vitro leads the reader to re-experience the often humorous aspirations of youth, on the one hand, and on the other to sense and feel in a palpable and graspable way that advance in awareness we call enlarged consciousness. This generous collection of 88 poems is divided into six sections: “Reprise—Weighing in with Papa,” “Scotsman Prophecy,” “Wood Splitter with Maul and Wedges,” “Astral Wings,” “Stonewalk Journey,” and “Invitation to Negative Space.” The mid-to latter poems often implicitly call into question the unexamined assumptions of a culture we take for granted. To the extent we do, we fail to perceive (even actively deny) what lies beneath our noses to sniff, before our eyes to see, within earshot, and in our hands to grasp. These poems help restore the culture-dazed reader’s sight, hearing, scent, and his or her tactile feeling of connectedness with Mother Earth.

Reviewer Steffen Horstmann called Jamieson’s first book, 21st Century Bread, an “outstanding book... of unusual unity and grace. An all too rare occasion—the release of a volume of formal verse by a new voice. As the reader advances through 21st Century Bread, it is impossible to ignore the powerful accumulation of sounds.”

Noneuclidean Café editor James Swingle wrote, “The Prologue, ‘Needles in a Pinewood’, shows right from the beginning what to expect from this wonderful volume: precisely observed imagery; a poet who confidently uses meter and rhyme; and poems that are expansive, that point to more than they say directly.”

And Oke Mbachu, writing in Contemporary Rhyme, called 21st Century Bread, “a powerhouse commitment to metrical, ear-rhyming verse... memory, insight, worldview, formal and overall poetic know-how leaven this collection to the considerable piece of work that it is.”

$13.95 CreateSpace (ISBN: 1441471219)

IV:__WEBSITE OF THE MONTH______________________________

SONNET CENTRAL

From the site: “Welcome to Sonnet Central, an archive of English [British] sonnets, commentary, and relevant web links and a forum for poets to share and discuss their own work”

The sonnets are grouped by eras (“Early Sonnets,” “Elizabethan Sonnets,” “Sonnets of World War I,” etc.) and by geographical area (“Canadian Sonnets,” “Brazilian Sonnets,” “Sonnets from Ireland,” etc.). There are also some rather curious sections, such as “Sonnets about Sonnets” and “Battle of the Sonnets,” where two classic sonnets of similar subject are pitted against one another. Vote!

www.sonnets.org

V:__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS____________________

Congratulations to Dick Allen whose recently-published collection, Present Vanishing, received the 2009 Connecticut Book Award in Poetry. The other finalists were Richard Deming for Let's Not Call It Consequence, and Jeffrey H. Kaimowitz for his translation The Odes of Horace.

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Saturday, October 17 2009
11:00am - 2:30pm

Poet Ira Joe Fisher conducts poetry writing workshop. Bring your work in progress. Light lunch included. Register online or call 351-8287. Read your poems at Open Mike November 8.

Main Library Third Floor Auditorium

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

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Saturday, October 17 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.

How often have you sat before your writing tablet or computer screen for hours at a time without writing a word? The starts are often the hardest because what we want to write comes to us by way of the abstract, that is, we feel something, so we want to write about it. But emotions are an intangible entity. As writers, it’s our job to take those “feelings” and turn them into something tangible.

In this workshop we will begin by exploring the fundamentals of poetry, including form, meter, rhyme, 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 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 use the poetic tools we’ve learned to begin writing that great story locked inside your head. 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 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. We will, after all, be writing from scratch! Visit my web site: www.angelfire.com/art/albrizio for examples of my work and more. Contact Eileen at EileenRain@aol.com to register.

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

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Sunday, October 18 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 10/18, 11/15, and 12/13. (In October the annual Block Island Writing Retreat will be held from Friday, Oct.2 - Sunday, Oct. 4). 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.

VI:__POETRY CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER______________________

Thursday, October 1 2009
7:00pm

CURBSTONE PRESS READING SERIES
with Alison Meyers and Reginald Flood

Alison Meyers became Executive Director of Cave Canem Foundation in September 2006. Previously, she directed the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival, a multi-faceted program of Hill-Stead Museum, CT, where she concurrently served as the museum’s Director of Marketing & Communications. Twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize, her poems have appeared or will appear in Caduceus II and VII, Connecticut Review, Freshwater Review, Common Ground Review, and Uralpool. www.alisonmeyers.com

Reginald Flood is a native Californian who now lives in a small town in southeastern Connecticut with his wife and two teenagers. His work has appeared in The Massachusetts Review, The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South and Gathering Ground: A Reader Celebrating Cave Canem’s First Decade. He is a Cave Canem graduate fellow and a recipient of the Walker Fellowship from the Provincetown Fine Arts Center. He teaches in the English Department at Eastern Connecticut State University.

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, October 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Friday, October 2 2009
7:00pm

MICHAEL CERVAS and CHARLOTTE O’HERRON

Westminster English teacher and poet Michael Cervas will be the featured reader at the opening reading on Friday, Oct. 2, and senior Charlotte O’Herron will be the student reader.

Westminster School will host a series of literary readings given by students, teachers and guest writers in the Gund Reading Room of its new Armour Academic Center on six Fridays during the 2009-2010 academic year.

The readings are free and open to the public. They are scheduled for Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, April 16 and May 21. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the readings and ample parking will be available in the parking lot adjacent to the Armour Academic Center .

Anyone wishing additional information about the reading series should contact Michael Cervas at 860-784-1865.

Gund Reading Room
Armour Academic Center
Westminster School
995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT

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Saturday, October 3 2009
12:00pm - 6:30pm

ART IN THE CITY
with Reggie Marra, Victoria Rivas, and Ernie Blue

Postponed to October 10. See the details below at the entry on the 10th.

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Sunday, October 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.

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

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Sunday, October 4 2009
2:00pm - 4:00pm

ALEXANDRINA SERGIO

Inaugural Reading from My Daughter is Drummer in the Rock ’n Roll Band (Antrim House) by Alexandrina Sergio. This recently-released first poetry collection has been described by Doug Anderson as “vigorous and celebratory in the tradition of E.E. Cummings.” In addition to the poetry reading there will be a reception, book signing and music. Sandy Sergio’s work has been published in numerous journals and anthologies and has been twice performed by a professional stage company. Awards include first place in the 2007 Connecticut Senior Poetry contest and second place in the 2008 Dorman John Grace Contest (NFSPS). The public is invited.

Welles Turner Memorial Library
2407 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT
860-652-7719

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Sunday, October 4 2009
4:00pm

SUNDAYS BY THE RIVER
featuring FRLAC Workshop Poets

FRLAC Workshop Poets: Geri Radacsi, Ray DeRham, Cathy Fiorello, Julia Paul, Jane Hikel and Sherri Bedingfield. Open Mike follows.

Admission: $10.00/session. Free for Open Mike.

Millrace Book Shop
40 Mill Lane
Farmington, CT

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Sunday, October 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 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, October 5 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, October 5 2009
7:00pm

TONY FUSCO AND LISA SEIDLARZ

Poets Tony Fusco and Lisa Seidlarz will read from their recently-published collections! Both are Southern graduates. Lisa is editor of the Connecticut River Review and is working on her MFA at Western CT. State, and Tony is president of the CT Poetry Society.

The Common Room
Engleman Hall D253
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT

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Monday, October 5 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, October 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

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Monday October 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

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Tuesday, October 6 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm

FIRST TUESDAY POETRY
featuring Kathryn Kelly

In the Celtic tradition of storytelling, Kathryn’s poems shape themselves as narrative pieces reflecting her connection to family and the world around her. Kathryn currently teaches English in Portland, CT, where she also runs a creative writing program for middle and high school students. She has taught poetry workshops in schools throughout the state, and has been an invited poet to facilitate workshops with the Litchfield Performing Arts’ Project Poetry Live! Her work has appeared in a variety of journals, including The Helix and NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English). She is a member of The Random Meetinghouse Poets.

Come help us welcome Kathryn Kelly 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, October 6 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, October 7 2009
6:00pm

CONFLUENCE
CONFLUENCIA
CONFLUENZA ... a community gathering to share the experiences of different cultures via the written word.
featuring Baub Bidon, Susan Charde, David K. Leff, Victoria Muñoz, and Tom Nicotera

The evening begins with a Musical Prelude with Featured Ensemble, Richard Gard, D.M.A., Associate Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College.

Feature readers are:

Baub Bidon, is a multi talented poet, actor, writer, playwright and visual artist. His body of work chronicles the afro-urban lifestyle. He echoes the outcry of men, women and children stemming from abuse, rape, injustice and inequalities of the judicial, education and employment system. Baub’s poetry is the voice of the unheard catapulted to ears of those who refuse to listen.

Susan Charde, a retired family therapist, is a writing teacher who has won six Pushcart nominations, edited and published an anthology of poetry, I Am Not A Juvenile Delinquent, won first prize in the Flume Press 2005 chapbook competition, and published Bad Girl At The Altar Rail and Four Trees Down From Ponte Sisto. Backwaters Press published her full-length collection, Branch In His Hand, in 2008.

David K. Leff, a freelance writer from Collinsville, Connecticut, has had his essays and fiction published in newspapers and magazines. His nonfiction book, The Last Undiscovered Place, published by the University of Virginia Press in 2004, deals with the relationship of people to their community and landscape and was a Connecticut Book Award finalist.

Victoria Muñoz is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a B.A. in music. She is a singer/songwriter and poet who has performed throughout western Connecticut, and elsewhere. She is inspired from the world around her as well as influences that stem from both her parents. She has featured her poetry on the East coast including places such as York Arts Festival (PA), Jester’s Café (MA), and Bethel Arts Junction.

Tom Nicotera has been writing poetry since his days as a college physics major. He has been a factory worker, street performer, mime, water/sewer repairman, copy editor and teacher. He is a founding member of Second Wind Poetry Group, ran the Takoma Cafe Poetry Series in Maryland, taught at Georgetown University, organized the poetry series at Susan’s Cafe in Granby, CT, and is currently co-host of Bloomfield Library’s Wintonbury Poetry Series.

Students, public, faculty & staff invited! The program is free of charge. Reservations are required. Please call 203-575-8044 or 8083 to reserve your seat. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday, October 6, at noon.

