Marie Starr

Visionaries in Motion Series at RIT

2010-09-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Faculty, Staff and Rochester friends:

RIT’s Gannett Project is pleased to bring you another banner year of interdisciplinary “Visionaries in Motion.” Once again, this year’s slate includes best-selling authors, TEDsters, and MacArthur genius award winners.

With verve and creativity, our visionaries imagine new connections among the sciences, social sciences, technologies and humanities.

All 8:00 p.m. evening talks are followed by Q & A, a reception, book sale and signing. Meet and continue conversation with top speakers!.

We look forward to seeing you, your students and friends! Remember, all events are free and open to the public!

Mary Lynn Broe
Chair, The Gannett Project

WoMoNsToCk!!

2010-08-21T10:30:00.001-07:00

So ... Tomorrow at Ellison Park (Creekside Lodge) ... We will be celebrating Womonstock!

We've got a great line-up of local female artists, a beautiful setting, and (cross yer fingers) a beautiful day! We hope you will come share in an afternoon of art, poetry, music and dance!

Womonstock will be held Come Rain or Come Shine! (: I'm voting for Come Shine and will be doing my anti-rain dance tonight in preparation - wish me luck :)

The suggested donation is $8 per person (but No One will be turned away!) The $8, however, gets you a ticket to win Door Prizes (and goes toward future performances by Sista's Sayin' Somethin' and the multi-media anthology to be titled HER).

At the end of each hour we will be givin away a prize - some of the prizes include: A $25 Mobile Gas card, 2 Movie passes, a $45 Equal Grounds Gift Basket, and a $60 Gift certificate from Inspiritual!

So bring your family & friends, a lawn chair or blanket, and maybe an umbrella (: if you bring it then perhaps the rain will pass us by :)

Please Note: We were unable to get a food vendor so be sure to bring some eats and drinks with you to keep ya hydrated and satiated - We'll supply the entertainment of 28 performances, plus a visual art gallery, live canvas, craft & information vendors!

WOMONSTOCK is family friendly, wheelchair accessible and ASL Interpreted.

Come embrace Art in the Park at WOMONSTOCK!
Thank you for supporting Female ART expression!

A CSWA & EvolutionaryGirls Club production
Culture starts with ART!

Here's The Line-Up

1st Hr: 3-4pm

Jackie Micieli
Cayla
Laura McSpadden
Shekinah Praise & Dance Ministry
Sanja Royale
Taryn Highsmith
Lori Nolasco
Desert Rhythms

2nd Hr: 4-5 pm

AmandaGrace
Paulette Swartzfager
Lori Hirtelen
Noah Callahan
Sophie Lamont
Naima Atkins
Jazz the Poet

3rd Hr: 5-6 pm

Laurie McFarlane
Ariana Highsmith
Latasha Langley
Marie Starr
Shana King
Grace Flores
Sword & Scarab

4th Hr: 6-7 pm

Ai
Nissi
Jenna Rossi
Kupid
Chan McKenzie
Amanda Ashley
Lauren Faggiano

WOMONSTOCK

2010-08-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

WOMONSTOCK, the HER summer, all female outdoor ART show, put on by CSWA’s (Culture starts with ART!) newest female artist support group, Sista’s Sayin’ Somethin’ (SSS) takes place Aug 22nd, 2010 from 3-7pm.

Join us in this community-wide celebration as we showcase and embrace HER!
WOMONSTOCK is a multi-artist event consisting of poetry, music, visual arts, and movement expression showcasing the Female Artistic Expression of each individual artist’s unique personal interpretation of HER.

Where:
It’s ART in the Park: on the lovely grounds of Ellison Park.
WOMONSTOCK, will take place at the Creekside Lodge.

Cost:
$12 per person (or $8 per person for groups of 3 or more) so be sure to bring as many friends as possible! There will be plenty of room, so come one, come all!!!

This event will also offer various food and craft vendors!

A sneak peak at the line up:
Spoken artists: Lu Highsmith, Marie Starr, Chan McKenzie, young Cayla Dancers: The coulorful Belly dancers of Sword & Scarab Photo & visual art gallery ft: Keli Cahill, and EvolutionaryGirls Club artists Musicians: Amanda Ashley, Lauren Faggiano, AmandaGrace and more to be announced!

Proceeds will go towards SSS's upcoming publication, an anthology of multi-medium performances and projects. Called, you guessed it: HER !

Thank you for your support!
Diane Conway, founder Culture starts with ART!

For more information call Diane Conway at 442-5432 or e-mail CSWA at c_s_w_a@yahoogroups.com.

HER A Multi-media Women's Art Show

2010-03-12T15:06:00.001-08:00

So, those of you I actually have the chance to speak to outside the internet might know I've recently joined a new group called Sistas Sayin' Somethin' and our debut show will be next Saturday (March 20th) at The Flying Squirrel community center.

We hope to promote women artists, both by organizing performances to showcasing women artists and to raise money toward publishing multi-media anthologies with visual, written, and media-based content.

I've included all the information below. Hope to see you there!

What:

HER, an all female ART show debut, is put on by CSWA’s (Culture Starts with ART!) newest female artist support group, Sista’s Sayin’ Somethin’ (SSS).

HER is a multi-medium art show consisting of poetry, music, visual arts, and movement expression. The program showcases the Female Artistic Expression of each individual artist’s unique personal interpretation of HER.

Artists range in age from 10 yrs. and up.

CSWA is an artist’s advocacy group that strives toward world peace and happiness for all humankind through promoting and utilizing the universal language of art.

Why:

Sista’s Sayin’ Somethin’ Mission Statement

“To foster the expression of HER, we are defining HER by being HER, without limiting HER.”

Sista’s Sayin’ Somethin’ was formed for the purpose of assisting female artists: 1) to connect through their creativity, and 2) to provide a safe, supportive space in which women and girls can remain true to their unique interpretation of Female Artistic Expression and Craft. By design, SSS also seeks to pave the way for young female artists to explore creativity without judgment.

Please note: SSS is not anti men. Rather, as women artists, we simply desire to be true to our unique individual female expressions.

When:

The seasons mark the earth’s energy cycles. The powerful energy of the SSS's creative endeavors has aligned with the earth's mid-point between the coming of the light on 12/21 and the Summer Solstice in June. As we now approach spring, we awaken and experience renewal, gradually moving from dormancy and introspection to new beginnings and growth.

As such, SSS's culminating project and phenomenal female debut falls on the eve of the Spring Equinox, March 20, 2010 from 8-11pm.

Join us in this community wide celebration as we showcase and embrace HER!

Where:

Cornhill hosts this multi-medium ART show, HER, at its new community center, the Flying Squirrel, 285 Clarissa St., and it will be signed interpreted.

(This site does not currently provide wheelchair accessibility)

Cost: suggested donation – a sliding fee of $10-$15 (no one will be turned away due to lack of funds).

Proceeds will go towards SSS's upcoming publication, an anthology of multi-medium performances and projects. Called, you guessed it: HER

Culture Starts with ART!
HER is a CSWA production

Co-produced by The EvolutionaryGirls Club

For more information call Diane Conway at 442-5432 or e-mail CSWA at c_s_w_a@yahoogroups.com.

Pure Kona is back Above-ground!

2010-01-31T21:53:00.000-08:00

When: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Time: 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Where: The Flying Squirrel Community Space
285 Clarissa Street, Rochester, NY

It's our premiere night for Pure Kona at the Flying Squirrel!

We are happy and proud to bring Pure Kona to here; come on out and help us commence what we hope will be a long and fruitful partnership with the Community Space!

For our inaugural premiere show we are presenting Phil A. Herford, an uncommonly Eclectic Electric Violinist, as our first feature... afterwards there will be the standard Open Mic portion of the evening's festivities.

Genesee Reading Series

2010-01-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

When: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Where: Writers and Books
Who: Featuring Steven Huff and Ralph Black

Hosted by Wanda Schubmehl

From Wanda:

February - well, it's winter in Rochester, so you can be pretty sure of interesting weather. You can be completely confident that the Genesee Reading Series this month features two of the area's hottest writers - Steven Huff and Ralph Black. Please join us for a memorable evening!

