Thursday, December 20, 2007

Tonight: Bobby Maville!

Thursday, December 20 at 8:00PM

Tonight at the Free Speech Zone Reading Series at the House of Hamez (the former Daily Perks) don't miss Bobby Maville's return to the stage! YEAH! I have seriously missed this boy!

Free Speech Zone Reading Series happens on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month, hasted by Ed Downey and Frank Judge, and alternating with Norm Davis & Rick Petrie's Pure Kona series on the 2nd & 4th.

Confusing, huh? But you know what? It doesn't matter ... every Thursday something's going on there, so it just adds to the surprise if you happen to get the dates mixed up ... I say celebrate not knowing!

Some upcoming events at House of Hamez are listed below.

December 22: Liza At House of Hamez, :

Liza Mugnolo with special guests including Shawnee Boyee,
8:00-11:00PM $5

From the House of Hamez Website:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The $5 cover charge is a suggested donation. The proceeds will go to benefit Sojo Walker, details below.

Also appearing will be Nate Coffey and Pete Mugnolo. There may be more surprise guests.

The benefit's going toward Liza's friend Sojo Walker who is volunteering for an organization called the Institute of International Cooperation and Development www.iicd-volunteer.org , affiliated with UNICEF and Humana People to People. She is going to Benguela, Angola to work at a Teacher's Training College.
She will train teachers to teach in primary schools in rural areas that have been decimated by decades of civil war. Her project works in accordance with the United Nations Milleneum Development Goals of Universal Primary Education.
She will be in Benguela for six months. She'll have secondary projects that include an English language club, a Malaria Awareness club, a yoga club, and a HIV Hope garden project. So she needs all the help she can get! Liza plays an interesting blend of folk, jazz and Latin American guitar. In addition, she sometimes sings in Spanish or Japanese. Sometimes joined on stage by the likes of Nate Coffey and Shawnee Boyee, Liza's performances always offer the unexpected.


And future Open Mic Features include:

December 27: Harlow Crandall PK
January 3: TBA FSZ
January 10: Lynn Cuthbertson PK
January 17: Gerald Schwartz FSZ
January 24: Robert Ricks PK
January 31: TBA PK
February 7: Nick Hogan & Brenan Giusti FSZ
February 14: Naseer Hammed, a.k.a. Sevin PK
March 6: Lawrence Berger FSZ


Also a reminder: The next First Friday Poetry Series at the Peace Storefront (658 Monroe Ave) will be on January 4. The featured reader will be Paulette Swartzfager. Readings at 7 pm, followed by an open mic & refreshments.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Fresh Start

Okay ... time for a fresh start. This page started off being a place for me to post photos I'd taken of local poets, performers, musicians, etc. so they could come check them out, use them, peruse them, whatever ... and it slowly morphed into a local event listing.

Now, I know this is my doing, I was, after all, the one who morphed it ... which means I am the only one who can morph it back. So that is what I am doing.

I will still be listing the events I'm sent on a new blog: http://in-fusion.blogspot.com/.

I am also setting up this space in hopes of providing a place for artists, writers, musicians, poets, dancers, and all other artistic/creative types to find ways to fuse, collaborate, concoct, create, integrate, or deviate from the rigid measures of our genres in any way we so chose.

If you are interested in this collaboration, come check it out, post, respond, create, relate, invigorate, join me in my fusion free-for-all! I am hoping it will propagate a magnificent mishmash of creativity and synthesis!

(Also you should be able to find even more listings of local events there once others join me in my posting frenzy!)

Viva La Fusion!

Marie

25 & Under - TONIGHT- Monica Wendel!

Hi folks!

Please join us tonight to hear Monica Wendel reading her poetry at 7 p.m. at Writers & Books.

Free for students & members. Suggested donation $3 for all others.

Monica is a new young poet in town. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo earlier this year with a joint degree is philosophy and creative writing. She also attended Bread Loaf this past summer.

I've heard her work and am quite sure you'll enjoy it. And don't forget to bring something to read in the open mic after!

Hope to see you tonight.
Sally

12 & Under Reading - December 18

A message from Sally Bittner Bonn
Curator, 25 & Under Reading Series

Hello folks—

I hope you can join us on December 18 at 7 p.m. at Writers & Books (740 University Ave.) for our 12 & Under reading.

If you know any writers who are in the 12 & Under age category who would like to read, please email Marie (serendipity3.marie@gmail.com) for the form to be filled out and return it to Writers & Books no later than December 11.

This has been such a successful and fun reading in the past. Please, take a break from holiday madness and join us for some delightful writing by young writers!

Thanks,
Sally

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Maia Horvath’s Visual Wonderland

And now, an announcement from my good friend John, about an upcoming Art Show at his bookstore (Books, ETC.) in Macedon:

Visual Wonderland is the most recent collection of originally whimsical creations by local artist Maia Horvath now on exhibit at Books, ETC.

Maia’s eclectic style delightfully captures the imagination. Self-taught in a multitude of artistic mediums, these new experiences in polymer clay are certain to reflect her desire to offer a glimpse of God-The Ultimate Creator’s brightness, beauty and gift of humor.

Maia credits the joy in her journey to the tremendous support of her wonderful family. She lives in Fairport, New York with her husband Alex and their two children Cameron and Saige.

The community is cordially invited to an open reception for the new art exhibit on November 24, 2007 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Books, ETC., 78 W. Main St., Macedon NY 14502.

John & his sister have a lovely little bookstore in downtown Macedon and often have Art Shows, Musicians, Workshops, and other fun and essential events there. Hope you have a chance to swing by and support this worthy (& all-too-endangered) endeavor of the used bookstore (as well as supporting John, who is one of my all-time favorite people on this planet).

Just for future notice: MJ Iuppa (another one of my all time favorite people on this planet) and I will be doing a joint Art Show at Books, ETC. in July.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Word Explosion

Featuring: Dream Engine, Urknee & Bjurton, Reenah Golden Collier, Arts in Motion, and Me!

Plus: There will be an Open Mic ... So bring stuff and read it and share in the explosion!

When: This Thursday, November 15, 2007 in Wilson Formal lounge at St. John Fisher College, 8-11 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

Friday, October 19, 2007

Rochester Ink

Don't forget about all the exciting Rochester Ink happenings going on this weekend & next week ... Check out RochesterInk.net for more info ...

A Note From Pure Kona Open Mic

Dear People,


Pure Kona has left Boulder Coffee and moved to House of Hamez (formerly Daily Perks, still 389 Gregory). We'll be alternating Thursdays w/ the Free Speech Zone Open Mic. Norm Davis and Rick Petrie continue to host. The next Pure Kona Open Mic Poetry readings will be Nov. 8, Nov. 29, Dec 13, Dec 27, Jan 10, and Jan. 24.

Our upcoming features are:

Nov. 8 - Gavin Spanagel
Nov. 29 - Tony Leuzzi
Dec. 13 - Ed Downey

Starting around 8PM.

Please contact me with any questions and I will provide you with semi-meaningful replies.

