Merry Christmas and my sincere compliments of the season to all poets on fire - or at least smouldering - and other interested browsers, in whichever part of the world you currently find yourself.
I'm off on my festive holidays now, to the land of sofas and wine-drowsy duvets, and will not be posting events up again - I hope - until we're well into the New Year. Apologies to anyone whose impending event has been missed off the blog. That's life.
My hopes and dreams for 2008: I'm hoping this year that I won't receive quite so many emails from people wanting me to post up events which have buggar all to do with live poetry or which take place in the US or which arrive with ridiculously massive attachments or which are laid out in such a loony way that it takes me ten minutes just to sift through them for the facts, and that when I rightly refuse to post such events up on POF I won't receive quite so many pompous and irate replies from irritating idiots.
So again, a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Jane xxx
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Oddments from Oxford, January 12th 2008
14 Hour: live literature, eclectic acoustica and garage-punk.
Featuring Tamsin Kendrick, alumnus of Regent's Park College, Oxford, reading about gin, London and the Never Ending Story. As seen this year at Latitude Festival, as well as supporting the likes of Kate Nash and Laura Marling, Dockers MC reveals her love of Rolf Harris. Hear Emma Robertson, of successful poetry night Littlest Birds, explain about the compatibility of jam tarts and ducks. Angela Cleland will be reading from her collections Waiting to Burn and And in here, the Menagerie, both available from Templar.
The night also features the alt-folk intricacies of Ruth Theodore, and playing dirty blues and 60s garage psych The Terrible Dr. Tumnus (sub-editor of Trespass Magazine) and Defecting Grey.
Saturday 12th January
7pm - Upstairs at The Griffin
93 Leonard Street EC2A
Nearest tube Old Street
London
FREE entry
http://www.myspace.com/14hour
Featuring Tamsin Kendrick, alumnus of Regent's Park College, Oxford, reading about gin, London and the Never Ending Story. As seen this year at Latitude Festival, as well as supporting the likes of Kate Nash and Laura Marling, Dockers MC reveals her love of Rolf Harris. Hear Emma Robertson, of successful poetry night Littlest Birds, explain about the compatibility of jam tarts and ducks. Angela Cleland will be reading from her collections Waiting to Burn and And in here, the Menagerie, both available from Templar.
The night also features the alt-folk intricacies of Ruth Theodore, and playing dirty blues and 60s garage psych The Terrible Dr. Tumnus (sub-editor of Trespass Magazine) and Defecting Grey.
Saturday 12th January
7pm - Upstairs at The Griffin
93 Leonard Street EC2A
Nearest tube Old Street
London
FREE entry
http://www.myspace.com/14hour
Poetry in Galway this Christmas
Galway End of Year Poetry Events
Billy Ramsell will also be the guest reader at the Lunchtime Reading in Galway City Museum on Friday 21 December at 1 pm.Admission 5 Euro
North Beach Poetry Nights gratefully acknowledges the support of the Galway City Council Arts Office - info: john walsh @ 593290
AND ON SATURDAY EVENING, probably the VERY last poetry event IN IRELAND for 2007:
North Beach Poetry Nights
Upstairs at Richardsons on the Square.
Saturday 22 December at 9 pm
Admission 7 Euro
THE FIRST EVER NORTH BEACH POETRY NIGHTS' GRAND SLAM !!!!
TWELVE of the VERY BEST PERFORMANCE POETS in IRELAND - winners of Slams, Grand Slams, Cúirt Grand Slams, All-Ireland Slams, BBC Slams - go before a top panel of Judges:
Trish Casey
Lucy English
Neil McCarthy
Billy Ramsell
in a 2 Round Slam to find a WINNER for the North Beach Poetry Nights' Publication Prize. Don't miss it! North Beach Poetry Nights gratefully acknowledges the support of Galway City Council.
Info: John Walsh 091-593290
Salt at the Troubadour, London: Monday February 4th
Salt at the Troubadour
Monday 4th February8 - 10pm
A special Salt reading for
Coffee-house poetry at The Troubadour featuring:
Peter Abbs
Sascha Aurora Akhtar
Vincent De Souza
Isobel Dixon
Tim Dooley
Tobias Hill
Luke Kennard
Chris McCabe
Eleanor Rees
Tamar Yoseloff
… life, literature and the pursuit of happiness… in the famous Troubadour basement:
London's liveliest & best-loved poetry venue…
readings MONDAYS from 8 to 10 pm, tickets £6 concessions £5,
season tickets 30% off…
cheques payable to Coffee-House Poetry, no credit cards
265 Old Brompton Road LONDON SW5
(no mail to this address, see correspondence address below)
nr. junct. Earls Court Rd & Old Brompton Rd
nearest Tube station: Earls Court (District & Piccadilly Lines)
for information, advance booking, season ticket & mailing list enquiries,
phone 020-8354 0660,
write to Anne-Marie Fyfe
at Coffee-House Poetry, PO Box 16210, LONDON, W4 1ZP
or e-mail: CoffPoetry@aol.com
supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council England
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Bah Humbug! with special guests and floor spots for YOU
Bah Humbug!
All-day Christmas poetry/spoken word specialPenned in the Margins
Saturday, December 15, 2007
12:00am - 11:00pm
The Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon Road, London
Email: info@pennedinthemargins.co.uk
Bah Humbug! is a Christmas party to remember. Throughout the day and on all three floors of the Betsey Trotwood there will be readings and performances by some of London’s top poets, comedians, musicians and spoken word artists.
Lazy Gramophone will be on hand with face-painting and seasonal fun. Tim Wells will be masquerading as Santa Claus. The lovely people from Legend Press, Pen Pusher, Succour and Trespass Magazine will sell their wares. There will be an open mic. There will be fairy lights. There may be mince pies. Failing that, there will be steak and kidney pies.
And because it’s Christmas all profits will go to charity.
We’ve put this together to celebrate what has been a breakthrough year for the poetry and spoken word scene. So if you’ve been part of the ‘revolution’ (that’s The Times, not us), or if you fancy dipping your toe into London’s most exciting underground arts scene, Bah Humbug! is for you.
* * *
Zena Edwards, Simon Munnery, Generation Txt, Tim Wells, Roddy Lumsden, Niall O'Sullivan, Ross Sutherland, D'Archetypes, Ventriloquist & Tongue Fu Band, Excentral Tempest, Yap and more tba!