Steven Huff is the author of two books of poems, most recently More Daring Escapes, and a collection of stories, A Pig in Paris. A Pushcart Prize winner in fiction, and an O. Henry finalist, his poetry has been read on Garrison Keillor's The Writer's Almanac, and been chosen by Ted Kooser for American Life in Poetry. The former host of WXXI’s Fiction in Shorts, he is Director of Adult Education and Programs at Writers & Books, and teaches writing at RIT and the Solstice MFA Program at Pine Manor College.

Ralph Black’s poems have appeared in the West Branch, The Gettysburg Review and 32 Poems, among other journals. He is the recipient of the Anne Halley Poetry Prize from The Massachusetts Review. His first book, Turning Over the Earth, was published by Milkweed Editions. He teaches at SUNY Brockport, where he is Co-Director of the Brockport Writers Forum.

Voices from the NY Auburn Correctional Facility

2010-01-29T13:24:00.000-08:00

From Pat Schwartz:

Dear Friends--

Please plan to join us at The Flying Squirrel Community Center at 285 Clarissa St, Rochester, next Sun, Jan 31st, 5 pm through 8 pm, for a special event. Free and open to the public.

We will be honoring the voices of the poets inside Auburn Correctional Facility with whom I have been working as a volunteer for almost nine years in a weekly poetry workshop.

We have had published 2 works: an anthology entitled, Doing Time to Cleanse My Mind: an Anthology from the Inmates' Poetry Workshop of Auburn Correctional Facility, 2001-2009, edited by Schwartz and Roche, foreward by Janine Pommy Vega, from FootHills Publishing and a chapbook, Guerillas in the Mist, and Other Poems, by Michael Rhynes (of Rochester, currently in ACF), Olive Trees Publishing.

Two more chapbooks are in the works, one by Jalil Muntaquim, and one a supplement to the anthology of this year's workshop poems, including some poets not in the anthology, both from Olive Trees, out by June.

Paulette is the emcee and organizer of this event on the 31st; reading from the poems will be myself, John Roche, Lori Nolasco, Paulette Swartzfager, Charlie Cote, Grace Flores, Reenah Goldeen, Jamal Golden, Vincent Golphin, Colleen Powderly, John Mourning, Will Wall, Betty Wynn, and Jerry Dillon.

There will be some soup and other refreshments afterward, then an open mic.

The books will be available for sale for the benefit of the inmates. If you buy a book, an inmate currently in the poetry workshop will receive a free book.. (The group has a lot of new guys now, and several are patiently waiting for their books, which we need to raise funds for, having given out all the books previously paid for by our sales).

Please pass this info on to other friends, and we sincerely hope to see you there!!

If you cannot attend, but would like to purchase books, contact me at fireflypoet@sage-thyme.com

Peace and Poetry, Pat

Itinerant Artist seeking Rochester-area hosts for 2010

2010-01-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

My Itinerant Artist Project (IAP) – “exchanging art for hospitality across the USA” – turns 10 this year, and I’m celebrating with the first local version of the project, the Greater Rochester Community IAP.

I’m looking for volunteer hosts from diverse backgrounds. And I’m looking for hosts living in a representative range of places, from the rural outskirts of Monroe County to inner city neighborhoods.

This is how the project works: My host or host family puts me up for 2-3 days. During that time I make several small paintings based on the local surroundings. And I give one painting to my host in thanks for the food, lodging, and sociability. At the end I’ll exhibit the resulting artwork. To learn more about my project, check out the links*** at the end of this message, or e-mail me: jim@jimmott.com.

Hosting can occur anytime from March-November of 2010. All that is required is space (preferably a spare bedroom) and interest. I may have offers from more places than I can get to, but I would like to hear from anyone who is considering being a host.

If you have received this e-mail, please consider being a host AND please forward this message to anyone you know who might like to be a host. Reaching people I've never heard of is one of the more fun parts of this project.

Thank you! Jim Mott

***ITINERANT ARTIST PROJECT LINKS:

This interactive blog introduces the 2010 Rochester IAP and will be frequently updated as the project progresses:
www.jimmott.blogspot.com

My main website with plenty of background info:
www.jimmott.com

The Itinerant Artist Project on the NBC Today Show:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22472628/

City Newspaper Rebecca Rafferty review of my recent IAP exhibit:
http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/entertainment/art/2009/12/ART-REVIE
W-Jim-Mott-Road-Art-2000-2009/

D&C Mark Hare column about my project
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091213/NEWS0201/912130325/%
5C-Itinerant-artist%5C--to-travel-at-home-in-2010

This Sunday - Me! At John's Bookstore - Yippee!

2009-11-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

From John:

On Sunday, November 15, at 4:00 PM, Marie Star will read a selection of her poems. Marie is a vibrant poetry whose poems reflect the joys and ironies of a well lived life. The poems extol nature and love and provoke the listener/reader to examine life in a personal way. This event is free and open to the public. We will meet at Books, ETC., 78 W Main St., Macedon. If you have any questions, please respond by email to books_etc@yahoo.com or phone John at 585-474-4116.

2009-07-07T14:46:00.001-07:00

This Friday, July 10th

Come to a Comedy Explosion
at the Cafe Undergraound Railraod
480 W. Main Street, Rochester

Featuring:
Dr. Will a.k.a The Storyteller

With Special Guests:
Comedian - James Johnson
Singing Sensation - Ms. Erica

Doors open at 7:30pm
Show starts at 8pm - Ends at 10pm

Admission: $10.00 at the door
18 and over - I.D. required

www.myspace.com/drspillsnickwill

Hope to see you there!

Events: Tonight & Tomorrow

2009-06-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

Tonight – Wednesday, June 10

Rochester Poets Meeting

Panera Bread, 12 Corners Plaza
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Bring 6-8 copies of 1-2 poems you want to workshop.
rochesterpoets@gmail.com

Comedy Open Mic

The Mez, 369 Gregory Street
8:00 – 11:00 pm

Dr. Will & Jim Norris won’t be there – they’re in NYC at Apollo – but James has got something lined up so come on out!

Tomorrow – Thursday, June 11

Pure Kona Open Mic
Hosted by: Rick Petrie & Norm Davis
Featuring: Beth Nevah

The Mez, 369 Gregory Street
7:30 -11:00 pm

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month!

Flowetics Open Mic
Hosted By: Lucreations and Gallery One Fine Arts

Gallery One Fine Arts, 36 W. Main Street
7:30 PM

Experience an evening of "Flowetic Rhythms" where live music, poetry and art simultaneously flow in rhythm!

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month!
$3 Admission

Poetry Reading April 19th

2009-04-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Just so you know I don't write about myself like this - this is from John ... but I'm flattered!

The Vibrant Word of Marie Starr

On Sunday, April 19th, at 4:00 PM, Marie Starr will give a reading of her dynamic poetry. She is a writer and photographer who uses her fractal focus and obsession with observation to discover new ways to illuminate the edges of invisibility. She is intrigued by the inter-play between art forms: words, images, movement, sound, color, beat ...and finds herself drawn as much to the simplicity of individual components, as she is to discovering ways in which various forms can work in fusion with each other. Marie lives in Victor and can often be found around town snapping pictures, drawing abstractions with long & gangly sticks, writing whatever spills from her pen, or chasing her kids. She often uses percussion instruments to accompany her words. This event is free and open to the public. Come and enjoy this special magic. We will meet at Books, ETC., 78 W Main St., Macedon. If you have any questions, please respond by email john.more@live.com or phone John at 585-464-9103.

Erotic Nights

2009-04-16T10:20:00.001-07:00

Don't miss the newest installment of the Erotic Nights series 9pm this Saturday, April 18 at Equal Grounds Coffeehouse (750 South Ave) - I sure won't!

Thursday - Writer's & Books

2009-04-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Writers & Books hosts
National Poetry Month Readings
George Drew & M.J. Iuppa

Thurs., April 9 7:00 pm
In the Verb Café at W&B
Free and open to the public

GEORGE DREW was born in Mississippi and grew up there and in New York
State , where he currently lives. Toads in a Poisoned Tank , his first
book, was published in 1986. The chapbook, So Many Bones (Poems of
Russia ) , was published in a bilingual edition by a Russian press in 1997.