Semi-sincerely,
Rick Petrie

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

A Plethora of Poetry Events

Message from the Free Speech Zone Open Mic:

As most of you know, Daily Perks officially closed on August 31. But the open mics and weekend music events continued without interruption at 389 Gregory Street.

James Rowe, who'd been leasing DP since last fall, took over as proprietor in early August and changed the name to The House of Hamez as of September 1.

For more info on The House of Hamez, check out their website at http://houseofhamez.com

For all of you who've been regulars at the Thursday night Pure Kona series, the Thursday reading series is now called the Free Speech Zone open mic and is co-hosted by Ed Downey and Frank Judge.

Ed and Frank are resuming featured readers this week, October 4, with Leah Zazulyer.

The schedule for the rest of the month is:

Gary Lehmann (Oct 11)

Peter Chapman (Oct 18)

BADEA (Oct 25)

David Michael Nixon (Nov. 1).

If you're interested in being featured, know of someone who might be, or just want to join their mailing list, contact them at rochfreespeechzone@gmail.com or 260-9005.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

And don’t forget, Pure Kona is now held at Boulder Coffee, Monday nights from 8-10pm.

Their upcoming features are:

10/8 - Elaine Heveron

10/15 - Ed Downey

10/22 - Robert Ricks

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Also, there are monthly readings at the Peace Storefront

Reenah Golden this Friday, October 5;

Sal Parlato, Friday, November 2;

Patricia Roth Schwartz, Friday December 7.

The Storefront is at 658 Monroe Avenue (between Poster Art and Aaron's Alley).
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

… and Rochester Poets is organizing a Young Poets (i.e. 21 and under) reading at Fisher on November 12, 7-11 pm.

If you know of any young poets who'd be interested in applying to be on the list of participants, please contact Frank Judge at sns1@msn.com

Pleasant poeting!

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Art Walk Alive

Art Walk Alive tomorrow 12-4 pm.

This year’s spoken word artists are:

Marie Starr (12:15 at the Playground)
Larry Berger (12:45 at Writer’s & Books)
BADEA (1:00 pm at 822 Elton Street)
Reader's Theatre Club (1:15 at Starry Nights)
Michael Ketchek (1:30 at Craft Co. #6)
Writer's Block featuring 2007 Rochester Teen Slam Team (2:30 at the Playground)

There’s also dance, art, music, & the dedications of the bus shelters for this year’s art-ification project.

Check out http://www.rochesterartwalk.org/ for all the info, maps, & more …
Hope to see you there!

Sunday, September 02, 2007

2nd Annual Canandaigua Poetry Festival



Hello all,
Here’s all the latest up-to-datest information on the Poetry Festival!


First there’s
Some Poetry:


12:00 – 12:30 Nick Hogan & Brendan Giusti
12:30 – 12:45 David White
12:45 – 1:00 John Roche
1:00 – 1:15 Vincent F. A. Golphin
1:15 – 1:30 Patricia Roth Schwartz
1:30 – 2:00 Kid’s Rain Dance Program
2:00 – 2:15 Arianna Barry
2:15 – 2:30 Merle Heath
2:30 – 2:45 Dwain Wilder
2:45 – 3:00 Frank Judge
3:00 – 3:30 Ethic & Jackson
3:30 – 3:45 MJ Iuppa
3:45 – 4:00 Maureen Owens
4:00 – 4:15 Sherry Gendreau
4:15 – 4:30 T.F. Rice
4:30 – 5:00 Urknee & Bjurton
5:00 – 5:15 Anita Augesen
5:15 – 5:30 Claudia Stanek
5:30 – 5:45 Colleen Powderly
5:45 – 6:00 Norm Davis
6:00 – 6:30 B.A.D.E.A.
6:30 – 6:45 Matt Shackelford
6:45 – 7:00 Justice Peace
7:00 – 7:15 Rick Petrie
7:15 – 7:30 Marie Starr


& then there’s
Some MUSIC:


7:30 – 8:00 Ed Downey
8:00 – 8:30 Shawnee Boyeee


& Maybe even
a little bit of

8:30—9:00 Open Mic


Ah, It’s going to be
a glorious day!



Let’s have A huge round of
applause for our sponsors:

(For Quick Links see side panel under Sponsors)





Finger Lakes Yoga
90 South Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Phone: 585-396-2291
http://www.yoga.downtowncanandaigua.com/

Revitalizing and relaxing, yoga reduces the effects of stress we experience in our society. Therapeutic in nature, yoga can help alleviate physical problems by ringing back balance to the whole system.

Wick-edly Sent Soap & Candle Co.
94 South Main Street
Canandaigua, NY
Phone: 394-5260
http://www.escentedcandle.com/

Soap and candle company with richly scented candles, exclusive products made here in Canandaigua. Also aromatherapy, home décor gifts, and an aromabar with over 100 scents to create your own custom scents for bath and body, massage oils and perfumes.

Adorn Jewelry and Accessories
24 Coy Street, Number 2
Canandaigua, NY
Phone: 585-393-1520
http://www.adornjewelryandaccessories.com/

Adorn is an unusual boutique that offers jewelry, handbags, scarves, sunglasses, and beads. Choose from Adorn's beautiful one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry created by owner Erica Koch.

Mac's Philly Steaks
76 S. Main St
Canandaigua, NY
Phone: 585-394-7080
Fax: 585-394-4304
http://www.macsphillysteaks.com/

Philly Cheese steaks, chicken cheese steaks, hoagies, subs, salads, soups, soft pretzels and more.Free Delivery for orders $10 or more. Hours: Open 7 days a week 11 AM - 10 pm

The Paperback Place
82 South Main Street
Canandaigua, NY
585-396-9872
http://www.paperbackplace.com/

The place for bookworms, selling new and used books. Visit our store for the latest bestsellers & check out our used books.

Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery
71 South Main Street
Canandaigua, NY
Phone: 394-0030
http://www.prrgallery.com/

Art gallery, art workshop, and working studio.

Unique Toy Shop
120 South Main
Canandaigua, NY
Phone: 394-2319
http://www.uniquetoyshop.com/

Children's toys, hobbies, and fun for kids of ALL ages!

Tip of the Needle Fashion Emporium
209 South Main Street
Canandaigua, NY
Phone: 393-1835

Fashion jewelry, jeans, T-shirts, footwear, accessories, and body piercing.


With Special thanks to:

The Canandaigua B.I.D. (for stage)
& Mobile Music (for Sound)

Bravo! Thank you! Gracias! Arigato!

Pure Kona Open Mic

Hey all, just wanted to remind you Pure Kona's new venue at Boulder Coffee starts tomorrow night (Monday, September 3rd) with Urknee & Bjurton Russell.

I also wanted to let you know, though Daily Perks is closing, James is keeping the space and changing it to House of Hameez. He plans to continue the Thursday night poetry readings, possibly with Ed Downey as MC. Not sure if they're planning on features or not, but I'll be sure to keep you up to date.