Recommended donation £5
Midday til closing time
The Twelve Days of Christmas
The 12 Days of Christmas
36 poets read commissioned Xmas poemsTuesday, December 18, 2007
7:00pm - 11:00pm
The Miller of Mansfield, 96 Snowsfields Road (nr London Bridge), London
36 London poets have been asked to write a new poem based on the gifts in the famous song. This will function as the backdrop for seasonal drinks for the thirsty bards of the smoke. Readings start 8pm sharp, will be in three half hour sets and will end by 10, but come along at 7 for drinks and gossip.
£5 fee for non-participants.
HooHah Poetry Christmas Show, with floor spots
HooHah Poetry Christmas Show
First in a series of poetry in performance eventsOrganised by Adam Horovitz
Thursday, December 13, 2007
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Artspace, John Street, Stroud
Tel: 07974892793
An evening of performance poetry and music from Stroud and Bristol poets, including the multi-layered musings and amusings of Helen Gregory, the hard fi conspiracy theorising of Chris Seiles, poetry and wit from Pip Heywood and music from harpist and singer Jade Hamzelou plus others to be announced.
Open mic slots available. Contact Adam Horovitz if you'd like to perform.
Tickets £5 or £3.50 concessions on the door.
New Blood at the Poetry Cafe: Wednesday 19th December
New Blood
Wednesday, December 19, 20077:30pm - 10:30pm
The Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street, London
Email:newbloodpoetry@gmail.com
This month we have one of our finest line-ups yet so it really is a night not to miss. As usual New Blood takes place at The Poetry Café (22 Betterton St, Covent Garden, WC2H 9BX) and will begin at 7.30pm. Floorspots are available on the night (but be there early to sign up) and the featured poets are: Mark Ford, the author of two collections of poetry - Landlocked (Chatto & Windus) and Soft Sift (Faber & Faber), he is also a regular contributor to the Times Literary Supplement and London Review of Books. A chance to hear one of the best poets in the UK. Also Richard O’Brien, one of the most promising young poets around and winner of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, a rare chance to see an exceptionally fine poet, and Louis Antwi, Roundhouse Poetry Slam Champion and recently commissioned by the Committee for Racial Equality to write a poem celebrating the abolition of the slave trade. A poet and performer not to miss.
Doors: £5/£3
Final 'Over the Edge' Reading of 2007
Final Over The Edge: Open Reading before Christmas
The final ‘Over The Edge: Open Reading’ of 2007 takes place in Galway City Library on Thursday, December 13th, 6.30-8.00pm.The Featured Readers are Anne-Marie Fyfe, Aidan Hynes & Val Nolan.
UK SLAM CHAMPIONSHIPS, this Thursday
The UK SLAM! Championships
(Organised by Farrago Poetry since 1994)Thursday, 20th December
7:30pm.
The George Bernard Shaw Theatre at RADA, Malet St, WC1. Goodge St tube.
Map
Open to ANY poet based in the UK SLAM! Read or perfom, any subject or style. Sign up on the night at 7pm. Special guests include Fran Landesman and her band, others tbc. Emcee: John Paul O’Neill.
Tickets from the RADA Box Office, 0207 908 4800: £6/£5 in advance, £7/£6 on the night. Information from John Paul O’Neill: 07905078376. farragopoetry@yahoo.co.uk. Farrago Poetry
Merekatz Cabaret: TONIGHT in Norwich, December 11th
MEREKATZ CABARET
Norwich Arts CentreTuesday December 11th @ 8pm
After 30 years apart, performance wordsmiths and musicians come together for first gig at Norwich Arts Centre to celebrate the spirit of alternative cabaret - the spirit of the 60s and 70s transported into the here and now! John Row - known to tens of thousands via festivals - heads the line up for John was inspirational 70s lead performer with an array of bands. K.M. Dersley - the blues man and wordsmith of Ipswich. Rupert Mallin - ever the performer. joined by Florence Cox and Joan Jerome.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Lazy Birds Xmas Bash: Thursday 13th December, Whitechapel
The Lazy Birds Christmas Bash
Thursday 13th December
The Whitechapel Gallery
7.30pm
FREE ENTRY
Dark Poetry in Edinburgh: Tuesday 11th December
AUDREY WITHERSPOON and V.B. RETRIBUTION PRESENT AN EVENING OF DARK POETRY
Tuesday 11th December
7.30 pm - 10.30 pm
The Royal Oak Pub, No. 1 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh
'I AM A LAGAN - the rocking verb slinging bull riding hit you hard spoken word trio of US based Artists Buddy Wakefield, Katie Wirsing, and Andrea Gibson.'
£3.00
TEXT JONATHAN ON 07903-216-888 OR EMAIL AUDREYTHEWRITER@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
Tuesday 11th December
7.30 pm - 10.30 pm
The Royal Oak Pub, No. 1 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh
'I AM A LAGAN - the rocking verb slinging bull riding hit you hard spoken word trio of US based Artists Buddy Wakefield, Katie Wirsing, and Andrea Gibson.'
£3.00
TEXT JONATHAN ON 07903-216-888 OR EMAIL AUDREYTHEWRITER@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
Sunday, December 09, 2007
CB1 Poetry: Tuesday 11th December
CB1 Poetry at Michaelhouse
Tuesday 11th December 20078 - 10pm
Michaelhouse Centre, Trinity Street, Cambridge, CB2 1SU
£5 / £3 concessions
Live poetry readings from Esther Morgan, Joanne Limburg & Helen Ivory (Eric Gregory winners, Aldeburgh best first collection / Forward prize shortlist / Poetry Archive Editor).
Visit www.cb1poetry.org.uk - part of a major new series of city centre readings with well-known guest poets, each event will feature short floor spots, books for sale and a licensed bar, as well as support readings from rising stars of the Cambridge and UK poetry scene.
Events start at 8pm (floor spot sign up by 7:45).
Contact Name: Ian Cartland
Contact Telephone: 07985 708422
Contact Email: cb1poetry@fastmail.fm
Website: www.cb1poetry.org.uk
Friday, December 07, 2007
The Cellar at the Poetry Cafe: Poetry & Floor spots this Saturday
The Cellar
Saturday, December 8, 20077:30pm - 10:30pm
The Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street, London, WC2H 9BX
*
Hello All,
Last month's Cellar lived up to the hype of being a veritable Old-Spice bottle of concentrated testosterone, so this month we're swinging the other way. Heading up our all female bill, Fiona Curran will be reading from her Wrecking Ball Press collection, "The Hail Mary Pass". For me Fiona marks a golden standard of live poetry, taking poems that shine on the page and making them a funny, down to earth and involving live experience. We will also be welcoming back Amah-Rose McKnight-Abrams, rising star of the New Blood 2.0 generation, writer of sassy, stripped to the bone tales of London lives and sex-pest's daughters. Finishing off the bill, we'll have a special guest appearance from a previous Shortfuse Poetry Idol winner, back over this side of the pond for a fleeting visit.