Visit www.nvcc.commnet.edu/confluencia for more information.

Playbox Theater
Naugatuck Valley Community College
750 Chase Parkway
Waterbury, CT
www.nvcc.commnet.edu

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Wednesday, October 7 2009
6:30pm

JEANS SANDS and JIM KELLEHER at Harwinton Library

Harwinton poet Jean Sands and Jim Kelleher of Goshen will read and sign books at the Library. Both poets are widely published.

Jean Sands will read from her recently released collection, Gandy Dancing. She is a journalist, reviewer, and correspondent whose interviews, essays and feature articles have earned her a Pushcart Prize nomination and appearances in the Register Citizen, The Litchfield County Mom, and Scholastic Corporation’s Web Site. Jean has taught poetry and creative writing to adults throughout northwest Connecticut for over 30 years.

Jim Kelleher will read from his first full-length collection, Quarry. Jim Kelleher is an adjunct professor of English at Northwestern Connecticut Community College as well as a poet. Jim has been writing poems for 30 years and his work has been published in Yankee Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Litchfield County Times.

Copies of the poets work will be available for purchase and signing. Come join us for an enjoyable evening of poetry and discussion with these talented and engaging writers. Please register.

Harwinton Public Library
80 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT
For information call the Harwinton library at 860-485-9113.
www.harwintonpl.org/news.htm

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Wednesday, October 7 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Matthew Hupert

Matthew is a multi-media artist, a writer, and that rarest of birds—the native new-yorker. He is the Founder of the Neuronautic Institute, Chairman of The NALF (New Amsterdam Liberation Front, which is dedicated to returning New York City back to the Dutch) and president of the Norman Bates School of Motel Management. He believes the primary role of the Artist is to be the stick that your Zen master smacks you in the head with. His poetry has been published in The Formalist, the Dadaist journal Maintenant3, and the Anthology 150 contemporary sonnets. He has self published 4 chapbooks, and has a major book publication coming—that is as soon as one of you publishers get off your ass and approach him. Poetry blog: neuronautic.blogspot.com.

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, October 8 2009
12:20pm

COLE SWENSEN

Cole Swensen poetry reading at Yale

In conjunction with the exhibition Continuous Present. Contact: 203-432-0600

Yale University Art Gallery
1111 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT

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

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Thursday, October 8 2009
7:00pm

THE GUILFORD POETS GUILD
presents Gray Jacobik.

Gray Jacobik lives in Deep River, Connecticut. Her collections include Brave Disguises (AWP Poetry Prize, Pittsburgh UP 2002), The Surface of Last Scattering (X. J. Kennedy Prize, Texas Review Press 1999) and The Double Task (Juniper Prize, UMASS Press, 1998). A memoir-in-verse, Little Boy Blue, is forthcoming for CavanKerry.

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, October 8 2009
7:00pm

MISHI-MAYA-GAT Spoken Word & Music Series
presents Asnuntuck Community College English Department Featured Reading, with John Sheirer, Edwina Trentham, and Elizabeth Szewczyk

7:00pm - Featured Musician: Bob Jordan, singer, guitarist & songwriter.

8:00pm - Featured Poets: Marshall Brooks, publisher & writer and Marilyn Johnston, poet.

Marshall Brooks has been involved in literary publishing for 40 years and has published work in numerous publications, including The Boston Globe, Worcester Telegram, New York Times, and the Generalist Papers. He the author of A Brief Illustrated History of the Bookshelf and edited and wrote the introduction to The Romance of the Book, which encompasses a selection of essays on books and the reading experience. In 1979, Brooks established Arts End Books (www.artsendbooks.com). Since 1999, Arts End Books has also been the sole distributor of the pioneering, independent, NYC-based book publisher, The Smith. More information on Brooks can be found at: www.marshallbrooks.com. His Mishi-maya-gat presentation is entitled, “Talking about Books in the 21st Century: Strategies & Anecdotes for Bibliophiles.”

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

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, October 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Saturday, October 10 2009
12:00pm - 6:30pm

ART IN THE CITY
with Reggie Marra, Victoria Rivas, and Ernie Blue

Greystone Arts presents “Art in the City.” The First Annual Event on October 3, 12:00pm - 6:30 (rain date Oct. 10)

Music and poetry while painters participate in a Pleine Aire event and Live Art wall. Come support art in the city and participate. Bring your lawn chairs, drums and paint brushes! All events on the Waterbury Green, Waterbury, CT.

12:00pm - Johnny B - acoustic folk guitar
1:00pm - Reggie Marra - Poet
1:30pm - Victoria Muñoz & Dan Stevens -Classical Flute and Guitar
2:30pm - Victoria Rivas - poet
3:00pm - River Road Band (set 1) - acoustic/folk/americana with Eric Paradine, Robert Scalla, Richard Lee
3:45pm - Ernie Blue - poet
4:15pm - River Road (Set 2)
5:00pm - Emcee Elvee - spoken word
5:30pm - Sounds of Afrika - community drum circle (drums will be provided first come first serve, or bring your own drum)

Find more information on this event at liveart.freightstreetgallery.com or Greystone Arts on Facebook.

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Saturday, October 10 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, October 11 2009
2:00pm

POETRY ON THE LINE SERIES at the Windsor Art Center
featuring Rennie McQuilkin and Marilyn Johnston

Marilyn Johnston and Rennie McQuilkin will read from their new books in an event entitled "After The Fall."

This will be the first event in 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

Marilyn E. Johnston has an MA in English from Trinity College. In the past decade, her work has received five Pushcart Prize nominations and has appeared in numerous literary journals including The Worcester Review, Atlanta Review, South Carolina Review, and Poet Lore. Her chapbook Against Disappearance was published as finalist for the 2001 Redgreene Press Poetry Prize, and she has two full-length collection, Silk Fist Songs and Weight of the Angel. She also directs a poetry series the Bloomfield Public Library

Rennie McQuilkin’s poetry has been published by The Atlantic Monthly, Poetry, The American Scholar, The Southern Review, The Yale Review, The Hudson Review, Crazyhorse, and other journals. He is the author of ten poetry collections, two of which have won awards, and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as the State of Connecticut. For many years he directed the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT, and subsequently founded Antrim House Books, which publishes the work of Northeastern poets. In 2003 he received the Connecticut Center for the Book’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Sunday, October 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.

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

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Sunday, October 11 2009
4:00pm

SUNDAYS BY THE RIVER
featuring Doug Anderson

Featuring Doug Anderson, author of Keep Your Head Down, and the award-winning poetry collection, The Moon Reflected Fire. Open Mike follows.

Admission: $10.00/session. Free for Open Mike.

Millrace Book Shop
40 Mill Lane
Farmington, CT

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Monday, October 12 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, October 12 2009
7:15pm

MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
featuring Paula Panzarella

Paula Panzarella, a New Haven resident, performance poet, and member of the Connecticut women’s poetry collective Artemis Rising, will be sharing her work. Come listen in and feel free to share your own work.

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

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Monday, October 12 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, October 12 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 October 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

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Tuesday, October 13 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, October 14 2009
4:00pm

BILL BERKSON at UConn

Bill Berkson is a poet, curator, editor and art critic and a professor at the San Francisco Art Institute. The Dodd Research Center holds the comprehensive archive of Berkson’s papers, including literary manuscripts, letters, records of his small press Big Sky, photographs, broadsides, and rare publications. The archive spans from 1960 to the present day and documents the poet’s remarkable body of work, his collaborations in and among the realms of visual art, media, and literature, and his affinities with poets and poetics of the New York School.

Berkson’s recent books of poetry include Gloria, Our Friends Will Pass Among You Silently, and Goods and Services. Other books include a collection of his criticism, The Sweet Singer of Modernism & Other Art Writings: 1985-2003; Sudden Address: Selected lectures 1981-2006; and an epistolary collaboration with Bernadette Mayer entitled What’s Your Idea of a Good Time?: Interviews & Letters 1977-1985. His Portrait and Dream: New & Selected Poems appeared from Coffee House Press in early 2009. Berkson was the 2006 Distinguished Mellon Fellow at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and received the 2008 Goldie for Literature from the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

Berkson entered the worlds of art and literature in his late teens, and during the 1960s worked in various capacities at Artnews, the Museum of Modern Art, and as associate producer of a show on art for public television. He moved to northern California in 1970 and during the next decade edited a series of little magazines and books under the Big Sky imprint. He now lives in San Francisco and New York.

The event is free and open to the public. Students, faculty and staff are welcome. An exhibit of materials from the Berkson papers will be on display. Refreshments immediately following.

McDonald Reading Room
Thomas J. Dodd Research Center
Univ. of Conn
Storrs, CT
generalbooks.bookstore.uconn.edu/event/bill-berkson-poetry-reading

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Wednesday, October 14 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm

CALLING ALL POETS (And Poetry Lovers)
presents Jeanne L. Lakatos

Jeanne L. Lakatos is a theorist and adjunct professor in the English and Writing, Linguistics and Creative Process Departments at Western Connecticut State University. Her work has been published in the National Science Teachers Association Journal and Rocky Mountain Review of Language and Literature. Ms. Lakatos has conducted numerous workshops for WestConns’s tutoring Resource Center and has written it’s Tutor Handbook. She also serves on the administration and English teaching team for the summer International Studies program.

Her doctoral research focuses on semiotics, iconic realism and sociolinguistics. She will discuss her new text, The Theory of Iconic Realism:Understanding the Arts Through Cultural Context, published by the Edwin Mellen Press.

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. Open mike theme: Classic Poetry.

“Calling All Poets” is hosted by Victoria Muñoz.

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

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Wednesday, October 14 2009
7:00pm

INESCAPABLE RHYTHMS
featuring C.S. Carrier

C.S. Carrier will read from his book, After Dayton, and new poems.

“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, October 14 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring John Jeffrey

John Jeffrey, a former host of Wednesday Night Poetry, is the current editor of the CT Poet Newsletter. His fiction and poetry have appeared in journals such as The Fairfield Review, Bent Pin Quarterly, and the Connecticut River Review, among others, and he has read at numerous venues around CT and NY. Years ago, John earned a double degree in writing and literature, but he has spent his adult life trying to unlearn what he was taught.