Talaam Acey: Thursday, September 6th

News from Sevin:

Taalam Acey
September 6th 8pm-whenever
Venu Restro Lounge (151 St. Paul)

To check out his work, go to:
www.myspace.com/officialtaalamacey
www.taalamacey.com

One Mic


True Lies


Market for Ni$$as


Living Come Alive


This man is an amazing spoken word/slam poet ... I will definitely be doing everything in my power to check this out.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Final Pure Kona at Daily Perks

Just a reminder: This Thursday will be the final Pure Kona at Daily Perks & I am honored to be able to step in and be their final feature.


Photo by Arianna

I’ve been working on some new stuff for this, so hopefully it will be a good time for all. Hope you can join us for this last night & bring some things to read, share, sing, hum or perform.


Don't forget: Pure Kona Open Mic will be moving to Mondays from 8 – 10pm at Boulder Coffee as of Monday, September 3rd.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Pure Kona Moves to Mondays at Boulder Coffee

***PURE KONA POETRY OPEN MIC IS MOVING TO BOULDER COFFEE***

Forward from Rick Petrie:

Dear People,

Pure Kona Poetry Open Mic will be moving to Boulder Coffee, at the corner of Alexander and Clinton in Rochester's South Wedge, as of LABOR DAY. The open mic will take place every MONDAY evening at 8PM beginning September 3rd.

These are the upcoming feature performers for Pure Kona:

9/3 - Erknee & Bjurton Russell

9/10 - John Roche

9/17 - Jan Wenk-Sedras

9/24 - Frank Judge

10/1 - Maureen Owens

10/8 - Elaine Heveron

10/15 - Ed Downey

10/22 - Robert Ricks

Pure Kona Poetry Open Mic weekly readings go back to 1993 at Java Joes.

That's over 700 readings and thousands of performers from Rochester and around the world. Norm Davis and Rick Petrie are the cohosts.

The featured performer starts at 8PM w/ the open mic following.

Please email or call me with any questions.

Thanks,
Rick Petrie

petrie95@hotmail.com
244-3485

2nd Annual Canandaigua Poetry Festival

The Canandaigua Poetry Festival is a marathon poetry festival we started last year as part of, or rather in extension of, the Blue Dahlia Open Mic & even though Blue Dahlia is no longer with us, the co-owners, who also own Wickedly-Sent Soap and Candle Company (Don & Scott: http://www.escentedcandle.com) are still interested in making this festival a yearly event. Yeah Don & Scott!

So, this will be our 2nd Annual Canandaigua Poetry Festival. To see the web page for last year, you can check out this link: http://www.poetryfestival.downtowncanandaigua.com

It was also included in the September/October Issue of Poets & writer’s Magazine as part of an article about Poetry Marathons, which you can read at: http://www.pw.org/mag/0609/newsmantzaris.htm

Last year we had poets reading from Noon – 6:30 pm. Single poets were allotted 15 minutes each and groups or duos - 30 minutes. It worked well to have the half-hour groupings spaced out throughout the day, so I think that’s what we’ll be working toward this year, as well. After that, we had musicians for a half-hour each (supposedly from 6:30 to 9 … but really I think we went more from @ 7 – 11).

We had great fun last year and I loved the fact that so many poets from so many separate circles got chances to hear each other’s work. The other thing I was very excited about was that every single performer showed up (on time) for their slots. With so many people participating and so many things that naturally go awry in life, this was more than I expected but I was delighted not to have to revert to a single “plan B” and so I say again, thank you to all the poets and musicians who made last years festival what it was!

Now onto this year, the festival will be held on Saturday, September 8 at The Commons on Main Street in Canandaigua. The Commons is an outdoor stage area that hosts musical acts every weekend throughout the summer. We are also looking into having All Things Art as a back up in case of rain.

That’s all I can think of for now. I’ll write again soon with a proposed schedule. Hope all is well!

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Michael Brown this week at Kona

Just wanted to let you all know, this week at Pure Kona there will be an out-of-town poet on a traveling tour. I originally heard of this guy through Andy Doyle, who hosts the Ithaca Poetry Slam, the first Friday of the month at Juna's Cafe in Ithaca, which is where Michael will be performing Friday, August 3.

Michael was set up to come feature at the Blue Daily in July but, as you know, Blue Dahlia didn’t make it to July. Fortunately, you can still catch him this week at Pure Kona! I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing him before, but am looking forward to hearing him this week. I’ve included some information from his web-page and bio for your perusal, as well as the link to it if you are interested in knowing more.

Hope to see you there!

Teacher, Poet, and Traveling Man


or, as Die Welt put it, "ein Dichter und weltenbummler"

according to WBUR/NPR, "The Jerry Garcia of performance poetry."

as Paul Stokstad said, "rascal-artist-angel-wonder...at the same time"

Poets at 8, Fairfield, Iowa and MAP of Austin Poetry editor Stazja MacFayden queried, "Did you know you are radical, an extremist, and possibly a threat to the national security?"

and poet Jack McCarthy said, "He has the mind of Bertolt Brecht in the body of Grizzly Adams."

http://michael.brown.name/

Featuring at: Pure Kona Open Mic, 8-10pm
Daily Perk's Coffeehouse
369 Gregory Street, Rochester

Information on Michael R. Brown

Michael R. Brown has published his poetry, fiction, travel articles and columns in wide-ranging periodicals all over the world. His fourth book of poetry, The Confidence Man, was published by Ragged Sky in 2006. In May, 2007, Brown and his partner Valerie Lawson moved to Robbinston in Down East Maine, the easternmost point in the USA, where he is writing a book on American education and a novel about the 60's. As a correspondent for the local paper, The Quoddy Tides, his beat is the Passamaquoddy reservation at Pleasant Point.

Brown holds a Ph.D. in English and Education from the University of Michigan. His dissertation was a literary history of the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance directed by Robert Hayden. For 45 years he taught in high schools and universities from the South Side of Chicago to South Korea. In 1999, he won the first Ronald J. Lettieri Award for Teaching Excellence at Mount Ida College.

Brown was a finalist in the 1991 individual competition of the US National Poetry Slam. In 1991 he held the first poetry slam in Stockholm, Sweden, and lectured on African American Literature at Stockholm University. In 1992 he organized the US national slam, and he was on the Boston slam teams that won the US Championship in 1993 and finished third in 1995. In 1998 he won the 6th International Slam in Amsterdam. Brown won the open slam at the 2000 Provincetown Poetry Festival, and he was the hit of the 2001 Rockland (NY) Jazz and Blues Festival. He has performed his poems from Jerusalem to Taipeh and Vancouver to Key West. For 13 years he hosted the Boston slam at the Cantab Lounge, Cambridge.

Michael Brown was co-producer of The Culture of Peace, an international exhibit of art and poetry organized under the UN mandate for a decade of the Culture of Peace. This project has created an art and poetry exhibit and resulted in four exchanges of poets between Ireland and Massachusetts. He is general secretary of the Poetry Olympics, first held in Stockholm in 1998.

Brown's first published poem appeared in the first issue of Beyond Baroque (1969). His most recently published poems have appeared in The Asheville Poetry Review, Windsor Review, Sensations, 100 Poets Against the War, and Spoken Word Revolution.