A second collection, The Horse's Name Was Physics , appeared in 2006
from Word Tech Communications, under their Turning Point imprint. One of
George's poems received an Honorable Mention in the Robert Frost
Foundation's poetry competition, 2002, and another in the W.B. Yeats
Society of NY's competition, the same year. He was awarded a residency
at the Vermont Studio Center in 2004, and that summer he was a Guest
Poet at The Frost Place in Franconia , NH . He was the winner of the
2003 Paumanok Poetry Award. Most recently George won the 2008 South
Carolina Review's 40th Anniversary Poetry Contest, which will be
announced in the fall 2008 issue.

George has published in such literary journals as Antioch Review, Beloit
Poetry Journal, Connecticut Review, Hollins Critic, Mississippi Review,
Poetry East,Quarterly West, Salmagundi, Southern Poetry Review,
Sou'Wester, and The Texas Review.

M. J. Iuppa: Since 1986, local poet and writer, M. J. Iuppa has been
successfully teaching poetry and creative writing workshops to students
ages 8-89 throughout New York State. In 1996, she was the recipient of
the Writing In Rochester Award, honoring a teacher of writing for adult
students who has impacted the creation and appreciation of literature in
Rochester; and, at St. John Fisher College, she has received the
Part-Time Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, May 2000; The Father
Dorsey Award, 2000-2001 and 2002-2003, and a Certification of
Recognition from The Monroe County Legislature, April 2003. Over 200 of
her poems have appeared in small press, university, and national
publications, including Poetry, Yankee, Press, and New Letters. Her
chapbooks, Sometimes Simply,(Foreseeable Future Press, 1996), and
Temptations (Foothill Publishing, 2001) and Greatest Hits 1986-2001,
(Pudding House, 2002); and her first full-length poetry collection Night
Traveler (Foothills Publishing)November, 2003. Her creative nonfiction
is included in the collection: In Brief, edited by Judith Kitchen and
Mary Paumier Jones, ( Norton) and in Chelsea 67. Presently, she is the
Writer-in-Residence at St. John Fisher College, and also teaches
creative writing and poetry workshops at Writers & Books, Young
Audiences, Project U.N.I.Q.U.E., Rochester City School District, Genesee
Valley BOCES ,Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES and BOCES 2. Since 1990, she has
been the curator of the Genesee Reading Series at Writers & Books Her
poetry has been nominated for the Pushcart Award 1998, 2001, 2002; and
in June 1998, her play This Heat was selected as one of the seven plays
read in the American Voices Regional Playwrights' Festival sponsored by
GeVa Theatre and Writers & Books.

Monday, April 6th

2009-04-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Poetry Out Loud

2009-02-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so I guess I'm in this ... should be fun ... always up for poetry out loud!

Thursday: Pure Kona & Flowetic Rhythms

2009-02-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

This Thursday you got your pick of events (Why does everything have to fall on the same day you say? I just don't know) But here's how it is:

This Thursday:

Ed Downey is featuring at Pure Kona Open Mic

Pure Kona is now the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at The Mez, 389 Gregory Street, beginning at 7:30PM.

Norm Davis and Rick Petrie are the evening's hosts.

Upcoming features include:

Mar 12 - Baby D
Mar 26 - Rigel Klingman
Apr 9 - Amos The Human
Apr 23 - Colleen Powderly

Also

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month!

(See what I mean about everything going down at the same time around here?)

Experience an evening of "Flowetic Rhythms" where live music, poetry and art simultaneously flow in rhythm!

Hosted By:
Lucreations and Gallery One Fine Arts

When:
7:00 PM

Where:
Gallery One Fine Arts
36 W. Main St

Hope to see you here ... or there ... or somewhere ...

Community Dialogue

2009-02-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

WHAT: Historic community dialogue / panel discussion regarding the role and responsibility of mass media in helping to address individual and institutionalized racism

WHO: Activists Against Racism Movement (in conjunction with more than 25 local community agencies and organizations).

Panelists include News Directors from Channels 8, 9, 10, & 13; representatives from T.V. One, Rochester Association of Black Journalists, About Time Magazine, Minority Reporter and Challenger newspapers, WXXI radio and Rochester Indymedia

WHEN: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)...............Wednesday, February 25, 2009 (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

WHERE: James Monroe High School (164 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY)

WHY: For Activists Against Racism Movement and the general Rochester Community to begin developing a concrete, ongoing, working-relationship with representatives of mass-media in order to help:

1) produce solutions for outstanding socioeconomic, political, cultural issues and problems within our local, regional, and national communities;

2) create an atmosphere that de-emphasizes perpetuation of negative stereotypes concerning communities of color, especially as it relates to the African American Community;

3) bring more recognition and attention to positive efforts and achievements within communities of color;

4) critique, analyze, and educate regarding the functioning of racism in general, and the role of mass-media in perpetuating racism.

Contact: Mr. Dana Bratcher: dbratcher33@yahoo.com

Mr. Bratcher (Activists Against Racism Movement, Recruitment Committee Chairperson) was quoted as having said: "The recent, blatantly classic example (among many) of the NY Post being comfortable enough to mock the President of the United States of America, and liken him to a violent chimpanzee, and then have the audacity to initially attempt to defend their so-called journalistic practices as justified --- is a crystal clear indicator as to why initiation of dialogue regarding mainstream, mass-media's role in perpetuating individual an institutionalized racism, is in essence, only a baby step, a starting point relative to the hard, but necessary work ahead of us. With regard to the critical need to address the serious, deep-seated issue and problem of individual and institutionalized racism, AARM, along with its community partners, will demonstrate to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and others --- that not all of us in the nation are cowards. On February 25th, we will set a clear and important example for the nation, and will once again showcase Rochester, NY as a city of firsts."

Tonight - Poetry & Comedy

2009-02-04T10:35:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note while I'm on my lunch break. I know I've been remiss lately. I'm trying to keep up. Hope all is well with all y'all!

Tonight:

Last Comic Sitting Competition

7:30 - 10pm?
The Comedy Club at Daisy Dukes
2235 Empire Blvd (Webster)
www.thecomedyclub.us

Rochester Poet’s Reading

7- 9pm
featuring David White
At Hughes Rotunda Room
Wilson Educational Building
St. John Fisher
followed by: Open Mic and refreshments

Tomorrow - Thursday, February 5

Free Speech Zone Open Mic

7:30- 11pm
The Mez
Featuring: guitarist/singer/songwriter Daniel James,
accompanied by Harlo Taddy
Followed by Open Mic

Next Thursday, February 12

Poets Against the War & Occupation
7-10:30 pm
Basil Hall, St. John Fisher College

“A Banquet of Words and…”

2008-11-20T09:11:00.002-08:00

An interwoven, multi-disciplinary showcase of
spoken word/poetry (Reenah Golden, Justice Peace),
storytelling (Djed Snead),
dance (Fresh and Flii Crew, Melinda Phillips, Douglas McIntyre),
dramatic performance (David Jason Kyle and Marcy Savastan),
and gospel (Walla of Zambia)

Why: Fundraiser for the Empowered Girl Alliance
and the Maafa Celebration Committee (two organizations
working to improve the quality of life in our community)

When: Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 7:30pm-10:00pm

Where: 1441 East Avenue, Rochester, New York (The Rochester Medical Academy)

Cost: $18.00 in advance/$25.00 at the door
Group and family discounts available

Tickets and more information can be obtained at
Mood Makers Books, Village Gate (585-271-7010)
or by calling (585) 256-3221

Monday, December 1st: BADEA

2008-11-20T09:11:00.001-08:00

BADEA

APPEARING AT:

The Lovin' Cup

R.I.T.'s Park Point

ROCHESTER, NY 14623

Monday, December 1, 2008, 7:00pm

(followed by Open Mic hosted by Frank Judge/260-9005)

CALL: Lovin' Cup/292-9940--BADEA/234-1641 for more info

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BADEA1

Sunday: Remembering Faces Reading

2008-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Contributors to Remembering Faces, the third chapbook in the Women Celebrating Women series, will be reading and signing copies of the book this Sunday at 1:00 P.M. at Liftbridge Bookstore in Brockport. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at $10/each.