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, October 14 2009
8:00pm

BERNADETTE MAYER at Wesleyan

Bernadette Mayer, acclaimed poet, and a key Figure in New York Poetry Scene Reads at Wesleyan. Mayer’s poetry has been praised by John Ashbery as “magnificent.” Brenda Coultas calls her a master of “devastating wit.” Mayer is the author of more than two dozen volumes of poetry, including Midwinter Day, Sonnets, The Desires of Mothers to Please Others in Letters, and Poetry State Forest. A former director of the Poetry Project at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery and co-editor of the conceptual magazine 0 to 9 with Vito Acconci, Mayer has been a key figure on the New York poetry scene for decades.

Russell House
Wesleyan University
350 High Street
Middletown CT
For more information contact Jessica Posner, Russell House Arts Fellow, at 860-685-3448.

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Wednesday, October 14 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, October 15 2009
6:30pm

WORD OF MOUTH POETRY SERIES

Kate Rushin is the author of The Black Back-Ups (Firebrand Books). Her “The Bridge Poem” appears in This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color, a ground-breaking feminist anthology edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa. Recipient of the Rose Low Rome Memorial Poetry Prize and the Grolier Poetry Prize, her work is widely anthologized and has been published in such journals as Callaloo.

A Connecticut resident, Kate currently teaches creative writing at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Previously, she taught at Wesleyan University, where she served as Director of the Center of African-American Studies, Associate Professor and Visiting Writer. She has read at Hill-Stead Museum’s Sunken Garden Poetry Festival, the Geraldine Dodge Poetry Festival and Smith College Poetry Center, among many other places, and has led workshops for the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies and Cave Canem Foundation. She has served as a judge for the Connecticut State University-IMPAC Young Writers Award, the Connecticut Poetry Circuit Student Poetry Contest, and the NEA’s/Poetry Foundation’s Poetry Out Loud.

Kate received her B.A. from Oberlin College and her M.F.A. from Brown University. She is a former Fellow of The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown and a graduate fellow of Cave Canem Foundation.

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.

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Thursday, October 15 2009
7:00pm

WINTONBURY BRANCH POETRY SERIES
featuring Dick Allen

Wintonbury Branch Poetry Series kicks off with nationally-celebrated poet, Dick Allen. The author of seven volumes of poetry, Allen has garnered many honors, including a National Endowment for the Arts Award. His recently-published collection, Present Vanishing, received the 2009 Connecticut Book Award in Poetry.

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

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Thursday, October 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Thursday, October 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

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Friday, October 16 2009
7:00pm

MYSTIC ARTS CAFÉ
featuring Marie Howe

The Arts Cafe will feature the extraordinary Marie Howe making her debut at our podium. Howe’s work has won the National Poetry Series and the Lavan Younger Poetry Prize from the American Academy of Poets. She will read from her latest book of poems, The Kingdom of Ordinary Time, about which Eve Ensler has observed “This is the poetry of our times, a guide to living on the brink of the mystical and the mundane.”

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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Sunday, October 18 2009
2:00pm

NORAH POLLARD at Stratford Library

Norah Pollard will give the inaugural reading from her new book, Death & Rapture in the Animal Kingdom for the Stratford Library's special “Meet-the-Author” program. It is free and open to the public.

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’s three poetry collections (Leaning In, Report from the Banana Hospital, and Death & Rapture in the Animal Kingdom) were published in 2003, 2005, and 2009. She has had a life-long passion for the visual arts, which she has put to good use as an editor-designer and illustrator.

Stratford Public Library
2203 Main St.
Stratford , CT
For information: tom@stratford.lib.ct.us or 203-385-4164

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Sunday, October 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
www.bean-leaf.com

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Sunday, October 18 2009
2:00pm - 4:00pm

CT POETRY SOCIETY WINE & CHEESE READING

The program feature is “Three Faces of the Poet!” which will be followed by an open microphone.

The Connecticut Poetry will provide the wine, cheese and crackers, additional snacks can be purchased from The Buttonwood. The event is free for members of CPS, $5.00 for non-members; if you are not a member you can join at this event for the remainder of this year at a reduced rate. Donations will also be accepted for the CT Food Bank. There will be a special guest on the program and open microphone reading.

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

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Sunday, October 18 2009
4:00pm

SUNDAYS BY THE RIVER
featuring Marilyn Nelson

Marilyn Nelson, CT Poet Laureate 2002-2006 and author of Fortune’s Bones, Carver, The Freedom Business, Emmet Till, and others. Open Mike follows.

Admission: $10.00/session. Free for Open Mike.

Millrace Book Shop
40 Mill Lane
Farmington, CT

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Monday, October 19 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

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Monday, October 19 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, October 19 2009
7:00pm

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN at Southern Connecticut State University
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit's 2009 Touring Poet

Maria Mazziotti Gillan has published numerous books of poetry, including The Weather of Old Seasons, Where I Come From, Things My Mother Told Me, and Italian Women in Black Dresses. Her most recent work, All That Lies Between Us, received the 2008 American Book Award in Poetry. Additionally, she is co-editor with her daughter Jennifer of several anthologies that have invigorated our understanding of the diversity of poetry in America: Unsettling America, Identity Lessons, Growing Up Ethnic in America, and Italian-American Writers on New Jersey.

She is the editor of the Paterson Literary Review, founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ, and is also the Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

Maria has won the the Sheila Motton Award, May Sarton Award, the Fearing Houghton Award, the Pietro di Donato Award, the Aniello Lauri Award, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowships in Poetry, and the American Literary Translators Association Award through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, which was established in 1964 at the request of the Academy of American Poets. The work of the circuit is guided by a panel of poets: Dick Allen, Clare Rossini, Kate Rushin, and Vivian Shipley. Each year the panel nominates outstanding poets, from which one is chosen.

The Common Room
Engleman HAll D253
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT

www.southernct.edu/events

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Monday, October 19 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, October 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

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Tuesday, October 20 2009
12:30pm - 1:30pm

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN at Middlesex Community College
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit's 2009 Touring Poet

Maria Mazziotti Gillan has published numerous books of poetry, including The Weather of Old Seasons, Where I Come From, Things My Mother Told Me, and Italian Women in Black Dresses. Her most recent work, All That Lies Between Us, received the 2008 American Book Award in Poetry. Additionally, she is co-editor with her daughter Jennifer of several anthologies that have invigorated our understanding of the diversity of poetry in America: Unsettling America, Identity Lessons, Growing Up Ethnic in America, and Italian-American Writers on New Jersey.

She is the editor of the Paterson Literary Review, founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ, and is also the Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

Maria has won the the Sheila Motton Award, May Sarton Award, the Fearing Houghton Award, the Pietro di Donato Award, the Aniello Lauri Award, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowships in Poetry, and the American Literary Translators Association Award through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, which was established in 1964 at the request of the Academy of American Poets. The work of the circuit is guided by a panel of poets: Dick Allen, Clare Rossini, Kate Rushin, and Vivian Shipley. Each year the panel nominates outstanding poets, from which one is chosen.

Light refreshments will be served.

Student Lounge, Founders Hall
Middlesex Community College
100 Training Hill Road
Middletown, CT

www.mxcc.commnet.edu/Events

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Tuesday, October 20 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, October 21 2009
3:00pm - 5:00pm

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN at Central Connecticut State University
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit's 2009 Touring Poet

Maria Mazziotti Gillan has published numerous books of poetry, including The Weather of Old Seasons, Where I Come From, Things My Mother Told Me, and Italian Women in Black Dresses. Her most recent work, All That Lies Between Us, received the 2008 American Book Award in Poetry. Additionally, she is co-editor with her daughter Jennifer of several anthologies that have invigorated our understanding of the diversity of poetry in America: Unsettling America, Identity Lessons, Growing Up Ethnic in America, and Italian-American Writers on New Jersey.

She is the editor of the Paterson Literary Review, founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ, and is also the Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

Maria has won the the Sheila Motton Award, May Sarton Award, the Fearing Houghton Award, the Pietro di Donato Award, the Aniello Lauri Award, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowships in Poetry, and the American Literary Translators Association Award through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, which was established in 1964 at the request of the Academy of American Poets. The work of the circuit is guided by a panel of poets: Dick Allen, Clare Rossini, Kate Rushin, and Vivian Shipley. Each year the panel nominates outstanding poets, from which one is chosen.

Room 105
Vance Academic Center
Central Connecticut State University
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT

Contact: Ravi Shankar - shankarr@ccsu.edu
today.ccsu.edu/MasterCalendar

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Wednesday, October 21 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring David K. Leff

David K. Leff, who retired in 2006 after years as a Deputy Commissioner with the state Department of Environmental Protection, is author of The Last Undiscovered Place, which was a Connecticut Book Award finalist. He also wrote Deep Travel, and a volume of poetry, The Price of Water. He is a freelance writer, a member of the Hartford Courant Place Board of Contributors and is a columnist for The Valley News, a local weekly.

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, October 21 2009
8:00pm

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN at Manchester Community College
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit's 2009 Touring Poet

Maria Mazziotti Gillan has published numerous books of poetry, including The Weather of Old Seasons, Where I Come From, Things My Mother Told Me, and Italian Women in Black Dresses. Her most recent work, All That Lies Between Us, received the 2008 American Book Award in Poetry. Additionally, she is co-editor with her daughter Jennifer of several anthologies that have invigorated our understanding of the diversity of poetry in America: Unsettling America, Identity Lessons, Growing Up Ethnic in America, and Italian-American Writers on New Jersey.

She is the editor of the Paterson Literary Review, founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ, and is also the Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

Maria has won the the Sheila Motton Award, May Sarton Award, the Fearing Houghton Award, the Pietro di Donato Award, the Aniello Lauri Award, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowships in Poetry, and the American Literary Translators Association Award through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, which was established in 1964 at the request of the Academy of American Poets. The work of the circuit is guided by a panel of poets: Dick Allen, Clare Rossini, Kate Rushin, and Vivian Shipley. Each year the panel nominates outstanding poets, from which one is chosen.