Brown conducts workshops in writing and performance. He has several times performed his poem "Chorus" as part of Beat Cafe, an original ballet choreographed by former Joffrey dancer Anthony Williams. He appeared in the documentary film SlamNation. In the past five years he produced and directed shows by the Off-Broadway Poets and Dr. Brown’s Traveling Poetry Show, an ensemble who perform their own poetry in theaters. His full-length play, The Duchess of York, was a finalist in the Cape Cod Playwrights’ Competition. He wants to teach for another 15 years if anyone will have him.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Jeremy Fernaays: This Week at Pure Kona

Hello all! I have returned … and, it seems I have run out of my list of who’s featuring at Pure Kona, so I haven’t a clue who will be there tonight, but, fortunately, I received this announcement about next week’s feature and can, at least, let you know that Jeremy Fernaays will be the feature for next Thursday, July 26th.

And I even have a pic from one of the PAW events:












… & this is the only pic I have of him with his eyes open … I’ll have to get some more next Thursday!

I’ve only had the pleasure of hearing Jeremy read a few times but I have been impressed each time by his words and always look forward to seeing him again. I’m excited about hearing him feature for the first time (my first time hearing him, that is, not his first time featuring) & I hope to see you there!

Pure Kona Open Mic, 8-10 pm
Daily Perks Coffee House
369 Gregory Street, Rochester

Thursday, June 28, 2007

While I'm Gone ... Check these out ..

All right, real quick-like … just a note to let you know Blood & Bone Orchestra will be performing at Daily Perks Coffee House tomorrow night, (Friday, June 30) with Urknee & Bjurton Russell as their Opening Act @ 8pm – More info @ http://www.dailyperkscoffeehouse.com

I’m unaware of the feature for Kona for the week I’m gone, so I can’t let you in on that one, but I know Sevin is gonna be on for Thursday the 12th … Also, I bumped into Sevin at the Juneteenth celebration and he is hosting an Open Mic at Julius’s on Friday nights, so I’m going to be trying to check that out sometime soon … well after I get back from Ireland that is ;)

Oh, and don't miss this! I wouldn't, if i were here:

Rock into Independence Day
July, 3 2007 at Water street Music Hall
Not Available , Rochester, New York
Cost : 10 in advance through ticket master/ 15 at the door

Indie Music's Best Musicians The line up include JoAnn Vaccaro, The Mesh Factor, Mary Shannon and her band, and Shawnee Boyeee

Hope you all have a wonderful week & a sparkling 4th of July! Now, I’ve got to go get myself packed … yes, procrastination is my middle name but I kind of like it that way (sometimes) … Bye, for now …

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

This week at Pure Kona: Greg Slater

Thursday, June 21st

Pure Kona Open Mic, 8- 10 pm
Daily Perks Coffee House
369 Gregory St, Rochester

I have no photos of this Greg Slater fellow, so this is what you get from me this week ... as I pack my bags to steal away to Ireland ... hehehe!

In case I am remiss in posting next week's Pure Kona events - there will be a double feature with our very own Colleen Powderly & surprise guest Emmett Mitchee (back in town for a limited engagement i would guess) ... and that will be June 28th ... same time, same place ...

I'm going to try to make it out for that one, though I have to put my daughter on a plane that afternoon for her own trip to North Carolina ... state of her birth ... and then I will be catching a plane the next day to, that's right, Ireland ... hehehe ... yes, I am very happy about this development in my life :)

So, if you are in desperate need of open mic info while I am abroad - check the Daily Perks webpage: www.dailyperkscoffeehouse.com or a quick glance at the City Newspaper might give you a few good ideas ... and there's always JayceLand (link to left ... aww, no it's right ... not quite as alliterative but what are you gonna do?)

It's 3 am and I should be sleeping ... oyasuminasaii ... which is the very hard word for good-night it took me forever to learn when i was in japan ... ah, yeah ... well ... g'night then ...

Some drawings ...

Monday, June 04, 2007

NVP at Pure Kona & Other Random Events

So, they had an article in the Daily Messenger today about the Blue Dahlia closing down - I posted it below (see next - or rather previous - post) if you’re s interested …

It’s pretty decent … with an ending & pic including Ayden … reporter-boy kind of stole my whole drive-thru-society line without credit … maybe … maybe he already thought so himself and I just echoed it back to him … you never know. Overall, it was good.

So, what’s left? Well, this week at Pure Kona – there’s the band NPV – or was it NVP - which I will, unfortunately, be unable to see because my daughter’s final Orff Concert is the same night.

(I do hope to get to next week’s Kona for the 14th Anniversary! WooHoo … can you dig it? Yeah I’ve been working in a lawyer’s office all day, so I’m a little loopy … anyway – that’s featuring both Dream Engine & BADEA … now you gotta check that one out, right? Right.)

So Thursday, June 7th is the Band NPV or NVP &
Thursday, June 14th is Dream Engine & BADEA & the 14th Anniversary of Pure Kona

(And Friday, June 15th is MY 33rd Birthday!
& 33 is such an awesome number it’s bound to be a absolutely fabulous year!)

Anyway … Here’s the events I’m interested in for this coming up week … don’t think I’ll make them all … But these are the ones that caught my eye …

Lecture: Compassion: The Role of Communication in a Violent World

Tuesday, June 5 @ 7:00—8:00pm
Fisher Meeting Room in Pittsford Public Library

“Dr. Dolly Malik will lead this timely discussion on the role of compassionate communication in
conflict resolution and anger reduction, and the psychological and sociological causes of violence.”


Registration required.

To register by phone, call (585) 249-5481
during regular library hours.

Open Mic/Spoken Word
Wednesday June 6 @ 8:00 pm


Café Underground Railroad
480 W Main St
Rochester, NY

Contact Info: 235-3550
FREE

Hinkley with Schooner and Alina Simone
Thursday June 7 @ 8:00 pm


Bug Jar
219 Monroe Ave.
Rochester, NY

Contact Info: www.bugjar.com/585-454-2966
18+/8pm-11pm
$5 over $7 under

"We Support Our Troops" prints by Javier
Friday June 8 @ 7:00 pm


The Storefront Anti-War Crisis Center
658 Monroe Ave
Rochester, NY

Contact Info: 442-3383
FREE

Gregory Paul
Friday June 8 @ 8:00 pm


Little Theatre Cafe
240 East Ave.
Rochester, NY

Contact Info: 232-3906
FREE

Rochester Blackbook Sessions
Friday June 8 @ 8:00 pm


Boulder Coffee Co.
100 Alexander St.
Rochester, NY

Contact Info:(585) 454-7140
http://www.myspace.com/bouldercoffeeco

More Info: What Ryan (you know – the guy) has to say about Blackbook sessions:

Blackbook sessions have been very important, in many artists' lives. Heavily rooted in graffiti culture, blackbook sessions help motivate progression in style and skill, as well as create a bond amongst fellow writers. So when a friend asked if I wanted to do anything, at a coffee house, this was the first thing that came to mind. Something based on the foundation of blackbook sessions, but open to any style and medium. If someone wants to come down and spit out 20 postal stickers --go with it. If someone wants to draw a donkey with tits, shooting a shotgun on cardboard --go with it. As long as you come down with an open mind, respect for everyone, and carry a positive attitude, you are welcome. The first session is going to be Friday March 16th (2007) 8pm-11pm, at Boulder Coffee...... http://www.bouldercoffeeco.com/ ...... The Slumdays DJ's (sundays@the bug jar) will be providing music. At the end of the night, anyone who wants to submit work will have it photographed and posted on flickr.com. the real goal for the night, is to form a solid collection of work on this site. in turn, promoting a collective of different local artwork to the cyber world. If this goes over well, we might be able to do it bi-weekly. I would like to ask that whatever establishment allows this event, should be respected. Just to insure future sessions, please respect the venue. Please read Blogs for more info.

http://www.myspace.com/rochblackbooksession

"Paintings and Sculptures" by Leonard Urso
Saturday June 9 @ 1:00 pm


Ock Hee's Gallery
2 Lehigh St
Honeoye Falls, NY

Contact Info: 624-5846
FREE

So, those are the things that caught my eye … hope there’s something there that sounds good to you, too.