Two Great Events this Thursday

2008-11-19T19:55:00.001-08:00

Thursday, November 20th brings the Free Speech Open Mic featuring Liana Gabel & if you haven't had the chance to see this girl, I recommend you do ... She's utterly fabulous! Amazing voice, amazing words, amazing spirit ... truly!

Also this Thursday, a couple guys who swung by Pure Kona last week, Dr. Will and Gianni Gambino of Etch-a-Sketch Comedy Corp., will be serving up some comedy at the Cafe Underground. These guys were pretty impressive ... and very respectful of everyone getting up and doing their own thing. (www.gambino.pranks.com)

So, that makes it:

Liana Gabel
Free Speech Open Mic
The Mez Cafe & Music Hall
396 Gregory Street
8pm - what is it now 11ish?

and

Dr. Will & Gianni Gambino
Cafe Underground
480 W Main Street
7pm - ?

Also, Friday, November 21 - Liana Gabel will be performing at Boulder Coffee - she told me when & of course, i don't rememeber ... I wrote it down somewhere safe, so I wouldn't lose it ... and I'm sure it's very safe in whatever notebook I was carrying around the last time I saw her ... Unfortunately, I have no clue which one it was ... so she's there ... sometime on Friday ... evening ... with friends ... check her out ... she's amazing ... did I mention that?

And Monday, November 24th is the Wide Open Mic at Writers & Books ... Verb Cafe at 7:30 pm ... I will be at a Zoning Board Meeting myself, but you should go ... really ... I would ... I will, if anyone wants to be the clerk for Zoning Board ... anyone? no, okay ... have fun ...

Getting punchy now ... must sleep ... Take care!

Friday, November 14th- The Mez

2008-11-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

The Alaska Show:

Nora Kaminski
Liana Gabel
Dana Marzovilla
John Cragie

8pm - ?

Come check out these fabulous musicians!

More to come ...

Two Treats this Week: Martin Espada and Norm Davis

2008-11-04T17:53:00.001-08:00

Martin Espada

November 6: Reading, 7 PM
Flynn Campus Center
Building 3
Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY
Contact: Marie Brandt
http://www.martinespada.net/

Two reasons I’ll be doing my best to check this one out:

First: Nick Hogan, who was kind enough to let me know about this reading, recommended him after seeing him at the Dodge Poetry Festival this year and says he is a tremendous poet.

Second: The first thing I saw when I Googled him was this - Sandra Cisneros says: “Martín Espada is the Pablo Neruda of North American authors.”

So how could we miss this? And for free! Nick says, “People should treat themselves and go.” So I’m letting folks know at his, and my own, request.

and

Norm Davis at Books, ETC
Sunday, November 9th at 4:00 PM
Norm Davis will read selection of his poetry. Norm Davis has been a mainstay on the Rochester Poetry scene for many years. He has been a great encouragement to Rochester poets through his development of the Pure Kona series of open mike readings. Come and share some great writing and discussion. This program is free and open to the public. We will meet at Books, ETC., 78 W Main St., Macedon. If you have any questions, please respond by email books_etc@yahoo.com or phone John at 585-464-9103.

Also this week:

Wednesday, November 5, 7-9 pm
Rochester Poets Reading
Featuring Peter Chapman
Hughes Rotunda room
St. John Fisher College

Thursday, November 6, 8 pm
Free Speech Zone Reading Series at The Mez
Featuring Karrah Teague followed by an open mic.

Friday, November 7, 8 pm
Michael Czarnecki reading at
The Peace Storefront.

Wednesday, November 12, 7-9 pm
Rochester Poetry Workshop
Panera Bread at 12 Corners

Saturday, November 15, 1:30-4 pm
Rochester Poets Workshop
The Center at High Falls Gallery.

Sunday, November 16, 4 pm
Peter Chapman reading at Books, Etc.
78 W. Main St., Macedon, NY, 474-4116

Love Parade

2008-10-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

From Lindsay:

Time to remember The Love Parade prowls this Sunday!

Meet me at the foot of Charlotte Pier at 1pm

Rain or Shine

With lots of inspiration on your person and love in your hearts

and let's plant the seeds
for Rochester to raise out of it's sometimes slouching ruins........

Let's stir our hearts remembering what is most important.......

Nix you naysayers! It's time, Very Very much time....To create a world more silken with love.......

Forward March will be called at the magical 1:11pm

- your parade much devoted

Creating "a new holiday" for Rochester, in what is to be the inaugural Lake Ontario Love Parade. Celebrating the beauty of the Charlotte Pier and the lake before winter obscures it's treasures! Taking a temporary step away from society by walking the pier in the opposite direction of the city, in the purpose of love, and recognition that we'd like to lead improved, peaceful lives. Honoring the people and things that we love. Possibly making up with our enemies by inviting them to walk with us in the parade or honoring them quietly by parading their picture with warm thoughts. Using the parade as a pre-winter cleanse of the old. Giving our city an authentic and mysterious event like the archaic parades of Bali and Italy. Celebrating brought-props and fun costuming. Paper bell Making. Creating social events in underused, magical areas.

Tonight! Native Americans and Education-Community Dialogue Series

2008-10-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Sorry for the short notice on this, but I just found my Baobab Cultural Center Newsletter and wanted to send this out to let you know about these awesome events - one of which is Tonight! I'm hoping to make it up for this one tonight myself, so maybe I'll see you there!

EVENT

Community Dialogue Series: Native Americans and Education
October 18, 2008 at 6:30 pm

Can Native Americans be Educated and Remain "Native"? This dialogue will explore this question. Peter Jemison, Director of Ganondagan State Historic Site leads discussion.

Jemison will discuss the educational experiences of Native americans in the USA. His talk will include an overview of themes in his art works, and excerpts from a documentary titled House of Peace. Jemison will engage the audience in a dialogue on what schools should teach about the Native American culture and what can be done to enable meaningful matriculation and integration of Native Americans in secondary and post-secondary education.

Details on documentary:

House of Peace tells the story of Ganondagan, a seventeenth-century Seneca village, now a New York State Historic Site, and documents the construction of a traditional bark longhouse there.

(1999, 29 min. Documentary) US; Producer: G. Peter Jemison (Seneca); Director: Cathleen Ashworth; Produced by: Friends of Ganondagan

Check out http://www.thebaobab.org/ for more information

Also coming up at The Baobab:

EVENT

Guest Speaker Event: Adobe: Down to Earth.
October 23, 2008 at 7:00 pm

Guest speaker Paul Rayar is the Director of Arcilla Research. Mr. Rayar is the originator of a technology for producing environmentally-friendly materials from waste streams. An artist by training, Mr. Rayar was a master at creating enameled jewelry, murals, and stoneware ceramics. A native of Florida, he set up his permanent workshop in the Netherlands, where he was sought out to decorate municipal buildings with sculptural ceramic relief and create public statuary.

More information on Paul Rayar is available at http://www.thebaobab.org/

EVENT

Community Dialogue Series: Race Relations: Seminole Indians and Blacks
October 25, 2008 at 6:30 pm

This dialogue will focus on the film "Black Indians: An American Story" that brings to light a forgotten part of America's past - the cultural and racial fusion of Native and African Americans. Discussion facilitated by Roberta Davis.

Honoring the Muse at FLCC

2008-09-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

From Curt Nehring Bliss (The man with the coolest last name ever!)

HONORING THE MUSE with poet T.R. Congdon on Wednesday, September 24th at 7pm in the Honors House

Please consider joining us as FLCC Honors Studies kicks off our new Honoring the Muse performance series this Wednesday, September 24th at 7pm in the Parlor Room of the Honors House. Our first featured performer will be Rochester musician/poet/activist T.R. Congdon. Following Congdon’s reading will be a spoken word open mic.

As a musician, T.R. Congdon has played all over the country, opening for big names such as Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt, and Jerry Lee Lewis. As a poet, he is widely published though he refers to himself as “an unknown figure in contemporary literature.” As a student at Cornell, he studied creative writing with the late A.A. Ammons, and as an independent film maker he has worked with Pulitzer and National Book Award winners and poet laureates such as Donald Hall, Yusef Komunyakaa, Carolyn Forche' and Amiri Baraka. Congdon’s current project is a forthcoming film to benefit New Orleans’ Common Ground Relief organization and will feature numerous poets, Katrina survivors, and volunteers from Common Ground Relief.