Community Commons
Great Path Academy
Manchester Community College
Great Path
Manchester, CT

Contact: Steve Straight - sstraight@mcc.commnet.edu or 860-512-6255
www.mcc.commnet.edu/events

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Thursday, October 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Thursday, October 22 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

JACK McCARTHY at Buttonwood

“Stand-Up Poet” Jack McCarthy was born in Massachusetts and now lives in Seattle, Washington. He began writing poetry in the 1960s, but did not begin performing his works for audiences until the 1990s. It was then that he was introduced to slam poetry at the Cantab Lounge in Boston, Massachusetts, after intending to get his daughter interested in the artform. McCarthy has described his performance style as “stand-up poetry,” or that he is a “stand-up poet,” in that the work he does on stage is not subject to a specific regimen of poetic style, but is loose enough in form to be humorous and performed in a manner similar to that of stand-up comedy. He was awarded “Best Standup Poet” by the Boston Phoenix in the 1990s. His storytelling and humor are well regarded within the performance poetry community. His work is funny, serious and heart wrenching. Visit www.standupoet.net.

While Jack McCarthy calls himself a “standup poetry guy,” others have called him a “legend.” Poet Stephen Dobyns calls him, “one of the wonders of contemporary poetry.” And the Boston Globe said, “In the poetry world, he’s a rock star.”

This is a rare CT appearance. Don’t miss the performance!

There will also be an open mike. $5.00 donation.

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

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Friday, October 23 2009
1:00pm

POETRY DISCUSSION GROUP
discusses Selected Poems of Thomas Hardy.

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

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Friday, October 23 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 5-8 minutes, and that you come prepared to be impressed! Please reserve your spot at the Information counter or at www.rjjulia.com.

RJ Julia Booksellers
768 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
203-245-3959
books@rjjulia.com

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Friday, October 23 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

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Saturday, October 24 2009
7:00pm (doors open a 6:30pm)

POETRY SALON En Masque
The poetry event of the season!

Oscar Wilde said, “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.” So disguise yourself as your favorite literary character, author, or poet and let's hear you tell it like it is!

Raffles! Prizes for best costumes! Special Guests! Open mike! Light refreshments served; finger food contributions welcome--BYOB. Admission: $5 donation to the Gallery.

Open mike sign up by email to vicblu@mindspring.com, terriklein@aol.com, or poetry@freightstreetgallery.com (subject: Poetry Salon open mike). Positions on the open mike list will be assigned as reservations are received, with additional names added at the Salon (first come, first served) until the list is filled. Got books/CD's/locks of hair to sell? Bring 'em down! RSVP

Freight Street Gallery
170 Freight Street
Waterbury, CT
www.freightstreetgallery.com

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Sunday, October 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
www.bean-leaf.com

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Sunday, October 25 2009
4:00pm

SUNDAYS BY THE RIVER
featuring Sharon Charde adn Ingrid Grenon

Featuring Sharon Charde, author of Branch In His Hand, and Ingrid Grenon, author of Simply This, illustrated by Sarah McQuilkin. Open Mike follows.

Admission: $10.00/session. Free for Open Mike.

Millrace Book Shop
40 Mill Lane
Farmington, CT

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Monday, October 26 2009
7:00pm

GERALDINE MILLS at UConn

Irish novelist and poet Geraldine Mills has two published collections of short fiction, Lick of the Lizard and The Weight of Feathers. Her fiction has won the OKI Award, the Moore Medallion, the North Tipperary Award, the South Tipperary Award, and the Aspire Short Story Competition. She was named the Millennium winner of the Hennessy/Sunday Tribune New Irish Writer Award. She has three published collections of poetry with a fourth one coming out in the fall—Unearthing Your Own, Toil the Dark Harvest, and The Brightness Blinding. Her monologue “This is From The Woman Who Does” was produced by the Provincetown Theater Playwrights’ Festival in 2004.

UConn Co-op Bookstore
2075 Hillside Rd.
Storrs, CT
generalbooks.bookstore.uconn.edu/event/evening-geraldine-mills-irish-novelist-poet

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Monday, October 26 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, October 26 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, October 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

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Wednesday, October 27 2009
12:15pm

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN at University of Hartford
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit's 2009 Touring Poet

Maria Mazziotti Gillan has published numerous books of poetry, including The Weather of Old Seasons, Where I Come From, Things My Mother Told Me, and Italian Women in Black Dresses. Her most recent work, All That Lies Between Us, received the 2008 American Book Award in Poetry. Additionally, she is co-editor with her daughter Jennifer of several anthologies that have invigorated our understanding of the diversity of poetry in America: Unsettling America, Identity Lessons, Growing Up Ethnic in America, and Italian-American Writers on New Jersey.

She is the editor of the Paterson Literary Review, founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ, and is also the Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

Maria has won the the Sheila Motton Award, May Sarton Award, the Fearing Houghton Award, the Pietro di Donato Award, the Aniello Lauri Award, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowships in Poetry, and the American Literary Translators Association Award through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, which was established in 1964 at the request of the Academy of American Poets. The work of the circuit is guided by a panel of poets: Dick Allen, Clare Rossini, Kate Rushin, and Vivian Shipley. Each year the panel nominates outstanding poets, from which one is chosen.

Wilde Auditorium
University of Hartford
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT

Contact: Ben Grossberg - Grossberg@hartford.edu
www.hartford.edu/newsevents/calendar

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Tuesday, October 27 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, October 28 2009
7:30pm

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit's 2009 Touring Poet

Maria Mazziotti Gillan has published numerous books of poetry, including The Weather of Old Seasons, Where I Come From, Things My Mother Told Me, and Italian Women in Black Dresses. Her most recent work, All That Lies Between Us, received the 2008 American Book Award in Poetry. Additionally, she is co-editor with her daughter Jennifer of several anthologies that have invigorated our understanding of the diversity of poetry in America: Unsettling America, Identity Lessons, Growing Up Ethnic in America, and Italian-American Writers on New Jersey.

She is the editor of the Paterson Literary Review, founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ, and is also the Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

Maria has won the the Sheila Motton Award, May Sarton Award, the Fearing Houghton Award, the Pietro di Donato Award, the Aniello Lauri Award, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowships in Poetry, and the American Literary Translators Association Award through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, which was established in 1964 at the request of the Academy of American Poets. The work of the circuit is guided by a panel of poets: Dick Allen, Clare Rossini, Kate Rushin, and Vivian Shipley. Each year the panel nominates outstanding poets, from which one is chosen.

Sponsored by the Saint Joseph College English Department and by the Ann Clark Canivan ’58 Fund which supports the advancement and enjoyment of poetry as a literary form. Admission is free of charge. For more information, contact Dr. Dennis Barone, professor of English and American Studies, at 860-231-5379 or dbarone@sjc.edu.

Second Floor Reception Room
The Bruyette Athenaeum
Saint Joseph College
1678 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT

www.sjc.edu/about/calendar.html

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Wednesday, October 28 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

“IRISH POETRY” with GERALDINE MILLS

Irish poet and fiction writer Geraldine Mills’ surreal images and deep knowledge of the quirks of human nature make her writing resonate for a diverse audience. Her poetry is highly imagistic, calling up both the natural world of Ireland and the deeper yearnings within us all.

The Theatre and Betty R. Tipton Room are on the upper level of the Student Center

Student Center Theatre
Eastern Connecticut State University
83 Windham Street
Willimantic, CT
www.easternct.edu/university_hour.htm

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Wednesday, October 28 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Jack McCarthy

Put on Your Pirate Hat, Jack McCarthy is coming for Halloween! Every year we have our annual Halloween bash with costume contest. This year we have a feature as well. And what could be better on Halloween than the consummate storyteller poet!

Jack McCarthy is a working guy from the Boston area who’s been writing poetry since the mid-60s. He’d been averaging about a poem a year until 1992-93, when two things happened. First, his new wife, Carol, blackmailed him into attending a workshop with Galway Kinnell; then he brought his daughter Annie, for her birthday, to the open mike at the Cantab Lounge in Central Square, Cambridge, hoping she’d get excited about poetry. Jack was the one who got hooked. Since then he’s brought out Grace Notes, two chapbooks (Actual Grace Notes and Too Old to Make Excuses (But Still Young Enough to Make Love)), a 60-minute cassette tape (Poems for Hannah), and a CD (Breaking Down Outside a Gas Station). A major book, Say Goodnight, Grace Notes, was released in 2003 by EM Press to rave reviews. His work has appeared in a number of anthologies, including The Spoken Word Revolution. Among his influences he numbers Robert Frost, Dylan Thomas, and Garrison Keillor. He doesn’t think of himself as a “performance poet,” but as a “standup poetry guy,” a writer of poems that perform themselves. See standupoet.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, October 28 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, October 29 2009
5:30pm - 7:00pm

LESLIE McGRATH
Book launch and reception in Mystic

Leslie McGrath's first collection of poetry, Opulent Hunger, Opulent Rage, has just been published by Main Street Rag Publishing. Winner of the Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry and the Philbrick Chapbook Prize, McGrath's sensual, and often food-related, poems have been published widely across the United States and Europe. McGrath is the managing editor of Drunken Boat online journal of the arts and a literary interviewer whose recent features have included Connecticut poets Dick Allen and Marilyn Nelson.

Please join Leslie for a brief reading, signing, and a delicious celebration at Bank Square Books.

Bank Square Books
53 West Main Street
Mystic, CT
860-536-3795
www.banksquarebooks.com

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Thursday, October 29 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES presents The UNDERWOOD CAFE
featuring Geri Radacsi and Alexandrina Sergio

Geri Radacsi’s third poetry collection, Tightrope Walker, is based on works of art. These new poems are intensely personal and impressionistic, not bound by the confines of their sources, although they also throw new light on a wide variety of artwork. Ms. Radacsi has been a journalist, English teacher, communication/media specialist, and freelance writer. Currently, she is Associate Director of University Relations, Emerita, at Central Connecticut State University. Her prize-winning chapbook, Ancient Music, was published in 2000; and her full-length poetry collection, Trapped in Amber, appeared in 2005. Her awards include the 2003 Connecticut River Review Poetry Prize, a Pushcart Prize nomination, and several awards from the Connecticut Poetry Society. In 2004 she was a finalist in the Comstock Review, Blue Light Press and Owl Creek poetry contests.

Alexandrina Sergio’s 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.

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: www.riverwoodpoetry.org or www.woodmemoriallibrary.org.