I will be throwing a few poems of my own into the mix, and floor spots are open for those that arrive early.
Cheers
Niall O'Sullivan
*
Covent Garden/Holborn tube
£5/3 concs
Over the Edge Poetry Reading in Galway: Friday 7th December
OVER THE EDGE
Over The Edge in association with Poetry Ireland presents a reading by Catherine Phil MacCarthy, Elaine Feeney & Sheila Phelan at Sheridan’s Wine Bar, 14-16 Church Yard Street, Galway on Friday, December 7th, 8pm.There is no entrance fee. All are welcome. For further information contact 087-6431748. Over The Edge acknowledges the financial support of Galway City Council and The Arts Council http://overtheedgeliteraryevents.blogspot.com
!!!NEWSFLASH!!!
Over The Edge was delighted to be notified this week that our Arts Council grant for 2008 is up on what we received in 2007. We have an exciting programme lined up for 2008 which includes readings by Pat Boran, Dennis O’Driscoll, Colette Bryce, Roddy Lumsden, Gearoid MacLochlainn, Rita Ann Higgins and many more.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Salt Winter Party & Launch Event at Foyles last week
Interested in new poetry and short fiction? You can find out more about the books launched by these authors by visiting the Salt website.
*
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Catherine Smith's LIP: a poetry launch, Brighton, this Thursday
Catherine Smith launches 'Lip'
Shakespeare's Head, Spring Street, Brighton BN1 3TPThursday 6th December
8pm
Launch of Smith's fantastic new collection, Lip, which is published by Smith/Doorstep. Hosted by THE SOUTH.
£5 / £4 conc. Friends of THE SOUTH receive a £1 discount.
www.thesouth.org.uk
Blinking Eye Book Launches in Newcastle: this Wednesday 5th December
Blinking Eye Book Launch
Wednesday 5th December, 6pmNewcastle Upon Tyne, Literary & Philosophical Society
Four new books will be launched by North East publisher Blinking Eye at the Literary & Philosophical Society.
Landscape with a Hundred Bridges is the first collection by Dorothy Yamamoto, winner of the 2007 Blinking Eye poetry competition, whilst Blood line is an anthology of poems from the highly commended and commended entrants.
Adrift is Carolyn Kirk's first collection of short stories. She was the winner of the 2007 Blinking Eye short story competition, the first writing competition she had ever entered. Letters to Freddie Mercury is an anthology of short stories from the commended and shortlisted entrants.
All four books retail at £8 each and are available to buy at special rates at the launch event or from the Blinking Eye website www.blinking-eye.co.uk.
The competitions, which were judged by the acclaimed poet Don Paterson and the successful novelist and short story writer, Hilary Mantel, were open to writers aged 50 and over and attracted more than 1300 entries.
Dorothy Yamamoto and Carolyn Kirck, together with a number of the commended and shortlisted writers, will be reading their work at the launch event. Local readers include: Louise Hislop, Gordon Hodgeon, Pru Kitching, Lesley Mountain, Chris Powell, Sue Rylance and Fiona Ritchie Walker.
"It is very satisfying to bring new work to the attention of the public," said Jeanne Macdonald, poetry competition organiser and founder of Blinking Eye Publishing. "Both Dorothy and Carolyn are very talented writers, as indeed are all the people featured in our anthologies. I'm delighted so many of them are able to read at the launch event. It is always a very uplifting evening."
More/
There will be a finger buffet and wine. To reserve a place, please call 0191-232 0192. For further information please contact on 01434 600345 or email judywalker@btconnect.com
The Poetry Shack: London, Tuesday 4th December
The Poetry SHACK
Tuesday 4th December, 7.30 for 8.00 pmThe Old Crown, 33 New Oxford St.
London WC 1 (Tottenham Court Road - nearest Station)
Only £6
Christmas special from Poetry Shack. The bad boy (now reformed!!!) of modern English Literature - thinker writer commentator general all round-genius Will Self With - Angela Cleland - celebrating her full length collection!!!!! No less! Jenny Lockyer - witty, invited back after a truly wonderful set last time Annie Brechin - displaying her shy , sensual and well wrought soul Gareth Lewis - from the badlands and the ladlands of Wales
Floor spots are welcome - our Christmas Party so Bring an unusual seasonal poem!!
Hosted by - Brett Van Toen and Jack Shamash
Open Mic & Guest Poets in Brighton: Tuesday 4th December
tall-lighthouse and THE SOUTH
Komedia Studio Bar, Regent Street, Brighton BN1 1UNTuesday 4th December
7.30pm
Readings from Adam O'Riordan and Helen Oswald, plus open mic. In association with THE SOUTH, and part of the Poetry South Autumn Series "Studio Poetry." 04 December 2007.
£4 / £3
Further details from brighton@tall-lighthouse.co.uk
Buzzwords Poetry Night in Cheltenham: Sunday 2nd December, REMINDER!
BUZZWORDS POETRY WITH OPEN MIC
Sunday, 2nd December
Upstairs at The Exmouth, Bath Road (opposite the co-op), Cheltenham
Guest poet: A. F. Harrold
*please note that we will be starting at our old, earlier time*
7pm Workshop led by Sonia Hendy-Issacs
8pm - Open Mic and A. F. Harrold
As this is the last one of the year, do feel free to bring others' poetry to read at the open mic if you'd like. We did this last December and it was lovely to hear some of your favourite published poems.
Come at 7 if you want to write, 8 if you don't.
Entrance £3
There is a car park at The Exmouth but if it is full the bath road 'shoppers' car park is just a few yards away, around the corner.
Bristol Folk House December Open Mike: Sunday 2nd December
DECEMBER FOLK HOUSE OPEN MIKE NIGHT
SUNDAY 2ND DECEMBERBristol Folk House, 40a Park Street, Bristol BS1
Performers please sign up early as places go very quickly. Doors open 7.00pm Performers free, lovely audience £3. The Christmas party season starts here!
The authors and contributors of FOLK HOUSE ANTHOLOGY will be available for signings plus invited readings at Blackwell's Bookshop, Park Street, Bristol BS1 on Saturday 8th December, 3-5pm. Come along, meet the authors, hear the words and BUY THE BOOK!
