In-Fusion

Visionaries in Motion Series at RIT

2010-09-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

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!!

2010-08-21T13:22:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-13T13:02:00.002-04:00

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

2010-03-12T17:35:00.004-05:00

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!

2010-02-01T00:59:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-31T22:01:00.001-05:00

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

2010-01-29T16:14:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-29T15:59:00.000-05:00

This sounds so cool!

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!

2009-11-13T16:17:00.001-05:00

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.

2009-07-07T17:47:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-10T16:38:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-16T13:22:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-16T13:18:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-05T22:42:00.001-04:00

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.

Lu Highsmith at Loving Cup

2009-04-05T22:31:00.002-04:00

Poetry Out Loud

2009-02-25T23:24:00.000-05:00

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

Thursday: Pure Kona & Flowetic Rhythms

2009-02-21T20:55:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-04T13:32:00.002-05:00

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…”

2008-11-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

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

2008-11-20T12:09:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-20T12:09:00.001-05:00

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

2008-11-19T22:51:00.001-05:00

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 at The Mez

2008-11-14T02:27:00.001-05:00

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

2008-11-04T20:13:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-25T23:53:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-18T14:54:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-24T00:46:00.001-04:00

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

2008-09-20T16:33:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-13T15:26:00.001-04:00

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

2008-09-05T13:11:00.001-04:00

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

2008-09-05T11:08:00.002-04:00

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

2008-08-18T02:11:00.000-04:00

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.

This Saturday: Collective Show & Arianna's 13th Birthday!

2008-08-07T17:23:00.001-04:00

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 First Prize for "Do You Remember?"

2008-07-24T13:06:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-22T12:23:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-09T13:03:00.005-04:00

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

2008-07-01T16:52:00.000-04:00

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

2008-06-25T15:45:00.005-04:00

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

2008-06-25T15:45:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-25T15:45:00.001-04:00

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 This Week

2008-06-04T13:21:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-02T11:31:00.000-04:00

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

2008-05-06T13:42:00.002-04:00

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 at House of Hamez

2008-04-03T11:17:00.000-04:00

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

2008-03-07T12:24:00.002-05:00

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

Art Show - February 9th

2008-01-28T22:31:00.001-05:00

Paul’s Artwork:
Places and Faces

You are cordially invited
to an open reception
for the new art exhibit
of the work of

Paul Szafranski
on
February 9th, 2008
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

at

Books, ETC.
78 W. Main St.
Macedon NY 14502

6th Annual Poets Against the War

2008-01-28T22:29:00.002-05:00

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

2008-01-28T22:29:00.001-05:00

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:

2008-01-26T20:56:00.001-05:00

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

2008-01-02T22:17:00.000-05:00

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 ...

Tonigt: Bobby Maville!

2007-12-20T13:59:00.001-05:00

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 (Part II)

2007-11-27T11:47:00.000-05:00

Yea, we made it! Now what will we do with it?

The possibilities are endless, the collaborations are limitless, the creativity is boundless, and I am quite joyous! Though it could be the fever, I do tend to hallucinate when I'm ill ... let's hope not ... let's fuse, collaborate, concoct, create, integrate, and/or deviate ...

If you are interested in this collaboration: post, respond, create, relate, invigorate, join me in my feverish fusion free-for-all! Propagate a magnificent mishmash of creativity and synthesis!

Viva La Fusion!

Marie