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

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Thursday, October 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Thursday, October 29 2009
7:30pm

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN at Wesleyan University
The Connecticut Poetry Circuit's 2009 Touring Poet

Maria Mazziotti Gillan has published numerous books of poetry, including The Weather of Old Seasons, Where I Come From, Things My Mother Told Me, and Italian Women in Black Dresses. Her most recent work, All That Lies Between Us, received the 2008 American Book Award in Poetry. Additionally, she is co-editor with her daughter Jennifer of several anthologies that have invigorated our understanding of the diversity of poetry in America: Unsettling America, Identity Lessons, Growing Up Ethnic in America, and Italian-American Writers on New Jersey.

She is the editor of the Paterson Literary Review, founder and the Executive Director of the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ, and is also the Director of the Creative Writing Program and a Professor of Poetry at Binghamton University-State University of New York.

Maria has won the the Sheila Motton Award, May Sarton Award, the Fearing Houghton Award, the Pietro di Donato Award, the Aniello Lauri Award, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowships in Poetry, and the American Literary Translators Association Award through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Connecticut Poetry Circuit was established in 1968 to continue the work of the New England Poetry Circuit, which was established in 1964 at the request of the Academy of American Poets. The work of the circuit is guided by a panel of poets: Dick Allen, Clare Rossini, Kate Rushin, and Vivian Shipley. Each year the panel nominates outstanding poets, from which one is chosen.

Russell House
Wesleyan University
350 High Street
Middletown CT

For more information contact Jessica Posner, Russell House Arts Fellow, at 860-685-3448.
www.wesleyan.edu/writing/distinguished_writers

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Saturday, October 31 2009
6:30pm

THE RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES at Buttonwood
presents the Undead Poets Halloween Party.

Can the bards be dead when their words are undying? “No!” cries Riverwood Series, mysterious medium of Connecticut poetry. Come on down, place your hands upon the table, and experience Poe, Millay, Service, Sexton, and more as Riverwood embodies his—or is it her?—favorite dead poets this Halloween.

Plus! Make your own favorite poet “undead” in the open mike. You can even come in costume, if the spirit moves you.

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

VII:__SUBSCRIPTION AND CONTACT INFORMATION_________

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www.yahoogroups.com/groups

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John Jeffrey at ctpoetnews@yahoo.com

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 241

2009-09-01T00:01:00.008-04:00

Poetry in Connecticut - September, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS_______________________________________

Quotes
Poem of the Month
Book of the Month
Website of the Month
News Items / Writing Workshops
Poetry Calendar for September
Subscription and Contact Information

I:__QUOTES________________________________________________

The most valuable of talents is never using two words when one will do.
– Thomas Jefferson

So-called difficult poetry is often very rude. It ignores the presence of the reader. It wants to be an act of writing taking place in front of you, but it doesn’t want to address you.
– Billy Collins

Poems have become reflexively, wearyingly, claustrophobically (or is that agoraphobically?) personal, seeking nothing but miniature epiphanies, like so many needles in the disorderly haystack of life. Poets retail the meager incidents of their lives, even if they’ve suffered nothing worse than an IRS audit, a bicycle accident, and a headache..
– William Logan

II:__POEM OF THE MONTH__________________________________

THE HANGMAN AT HOME

Carl Sandburg (1878 - 1967)

What does the hangman think about
When he goes home at night from work?
When he sits down with his wife and
Children for a cup of coffee and a
Plate of ham and eggs, do they ask
Him if it was a good day’s work
And everything went well or do they
Stay off some topics and talk about
The weather, baseball, politics
And the comic strips in the papers
And the movies? Do they look at his
Hands when he reaches for the coffee
Or the ham and eggs? If the little
Ones say, Daddy, play horse, here’s
A rope—does he answer like a joke:
I seen enough rope for today?
Or does his face light up like a
Bonfire of joy and does he say:
It’s a good and dandy world we live
In. And if a white face moon looks
In through a window where a baby girl
Sleeps and the moon gleams mix with
Baby ears and baby hair—the hangman—
How does he act then? It must be easy
For him. Anything is easy for a hangman,
I guess.

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

GANDY DANCING
by Jean Sands

In her first full-length poetry collection, Gandy Dancing, Jean Sands has pulled out all the stops. The utter honesty of this compelling book is shocking and welcome. One cannot read its poems without being inspired by the courage, resilience, love, and eventual victory they describe in language stripped to the essentials. From the title poem (describing the way the young poet sees a threatening gang of gandy dancer drunks as circus performers) to the last poem in the collection, “I Became the Woman I Am Now,” Gandy Dancing is a song of triumph, the triumph of the human spirit over the worst that life can throw against it.

About the book, Cortney Davis writes, “The poems in Jean Sands’ debut collection, Gandy Dancing, are straightforward and strong, revealing and transformative... This is a powerful and unforgettable collection. Reading Gandy Dancing, I was reminded that poetry can change our lives.” Honor Moore adds, “Gandy Dancing is an extraordinary first book, the narrative of an American Everywoman whose life does not often come into poems. In language that is direct, uncommonly modest, and so unsparing it breaks the heart, Jean Sands brings that woman, herself, beautifully, shockingly into the great conversation of American poetry.” And Dick Allen is equally enthusiastic: “As I read and re-read Jean Sands’ poems, the word that comes to me again and again is harrowing... Intense feelings are shared, yet kept ruthlessly in check. Not an image or sound is out of place. Almost every poem clicks shut, is an illuminated and illuminating scene, so honest (the best poem in this intense collection may well be ‘If We Are Honest’) and vivid, so frighteningly lacking in self-pity, it makes the reader say, ‘Yes, damn it, this is unflinching, this is what it’s like to be beaten and survive, this is how our lives are.’

Jean Sands’ poetry has been published in literary journals, anthologized, and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She is also a journalist, reviewer, and correspondent whose interviews, essays, and feature articles appear in regional and national publications as well as online. Jean has served as a poet in the schools and has taught poetry and creative writing to adults throughout northwest Connecticut for over twenty years. In addition, she edits novels and non-fiction books for private clients and occasionally offers writing tutorials.

$16.00 Antrim House (ISBN: 978-0-9817883-7-1)

Jean will be reading in Bethel on September 23. See the Poetry Calendar below for details.

IV:__WEBSITE OF THE MONTH______________________________

SILLIMAN’S BLOG

Ron Silliman, a poet generally associated with Language Poets, isn’t to everyone’s taste, but he’s a tireless blogger with definite opinions on contemporary poetry and poetics. His Wikipedia entry claims, “Silliman’s fame and notoriety have grown considerably since 2002, due in large part to his popular and controversial weblog. Debuting on August 29, 2002 to little fanfare and without expectations of an audience, it is now (arguably) the most influential English-language blog on the web that is devoted to contemporary poetry and poetics. Silliman’s Blog received its 2,000,000th visit on January 19, 2009.” Pretty impressive, especially for a blog about contemporary poetry. Yet regardless of his opinions on poetics or politics, his blog is an remarkable source for links to poetry blogs (in the left column) and poetry books, interviews, reviews, articles, and everything else (in the posts).

ronsilliman.blogspot.com

V:__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS____________________

September 2009

U.S. POET LAUREATE

Kay Ryan will return as the Poet Laureate (or, as the official mouthful of a title reads, the “Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress”) to serve a second term as Poet Laureate, for the 2009-2010 literary season.

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Sunday, September 20 2009
2:00pm

CONNECTICUT BOOK AWARDS

The eighth annual Connecticut Book Awards will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2009 in the atrium of Hartford Public Library.

This tribute to Connecticut ’s vigorous and varied literary community recognizes and honors books with specific ties to our state: the author, illustrator, or designer must be native-born or have been a legal resident of Connecticut for at least three years, or the book must have a Connecticut setting in order to be considered. Eligible books are those first published in the previous calendar year. Katharine Weber, winner of the 2008 award for Fiction, said that the Awards, “remind us that our state not only possesses a magnificent literary heritage but also has a significant, thriving contemporary population of notable writers of all persuasions.”

The Awards program, presented annually by Connecticut Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library since 2002, is free and open to the public. The following reception with book signings will be a ticketed event: nominated books will be for sale and all attending finalists will be available to sign their books. Tickets are $45 per person and will be held at the door; call 860-695-6320 or email klyons@hplct.org by 14 September to reserve.

Winners in each category will be announced for the first time during the program. Meriden-born children’s book author/illustrator Tomie dePaola will deliver the keynote.

Matthew K. Poland, Interim Co-Director of Hartford Public Library, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Fran Keilty, proprietor of Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot, will speak on behalf of the Connecticut Center for the Book Advisory Council, as its Chairperson.

The Lifetime Achievement in Service to the Literary Community Award will be presented to Bessy Reyna during the ceremony. Reyna is well-known throughout the state for both print and broadcast journalism, in both English and Spanish; for poetry readings and events, in both English and Spanish; and, for the poetry- and memoir-writing workshops she has offered at writers’ conferences and in public venues. Her many awards include: the 2001 Latina Citizen of the Year Award from the State of Connecticut Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission; the 2007 One Woman Makes a Difference Award from the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund; and, the 2009 Outstanding Latina Cultural Arts, Literary Arts and Publications Award from the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education. Among her literary awards are First Prize in the Joseph E. Brodine Poetry Competition and artist award grants from the Connecticut Commission on the Arts and the Greater Hartford Arts Council. She has been a Master Teaching Artist for the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism

This program is made possible in part by support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Email klyons@hplct.org, or call 860-695-6320 for more information.

Poetry book Finalists for 2009:

- Let’s Not Call It Consequence, Shearsman Books (UK), written by Richard Deming

- The Odes of Horace, the Johns Hopkins University Press, translated by Jeffrey H. Kaimowitz

- Present Vanishing, Sarabande Books, written by Dick Allen

Connecticut Center for the Book is a program of Hartford Public Library, and is Connecticut’s affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Its mission is to celebrate books, writers and readers who engender and sustain the life of the imagination and to highlight authors, illustrators, printers, publishers and the literary heritage of the State of Connecticut.