BIG MOUTH will have exciting new announcements in the New Year. Until then, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
www.rosemarydun.co.uk
www.big-mouth-poetry.co.uk
www.myspace.com/rosemary_dun
www.myspace.com/bigmouthpoetry
Friday, November 30, 2007
Kettle's Yard Anthology Launch: TONIGHT, Friday 30th November
A ROOM TO LIVE IN: A Kettle’s Yard Anthology
LAUNCH EVENINGFRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 6.30pm
Free - everyone welcome
With readings by Ian Patterson and Sharon Morris and music by Anton Lukoszevieze.
To celebrate the first 50 years of Kettle's Yard, Salt is publishing an anthology of new poetry and prose featuring thirty of our best writers, edited by poet Tamar Yoseloff.
Friday, November 30, 2007
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Kettle's Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Phone: 4401223352124
Email: mail@kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk
Contributors include: Alan Bennett, Anne Berkeley, Meredith Bowles, Richard Burns, Michael Bywater, Clare Crossman, Tony Curtis, Fred D'Aguiar, Jane Duran, Elaine Feinstein, John Greening, David Hare, Jeremy Hooker, Sue Hubbard, Martha Kapos, John Kinsella, Rod Mengham, John Mole, Sharon Morris, Ruth Padel, Ian Patterson, Jacob Polley, Andrea Porter, Lawrence Sail, Fiona Sampson, Sarah Skinner, Ali Smith, Robert Vas Dias, Susan Watson, Neil Wenborn, Tamar Yoseloff.
"You know those dreams where a door opens into further rooms in a familiar house, rooms you never knew were there? Kettle's Yard opens up like that, and so does this anthology in its honour. Freedom, intimacy, space and the unexpected are all realised in the poems and reflections. The book is filled with pleasure" — Dame Gillian Beer
Published in hardback 30 November 2007
12.99 GBP
ISBN 978-1-84471-420-9
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
LA LANGOUSTINE EST MORTE: Saturday December 1st
LA LANGOUSTINE EST MORTE
Saturday December 1st 20077:30pm
@ The Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street, WC2H 9BX, London
The second series of the landmark Langoustine reading series continues with a fantastic year end finale featuring the best in innovative and experimental literature and performance.
For this event we are proud to welcome back the poet and novelist Ronnie McGrath, making his second appearance at Langoustine, performing extracts from his new CD Acoustic Avant Gardism.
Sharing the stage with Ronnie are poet and performance artist Eisha Karol with her Sea Suite which includes electronic soundscapes, tabla and flamenco dance. Eisha Karol spoken word
Carolina Esteves flamenco dance
Sandhya Sanjana Indian classical vocal
Steve Abu Nab tabla
Arne Sjogren film
Imran Ahmad electronic soundscape
Stephen Watts will also be joining us. Watts, an ex-Shepard is the author of three books of poetry and a highly regarded translator of contemporary Kurdish, Slovenian and Persian poets.
And in an exclusive performance for Langoustine, Anthony Joseph presents new work from his forthcoming collection. Hosted as always by Sascha Akhtar and Anthony Joseph. There may be other surprise performances…
Expect magic.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Buzzwords Poetry Night in Cheltenham: Sunday 2nd December
BUZZWORDS POETRY WITH OPEN MIC
Sunday, 2nd December
Upstairs at The Exmouth, Bath Road (opposite the co-op), Cheltenham
Guest poet: A. F. Harrold
*please note that we will be starting at our old, earlier time*
7pm Workshop led by Sonia Hendy-Issacs
8pm - Open Mic and A. F. Harrold
As this is the last one of the year, do feel free to bring others' poetry to read at the open mic if you'd like. We did this last December and it was lovely to hear some of your favourite published poems.
Come at 7 if you want to write, 8 if you don't.
Entrance £3
There is a car park at The Exmouth but if it is full the bath road 'shoppers' car park is just a few yards away, around the corner.
Alan Garvey at Ó Bhéal, Cork: Monday 26th November
Ó Bhéal: Poetry in Cork, Ireland
Alan Garvey will be Monday night's guest at Ó Bhéal, upstairs in the Hayloft at The Long Valley.The evening will begin at 8.30 as usual, so see you there!
Monday 26th of November
NEW GUEST POET: Alan Garvey
Alan Garvey’s work has been published in various magazines and included in the anthologies: The Backyards of Heaven, However Blow the Winds and The Echoing Years. He self-published three chapbooks: Dear Whoever, The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and Play Dead. Recipient of Travel & Mobility grants from the Arts Council to read in the University of Toronto and at the March Hare Festival, Newfoundland, he lives in Carlow with his wife, Tara and son, Keir. His first full collection, Herself in Air (2006), is published by Lapwing Publications (Belfast). A second collection, Learning to Crawl, is forthcoming.
As Mark Whelan's new collection is not yet off the press he has rescheduled for January. The new line-up for December and January will be sent out in the next day or three.
FARRAGO HAIKU SLAM! London, Friday 30th November
FARRAGO HAIKU SLAM! & Showcase,
@The Poetry Place, (above the Poetry Café), Betterton St , WC2.
Covent Garden tube
Friday, 30th November
7:30pm
The annual Farrago Haiku SLAM! is OPEN TO ANY POET! Any subject or style, bring at least 10 of your finest haikus! EVERY POET WINS A PRIZE! + SLAM ! winners doing features & special guests including: Bro’s Grim, Warsan Shire & Jacob Tsypkin + lots of open mic slots!
Events emcee: John Paul O’Neill. Tickets: £6/£5.
Events supported by Forward Press. Info: farragopoetry@yahoo.co.uk 07905078376. London.e-poets.net www.myspace.com/farragopoetry
@The Poetry Place, (above the Poetry Café), Betterton St , WC2.
Covent Garden tube
Friday, 30th November
7:30pm
The annual Farrago Haiku SLAM! is OPEN TO ANY POET! Any subject or style, bring at least 10 of your finest haikus! EVERY POET WINS A PRIZE! + SLAM ! winners doing features & special guests including: Bro’s Grim, Warsan Shire & Jacob Tsypkin + lots of open mic slots!
Events emcee: John Paul O’Neill. Tickets: £6/£5.
Events supported by Forward Press. Info: farragopoetry@yahoo.co.uk 07905078376. London.e-poets.net www.myspace.com/farragopoetry
LAST Oxfam poetry reading: London, Thursday 6th December
LAST in the Oxfam Poetry series!