Hope all is well with all y’all!

MPNnow.com: The Blue Dahlia Wilts

An article from the Daily Messenger on the Blue Dahlia ...


The Blue Dahlia Wilts

By PHILIP ANSELMO
Messenger Post Staff
Posted: Jun 4, 01:00 PM EDT


The trouble with running a coffeehouse is that you have to sell coffee.

Poets, folk singers and hipsters lament as Main Street puts another cultural couch on the curb. The Blue Dahlia cafe has served up its last latte.

For nearly two years, Blue Dahlia was the open-mic mecca in Canandaigua. "Our customers," said Scott Mackey, one of three co-owners, "we'll miss them."

Marie Starr saw Blue Dahlia as her local joint, the place she could read her poetry, or listen to a fiddle without having to make the trek to Rochester.

The place closed up two weeks ago, but its fate was sealed months before.

"Winter was really hard," said Starr. From behind the glass-front, stalwarts watched the foot traffic on South Main diminish. Even in the balmy months, the cash register didn't exactly ring every minute. On those cold nights, hours seemed to go by without a sale being rung up. And coffee was the main revenue stream, apart from a few crafts gifts. Money that the performers pulled in — tips — walked out the door in their jeans.

But there were plenty of cars as the regulars watched "drive-thru" citizens make their way down Main to Routes 5 and 20 and its big-box retailers and chains with parking lots, rather than parking spaces, and in-your-car service rather than on-the-couch comfort.

"The merchants downtown need the support of the people," said Mackey. "We really need that local support."

Right now, all seems gloomy. Sue Wierzbowski, co-owner of Phoenix Coffee on North Main, sees what amounts to a reverse trickle-down effect, with Blue Dahlia as one of its victims.

"It's a very tough economic situation, and Rochester is not doing well," said Wierzbowski. With Eastman Kodak Co. and Bausch & Lomb Inc. laying off so many people, "there's a big ripple effect. When you have big businesses doing poorly, the small businesses do poorly."

So what would have kept the beans grinding and the poets rhyming? Quite simply, more rings on the cash register, said Mackey.

"It just wasn't producing enough income to keep it afloat," he said. "We didn't want to close it, but in the end, it was a financial situation."

Not that the cafe didn't try to figure out what its customers wanted. Works from local artists steadily took over wall space from the 1950s' film-noir memorabilia. Writing clubs, knitting circles and reading groups held forth on the couches, and teen slam poets even came to rehearse for their gig in Brooklyn.

Blue Dahlia tried out everything it could to bring in bodies to bring in the bucks. But in the end, art just doesn't pay the bills, and trying to keep the place alive just wasn't worth it. "It got to the point where we burned out on it," said Mackey.

The irony of the situation was that, without crowds of customers and their noise, the venue was perfect for intimate performances for folksy acoustic groups such as The Instruments.

For their shows at the cafe, the band pulled the couches right up to the stage, which itself was no more than a few square yards.

"We do a lot of audience participation," said the group's guitarist, Blake Cooper. "We have them clap along or sing. There was no separation between us and them."

In short, it was a cozy little joint.

"Open mic lets you learn so much," said Starr. "You're not limited by class or geography. It's so much more accessible, more grassroots."

It was the only place around where Starr could order a Casablanca — "a very sweet frozen caramel coffee with chocolate sauce" — while she admired the textures of a soft pastel piece by artist Gretchen Lee, and her four-year-old son, Ayden, sang without music and danced without a beat.

One night, Ayden was the featured artist, which meant 20 minutes of stage time. With poets on the floor and on the couches blowing into their lattes to cool them off, the boy set up his drum circle of pots and pans and noisemakers.

That night wasn't the first time people tapped their feet, clapped and sang along. But it did turn out to be one of the last.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Pure Kona Open Mic: Urknee & Bjurton

Don't miss the sesquepedelian stylin's of Urkee & Bjurton this Thursday, May 31, at Pure Kona Open Mic: 8-10 pm.



Daliy Perks Coffee House
369 Gregory Street, Rochester

Teen Events at Wood Library

Teen Nite

Thursday, June 7 7-8 PM

Take a break from studying for exams and hang out at Wood Library's Teen Nite on Thursday, June 7. From 7-8 PM, pick your poison - Guitar Hero II, DDR, Wireless Internet, Twister, Cranium, Uno, food and drinks - you'll be wishing it was longer than an hour!

Anime Club

Thursday, June 14 6-8 PM

What happens when you go to Anime Club? Watch the latest in awesome Anime TV shows, like this month's D.N. Angel (Volume 1), grab some drinks and Japenese snacks, and fill out a ticket to win cool Anime prizes that you can't find anywhere else! Next meeting is on Thursday, June 14 from 6-8 PM at Wood Library. Must be 13 and older.

Pizza & Pages

Monday, June 18 6 PM

Gear up for some summer reading by enjoying a charming story by Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux. Discuss it with other teens at Pizza & Pages at Wood Library on Monday, June 18 at 6 PM. And let's not forget about the all-you-can-eat pizza and drinks!

Music Club

Thursday, June 21 5-6 PM

Learn about up and coming bands at Wood Library's newest teen club - Music Club. On Thursday, June 21, from 5-6 PM, watch the TV show The Sauce as it spotlights two of the coolest new bands, Boys Like Girls and The Almost. Where else can you chat about music with other teens all in one place?

Summer Reading Make Your Own Sundae Party

Monday, July 2-8:30 PM

Who dunnit? Mr. E, a librarian at Wood Library, was found dead in the library. Discover the murderer by reading! Sign-up for Wood Library's Teen Summer Reading Program will officially begin on July 2 at 7 PM at Wood Library's Teen Summer Reading Kick-Off Party! After you make your very own ice cream sundaes, sign-up for summer reading and be on your way to solve the crime of the century (and win prizes, of course!).

For more information, contact Jenny Goodemote at 394-1381 or jgoodemote@pls-net.org.