A profile of TR. Congdon on the web at www.commongroundrelief.org/node/676
* * *

Honoring the Muse aims to engage, challenge, and surprise audiences with an eclectic mix of weekly Wednesday night readings and performances. Each evening will feature a guest performer followed by an open mic. The Honors House and the community it cultivates provide a generous venue for the presentation of original work. More information on the series can be found online at http://www.flcc.edu/honors and on Facebook (search “FLCC Honors House” and become a fan to stay connected).

The schedule for the 08-09 academic year is as follows:

First Wednesdays at 7pm: Songwriters Circle hosted by Curt Nehring Bliss

Second Wednesdays at 5pm: Composers Forum hosted by Dr. David McGuire

Third Wednesdays at 7pm: Go Bananas (comedy/improv) hosted by Noah Earl

Fourth Wednesdays at 7pm: Writers Bloc Party (spoken word) hosted by Jon Palzer

Poetry, Nonfiction, Discussions Galore

2008-09-20T13:38:00.001-07:00

So many things are happening this week! So hard to choose ... I would love to make it to all these events, but I know I'll never pull it off. The one place I know I'll be is at Pure Kona Thursday night for Rich Forster's feature.

I never pass up a chance to hear him read, though I'm partial, since I'm convinced he talks like a tree and I've been known to be quite fond of trees. Intrigued? Come decide for yourself ... and bring something to read for the open mic ... add to the melee!

Tuesday, September 23:

Clea Koff,Author of “The Bone Woman” will speak at SUNY Brockport in the Tuttle North Gymat 8:30 pm. Koff will discuss her work asa UN forensic anthropologist working with families who lost loved ones togenocide.

25 And Under Reading will be hosted by: Sally Bittner Bonn in the VerbCafé at Writers & Books at 7:00 pm. Free toW&B members, $3 general public

Wednesday, September 24:

Francis Smith Foster, African American family life and Women’s Studiesscholar will be holding a discussion on “Freedom’s Journal and its Work,” atNewton Hall on the SUNY Geneseo campus at 5 pm.

Dinty W. Moore is the author of Between Panicand Desire; The Accidental Buddhist: Mindfulness, Enlightenment and SittingStill; Toothpick Men; and The Emperor’s Virtual Clothes. Reading held in The New York Room, CooperHall at SUNY Brockport at 8pm (free & open to the public)

KathAnderson, mentor and friend of poet Ruth Lunt, will be reading from AsQuarks Are to Cicadas, a selection of Ruth’s poemsselected and organized by Kath andrecently published byFoothills Publishing at 7pm. FREE

Thursday, Sept. 25:

Rich Forster will be the feature at The Pure Kona Open Mic, at The Mez, 389 Gregory Street at 7:30 pm. Followed by an Open Mic. FREE

Phil Memmer and Michael Jennings will be the Visiting Writers at Writers andBooks will host.

7 pm: $4 W&Bmembers, $6 general public.

For info on the writers, see http://www.wab.org/events/2008_09.shtml.

Tomorrow: David White

2008-09-13T12:27:00.001-07:00

David White at Books, ETC

On Sunday, September 14th, at 4:00 PM, David White will read from his collection of poetry.

David is a philosopher with forty years of professional experience in Upstate New York. All his philosophical work focuses on Bishop Joseph Butler, author of The Analogy of Religion (1736). David balances philosophy with poetry in his dialectic, but the poems are not religious.

The poems, collected under the title Luck of the Welsh, take up the theme of life as a trial with a naturalized Deity as the Probation Officer. This program is free and open to the public. We will meet at Books, ETC., 78 W Main St., Macedon.

If you have any questions, please respond by email books_etc@yahoo.com or phone John at 585-464-9103.

Amy Bloom at Brockport

2008-09-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

September 10: Amy Bloom will be featured at the Brockport Writers Forum at 8pm in the New York Room of Cooper Hall on the Brockport campus. This event is co-sponsored by the Women & Gender Studies Program at Brockport and is free and open to the public.

About Amy Bloom: Amy Bloom is the author of two novels, two collections of short stories, and a nominee for both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her stories have appeared in Best American Short Stories, Prize Stories: The O. Henry Awards, and numerous anthologies here and abroad. She has written for the New Yorker, the New York Times Magazine, the Atlantic Monthly, Vogue, Slate, and Salon, among many other publications, and has won a National Magazine Award. Her first book of nonfiction, Normal: Transsexual CEOs, Crossdressing Cops, and Hermaphrodites with Attitude, is an exploration of the varieties of gender. She lives in Connecticut and teaches at Yale University.

*About info taken from the flyer sent by Kathleen Gill Re: Brockport Writer’s Forum

For more information contact Writers Forum Co-Directors
Ralph Black and Anne Panning at (585) 395-5713
www.brockport.edu/wforum/

Pure Kona Open Mic

2008-09-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the upcoming features for Pure Kona Open Mic.

Sept. 11 - Major Tony Nelson
Sept. 25 - Rich Forster
Oct. 9 - Patricia Roth Schwartz
Oct. 23 - Norm Davis
Oct. 30 - Lynn Cuthbertson
Nov. 13 - Mike Rae & John Francunas

We are alternating weeks with Free Speech Zone Open Mic, with Pure Kona occurring on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays. Readings take place at The Mez, 389 Gregory Street, beginning at 7:30PM. Norm Davis and Rick Petrie are the evening's hosts. Please email Rick at petrie95@hotmail.com if you have any questions.

Upcoming Features for Pure Kona

2008-08-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

August 28 - Dr. Zaeus
Sept. 11 - Major Tony Nelson
Sept. 25 - Craig LaSalle

Pure Kona alternates weeks with Free Speech Zone Open Mic,
with Pure Kona on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays.

Readings take place at The Mez, 389 Gregory Street, beginning at 7:30PM.
Norm Davis and Rick Petrie are the evening's hosts.

Saturday: Collective Show at The Mez & Arianna's 13th Birthday

2008-08-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, August 9th at The Mez
389 Gregory Street, Rochester

Doors Open at 7:30 pm
Show begins at 8 pm
Cost : $5

So, Shawnee Boyeee has pulled together an interesting amalgamation of people & poets, musicians & munchkins ... it'll certainly be magical and maybe a bit maniacal ... we shall see, we shall see ...

It also happens to be my daughter Arianna's 13th birthday, so we will be incorporating a birthday blow-out in amongst the poetic performances & musical merriments ...

Arianna will be starting us off with a little poetry and a song or two (with some extra added talent from her little brother Ayden) and then ... in some sort of unknown and malleable line-up, will be me, Chris Reynolds, Urknee & Bjurton, and Shawnee Boyeee!

Hope you can come out for poetry, music, mania, and a fond farewell to Arianna's pre-teen years and her entrance into the intense insanity of American Adolescence!

BADEA wins 1st Prize for "Do You Remember?"

2008-07-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

A message from BADEA:

GREETINGS ALL!

BADEA is proud to announce that we were chosen as a first prize winner in the 2008 Blackdog Records Songwriting contest. We were put in the category of "World" and won for our composition, "Do You Remember?" Visit "www.blackdogmg.com" and you can listen to all 65 finalists.

The song is listed under Robert Snead as the writer, not BADEA but believe me, it was and will remain, a group effort.

Upcoming Performances:

2nd Annual Rochester A.B.O.V.E. festival at Genesee Valley Park August 2, 2008 at 2pm

Westside Farmers Market Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 4:30pm

The Sankofa Festival, Village Gate, Goodman Street, August 23, 2008 at 2pm

T.F. Rice at The Mez: August 7th

2008-07-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

That's right, August 7 at The Mez: T.F. Rice a.k.a. Tanya, the fabulous proprietor of The Other Herald, will be the featured reader:

Hi,
just a quick note that I will be reading from SMALL TOWNS, as well as new poetry and a few very short fiction (if I am allowed to stray from poetry-- ha, ha), at The Mez in Rochester on Thurs. Aug. 7 (389 Gregory Street) 8-10 p.m. which includes open mic. The Mez looks to have great food and atmosphere. Check out this cafe, formerly known for many years as Daily Perks, online at: http://www.houseofhamez.com . Maybe I'll see you there? Bring something to read, if you dare!!
Tanya

It's not too often Tanya makes the trek out to Monroe County, so it's a special treat to have her so close at hand - I say, take advantage of it if you can! I know I will!