Winter Poetry Reading - The Last OneThursday, 6 December, 2007, 7 pm
Hosted by Todd Swift
featuring poets:
Alan Buckley
Claire Crowther
Anne-Marie Fyfe
Susan Grindley
Stephen Gyllenhaal
Luke Kennard
Tim Liardet
Barbara Marsh
David Morley
&
Alistair Noon
Oxfam Books & Music Shop
91 Marylebone High Street, W1
near Baker Street tube station.
Admission is free – donation of £8 appreciated.
All proceeds will go to Oxfam.
Glasgow's 'Last Monday at Rio': Open Mic, Monday 26th November
Last Monday at Rio
Monday November 26th
8pm start
The Rio Cafe, Hyndland Street, Glasgow (Kelvinhall tube)
Friends, the backwardness of the clocks is complete, the dark time is upon us. But deep in the heart of Partick burns a cheery glow. The Rio Cafe hosts another monthly gathering of Weegies setting about their comfort food in readiness for an evening of things literary..
Headline act this month is Tim Turnbull, Yorkshire tyke by birth, Londoner by experience - and Perthshire resident by preference. Tim won the Arts Foundation prize for performance poetry last year. This funded him to develop his vaudevillian nightmare show "Caligula On Ice". He has a number of collections in print - including "Stranded In Sub-Atomica". (He loves a good title!). He is also writer in residence at that august institution Her Majesty`s Prison, Saughton.
Supporting act will be Sofia, of Washington DC. Winner of the Glasgow Slam, October 07, she brings to the business of poetry an honesty which can induce the strongest of souls to seek out a couch to hide behind. See her before she sees you!
The first hour of the evening will feature 10x 5 minute open mic spots (less than normal this month as we have two main acts). Your compere will be Robin Cairns.
See you at Rio
Robin
Another event for your support is on Saturday 8th December at the Street Level Gallery, 48 King Street (first floor) - 7pm.
Graham Fulton, Bobby Christie and Jim Ferguson will be reading from their own work to commemorate the twenty years passed since they published their influential collection, "The Tower Of Babble". They will be joined by Canadian poet Sandra Alland.
Roz Goddard plus Open Mic in Swansea: Thursday 29th November
Roz Goddard reads in Swansea
The Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR7.30pm
A reading from the popular Birmingham-based author of 'How to Dismantle a Hotel Room', plus open mic spots.
Thursday 29th November 2007.
£3 / £2.10 conc. / £1.20
Swansea PTL
www.dylanthomas.org
01972 463 980
Tall Lighthouse at the Poetry Cafe: Wednesday 28th November
Tall Light-house at the Poety Cafe: Poetry & Open Mic
Wednesday 28th November, 8pm.@ The Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street, Covent Garden, WC2
Admission £4/£3
A diverse night of poetry, with readings from John Davies, Carla Jones, Ronnie McGrath & Kate Potts plus OPEN MIC
Further details from lastwednesday@tall-lighthouse.co.uk
Storm and Spandex: London, Tuesday 27th November
Storm and Spandex
Tuesday 27 November 2007, 8pm.Upstairs at the Old Crown, 33 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1BL.
Free entry.
Variety night with featured performances from poets Lee Wilson, Paul Birtill and Bertram Trotar, music and open mic. Hosted by Lucy Leagrave.
Sign up for open mic 7 - 7.30pm.
Contact: lucy_leagrave@hotmail.co.uk www.myspace.com/lucy_leagrave
"Lucy Leagrave, hostess of London's most 'bizarre dinner-party' strikes again - this time in Lurex. Gracing the table will be the Unholy Trinity of Poetry - Lee Wilson, Paul Birtill and Bertram Trotar. Playing and dancing their little hearts out will be John 'Jazzman' Clarke and 'Swing It!'. There's a seat and a plate reserved for each and everyone of you poets, jesters, story-tellers, singers, on-lookers. Sandwiches and cake for the hungry hordes (cause you?ll come straight over from your little offices, right?). Fun and games and sick humour on top. And - all of this is absolutely free, so if you don?t turn up, I must assume you're dead, my dear."
Poetry & Poppadums: London, Monday 26th November
Poetry and Poppadums
Monday 26th NovemberDoors 6pm show 8.15pm
La Kera Restaurant, 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, N22
Price £3.00
Poetry and Poppadums spoken word event.
The UK's only spoken word gig in an Indian restaurant, after a sell-out storming 1st night back our November show is another delight featuring, recent UK, world, & BBC poetry slam champion KAT FRANCOIS, the mind bogglingly uniquely funny RACHEL PANTECHNICON & the soul, wit 'n' sharp observations of ABE GIBSON host is PAUL LYALLS (east yorkshire, spiky hair etc)
info-ticket res
020 8 829 8962 / info@karamel.co.uk
Vincent De Souza in London: Wednesday 28th November
Vincent De Souza reads from Weightless Road (Salt)
@ Borders Books
203-207 Oxford Street,
London W1D 2LE,
Wednesday 28th November 2007
Time: 7.30
All welcome
@ Borders Books
203-207 Oxford Street,
London W1D 2LE,
Wednesday 28th November 2007
Time: 7.30
All welcome
Jo Colley launches new Salt book this month
Teesside University Live Lit Soc in association with Ek Zuban and Digital Cities presents --- Writing Visions: Music & Mayhem
A night of experimental spoken word and music performances, book launches, cheerleading and physical poetry.
Featuring music by:
Shrug
Gobble Racket
Shaun Lennox
Words by: poet Jo Colley,
launching her fantastic new book from Salt Press 'Weeping For The Lovely Phantoms'
Kalle Niinikangas from Finland
Andy Willoughby
Bob Beagrie
Live Literature Society experimental Performances
Plus:
Open Mic
@ The Hub, Upstairs in the Students Union, University of Teesside
Tuesday 27 November
£3.00 entry (all profits to Zoe's Place)
------ ALSO:
Wednesday November 28th
Jo Colley reads @ Borders Books
Teesside Retail Park, Thornaby, Stockton on Tees
Tel 0164 260 8651 6pm
Free entry
A night of experimental spoken word and music performances, book launches, cheerleading and physical poetry.
Featuring music by:
Shrug
Gobble Racket
Shaun Lennox
Words by: poet Jo Colley,
launching her fantastic new book from Salt Press 'Weeping For The Lovely Phantoms'
Kalle Niinikangas from Finland
Andy Willoughby
Bob Beagrie
Live Literature Society experimental Performances
Plus:
Open Mic
@ The Hub, Upstairs in the Students Union, University of Teesside
Tuesday 27 November
£3.00 entry (all profits to Zoe's Place)
------ ALSO:
Wednesday November 28th
Jo Colley reads @ Borders Books
Teesside Retail Park, Thornaby, Stockton on Tees
Tel 0164 260 8651 6pm
Free entry
SALT AUTUMN PARTY & LAUNCH: Thursday 29th November
SALT AUTUMN PARTY
A celebration of Salt and a launch of recent Salt writers
Thursday 29th November
6.30 p.m.