VI:__POETRY CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER_____________________

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

FIRST TUESDAY POETRY
featuring Wendy Battin

Wendy Battin is the author of In the Solar Wind, a selection of the National Poetry Series, and Little Apocalypse, first winner of the Richard Snyder Memorial Prize. Her work has appeared widely in anthologies and journals such as Poetry, The Nation, Field, Threepenny Review, and Yale Review. She’s taught at MIT, Smith College, Syracuse University, Boston University, Connecticut College, and most recently at the Center for Hellenic and Mediterranean Studies in Athens. She’s also a yoga teacher and Director of the Contemporary American Poetry Archive. She’s received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ingram Merrill Foundation, and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, and has been a fellow at The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Yaddo, MacDowell Colony, and Millay Colony for the Arts. Born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1953, she holds degrees from Cornell University and the graduate writing program at U. of Washington. She writes and teaches in Mystic, Connecticut.

Come help us welcome Wendy Battin 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, September 1 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, September 2 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm

CALLING ALL POETS (And Poetry Lovers)
presents Eileen Albrizio

Poet, playwright and novelist, Eileen Albrizio, whose work has appeared in numerous publications across the Northeast, will read from her latest book, Perennials, New and Selected Poems, a 2008 Connecticut Book Award nominee. Ms. Albrizio was the recipient of the 2008 New Boston Fund Individual Artist Fellowship, as well as numerous other awards.

The reading will be held in the East Wing of the library. 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. Open mike theme: Favorite Poetry.

“Calling All Poets” is hosted by Victoria Muñoz.

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

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

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Chris Bolster

Chris Bolster has recently published his first poetry collection, Dangerously Metaphorical, and also won one of WNPS’ poetry slams.

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, September 3 2009
7:00pm

CURBSTONE PRESS READING SERIES
with Linda McCarriston

Linda McCarriston is the senior core faculty member and Professor of Poetry in University of Alaska Anchorage’s Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program. Linda McCarriston has received two literature fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as two from the Vermont State Council on the arts. A winner of the Grolier Prize and the Consuelo Ford Prize from Poetry, she was awarded the poetry fellowship at the Bunting Institute (now the Radcliffe Institute) at Harvard for 1992-1993, after which she was named Jenny McKean Moore Visiting Writer in Washington at the George Washington University.

Her poems have appeared in, among many others, The Atlantic, Poetry, Georgia Review, Ploughshares, Calyx, TriQuarterly, and New England Review, which also solicited her oft-reprinted essay “The Grace of Form: Class Un consciousness and an American Writer” for a special issue on Class and American Writers. She has read at Berkeley, Poets’ House in NYC, The Library of Congress, and countless other sites around the country, is a featured poet in Bill Moyers’ PBS Poetry Series, The Language of Life (her tape, with Sandra McPherson: “The Field of Time”), and has been twice interviewed by Terry Gross for Public Radio’s Fresh Air.

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, September 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Friday, September 4 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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Sunday, September 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
www.bean-leaf.com

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Sunday, September 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 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, September 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
www.therussellct.com

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Monday, September 7 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, September 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 September 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

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Tuesday, September 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

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Wednesday, September 10 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, September 9 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Ngoma

Ngoma is a performance poet, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and paradigm shifter, who for over 40 years has used culture as a tool to raise sociopolitical and spiritual consciousness. He is a former member of the Spirit House Movers And Players with Amiri Baraka and the Contemporary Freedom Song Duo, Serious Bizness. Ngoma weaves poetry and song with the goal of raising contradictions and searching for a solution for a just and peaceful world.

He was the Prop Slam winner of the 1997 National Poetry Slam Competition in Middletown, CT, and was published in African Voices Magazine, Long Shot Anthology, The Underwood Review, Signifyin’ Harlem Review, Bum Rush The Page/Def Poetry Jam Anthology, and Poems On The Road To Peace (Volumes 1,2 & 3). He was featured in the PBS Spoken Word Documentary, “The Apro-Poets,” with Allen Ginsberg.

Ngoma has hosted the slam at the Dr. Martin Luther King Festival of Social and Environmental Justice Festival in New Haven for the past 11 years. He has a CD Movie Documentary “Ngoma: Alive and In Your Face from NYC” which features Jazz/Funk/Fusion and Spoken Word,and two more CDs “Didgitation: Solo Didgeridoo Musik for Meditation” and “Ancient Future Meditational Musik” which focus on altered states of consciousness. His latest CD,“Ngoma:State of Emergency” is a 2 Disc compilation of poems and music. For further info check out www.myspace.com/notyouraveragestringthing and www.Ngomazworld.com.

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, September 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 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, September 10 2009
7:00pm

MISHI-MAYA-GAT Spoken Word & Music Series
presents Asnuntuck Community College English Department Featured Reading, with John Sheirer, Edwina Trentham, and Elizabeth Szewczyk

7:00pm - Featured Musician: Yovianna García Alvarado, classical guitarist and composer. www.yoviannagarcia.com.

8:00pm - Featured Poets: John Sheirer, Edwina Trentham, and Elizabeth Szewczyk

John Sheirer is the author of the memoir, Loop Year: 365 Days on the Trail, which received the Connecticut Green Circle Award for environmental activism. He is also the author of the 2005 memoir, Growing Up Mostly Normal in the Middle of Nowhere, a finalist for the Sante Fe Writers Project Literary Award, as well as a book of poetry, Saying my Name. He teaches English and Communications at Asnuntuck Community College. More information on John, his books, and other reading appearances, can be found on his website: www.johnsheirer.com.

Edwina Trentham has one book of poetry, Stumbling into the Light, and has published her work in a number of magazines, including The American Scholar, Kalliope, The Massachusetts Review, Prairie Schooner, and Connecticut Review. Her work has also appeared in several anthologies. She has been a fellow at Yaddo, and has won a number of awards for her poetry, including honorable mention in the 2004 Sunken Garden Poetry Festival International Competition. She is professor of English at Asnuntuck Community College, where she is also the editor of Freshwater, a national poetry journal. More information on Freshwater can be found at: www.acc.commnet.edu/freshwater.htm. The poet’s website is: www.edwinatrentham.com.

Elizabeth Szewczyk is an adjunct professor of English at Asnuntuck Community College. Her recently published chapbook, This Becoming, has been described as, “Rich language and abundant imagery immediately set the tone for this unique collection filled with surprising insights. Once immersed, the reader is presented with honest recollections of both happiness and heartache as Elizabeth Szewczyk tackles themes of love and loss without sentimentality, self-pity, or vague generalizations” (Alexis Czencz Belluzzi, Practicing Distance).

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, September 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Friday, September 11 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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Saturday, September 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

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Sunday, September 13 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

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Sunday, September 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
www.bean-leaf.com

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Monday, September 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
www.therussellct.com

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Monday, September 14 2009
7:15pm

MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
featuring Robert Masterson

Robert Masterson is an award-winning writer, editor and teacher who divides his time between New York and New Mexico, has worked as a professor of English at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York, and at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Masterson’s creative work has appeared in numerous publications including Blue Mesa Review, Tierra: Contemporary NM Fiction, Tyounyi, The Temple, and Bombay Gin.

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

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Monday, September 14 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, September 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

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Tuesday, September 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

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Wednesday, September 16 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Will Nixon

Will Nixon’s book, My Late Mother as a Ruffed Grouse, offers poems inspired by his experiences growing up in the Connecticut suburbs, then living in Hoboken and Manhattan as a young man, and finally moving to a Catskills log cabin. His previous chapbooks are When I Had It Made and The Fish Are Laughing. His poems have also appeared in many journals, including Rattle, The Ledge, Slipstream, Wisconsin Review, Tar River Poetry, and others. He occasionally hosts a poetry segment on WDST’s Sunday morning radio talk show, “The Woodstock Roundtable.” As a journalist in the past, he was a contributing editor to The Amicus Journal, published by the Natural Resources Defense Council, and a correspondent for The Adirondack Explorer. More recently, he has been writing a series of “Walking” columns for the Woodstock Times with Michael Perkins, a fellow poet. His work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and and listed in The Best American Essays 2004. He now lives in Woodstock. To find out more or read a sample poem visit willnixon.com.

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, September 17 2009
6:00pm

JIM PEARCE in MYSTIC

Jim Pearce to read his poetry, including poems from his debut book, Slant Light.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Jim Pearce has resided in New London, Connecticut for more than fifteen years. He recently retired from the position of Quality Improvement Officer for a non-profit child and family agency in New London. Before that, he was a professional with United Way for thirty years, living in many parts of the country. He remains active in his retirement, serving on the New London Board of Education, engaging in volunteer work, traveling with his wife, Janet, and pursuing his writing career vigorously. His poetry has appeared in many national magazines.

Bank Square Books
53 W. Main St.
Mystic, CT
For information, call 860-536-3795.

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Thursday, September 17 2009
6:30pm

WORD OF MOUTH POETRY SERIES

Valerie Lawson has won awards for her poetry and performance at the Cambridge Poetry Awards and has been twice nominated for Pushcart Prizes. Dog Watch, her first full-length collection of poems was published in 2007 by Ragged Sky Press. She is currently working on a manuscript of poems about winter in far downeast Maine.

Lawson was the slammaster of the Bridgewater Poetry Slam at the Daily Grind Coffeehouse and a co-host of the Boston Poetry Slam. Lawson’s involvement in Boston area youth slams included the New England Scores slam and coaching an all-girl team that went to the YouthSpeaks National Slam. Lawson has traveled to Europe and the UK to perform poetry and helped host the Swedish Slam Nationals in 2002. Lawson was a participant in Optimal Avenues, a mixed-media cultural exchange between Massachusetts and Ireland, celebrating the United Nation's International Decade for the Culture of Peace. She has performed her poetry at First Night Boston, the Boston Center for the Arts Fringe Festival, at the Bank of Ireland Center and Mansion House in Dublin, at the Swedish National Poetry Slam, and regularly at Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway Theater with Doc Brown's Traveling Poetry Show. In 2008, Lawson was invited to the First Women of the World International Poetry Slam in Detroit as a Legacy Poet.

Lawson, along with her partner Michael Brown, co-edits the literary journal Off the Coast (www.off-the-coast.com).

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.

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Thursday, September 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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Thursday, September 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

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Friday, September 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
www.ridgefieldlibrary.org

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Friday, September 18 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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Friday, September 18 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 5-8 minutes, and that you come prepared to be impressed! Please reserve your spot at the Information counter or at www.rjjulia.com.