Poetry Reading & Open Mic

Here's some information from Frank Judge about an Open Mic this Friday:

Storefront Anti-war Crisis Center
658 Monroe Ave.
Friday, June 1, 7 to 9 pm.
Featured reader: Dwain Wilder
Sponsored by Rochester Poets, Poets Against The War & Occupation

Rochester poet and dulcimer maker Dwaine Wilder has published a collection of his most recent poems, Under The Only Moon. For details, see http://www.bearmeadow.com/Poetry/html/onlymoon.html

The Storefront Anti-War Crisis Center is in the heart of the Monroe Village shopping district.

PA&E organizer Doug Noble explains, "…the name says it all: we are ANTIWAR - against war, which is almost always started by [politicians], always with horrific consequences. We find ourselves desperately in a massive humanitarian CRISIS caused by our own country in Iraq, Afghanistan and potentially Iran, with no end in sight our leaders… finally we [have] a CENTER, a pivotal space, to focus our resistance and locate ourselves as [we work towards] a solution.

The Storefront Anti-War neighborhood "Crisis Center" on Monroe Ave. is an expression of the collective passion and sense of outrage among the many peace and anti-war organizations in the Rochester metropolitan area who are deeply concerned about the continuing war in Iraq, the potential for conflict with Iran, and the escalation of world-wide militarism.

The storefront is a ground-breaking collaborative effort which will host a number of peace actions, gallery exhibitions, information/education and arts events, with the goal of keeping the cause of peace and anti-war issues constantly before our government representatives, the media, and our community.

The storefront's multi-use space is completely staffed and funded by volunteers and free-will public contributions

658 Monroe Avenue 585.271.2620 PAandE@frontiernet.net

The Storefront Anti-War Crisis Center is sponsored by Peace Action & Education taskforce of Metro Justice, and the Unitarian Universalist Peace Advocates. The Storefront is endorsed by over twenty of the secular and religious peace organizations active in the Rochester area including Rochester Against War (RAW), Rochester Veterans for Peace, Rochester Declaration of Peace, Rochester Truth in Military Recruitment, RAW Street Theater, the International Socialist Organization (ISO), Rochester 911 Truth, Parma Student Peace Initiative, Rochester Student Anti-War Network, Colgate Divinity School Social Justice Committee, Rochester Poets, Poets Against War & Occupation, Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace, PeaceWorks, The World Can't Wait, Sisters of Mercy, Pax Christi, Poor People United, Lake Affect Magazine, Street Level Media, ACLU, Student Anti-war Network, IndyMedia, Education for Peace, Inc. Progressives in Action, and Night of Joy Vintage and Art

Sunday, May 20, 2007

The Last Blue Dahlia Open Mic

Well, I'm sorry to say Blue Dahlia Open Mic is coming to an end. I just found out this weekend that the owners will be closing at the end of the week, so this will be our very last feature. I hope you can make it out to give Blue Dahlia a nice send-off, listen to our feature Anita Augesen, and bring something to share.

Blue Dahlia Open Mic, 8 - 10 pm
92 South Main Street, Canandaigua

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Ed Downey: This week at Blue Dahlia Open Mic

I can't believe the week I've had ... and I can't believe I forgot to post this before now ... but, hopefully, some of you will be wondering about who's up this week or have made note of it before now and are already planning to come check out Ed Downey tonight at the Blue Dahlia Open Mic ... hopefully ...



So, don't let my negligence deter you! Come to see Ed and stay to drink coffe and read, sing, dance, drum, or recite a little something yourself ... hope to see you there!

Blue Dahlia Open Mic, 8 - 10 pm
Blue Dahlia Coffee, Tea, & Gifts
92 South Main Street, Canandaigua

And tomorrow night, at Pure Kona, the feature will be Peggy Baumer.

Pure Kona Open Mic, 8 - 10 pm
Daily Perks Coffee House
369 Gregory Street, Rochester

Friday, April 27, 2007

Artwork & Poetwords Opening: May 4th

Opening: Friday, May 4th 5 to 8 p.m.
Food, Jazz, Poetry, Art, FREE: what more could you ask for?

The exhibit runs through May 30

Hours
Saturdays & Sundays 12 to 5 p.m.
May 5 & 6, May 12 & 13, May 19 & 20, May 26 & 27
Admission is free and open to the public

Where
Dome Arena’s Glass Lounge

Contact Info
Sherry Tulloch (585) 737-4211

A a unique new exhibition showcases the artistic/poetic process as much as its end-products. Thirty-one artists were randomly paired with 31 poets. Over a period of eight months, each artist-poet team has collaborated--without boundaries or guidelines—to see where it leads them. Almost all the teams were perfect strangers at the beginning of the project.

There are also events associated with the show throughout the exhibit's run-time

Sunday, May 6

2-3 PM Poetry reading
Gary Lehman
Karla Merrifield
David Michael Nixon
Fran Weeks
M J Iuppa
Marie Starr
John Roche
Louise Bennett
Claudia Stanek
Wanda Schubmehl
Wynne Mclure


4 PM - Poetry reading and discussion of project
Karla Merrifield

Saturday, May 12

2 PM - Lecture/Artist Talk
Marie Starr

4 PM - Talk on process
Ted Williams/Kristina Matthews
Chris Waara/Lorrie Divers


Sunday, May 13

2 PM - Talk on process
Richard Harvey/Wanda Schubmehl
Andrea Pettito/Colleen Powderly


Sunday, May 20

2 PM - Talk on process, painting demonstration, poetry
Dick Kane/Sally Bittner Bonn

3:30 PM - Talk on process
Leah Zazuyler/Kristen Malone

Saturday, May 26

2 PM - Artist's lecture
Marilyn Belle-Isle

3 PM - Artist's lecture
Patty Hill

Sunday, May 27

2 PM - Artist's lecture
Marilyn Belle-Isle

3 PM - Artist's lecture
Patty Hill

Press Release:

Visual artist seeks eccentric open-minded poet to whack ideas, metaphors and images back and forth in a unique game of intellectual tennis. With matching services enjoying a prime spot in today’s culture, it was only natural that the idea would occur to someone, somewhere. Why not offer a similar service to help creative types inspire one another?

Thus, the idea for Artworks and Poetwords was born. In a unique new exhibition, which promises to showcase the artistic/poetic process as much as the end products of their labors, 31 artists were randomly paired with 31 poets. Over a period of eight months, each artist-poet team has collaborated-without boundaries or guidelines—to see where it leads them. And best of all, almost all the teams were perfect strangers at the beginning of the project.

Each artist-poet pair was free to develop their own strategy for how to
collaborate. Which piece would come first, the art or the poem? Would it be possible to create simultaneously? Would two people who are so accustomed to working alone even be able to work together? Whose ideas or ego would prevail?

“We knew we were taking a risk—to take two creative personalities and tell them to work together in some way,” says Sherry Tulloch, artist and chairperson for the event, which is sponsored by the Rochester Art Club. “The response has been overwhelming. We thought we’d get five or six participants, never thirty-one.”

The artists are all members of Rochester Art Club, and the poets were invited from assorted poetry groups around Rochester. Themes of the poetry and artwork run the gamut, from the war in Iraq, to nature.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

April Events for Teens at Wood Library

Teen Nite
Thursday, April 12 7-8 PM

Problem: You're on Spring Break with nothing to do.
Solution: Come to Wood Library's Teen Nite!