Line up:
Sascha Aurora Akhtar
Elizabeth Baines
Mike Barlow
Jo Colley
Carys Davies
Catherine Eisner (performed by Aletta Lohmeyer)
Vincent De Souza
Isobel Dixon
Chrissie Gittins
David Grubb
Alexander Hutchison
Peter Jaeger
Shamshad Khan
Matthew Licht
Valeria Melchioretto
Jay Merill
Will Stone
John Hartley Williams
The Gallery
Foyles Bookshop
113-119 Charing Cross Road
LONDON WC2H 0EB
RSVP chris@saltpublishing.com
A celebration of Salt and a launch of recent Salt writers
Thursday 29th November
6.30 p.m.
Line up:
Sascha Aurora Akhtar
Elizabeth Baines
Mike Barlow
Jo Colley
Carys Davies
Catherine Eisner (performed by Aletta Lohmeyer)
Vincent De Souza
Isobel Dixon
Chrissie Gittins
David Grubb
Alexander Hutchison
Peter Jaeger
Shamshad Khan
Matthew Licht
Valeria Melchioretto
Jay Merill
Will Stone
John Hartley Williams
The Gallery
Foyles Bookshop
113-119 Charing Cross Road
LONDON WC2H 0EB
RSVP chris@saltpublishing.com
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Pure&Good&Right, Last Open Mic of the Year in Leamington Spa: December 9th
Robbins Well, The Parade, Leamington Spa.
Sunday December 9th
7.30pm
Admission £3
Monday, November 19, 2007
Glasgow's 'Last Monday at Rio': News & Dates
Last Monday at Rio, November 26, 8pm start
The Rio Cafe, Hyndland Street, Glasgow (Kelvinhall tube)
Friends, the backwardness of the clocks is complete, the dark time is upon us. But deep in the heart of Partick burns a cheery glow. The Rio Cafe hosts another monthly gathering of Weegies setting about their comfort food in readiness for an evening of things literary..
Headline act this month is Tim Turnbull, Yorkshire tyke by birth, Londoner by experience - and Perthshire resident by preference. Tim won the Arts Foundation prize for performance poetry last year. This funded him to develop his vaudevillian nightmare show "Caligula On Ice". He has a number of collections in print - including "Stranded In Sub-Atomica". (He loves a good title!). He is also writer in residence at that august institution Her Majesty`s Prison, Saughton.
Supporting act will be Sofia, of Washington DC. Winner of the Glasgow Slam, October 07, she brings to the business of poetry an honesty which can induce the strongest of souls to seek out a couch to hide behind. See her before she sees you!
The first hour of the evening will feature 10x 5 minute open mic spots (less than normal this month as we have two main acts). Your compere will be Robin Cairns.
See you at Rio
Robin
Another event for your support is on Saturday 8th December at the Street Level Gallery, 48 King Street (first floor) - 7pm.
Graham Fulton, Bobby Christie and Jim Ferguson will be reading from their own work to commemorate the twenty years passed since they published their influential collection, "The Tower Of Babble". They will be joined by Canadian poet Sandra Alland.
The Rio Cafe, Hyndland Street, Glasgow (Kelvinhall tube)
Friends, the backwardness of the clocks is complete, the dark time is upon us. But deep in the heart of Partick burns a cheery glow. The Rio Cafe hosts another monthly gathering of Weegies setting about their comfort food in readiness for an evening of things literary..
Headline act this month is Tim Turnbull, Yorkshire tyke by birth, Londoner by experience - and Perthshire resident by preference. Tim won the Arts Foundation prize for performance poetry last year. This funded him to develop his vaudevillian nightmare show "Caligula On Ice". He has a number of collections in print - including "Stranded In Sub-Atomica". (He loves a good title!). He is also writer in residence at that august institution Her Majesty`s Prison, Saughton.
Supporting act will be Sofia, of Washington DC. Winner of the Glasgow Slam, October 07, she brings to the business of poetry an honesty which can induce the strongest of souls to seek out a couch to hide behind. See her before she sees you!
The first hour of the evening will feature 10x 5 minute open mic spots (less than normal this month as we have two main acts). Your compere will be Robin Cairns.
See you at Rio
Robin
Another event for your support is on Saturday 8th December at the Street Level Gallery, 48 King Street (first floor) - 7pm.
Graham Fulton, Bobby Christie and Jim Ferguson will be reading from their own work to commemorate the twenty years passed since they published their influential collection, "The Tower Of Babble". They will be joined by Canadian poet Sandra Alland.
Rhythm & Muse, Teddington: Thursday 22nd November
Rhythm & Muse - new poetry & music, plus floor spots
Thursday 22nd November8.30-10.30 ~ £4.00/£2.00
The Lion, Wick Road, Teddington, TW11
Nearest BR - Hampton Wick
Guest poets Claire Crowther and Racker Donnelly and music from singer
songwriter - and poet - Steve Antoni. Also open mic (book in advance).
Contact Alison Hill for more info
Tel: 020 8977 4610 / Email: alison-hill@blueyonder.co.uk
Tilting the Mirror at Southport: Thursday 22nd November
Tilting the Mirror
22nd November 2007, 8pm.Southport Arts Centre, Lord Street, Southport.
£7 / £5 conc.
Box Office - 01704 540 011
www.seftonarts.co.uk
Readings from Greta Stoddard, Jean Sprackland and Ray Robinson
A man whose love is like an origami swan, a boy who gives his mum a bubble-gum tattoo for mothers' day, the couple who steal a mirror from a skip under cover of the night. The poems and fiction in "Tilting the Mirror" brim with characters who are struggling and juggling with love - the finding, keeping and understanding of it. Poets Jean Sprackland and Greta Stoddart and short story writer Ray Robinson present their specially selected work in a lightly staged live literature performance.
Jean's poems display a "subtle, sexy humour" says Carol Ann Duffy, while Greta's are "deceptively serene" but "always musical, always true" according to Jo Shapcott. The Guardian described Ray's writing as "wry, ingenuous, hugely compassionate" - and all three writers are generous and engaging performers.
As we love our partners, parents or children, "Tilting the Mirror" shows us our reflections. These poems and stories cast bright lights on the lives and loves of our own.