RJ Julia Booksellers
768 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
203-245-3959
books@rjjulia.com

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Sunday, September 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
www.bean-leaf.com

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Monday, September 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

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Monday, September 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
www.therussellct.com

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

Monday, September 21 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, September 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, September 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, September 23 2009
7:00pm - 8:30pm

AUTHOR'S LIVE
A reading by West Hartford’s new Poet Laureate, Dennis Barone

Author of fourteen books, Barone most recently co-edited with West Hartford resident James Finnegan, Visiting Wallace: Poems Inspired by the Life and Work of Wallace Stevens (University of Iowa Press, 2009). In 2008 Quale Press published North Arrow, a collection of seventeen stories that traverse stylistic, emotional, and geographical landscapes. From New Jersey to the Netherlands to abstract poetic terrain, Dennis Barone places his characters in situations where they’re forced to confront the nature of memory, of change, and of finding one’s way in a society that can be hostile to those who circumvent its meager expectations.

The poet Noah Eli Gordon has written: “There is a muscularity with which [Barone’s] writing unfolds, an accumulative approach that manages to move each piece through a veritable cornucopia of contrasting images and characters, of sets and props, enlivened by his consistently rhythmic and often speedy prose.” In 1998 Left Hand Books published his volume of selected poems, entitled Separate Objects.

Dennis Barone is a Professor of English and Director of American Studies at Saint Joseph College.

The event is free. Books will be available for purchase

Library Meeting Room
Noah Webster Library
20 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT
860-561-6950
www.westhartfordlibrary.org

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

Wednesday, September 23 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Jean Sands

Jean Sands’ poetry has been published in literary journals, anthologized, and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She is also a journalist, reviewer, and correspondent whose interviews, essays, and feature articles appear in regional and national publications as well as online. Jean has served as a poet in the schools and has taught poetry and creative writing to adults throughout northwest Connecticut for over twenty years. In addition, she edits novels and non-fiction books for private clients and occasionally offers writing tutorials. See www.antrimhousebooks.com/sands.html.

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, September 23 2009
8:00pm

THE RUSSELL HOUSE SERIES
presents a reading by the Wesleyan Writing Faculty

The Russell House Series, Wesleyan University’s internationally known writer’s series, begins its 2009-2010 program with a reading of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Novelist Lisa Cohen, novelist Deb Olin Unferth, and poet Elizabeth Willis, members of Wesleyan’s celebrated writing faculty, will read from their work. (Bios below.)

Wesleyan University
Russell House
350 High Street
Middletown, CT

For more information call 860-685-3448
www.wesleyan.edu/writing/distinguished_writers

Lisa Cohen’s poetry and nonfiction have appeared in numerous journals, including Ploughshares, Lit, Barrow Street, Bookforum, The Boston Review, and Voice Literary Supplement. She is currently completing a group biography of three early twentieth century figures—the fashion professional Madge Garland, the fan and collector Mercedes de Acosta, and the eccentric scholar Esther Murphy.

Deb Olin Unferth is the author of a collection of stories, Minor Robberies, and a novel, Vacation, both published by McSweeney's. Her work has appeared in Harper’s, 3rd Bed, Fence, and other publications. She has received a Pushcart Prize, a Creative Capital Grant from the Warhol Foundation, and in 2009 the Cabell First Novelist Award. She joins Wesleyan’s English department this year.

Elizabeth Willis is the Shapiro-Silverberg Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Wesleyan University. She is the author of four books of poetry, Second Law, The Human Abstract, Turneresque, and Meteoric Flowers. Her work has been selected for the National Poetry Series and her awards include the Boston Review Prize, an award from the Howard Foundation, a Walter N. Thayer Fellowship for the Arts, and a grant from the California Arts Council. As a critic, she has written on 19th- and 20th- century poetry, and she has edited a collection of essays entitled Radical Vernacular: Lorine Niedecker and the Politics of Place.

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

Wednesday, September 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 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, September 24 2009
6:30pm

RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES at Wood
presents Rennie McQuilkin

Rennie McQuilkin’s poetry has been published by The Atlantic Monthly, Poetry, The American Scholar, The Southern Review, The Yale Review, The Hudson Review, Crazyhorse, and other journals. He is the author of ten poetry collections, two of which have won awards, and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as the State of Connecticut. His latest book, The Weathering: New & Selected Poems, is culled from what McQuilkin considers the most lasting of his poems. For many years he directed the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT, and subsequently founded Antrim House Books, which publishes the work of Northeastern poets. In 2003 he received the Connecticut Center for the Book’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

Wood Memorial Library
783 Main Street
South Windsor, CT
860-289-1783
www.woodmemoriallibrary.org
www.riverwoodpoetry.org

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

Thursday, September 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: www.bean-leaf.com.

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

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

Friday, September 25 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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

Friday, September 25 2009
7:00pm

MYSTIC ARTS CAFE

The long standing poetry and music series returns. Mystic Arts Café is an eclectic series featuring nationally renowned poets. The doors open at 7:00pm, reading begins at 7:30pm.

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

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

Saturday, September 26 2009
6:30pm

THE RIVERWOOD POETRY SERIES at Buttonwood

An evening of poetry. See www.riverwoodpoetry.org for details.

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.

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

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

Sunday, September 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
www.bean-leaf.com

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

Monday, September 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
www.therussellct.com

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

Monday, September 28 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, September 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, September 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, September 30 2009
6:30pm

CAROL ALTIERI & PAT O’BRIEN in CLINTON

Carol Altieri, author of The Jade Bower, and Patricia O’Brien of the Guilford Poetry Guild will read from their collections of poetry.

The poems of Altieri and O’Brien have been described as passionate and tender with rich insight and engaging humor. They are both published poets and recipients of many poetry awards.

This event is free and no registration is required.

The Henry Carter Hull Library
10 Killingworth Turnpike
Clinton, CT
860-669-2342

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

Wednesday, September 30 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Cortney Davis

Cortney Davis, a career RN, nurse practitioner, and award winning writer and poet has written numerous volumes of poetry and prose, and is the poetry editor of Alimentum: the Literature of Food (www.alimentumjournal.com). The poems in her new poetry chapbook, Conversion / Return, are all religious and very personal, documenting first her conversion to Judaism, then to Catholicism. Visit her website at www.cortneydavis.com.

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

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

THE CONNECTICUT POET ONLINE NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 240

2009-08-01T00:01:00.003-04:00

Poetry in Connecticut - August, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS_______________________________________

Quotes
Poem of the Month
Book of the Month
Website of the Month
News Items / Writing Workshops
Poetry Calendar for August
Subscription and Contact Information

I:__QUOTES________________________________________________

A real book is not one that we read, but one that reads us.
– W. H. Auden

A poet is a man who manages, in a lifetime of standing out in thunderstorms, to be struck by lightning five or six times.
– Randall Jarrell

Poetry has been to me its own exceeding great reward; it has given me the habit of wishing to discover the good and beautiful in all that meets and surrounds me.
– Samuel Taylor Coleridge

II:__POEM OF THE MONTH__________________________________

TO ANY READER

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894)

As from the house your mother sees
You playing round the garden trees,
So you may see, if you will look
Through the windows of this book,
Another child, far, far away,
And in another garden, play.
But do not think you can at all,
By knocking on the window, call
That child to hear you. He intent
Is all on his play-business bent.
He does not hear; he will not look,
Nor yet be lured out of this book.
For, long ago, the truth to say,
He has grown up and gone away,
And it is but a child of air
That lingers in the garden there.

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

COLLECTED POEMS
by James Merrill

For summer, the Collected Poems of Connecticut’s first state poet laureate (1985 - 1995), James Merrill. During his life, Merrill won the Bollingen Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, two National Book Awards, a National Book Critics Circle Award, and the first Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry awarded by the Library of Congress. The Collected Poems spans his career from the formal lyrics of his early books, though his turn to more personal themes, to the looser, occult-influenced poems in his later career. Through it all, he was a fine writer, deep-felt and intelligent, and at times quite funny.

$27.50 Knopf (ISBN: 978-0375709418)

IV:__WEBSITE OF THE MONTH______________________________

BARTLEBY.COM
Great Books Online

Bartleby has a remarkable collection of out-of-copyright books. Easily searchable and well-formatted, it’s a wonderful place to find classic poetry, as well as poems and poets that have been forgotten over time. From the web site: “The preeminent Internet publisher of literature, reference and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge.”

www.bartleby.com

V:__NEWS ITEMS / WRITING WORKSHOPS____________________

Sunday, August 16 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 8/16, 10/18, 11/15, and 12/13. (In October the annual Block Island Writing Retreat will be held from Friday, Oct.2 - Sunday, Oct. 4). 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.

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

Sunday, August 29 2009
1:00pm - 4:00pm

WRITING FROM SCRATCH - A CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
with Eileen Albrizio

How often have you sat before your writing tablet or computer screen for hours at a time without writing a word? The starts are often the hardest part because what we want to write about comes to us by way of the abstract. We feel something, so we want to write about it. But emotions are an intangible entity. As writers, it is our job to take those largely ethereal “feelings” and turn them into something palpable.

This workshop will teach you the tools needed to do exactly that. We will begin by exploring the fundamentals of poetry, including form, meter, rhyme, 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. 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 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. We will, after all, be writing from scratch!!

$15.00 - Registration required; seating is limited. Contact Eileen at EileenRain@aol.com to register. Visit her web site at www.angelfire.com/art/albrizio.

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

VI:__POETRY CALENDAR FOR AUGUST_____________________

Sunday, August 2 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

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

Sunday, August 2 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.)

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

Monday, August 3 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, August 3 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, August 3 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, August 4 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm

FIRST TUESDAY POETRY
featuring Tad Richards

Tad Richards is the author of three books of poetry – My Night With the Language Thieves, Situations: a Novel in Verse, and Take Five: Poems in 5/4 Time. His work has been compared to Terry Gilliam, Byron, Pushkin, and Tom Waits. His songs have been recorded by Orleans, John Hall, and Fred Koller. He has written nonfiction on such diverse subjects as poetry, music, and money, if those subjects are diverse. He is the author of a dozen or so novels, most recently Nick and Jake, a lighthearted romp through the McCarthy Era and the CIA’s overthrow of the Mossadegh government in Iran, which will presented this fall on the Internet in serialized form, and as a podcast starring Alan Arkin and Tom Conti.