This Saturday: Art Show Opening

2008-07-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

So folks, this Saturday, July 12 from 5-8pm is the Opening
for my Art Show: In Fusion at Books Etc.

Books, Etc. is a fabulous Used Book Store/Coffee Shop/Gallery owned by my good friend John Cieslinski and his sister Mary Ann. I am so happy to be doing a show at such a wonderful place, run by such kind and caring people.

John and Mary Ann host Art Shows at the store every few months, offer a meeting place for the Wayne County Writer's Group, and have a variety of events, including music nights, poetry readings, book club meetings, and sudoku parties.

The bookstore is located at 78 West Main Street, in Macedon, NY. (Just click the Title to the Post to link to a Google Map)

I have several new pieces in this show and will be doing a reading in conjunction with the show, as well, on Sunday July 20th.

I hope you will be able to make it to the Opening this Saturday. I am as excited to see you all as I am for you all to become acquainted with these wonderful people and their fabulous bookstore.

Upcoming Features for Pure Kona

2008-07-01T13:54:00.001-07:00

Here are the upcoming features for Pure Kona Open Mic:

July 10 - BADEA
July 24 - Keith Stott
August 14 - Lindsey Herko & Bobby M'ville

We are alternating weeks with Free Speech Zone Open Mic, with Pure Kona on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays. Readings take place at The Mez, 389 Gregory Street, beginning at 7:30PM. Norm Davis and Rick Petrie are the evening's hosts. Please email if you have any questions (petrie95@hotmail.com).

Thanks again.

Rick Petrie

Saturday: Noises, Words, & Sounds at The Mez

2008-06-25T12:38:00.002-07:00

An evening of noises, words & sounds with

Honkersome Honkersome Honkersome Horns

NPV

Urknee & Bjurton Russell

Come join us for an evening of jazz-noise sound-scrape word-birding bozo-phonics, guaranteed to offer an alternative to sensitive folksiness, & jamband jamborees.

On this evening we will be featuring the debut skronking of four olde horn-eyed windbag-mongers, Honkersome Honkersome Honkersome Horns; joining them will be Mez word-bird veterans Urknee & Bjurton Russell, and notably noisy improv/noise trio NPV.

There may be some surprises....you have been warned....

Surprises! I love Surprises! I'll definitely be there!

Matt Shackelford: Thursday, June 26

2008-06-25T12:38:00.001-07:00

Pure Kona Open Mic/ Free Speech Zone Open Mic

(Whichever it happens to be rotating to this week ... I get confused)

Whatever you call it, don't miss the melodious mumblin's of

Mr. Matt Shackelford (a.k.a. Shack ... or is it Shaq ... no, definitely Shack)

(Author of the break-out Chapbook: Kissings of Possibility)

Thursday, June 26 8pm

The Mez Cafe,

389 Gregory Street, Rochester

Hope to see you there!
(Hope to make it there!)

Reading for Relief: Saturday, June 28

2008-06-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

From Wanda Schubmehl:

Asia has been devastated recently by a cyclone in Burma/Myanmar and the powerful earthquake which hit Sichuan province in China. We have all seen the photos and video on TV and the internet, and have, perhaps, been listening to the NPR coverage of the earthquake from its reporters who happened to be in the earthquake zone at the time of the quake.
Maybe you took a minute to think about the desperate needs of the victims of these natural disasters, and wished there were something you could do to help.

Here is an opportunity to spend an afternoon in the company of wonderful local writers reading from their poetry, fiction, and memoir, for a suggested donation to relief efforts for Burma/Myanmar and Sichuan, China through Mercy Corps.

What: A literary reading of original poetry, fiction, and memoir
Where: First Universalist Church of Rochester
150 S. Clinton Avenue
When: Saturday, June 28, 2 PM

Monetary donations are requested. Donations will be channeled through Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org), a humanitarian relief organization with 29 years of experience in disaster relief and other humanitarian projects. There will be the option of donating to Mercy Corps with or without a tax credit. You will be able to specify if you want your donation to be used for the survivors of the earthquake in China, the cyclone in Burma/Myanmar, or both.

Authors who will read from their work include:

Tricia Asklar, Ron Bailey, Todd Beers, Louise Bennett, Julie Damerell, Sonja Livingston, Lucy Luo, Wynne McClure, Len Messineo, Elizabeth Osta, Rufino Pabico, Salvatore Parlato, Jr., Colleen Powderly, John Roche, Wanda Schubmehl, Patricia Roth Schwartz, Marie Starr, David Tilley, Kathleen Van Schaick, Leah Zazulyer

With grateful acknowledgment to the First Universalist Church for the donation of space for the reading

Some Poetry Events This Week

2008-06-04T10:34:00.001-07:00

From Frank Judge:

Tonight, Wednesday, June 4: Rochester Poets Reading 7-9 pm
Festured Reader: Jeremy Fernaays, followed by refreshments and an open mic.
Location: Hughes Rotunda Room, Wilson Education Building of St. John Fisher College.

Thursday, June 5: Free Speech Zone Reading at The Mez
Feature: Chris Reynolds, followed by an open mic. Readings start at 8 pm.

Friday, June 6: First Friday Reading Series at The Peace Storefront
Feature poet: Michael Ketchek, 8 pm
Preceded by appetizers and followed by an Open Mic

Friday, June6: John Roche will be reading at Greenwood Books on East Ave at 7 pm

Wednesday, June 11, 7-9 pm: Rochester Poetry Workshop
Location: 12 Corners Panera Bread
Bring 5-8 copies of any poems you want to share

Saturday, June 7, 6-10 pm: Opening Reception & Sale is on for "Small" and "Lilac Time" at the Center at High Falls Gallery. Sales begin at 7:30 pm with a raffle for buyer positions 1-20. Also, Friday, June 6, 6-10 pm is the Preview (no purchasing) of 6x6x2008 Show.

Genesee Reading Series: June 10th

2008-06-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

From Wanda Schubmehl: Now in its 24th year, the Genesee Reading Series presents writers from the greater Genesee Valley region.

Hosted by Wanda Schubmehl
$3 W&B members, $6 general public
7:30 p.m., W&B
Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Featuring: Ron Bailey and David Michael Nixon

We sometimes speak of "poetic voice," and the GRS for June presents two eloquent examples. Their work has distinct character and approach. We invite you to hear these two poets read from their body of work.

Ron Bailey
Ron Bailey is well-known in our community for his originality and poetic voice, and for his commitment to teaching and mentoring others. He frequently teaches for Writers and Books, among others. He had a distinguished career in education, both secondary and college level.

Ron Bailey has a chapbook, green fire, from 2003, is widely anthologized across the US, and has been most recently published in Cicatrix, The Red Wheelbarrow, and The Aurorean . He is energized by collaborative work, and in the last few months has participated or been featured in collaborations with the RPO, Rochester Art Club, and RochesterInk, the 2007 poetry festival.

David Michael Nixon
David Michael Nixon has produced a full-length, limited-edition poetry book, Season of the Totem, and four chapbooks, You See Me in the Trees, Blue Water Line blues, Hunting the World, and Venus In Retirement. He also has poems in journals such as HazMat Review, Yankee, Home Planet News, and Waterways.

David Michael also teaches, including at Writers and Books. He is known as well for his a capella singing.

Some Upcoming Poetry Events

2008-05-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Just taking my first lunch break all week and wanted to send out a quick shout to you all ... HOWDY!

I'll be coming out of my shell this week to feature for Pure Kona. Hoped to have more new stuff to read, have some, but not as much as I'd like ... it's all rough and stuff at this point ... so I'm trying to figure out what to read. So, if you have any ideas, preferences, notes to avoid drop me a line and let me know ... not that I expect you to remember all my work ... my ego's not that huge ... but I know I often go, you know that one about the bird and the wire thing ... that one's good .. read that ... anything really to help me narrow down my options ... hope to see you there!