New Blood at the Poetry Cafe: Wednesday 21st November!
New Blood at the Poetry Cafe
Katy Evans-Bush, James Wilkes and Abigail Oborne – November 21st, 7.30pm - Don't miss out!Wednesday, November 21, 2007
7:30pm - 10:30pm
The Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street, London
Tube: Covent Garden
Email: newbloodpoetry@gmail.com
(£5/3 on the door)
This Month’s New Blood is on November 21st, starting at 7.30pm at The Poetry Cafe, London. It has the following excellent line-up as well as FLOORSPOTS available on the night:
Katy Evans-Bush
Poet, critic and editor, her first collection Me and the Dead is forthcoming from Salt in 2008, her poems can be found in numerous magazines and anthologies including The Like of It. She is a regular contributor to Contemporary Poetry Review.
Abigail Oborne
One half of our Generation Txt double bill and fresh from a nationwide tour, a talented young poet not to miss.
James Wilkes
Experimental poet and text artist and a member of the Generation Txt tour.
This is going to be a brilliant night so don’t miss out and make sure you’re there early if you want to sign up for a floorspot. For further information: newbloodpoetry@gmail.com
Zoe Brigley & David Morley: University of Warwick, Wednesday 21st November
Zoe Brigley & David Morley: a poetry reading
Wednesday 21st November 2007
7.15pm - 8pm
Warwick Arts Centre Conference Room
University of Warwick
Bookings/Info: warwickartscentre@warwick.ac.uk
Zoe Brigley reads from her first collection, The Secret (Bloodaxe) which is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation this Autumn. Zoe won an Eric Gregory Award in 2003.
The award-winning poet David Morley's new poetry collection The Invisible Kings is also a Poetry Book Society Recommendation: 'a rare and beautiful book' (The Guardian) and 'one of the most thrilling poetry books of the year' (Radio 3). The book's language and themes are influenced by the writer's Romany heritage. David writes regularly for Poetry Review and The Guardian.
The reading will be followed by a Q & A with the poets. All are welcome.
£5 (£3.50)
Wednesday 21st November 2007
7.15pm - 8pm
Warwick Arts Centre Conference Room
University of Warwick
Bookings/Info: warwickartscentre@warwick.ac.uk
Zoe Brigley reads from her first collection, The Secret (Bloodaxe) which is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation this Autumn. Zoe won an Eric Gregory Award in 2003.
The award-winning poet David Morley's new poetry collection The Invisible Kings is also a Poetry Book Society Recommendation: 'a rare and beautiful book' (The Guardian) and 'one of the most thrilling poetry books of the year' (Radio 3). The book's language and themes are influenced by the writer's Romany heritage. David writes regularly for Poetry Review and The Guardian.
The reading will be followed by a Q & A with the poets. All are welcome.
£5 (£3.50)
Poetry Bites at the MAC, Birmingham: this Thursday 22nd November
Poetry Bites in Birmingham
Thursday, November 22nd, 20077:30pm - 9:30pm
www.macarts.co.uk
mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Contact Phone: 01214403838
Email: enquiries@macarts.co.uk
November’s Poetry Bites guest, Laurence Inman, was born in Birmingham. He taught English for twenty five years, in Manchester, London, Leicester, Exeter, Germany, Bahrain an Singapore, before becoming a playwright, short story writer, stand up comedian and actor, and, of course, a poet. He has appeared in a number of TV dramas and in the film “Sex Lives of the Potato Men” with Johnny Vegas and Mackenzie Crook. His work appears in Loffing Matters, published by Tindal Street Press. He would like people in general to be more stoical and believes that there is, at the moment, exactly the right amount of happiness in the world.
Poetry Bites, hosted by Jacqui Rowe, also includes floor spots where you can share your own poetry with an appreciative audience. Please arrive early to book a spot.
Niall O'Sullivan Launch: Wednesday November 21st, London
Niall O'Sullivan launches: 'Ventriloquism for Monkeys'
Celebrate the launch of Niall O'Sullivan's second collection in London this week!Niall O'Sullivan/ Flipped Eye Publishing
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Upstairs at The Yorkshire Grey, 29-33 Grays Inn Road WC1X 8PN, London
Tall Lighthouse in Cambridge: Tuesday November 20th
Tall Lighthouse Poetry @ the Picturehouse
Featuring Adam O'Riordan with support from Neil Singh and Benjamin MorrisTuesday, November 20th, 2007
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Arts Picturehouse, 38-39 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, UK
Tall lighthouse presents one of the most exciting emerging talents in performance supported by two up and coming Cambridge poets....
Adam O'Riordan was born in Manchester. He read English at Oxford University and studied poetry under Michael Donaghy. Later, he won a scholarship to study under Andrew Motion at the University of London where he was awarded the inaugural Peters Fraser and Dunlop poetry prize. His first pamphlet 'queen of the cotton cities' was released to wide acclaim earlier this year.
A native of Mississippi, Benjamin Morris is a PhD student at Cambridge. In 2005 he earned a master's in poetry from the University of Edinburgh; his work has appeared in such publications as Seam, Chapman, Poetry
Southeast, The Independent on Sunday, and the Mays Anthology, and earned such honours as a Pushcart nomination and a Commendation in the National
Poetry Competition. In 2006 he won both the Brewer Hall Prize and the Chancellor's Medal for Poetry at Cambridge.
Neil Singh is a student doctor who has read his poetry alongside major writers including Simon Armitage, Jacob Polley and Carol Ann Duffy. Some of his poems appear in The Mays Anthology 2007 and The National Poetry Anthology 2008. He is currently writing a collection of poetry on the theme of health and disease.
There will be a short open mic slot at the start of the event, come early to sign up.
Voluntary contribution £3 / £2
www.tall-lighthouse.co.uk
Thursday, November 15, 2007
PUREandGOODandRIGHT: this Sunday, change of venue
Pure ‘n’ Good ‘n’ Right
Robbins Well, The Parade, Leamington Spa
Sunday 18th November
7.30pm
Admission: £3 (OAP/NUS £2)
This popular open mic with guests costs £3/£2 and starts at 7.30pm prompt. This month's guest poet is AF Harrold.