On Thursday, April 12 from 7 to 8 PM, hang out with friends while you play Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero II, Twister, poker, or Skip Bo! After that, jump on a laptop and surf the web. Then treat yourself to some snacks and hot and cold drinks. The entire night is planned for you and all you have to do is show up! For more information, contact Jenny Goodemote at jgoodemote@pls-net.org or 585-394-1381.

Pizza & Pages
Monday, April 16 at 6 PM

In Sharon Creech's book, Bloomability, when her aunt and uncle take her from New Mexico to Lugano, Switzerland, to attend an international school, thirteen-year-old Dinnie discovers an expanding world and her place within it. Tell everyone what you thought about the book at the next meeting of Pizza & Pages, Wood Library's Teen Book Discussion Group, on Monday, April 16 at 6 PM. Hot, fresh pizza and ice, cold drinks will be served as we discuss the book! Contact Jenny Goodemote at jgoodemote@pls-net.org or 585-394-1381 for more information.

Accordion Book Craft
Tuesday, April 24 at 7 PM

Kit Croucher, a Canandaigua native who is now an artist in California, will be at Wood Library on Tuesday, April 24, to teach teens how to construct and decorate an accordion book. Let your creativity run wild! Various designs will be available on hand so you can create your very own accordion book sculpture. Participants may want to bring photos of family and friends. The Accordion Book Craft program will start at 7 PM. Don’t miss out, registration is required! Contact Jenny Goodemote at 585-394-1381 or jgoodemote@pls-net.org for more information.

Poetry Award Ceremony and Open Mike Night
Wednesday, April 25 at 8 PM

Winners from the 13th Annual Wood Library Teen Poetry Contest will share their poems on Wednesday, April 25 at the Blue Dahlia Coffee Shop in downtown Canandaigua and you are invited! The Blue Dahlia is located at 92 South Main Street. Festivities begin at 8 PM. All ages are welcome to share a favorite poem or two. Sip a cup of joe while you savor poetry at its best. Contact Jenny Goodemote at 585-394-1381 or jgoodemote@pls-net.org for more information.

You can stay up-to-date on events for teens at Wodd Library by going to http://thewoodlibraryteenscene.blogspot.com/

April & May Events for Blue Dahlia




Sunday, March 25, 2007

No Blue Dahlia This Week

Just to let you all know … there will be no Blue Dahlia this week.
Usually there would be, as it is the fourth Wednesday, but my daughter is in a
Class Play about the Thirteen Colonies this Wednesday, so that’s where I’ll be.

Upcoming features for Blue Dahlia:

Wednesday, April 11: Michael Ketchek


Wednesday, April 25: Award Ceremony for the Wood Library Teen Poetry Contest

Blue Dahlia Open Mic, 8 – 10 pm
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
Blue Dahlia Coffee, Tea, & Gifts
92 South Main Street, Canandaigua

Upcoming features for Pure Kona:

Thursday, March 29: Ed Downey


Thursday, April 5: Blair Vail
Thursday, April 12: Libby Varno
Thursday, April 19: Ralph Black
Thursday, April 26: Keith Handy

Pure Kona Open Mic, 8 – 10 pm
Every Thursday
Daily Perks Coffee House
369 Gregory Street, Rochester

Monday, March 12, 2007

Sherry & Me

This Wednesday, March 14th at Blue Dahlia: Sherry!
One of our regulars at the Blue Dahlia Open Mic, since we started last year.



In all the hoopla, I failed to recognize that the Blue Dahlia Open Mic has been going on for a full year now. It was back in February of 2006 that Rick & Mike were our first features & though we've scaled down to only every 2nd and 4th Wednesday - we're still going strong. Hope you can come join us to hear Sherry's feature!

Blue Dahlia Open Mic, 8 - 10 pm
@ the Blue Dahlia Coffee House
92 South Main St. Canandaigua

And Thursday, March 15th, I will be the feature at the Pure Kona Open Mic.

You already know what I look like ... but in the spirit of Spring ... here's a picture of me hiding in the Pear Tree last Spring ...


Look at all that green! I can't wait for the leaves to return!

So, I've been working on something new & special for this feature. It falls in between the 14th anniversary of my son's death and the 8th anniversary of my mother's death, so there is an aspect of that ... I'm still working on it but I'm trying to incorporate some old and some new and thread it all together ... we'll see ... Well, if you're there, we'll see, if not I'll see ... Hopefully, I'll see you there!

Pure Kona Open Mic, 8 - 10 pm
at Daily Perks Coffee House
369 Gregory St. Rochester

Monday, February 26, 2007

David Michael Nixon

This week at Blue Dahlia: David Michael Nixon!



And if you feel like you're experiencing a bit of deja vu reading this post ... you probably are. David was scheduled to read February 14th, but we cancelled that night due to the extreme weather. So, you get a second chance. Hope you can make it!

Blue Dahlia Open Mic, 8 - 10 pm
92 South Main St, Canandaigua
Wednesday. February 28th

Friday, February 23, 2007

Photos from PAW

Here are some of the photos from Poets Against the War ... I've uploaded them to my Flickr account, which I just started using again. You can see the rest of the pics hosted there by clickingon this post title. Thanks to all those who came to watch and to participate, it was a good night!

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN


CHRISTOPHER ROBIN, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

BEN SANEFSKI


BEN, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

CHRIS & BEN


CHRIS & BEN, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

IAN DOWNEY


IAN DOWNEY, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

SHAWNEE BOYEEE


SHAWNEE BOYEEE, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

SHAWNEE BOYEEE


SHAWNEE BOYEEE, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

LISA BIGWOOD


LISA BIGWOOD, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

LISA BIGWOOD


LISA BIGWOOD, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

DAVID MICHAEL NIXON


DAVID MICHAEL NIXON, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

JAMES


JAMES, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

KALU JAMES


KALU JAMES, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

MATT A.K.A. ANIMAL


MATT A.K.A. ANIMAL, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

THE RAGING GRANNIES


THE RAGING GRANNIES, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

JEREMY FERNAAYS


JEREMY FERNAAYS, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

Monday, February 12, 2007

David Michael Nixon & Alex Dedicke

This week at Blue Dahlia: David Michael Nixon



David has a new chapbook out, so he'll be reading from that
(as well as having them available for sale, I think)
I know it's Valentine's Day and all, but what better way to celebrate than to come listen to poetry?

Open Mic: 8 - 10 pm at Blue Dahlia Coffee
92 South Main Street, Canandaigua

And Thursday night "my goodest friend" - as my son calls him - Alex Dedicke



He says he some new stuff, so come out and see! Gee, I feel like I should title this post Long-Haired-Bearded-Men week! (By the way, I adore long haired bearded men & you should too!)

Pure Kona Open Mic: 8 - 10 pm
Daily Perks Coffeehouse
369 Gregory Street, Rochester

Poets Against the War

Just wanted to let you all know Poets Against the War is tonight 6pm - 10 pm at the Kearney Building at Saint John Fisher. There's a great line-up of poets and musisicans - 40 + at last count, so it should be a wild ride - something for everyone so to speak!