Here's the latest scoop from a plethora of poets:

PURE KONA POETRY OPEN MIC

Here are the new features for Pure Kona Poetry Open Mic:

May 8 - Marie Starr
May 22 - Joel Dow
May 29 - Jeremy Fernaays

Pure Kona Poetry Open Mic is held every 2nd and 4th Thursday at The Mez
(389 Gregory St in the South Wedge of Rochester) at 7:30PM.
Norm Davis and Rick Petrie are the cohosts. 15 years running this June.

Sincerely,
Rick Petrie

From Frank Judge:

Monthly RP reading: Wednesday, May 7, 7-9 pm, in the Hughes Rotunda room at St. John Fisher College. Featured reader will be poet Rick Petrie, co-host of the Pure Kona reading series, followed by an open mic.

The Rochester Area Haiku Group will meet Sunday, May 18, 2-4 pm at the annual Bonsai Show at Monroe Community Hospital.

The May Rochester Poetry Workshop will be Wednesday, May 14, 7-9 pm at Panera Bread, 12 Corners.

The Mez (http://www.houseofhamez.com/) could be forced to close because rising costs have outpaced rising sales. Please spread the word about this important, supportive venue for poets and musicians. And don't forget Mezapaolooza, a 3-day celebration of art, poetry & music, Friday, May 16 (4-11 pm) Saturday, May 17 & Sunday May 18 (Noon-11 pm). Poets will be reading Noon-1 pm on Sunday the 18th. If you'd like to read, contact (Frank Judge: 260-9005) ASAP.

From Sally Bittner-Bonn:

BIG authors coming to Buffalo in 2008-2009! Check out this line-up folks, and buy your tickets now, if you're interested (they're already 50% sold out!)! Maybe we can get a caravan of Rochester folk to these 4 events (though I might be otherwise engaged for at least a few of these...)

Sally

Michael Kelleher

LITERARY BUFFALO

BABEL 2008-2009 SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW

Just Buffalo is happy to announce our 2008-2009 lineup for Babel:

Chinua Achebe, Nigeria, September 25. Book: Things Fall Apart.

Michael Ondaatje, Canada, October 29. Book: The English Patient.

Marjane Satrapi, Iran, April 1. Book: Persepolis.

Isabel Allende, Chile, April 17. Book: House of the Spirits.

Previous subscribers can re-up for $75. New subscription (four events): $100. Patron subscription $250. Patron Pair $400. Patron subscribers receive VIP seating and attendance at all pre-event author receptions. We expect to sell out next season by subscription. If we do not, tickets for individual events will go on sale September 1.

Note: as of today, we are 50% sold out for next season.

From Donna Marbach:

ByLine Magazine - As of May, ByLine is changing its format from a monthly magazine to a thicker by-monthly magazine. As a result, the deadline for the ByLine Chapbook competition has been extended to September 2, 2008, although the announcement of winners is still expected to be December 2008. (See our website www.bylinemag.com for further details) Also note, that I continue to solicit poetry submissions on a regular basis, as well as articles on the craft of poetry, the marketing of poetry, poetic forms, and devices. Do note, however, that submissions for ByLine should now be sent to ByLinepoetry@gmail.com. rather than to my regular email address.

Women Celebrating Women – Palettes & Quills has issued a call for submissions for the third chapbook in the Women Celebrating Women series. Poems are being solicited from women writers on the theme of women who have made a difference. The deadline for receipt of submissions is July 5, 2008 and a reading and publication party is tentatively scheduled at Writers & Books for October 9, at 7:00 p.m. (Email me at dmarbach@rochester.rr.com

On Saturday May 10, from 10 a.m. until 1p.m., I am scheduled to lead a work shop on Basic Computer Techniques for Poets and other Writers ($32 for Writers & Books Members; $36 for general public) There are still openings in this class. Please call Writers & Books at 585-473-2590. Spread the word to friends who don’t get email. I promise they’ll find this easy to learn and essential to working as a poet in the computer age.

This course is geared to the literary technophobes out there. Some of the things we will explore together are (a) how to turn off the auto-format that capitalizes the first line of your poem (b) how to attach a document to an e-mail and send it, (c) how to download information and save it from a website, (d) how to copy and paste files into e-mails, (e) how to reformat fonts or styles without completely retyping your work, (e) how to save multiple versions of a draft without retyping it every time, (f) how to save files to a disc or merge a series of single files into a single manuscript file. This is a basic hands-on problem solving course for the practical needs of writers. It is not high tech. Your questions will be answered in plain English. You will have the opportunity to practice doing these things yourself. Bring your own laptop or use the Writers &Books computers.

On Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. The Poetry Rejection Club (i.e. Tricia Asklar, Tom Holmes, and myself) will be the featured readers at the Just Poets’ open mic at Barnes & Nobles in Pittsford. Celebrating the end of our first year of competition for the most rejections, we will share with you some of our funniest, meanest, and strangest rejection experiences. We will also read some of our most rejected poems as well as some of our accepted ones. But most of all, we want to entice you to become a member and compete with us in our new year which started May 1, 2008 and will run through April 30 2009. There are no special qualifications for membership, nor any dues. All you have to do is make a commitment to submit poetry and track rejections and acceptances for the next year. (Realistically, to be competitive, you will have to submit upwards of 100 submissions -but that’s totally doable -- really only about 10 a month or 2 a week). Come join us for some fun and moral support in marketing our poetry. We promise some laughs and a good time.

And Don’t Forget: My dear friend Wynne McClure will be reading along with Julie Damerell at the May 13th Genesee Reading Series at 7:30 p.m. at Writers & Books. Wynne hopes to have copies of her new book at that time too. Either way, she would really enjoy your company at her reading. If you can, please attend.

Well, that's all for now ... that I know of ... I'm sure there's more. I apologize for the sporadic announcements ... still no working computer (or car) and I don't always have time to check at work ... Late for my lunch break now! Gotta go! Hope all is well with all y'all!

Critical Theory to Play Benefit at House of Hamez

2008-04-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

A message from Michael of Critical Theory (a.k.a. Ethic)

For those of you attending (or not sure), I've recently confirmed that all proceeds from the door of our show at House of Hamez on April 19th will be going to IHS' Amnesty International fund for "One Laptop Per Child" program.

The money made at the entrance (a $3.00 donation from each attendee) will go directly toward purchasing a uber-dope, solar powered, transforming, nazi-battling laptop for either an underprivelaged child on another continent, or an underprivelaged school right here in Rochester.

Last time we played House of Hamez, we made 100+ dollars from the door alone (and that was without promoting heavily and many of you not showing up). Realistically, we'd like you all to help us match and exceed that amount in the name of local musicans and Amnesty's great cause.

I don't want to promote the show as a fund raiser because I don't feel right riding the coat tails of a good cause for my own business moves, but I DO feel that it's imporant for you to understand the difference you can make by helping us promote, ect.

That's it! Spread the word, and even if you can't make it to the show, please donate to the One Child Per Laptop fund at IHS. It's a great thing. Thanks, peace, love, sex I love you michael of Critical Theory

www.myspace.com/criticaltheoryrrwww.myspace.com/bethnavahcriticaltheory

So whether you go to hear some fabulous rhymes and music or to support the cause ... or (how great is this)see a fabulous performer AND support a fabulous cause ... just go if you can ... you won't regret it .. this guy is phenomenal!

Tonight: First Friday Rochester Program

2008-03-07T09:27:00.001-08:00

Jan Cedras will be reading as part of the First Friday Rochester program tonight Friday. March 7 from 7-7:30 at Greenwood Books on East Avenue just down from RoCA and around the corner from Eastman.