He also writes a regular column on writing at: www.examiner.com/x-2862-NY-Writing-Careers-Examiner.

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, August 4 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, August 5 2009
6:30pm

SUNKEN GARDEN POETRY FESTIVAL
featuring CK Williams and Adult Competition First Prize Winner Don Thompson

Author of ten books of poetry, a memoir, a book of essays, and several translations (including Sophocles’ Women of Trachis and Euripides’ Bacchae, among others), C.K. Williams has won numerous awards. His book, The Singing, won the National Book Award for 2003; in 2000, Repair won the Pulitzer Prize and the Los Angeles Times Book Award; his collection Flesh & Blood received the National Book Critics Circle Award. Williams was recently awarded the Twentieth Annual Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize; he is also the recipient of awards in literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the PEN/Voelcker Career Achievement Award, and fellowships from the Lila Wallace Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment of the Arts. A Whitman-esque poet, Williams was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2003, and teaches in the Writing Program at Princeton University.

Teacher and author of several chapbooks, Don Thompson received First Prize in Hill-Stead’s prestigious Adult Poetry Competition 2008. His chapbook manuscript, Back Roads, was described by final judge, poet Gray Jacobik, as “absolutely stunning, unified...deeply sensitive, responsive to the natural world...” Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, Thompson has been writing poetry for almost 25 years. He lives on a family farm and teaches at a small prison and at Bakersfield College.

From 6:30–7:30: The Bagboys (www.bagboys.com) will keep toes tapping with traditional and original Bluegrass and Western Swing.

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival
Hill-Stead Museum
35 Mountain Road
Farmington, CT

- Time: Gates open at 4:30 pm. Music performances begins at 6:30, poetry at 7:30pm. Books and CDs available for sale 8:30-9:00pm.
- Admission: Free to the public. On-site parking: $10 per vehicle. Off-site local parking is available on a limited basis (see below).
- Seating: Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating in and around the garden.
- More info and directions at www.hillstead.org/activities/poetry_performseries.html

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

Wednesday, August 5 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Dan DeRosa Send Off Bash

Dan DeRosa, a National Slam Poet and a host of Wednesday Night Poetry during his four years at Western Connecticut State University, has graduated with his bachelor’s degree in psych! Congratulations Dan! But now, he’s be accepted into a master’s program in the sunny state of Florida. The program begins the last week of August, so he is leaving for the southlands very soon. Tonight we will get to hear him perform his poetry and say goodbye for now. Come join us. As always, there will be an open mike before our feature.

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, August 6 2009
7:00pm

CURBSTONE PRESS READING SERIES
with Gerald McCarthy

The reading will begin at 7:00 pm, after which Mr. McCarthy will be available for questions and discussion.

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
www.hygienic.org

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

Thursday, August 6 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, August 7 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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

Saturday, August 8 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, August 9 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, August 10 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, August 10 2009
7:15pm

MONDAY NIGHT POETRY in STAMFORD
featuring Robert Richman

Robert Richman is the author of two books, including Daughters of the Alphabet. His poems have appeared in a variety of magazines, from Poetry, The Paris Review, and The New Republic to The Hudson Review, Southwest Review, and The Yale Review, and he has published criticism in The American Scholar, The New York Times Book Review, and The London Times Literary Supplement. For many years the poetry editor of The New Criterion, he lives in Cos Cob, CT.

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, August 10 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, August 11 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, August 12 2009
7:00pm

INESCAPABLE RHYTHMS

Alchemy Juice Bar supports both established and emerging poets through its new poetry reading and open mike series, “Inescapable Rhythms.” The event 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.

Alchemy Juice Bar
203 New Britain Ave
Hartford, CT
Email questions to: ahenchey@hotmail.com

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

Wednesday, August 12 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Open Mike & Workshop

Got a poem that needs retooling? A WNPS workshop is just the thing!

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, August 12 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, August 13 2009
6:00pm

POETRY IN THE PARK
featuring Doug Anderson

Please join us this summer at our Poetry in the Park Reading Series 2009. All readings start at 6:00 P.M. in the Julia de Burgos Park, at the corner of Jackson Street and Terry Avenue, in Willimantic, CT. For more information, or for a rain location, please contact Curbstone Press at 860-423-5110. This is a free event, co-sponsored by the Robert Rue Fund and Curbstone Press, and with the support of Colectivo Mestizal and Neighborhood Revitalization Zone.

Julia de Burgos Park
319 Jackson St
Willimantic, CT

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

Thursday, August 13 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, August 14 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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

Saturday, August 15 2009
7:00pm - 10:00pm

DRUNKEN BOAT 10TH ANNIVERSARY INTERMEDIA CELEBRATION

Drunken Boat (www.drunkenboat.com), an international online journal of the arts, celebrates its tenth anniversary at the Hygienic Art Park in New London by featuring a multimedia blowout.

Features include:
- Mat Bevel, from the Surrealistic Pop Science Theatre in Tucson, AZ, and the maestro of “a gizmotronic fanfare of spunk, funk and kinetic junk,” as well as rare video footage of Charles Olson, father of The Maximus Poems and the Black Mountain School
- Harlem native and vocal deconstructor Latasha Natasha Diggs
- A short film from Guggenheim Fellow and stereoscopic projectionist, Zoe Beloff
- Literary stylings from the translator of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Adam Golaski
- Larissa Shmailo, the 2009 New Century Music Award Winner for spoken word with jazz, electronica, and rock
- Web artist Steve Ersinghaus
- PEN/Faulkner award winner and screenplay writer, Sabina Murray
- New London's own native son, novelist, and frequent contributor The New York Times, Rand Richards Cooper.

Share drinks and an evening of literary alchemy and intermedia performance.

Hygienic Art Park
79 Bank Street
New London, CT
Suggested Donation $10
www.hygienic.org

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

Sunday, August 16 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, August 17 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, August 17 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, August 17 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, August 18 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, August 19 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

2009 BLUE JAZZ LOVE SLAM in Downtown Hartford

$100.00 Blue Jazz Summer Love Slam at the Russell Restaurant (www.therussellct.com)

7:00 - 8:00 Mystery Jazz Virtuoso www.glyphgrahpics.com
8:00 - 8:15 Passion (Ms. BGCG poetess)
8:20 - BJSL Slam (15 poets)

Feel free to contact Zimbabwe at 860-478-5814 or info@boutwestindies.com for entry info or any other inquiries.

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

2009 Blue Jazz Love Slam in Downtown Hartford
- On Aug 19: $100.00 Blue Jazz Summer Love Slam at the Russell Restaurant
- On Sep 30: $100.00 Blue Jazz Fall Love Slam at the Russell Restaurant
- Fall 2009 BGCG $1000.00 Slam Finale! (Wadsworth Athenaeum Tentative venue)

15 poets! Top two poets from each qualifier make automatically. (Conscious, Kwalo, Influence, Elizabeth. Y.U., & Quinn have already made it into the Fall Finale.) 8 qualifier spots left and one crowd chosen contestant: You get to decide!

A poet is known by their spoken word! -Zimbabwe

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

Wednesday, August 19 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Lisa Siedlarz & Vietnam Vet Poets

Lisa L. Siedlarz of New Haven, CT, received her Masters in Fine Arts from WCSU in 2009. She is Editor of Connecticut River Review, a national poetry journal supported by the CT Poetry Society, and Managing Editor for Connecticut Review. Awarded the 2006 John Holmes and the 2007 Leo Connellan poetry prizes, her publications include: The MacGuffin, Calyx, Rattle, War, Patterson Review, Caduceus, and others. Her work has been nominated for the 2009 Best New Poets Anthology. She also facilitated a 16 week writing workshop with Vietnam veterans and edited a collection of their work called, A Season of Now. Her debut chapbook, I Dream My Brother Plays Baseball, is from Clemson University Digital Press (2009).

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, August 20 2009
6:30pm

WORD OF MOUTH POETRY SERIES

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, August 20 2009
7:00pm - 9:00pm

POETRY BISTRO OPEN MIKE NIGHT

Come and share some of your favorite poems or even better some you have written yourself! Sign up at the beginning of the evening to read (5 minutes each depending on number of readers). Refreshments will be served.

This program is part of the Library’s Be Creative at Your Library adult summer reading program and is made possible thanks to 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

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

Thursday, August 20 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, August 20 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, August 21 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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

Friday, August 21 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 5-8 minutes, and that you come prepared to be impressed! Please reserve your spot at the Information counter or at www.rjjulia.com/open-mic-night-poetry-creative-writing-6.html.

RJ Julia Booksellers
768 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
203-245-3959
books@rjjulia.com

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

Saturday, August 22 2009
8:00pm

COMMON THREAD

Common Thread is a series of poetry readings arid live music by Connecticut artists. Notable presentations include poetry readings by Connecticut Poet Laureate, Marilyn Nelson, arid former Connecticut Poet Laureate, Leo Connellan. Sandra Bishop Ebner, a poet arid writer, develops and directs Artwell’s Common Thread Poetry and Music Nights with other noteworthy local poets such as Cheryl Della Pelle.

Artwell Gallery
19 Water Street
Torrington, CT
860-482-5122
www.artwellgallery.org

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

Sunday, August 23 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, August 24 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, August 24 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, August 25 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, August 26 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT POETRY SERIES
featuring Janice Krasselt Medin

Janice Krasselt Medin (formerly Janice Tatter), recently moved from Little Rock Arkansas to the wilds of New Haven. She is a recipient of the Alma K. Daughtery Award for excellence in literature and holds a Master’s in English with Creative Writing from Ohio University.

Her poems have been published in several journals, such as Southern Hum, Red River Review, Muscadine Lines: A Southern Journal, Best Poem, Boston Literary Review, and Bent Pin among others. In 2006 her book of poetry, Remembering the Truth, was published by Temenos Publishing Company. Her newest chapbook is Communion of Voices.

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, August 26 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, August 27 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, August 28 2009
6:00pm

OPEN MIKE FRIDAY

There is an open mike each Friday at LaSalle Market. Poets, musicians, local talent of any type is invited. Stop by and check it out—then show us what you’ve got.

LaSalle Market
104 Main Street
Collinsville, CT
www.lasallemarket.com

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

Sunday, August 30 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, August 31 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, August 31 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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