Here's the line-up:

PAW5

6:00 pm Intro
6:06 Bruce Sweet
6:12 Norm Davis
6:18 David Michael Nixon
6:24 Beatrice O'Brien
6:30 Katherine Gale DaCosta
6:36 Nick Hogan
6:42 Sarah Brinklow
6:48 Paula Weld Cary
6:54 Kenyatta DaCosta
7:00 The Raging Grannies
7:06 Wynne McClure
7:12 C.H. Appell
7:18 Gary Lehmann
7:24 Helen Ruggieri
7:30 Tony Cedras
7:36 Rich Forster
7:42 Matt Shackelford
7:48 Marie Starr
7:54 Kalu James
8:00 Gavin Spanagel, Larry Berger, Selma Berger
8:06 Open Mic
8:12 Mary Lewandowski
8:06 Ian Downey
8:12 Michael Ketchek
8:18 Jack Bradigan Spula, poem
8:20 Jan Wenk Cedras
8:26 Lisa Bigwood
8:36
8:42 Kathryn Jospé
8:48 David White
8:54 Christopher Robin & Ben Sanefski
9:00 pm Open Mic
9:06 Open Mic
9:12 Frank Judge
9:18 Jeremy Fernaays
9:24 Dwain Wilder
9:30 Joe St. Martin
9:36 Shawn Burleigh
9:42 Steve Lewandowski
9:48 John Roche
9:54 Ed Downey
10:00 pm

As you can see, there's still a couple Open Mic spots, so anyone who want to show up and try to fill them, as well as just show up to listen, should come out. Hope to see you there!

(Oh, and it's free by the way - and there's usually coffee and snacks and people's books and cds for sale)

Monday, January 22, 2007

Shawnee Boyeee & Norm Davis

This week at the Blue Dahlia Open Mic: Shawnee Boyeee!!!




Check out www.myspace.com/shawneefool for more info ...


Wednesday, January 24 from 8 pm - 10 pm
Blue Dahlia Coffee, Tea, & Gifts
92 South Main Street, Canandaigua


And this week at the Pure Kona Open Mic: Norm Davis!




Two great people, two great shows!



Thursday, January 25 from 8 pm - 10 pm
Daily Perks Coffee House
389 Gregory Street, Rochester

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Thursday, Jan. 18th: 9-11 Truth Concert

Meet-the-Editors Party for ByLine Magazine

Here's a Press Release from Donna Marbach:

What: A Welcome to Rochester and Meet-the-Editors Party. The twenty-five year old national magazine for writers, ByLine has changed ownership and is moving to the Rochester area.

When: Friday January 19, from 6:30 -9:30 P.M.

Where: Barnes & Nobles, Pittsford Plaza. 3349 Monroe Ave, Pittsford. (585) 586-6020

Contact: Robbi Hess, Editor ByLine , proedge@rochester.rr.com 585-355-8172 or Donna M. Marbach, Poetry Editor, ByLine dmarbach@rochester.rr.com 585-383-0812 or (cell phone: 585-314-4037)


Twenty-five year old ByLine. an internationally distributed magazine, has recently changed owners and is relocating its headquarters from Edmonds, Oklahoma to Albion, New York. In celebration of By-Line’s move to the Rochester Area, Barnes & Noble in Pittsford is hosting a “Welcome to Rochester” party for key editorial staff.

Robbi Hess, co-owner and editor, as well as Donna M. Marbach, poetry editor, will be in the Community Room of the Pittsford Barnes & Noble on Friday, January 19th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The two will answer questions about submissions, subscriptions, and ways in which local writers can take advantage of this unique opportunity of having a major magazine produced locally. During the event. there will also be drawings for prizes, sample copies of the magazine, and some time spent on trying out some writing exercises to get those creative juices flowing. Local writers and wannabe writers of all sorts—fiction, creative non-fiction, screenplay, poetry, and more are encouraged to attend.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

John Sinclair & Dorothy Goodman



BLUES POET JOHN SINCLAIR
& SINGER DR. DOROTHY GOODMAN

7:30 pm Wednesday, January 17, 2007:
“A Conversation with John Sinclair”
Writers & Books
740 University Ave., Rochester

7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 18:
Performing with Dream Engine
Daily Perks Coffeehouse
389 Gregory St., Rochester

8:30 pm Friday, Jan. 19:
Performing with Joe Fornieri & the Railsplitters
RIT’s Ritskeller (SAU)

John Sinclair’s visit is made possible, in part, by Poets and Writers, Inc., through a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

(Note: This is from a flyer sent out by John Roche and the photo included, unlike the other photos on this site, is not a photo I took)

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Last Minute Feature

If any of you are looking for information on our last minute feature, here it is: my son Ayden heard me say something today about not having found a feature for tonight so he volunteered. Now Ayden is only 4, and admittedly does not write poetry (adittedly does not write anything except Ayden & Mom) but he is a fine dancer and has been working all day on some improvosational music pieces.

You can check out my MySpace page for a video of the kids doing their own version of toast: www.myspace.com/treescanrain.

And tomorrow night, at Pure Kona, will be The Years with Ed & Ian Downey and Chris, I think (I don't remember his last name & I'm not posisitive he still plays with them but last I knew he did).

Also, Shawnee Boyeee will be at Boulder Coffee tomorrow. I assumming around 8ish. You can check his MySpace page for more info: www.myspace.com/shawneefool.

Monday, January 01, 2007

New Year brings change ...

Well, the new year is bringing with it some changes in the Blue Dahlia schedule. I've got to focus more on making money somehow and getting this grant proposal written by Feb. 1st, so I've chiseled the Open Mic down to every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month. So this month it will be on January 10th & 24th and I wish I could tell you who the features would be but since I was thinking I was going to not be able to do it at all after December, I haven't yet booked anyone for the new year.

This will also give anyone interested the opportunity to check out the Open Mic held at FLCC on the first Wednesday of the month (while school's in session) so there won't be one this week (here nor there) but starting in February, the Open Mic will be going at FLCC the first Wednesday and we will still have the Blue Dahlia Open Mic on the second and fourth Wednesday.

There will still be Pure Kona at Daily Perks in the city every Thursday for those of you looking to feed your poetry addiction. This week, January 4th, will be guitarist, sitarist Jack Edward Smith. And next week, January 11 will be Ed Downey. Two weeks of music to start the Open Mic off right!

Also, keep Januray 18th open as international activist John Sinclair from Amsterdam (and not the one in NY) will be featuring along with the musicians from Dream Engine. And the month will round off with Sir Norm of Davis as the January 25th feature.

Daily Perks is also undergoing a bit of a management shift and renovation and James has added lots of lively, luscious foods to the menu (I especially like the portabello mushroom & artichoke sandwich with a nice chai latte - yum!). You can check out what else is new there by clicking the title of this post ...

Hope y'all enjoyed your New Year's festivities & I will see you around town (in or out of it somewhere, somehow - I'm sure). Feliz Nuevo Anos!