Also, here's the link to info on all the other events:

http://www.firstfridayrochester.org/march_08.htm

More First Friday events:

Anti-War Storefront and Gallery
poetry reading (7:30-9:30 pm) featuring David White

Continuing art exhibit: Homicide in Rochester
a year in portraits by Jeremy Oversier 658 Monroe Avenue

Bernunzio Uptown Music
Live Music (6-9pm) by singer/songwriter Steve Piper
with friends Scott Regan, Maria Gillard, and John Daddy
www.stevepipermusic.com www.mariagillard.com

Booksmart Studio
Opening Reception (6-9pm) for The 1st Annual
Alternative Digital Printing Exhibition

Cascade Art Center
Opening Reception (7-9pm) for Form and Function
This exhibition showcases emerging artist
Sarah Rutherford and furniture designer Brandon Carmo

Center at High Falls / High Falls Art Gallery
A Photographer's Path 11

Crocus Clay Works
Opening Reception (5-9pm) for
Mutually Amused: Painting by Ryan DeClerck and Jennifer Rorke
and interactive group painting to live acoustic music

Gallery One Fine Arts
Triple Treat Friday Art+Food+Music from (6-11pm)

Galvin/Davis Studio/Gallery
New work by Chas Davis and Tom Galvin

Genesee Pottery
Opening Reception (6-9pm)
Evolution and Division ceramic work
by Syracuse artist Tim See

Greenwood Books
poetry reading (7-7:30pm) by Jan Cedras

Hartnett Gallery
Family Gathering: A Look into the World of Eating Disorders

Image City Photography Gallery
Root Fusion with featured artist Steve Root
guest photographers: Michaele Cultrara, Hope Junot,
Max Rempel, Jeanne Sozio, Sa Kim Tran, and Steve Tryon

More Fire Glass Studio
Glass Blowing Demonstrations by Guest Artists

Richard Aerni Ceramic Design
New Work by Gallery Artists

Rochester Contemporary Art Center
Opening Reception (6-10pm) for Jessica Julius in LAB Space
upstairs open studios

Artist's Walk to Sibley Center Window with Lanna Pejovic at 8pm

Studio 354
Opening Reception (6-9pm) for The Raven and the Writing Desk
new work by Nancy Topolski and Rachael Hetzel

Visual Studies Workshop
7th Annual Visual Studies Workshop Silent Auction Benefit (6-9pm)
artwork by recognized artists and current MFA students
all proceeds support VSW. admission: $15 / $5 for students

6th Annual Poets Against the War

2008-01-28T19:21:00.000-08:00

At the Golisano Gateway, Mid-level Room, Basil Hall
St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY 14618 US
When: Tuesday, February 12, 7:00PM to 11:00PM
Phone: 260-9005

From the host Frank Judge:

For the sixth year in a row, we're inviting area poets, musicians and other performers to participate in the Rochester Poets Against the War & Occupation event. It will be held in the Golisano Gateway, St. John Fisher College, 7-11 pm, Tuesday, February 12, the 5th anniversary of the cancelled White House symposium on poetry which launched the PAW movement.

No one is expected to create work for the event, but we encourage poets and other writers to read their own material. If you're a musician and don't feel your have any suitable pieces, there's a mountain of suitable songs from the Civil Rights & Vietnam era protests that are as timely now as they were then.

If you're participating, please email a bio-bibliographical blurb (4-5 lines) for the program notes -- publications, interests, causes vs. academics. If you joined us before, please update your info.

Please RSVP ASAP so we can get to work on press notices, flyers and other publicity.

Thanks again for your support.

~Frank
sns1@msn.com
Rochester PAW Coordinator
260-9005

One of a kind concert this Saturday at House of Hamez

2008-01-28T19:16:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY FEB. 2...GROUNDHOG'S DAY.... @THE HOUSE OF HAMEZ AT 8PM (389 gREGORY)

THESE 4 ENSEMBLES WILL BRING JOY AND CONSTERNATION (depending on underwear tightness preferences)

NPV

THE NOSE (featuring Ian Downey & Mary Lewandowski)

JOEL'S PROJECT (the young electroacoustolonogist strikes!)

ERKNEE & BJURTON RUSSELL

admission is cheap to negotiable

ZuZu Cafe, and Poets & Writers, Inc, proudly announce:

2008-01-26T17:53:00.000-08:00

A new local reading series:
to be held on the third Thursday of every month
(excluding April, August, and December)

The featured poets will read at ZuZu at
Fall Street, Seneca Falls, at 7 pm,
followed by an Open Mic 'til 9 pm.

Delicious teas, coffees, desserts and other refreshments are available..
Pat Schwartz serves as the series organizer and emcee.

The kick-off event on Thurs, Feb 21st, will feature:
Michael Czarenecki, Maureen Owens, and Ellen Clark

Following will be:
March 20th: Colleen Powderly and Tricia Asklar
May 15th: Ron Bailey and Claudia Stanek
Future schedule TBA

FYI: on Fri., April 18th, Patricia Roth Schwartz will read at the Seneca Falls Library at 7:30 pm;on Fri, April 25th, Karla Linn Merrifield will read at Auburn Public Theater,as part of their bi-annual "An Evening with A Poet" program.
Both of these event are also funded by Poets and Writers, Inc.

Thanks Pat!

This Thursday -----> Ian Downey

2008-01-02T19:25:00.001-08:00

This Thursday -----> Ian Downey!

Not since Acoustic Music Not For Wimps have I seen the fabulousness of Sir Ian Downey! I am hoping a babysitter will magically appear for me tomorrow and I will be able to manifest myself at House of Hamez ... but if I cannot, go in my stead ... if that's even correct, I don't quite know ... maybe just go instead ... or just go! That's it, just go!

Upcoming events are House of Hamez:

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

The House of Hamez
389 Gregory Street
Beginning at or around 7:30PM

Hope to catch you dropping in there sometime ...

Tonight: Bobby Maville!

2007-12-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

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.

Fresh Start

2007-11-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-11-27T07:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

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

Maia Horvath’s Visual Wonderland

2007-11-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

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.

Word Explosion

2007-11-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

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!

Rochester Ink

2007-10-19T09:47:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

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

A Plethora of Poetry Events

2007-10-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

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!

Art Walk Alive

2007-09-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2nd Annual Canandaigua Poetry Festival

2007-09-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Final Pure Kona at Daily Perks

2007-08-28T20:23:00.001-07:00

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.

Pure Kona Moves to Mondays at Boulder Coffee

2007-08-20T23:00:00.001-07:00

***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

2007-08-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

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!

Michael Brown this week at Kona

2007-07-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Jeremy Fernaays: This Week at Pure Kona

2007-07-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

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

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

2007-06-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

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 …

This week at Pure Kona: Greg Slater

2007-06-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2007-06-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

NVP at Pure Kona & Other Random Events

2007-06-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Pure Kona Open Mic: Urknee & Bjurton

2007-05-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

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

The Last Blue Dahlia Open Mic

2007-05-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

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

Ed Downey: This week at Blue Dahlia Open Mic

2007-05-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

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

Artwork & Poetwords Opening: May 4th

2007-04-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

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.

April Events for Teens at Wood Library

2007-04-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

No Blue Dahlia This Week

2007-03-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

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

Sherry & Me

2007-03-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

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

David Michael Nixon

2007-02-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

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

Photos from PAW

2007-02-23T00:09:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-23T00:08:00.001-08:00

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

BEN SANEFSKI

2007-02-23T00:07:00.001-08:00

BEN, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

CHRIS & BEN

2007-02-23T00:05:00.005-08:00

CHRIS & BEN, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

IAN DOWNEY

2007-02-23T00:05:00.003-08:00

IAN DOWNEY, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

SHAWNEE BOYEEE

2007-02-23T00:05:00.001-08:00

SHAWNEE BOYEEE, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

SHAWNEE BOYEEE

2007-02-23T00:04:00.005-08:00

SHAWNEE BOYEEE, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

LISA BIGWOOD

2007-02-23T00:04:00.003-08:00

LISA BIGWOOD, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

LISA BIGWOOD

2007-02-23T00:04:00.001-08:00

LISA BIGWOOD, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

DAVID MICHAEL NIXON

2007-02-23T00:03:00.005-08:00

DAVID MICHAEL NIXON, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

JAMES

2007-02-23T00:03:00.001-08:00

JAMES, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

KALU JAMES

2007-02-23T00:02:00.003-08:00

KALU JAMES, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

MATT A.K.A. ANIMAL

2007-02-23T00:02:00.001-08:00

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

THE RAGING GRANNIES

2007-02-23T00:01:00.001-08:00

THE RAGING GRANNIES, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

JEREMY FERNAAYS

2007-02-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

JEREMY FERNAAYS, originally uploaded by SerendipityThree.

David Michael Nixon & Alex Dedicke

2007-02-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

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