Robbins Well, The Parade, Leamington Spa
Sunday 18th November
7.30pm
Admission: £3 (OAP/NUS £2)
This popular open mic with guests costs £3/£2 and starts at 7.30pm prompt. This month's guest poet is AF Harrold.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Aidan Dunn & the Fire Poet: Friday 16th November
AIDAN DUN & THE FIRE POET
This vibrant event, featuring Aidan Dun & the superb Philip Wells as the Fire Poet, takes place next week at St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation & Peace with ANN MEEK & SIRISHKUMAR, tabla maestro7pm
Friday 16th November
78 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AG
(near Liverpool St tube)
£10 with refreshments
Telephone: 020 7496 1610
Email: events@stethelburgas.org
Website: www.stethelburgas.org
Bath University readings featuring Maxwell & Atkinson: Thursday 15th November
Stand Up Poetry
Thursday 15th November 2007, 8pm.Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath.
£6 / £4 conc.
The latest in this series organised by Bath Spa University features readings from Glyn Maxwell and Tiffany Atkinson.
For more information email Carrie Etter: c.etter@bathspa.ac.uk
Poetry Launch in Brighton: Jackie Wills, November 15th
Jackie Wills' Poetry Launch
Shakespeare's Head, Spring Street, Brighton BN1 3TP7.30pm
Jackie Wills launches her latest collection, Commandments, published by Arc. Hosted by THE SOUTH.
Thursday 15th November 2007.
£5 / £4 conc.
Friends of THE SOUTH receive a £1 discount.
Jackie Wills has published three collections of poetry. Her first, Powder Tower, was shortlisted for the 1995 TS Eliot prize. She was selected as one of Mslexia magazine's top 20 new women poets of the decade in 2004, the year after her third collection, Fever Tree, appeared. She has won awards from the Arts Council, Society of Authors and K Blundell Trust. Her work has appeared in anthologies, BBC News Online, national newspapers and BBC Radio Four.
Matchbox in Manchester: Wednesday 14th November
Matchbox Presents...
14 November 2007, 6.30pm.The Thirsty Scholar, Oxford Road, Manchester (under railway bridge).
Free
Readings from Tom Jenks, Scott Thurston, Matthew Welton
Tom Jenks lives in Manchester and is the founding editor of Parameter. His first collection will come out in 2008. Matthew Welton's The Book of Matthew won the Jerwood-Aldeburgh First Collection Prize 2003. His new collection is on the way. Scott Thurston's most recent book is Hold, published by Shearsman in 2006. Listen to a reading at www.archiveofthenow.com"
www.matchbox.org.uk
Paul Durcan Launch: Wednesday 14th November
An evening with Paul Durcan
The Irish Cultural Centre, Blacks Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9DT8pm
Durcan, a former winner of the Whitbread Poetry Award, launches his new collection The Laughter of Mothers.
£7 / £5 conc.
Booking and information: 020 8563 8232
www.iriscentrehammersmith.co.uk
Apples & Snakes in Soho: 14th November
Apples and Snakes in Soho
Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE8pm
Featuring Michael Rosen, Tuup, Jay Bernard and Emma McGordon.
£8 / £6 conc.
Box Office: 0870 429 6883
Book online: www.sohotheatre.com
"A unique line-up of quality poets and storytellers who invite you into their imaginative worlds. Join champion of poetry Michael Rosen, newly-appointed Children's Laureate, ably supported by the engagingly tall tales of Tuup and the spot-on poetical observations of Jay Bernard and Emma McGordon."
Poetry Parlour: Waterloo, 13th November - TONIGHT
Poetry Parlour: TONIGHT!
13th November 2007, 7pm.Crockatt and Powell bookshop, 120 Lower Marsh, Waterloo SE1 7AE.
£4 inc. glass of wine.
The regular poetry night returns with readings from Sharon Morris and Saradha Soobryan.
Further info: poetryparlour@gmail.com
www.crockattandpowell.com
Tall Lighthouse in Cambridge: Tuesday November 20th
Tall Lighthouse Poetry @ the Picturehouse
Featuring Adam O'Riordan with support from Neil Singh and Benjamin MorrisTuesday, November 20th, 2007
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Arts Picturehouse, 38-39 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, UK
Tall lighthouse presents one of the most exciting emerging talents in performance supported by two up and coming Cambridge poets....
Adam O'Riordan was born in Manchester. He read English at Oxford University and studied poetry under Michael Donaghy. Later, he won a scholarship to study under Andrew Motion at the University of London where he was awarded the inaugural Peters Fraser and Dunlop poetry prize. His first pamphlet 'queen of the cotton cities' was released to wide acclaim earlier this year.
A native of Mississippi, Benjamin Morris is a PhD student at Cambridge. In 2005 he earned a master's in poetry from the University of Edinburgh; his work has appeared in such publications as Seam, Chapman, Poetry
Southeast, The Independent on Sunday, and the Mays Anthology, and earned such honours as a Pushcart nomination and a Commendation in the National
Poetry Competition. In 2006 he won both the Brewer Hall Prize and the Chancellor's Medal for Poetry at Cambridge.
Neil Singh is a student doctor who has read his poetry alongside major writers including Simon Armitage, Jacob Polley and Carol Ann Duffy. Some of his poems appear in The Mays Anthology 2007 and The National Poetry Anthology 2008. He is currently writing a collection of poetry on the theme of health and disease.
There will be a short open mic slot at the start of the event, come early to sign up.
Voluntary contribution £3 / £2
www.tall-lighthouse.co.uk
PLUM: a new poetry reading series in London
Plum, with Lumsden, Osborne, Dunthorne & Williams
Thursday 15th November from 7pm, free entryWhitechapel Gallery, 80 Whitechapel High St, London E1
Roddy Lumsden (full set)
John Osborne (young poet whose first book is due in 09)
Joe Dunthorne (poet and novelist, first novel due next spring)
Luke Williams (first novel also forthcoming)
There will also be some music later from Kaisa.
The Wolf Poetry Reading: UEA, Thursday November 15th
The Wolf Poetry Reading: Four Graduates from UEA
Thursday, November 15, 2007
7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Drama Studio, UEA, Norwich
Free Admission
Leading independent poetry magazine The Wolf and UEA’s Creative Writing programme team up for an exciting event featuring four returning poets who have been published as UEA alumni in The Wolf.
Featuring
Fiona Curran
Sandeep Parmar
Will Stone
& Todd Swift
Hosted by UEA’s Creative Writing Professor George Szirtes and The Wolf Editor James Byrne
To reserve tickets please email
James Byrne thewolfpoetry@hotmail.com
or Alison Rickett: A.Rickett@uea.ac.uk
All writers are graduates of UEA’s Creative Writing MA Programme, with the exception of Will Stone who studied an MA in Literary Translation. This event is part of a tour to celebrate 5 years of The Wolf. For a full itinerary or to find out more about the magazine please visit the website www.wolfmagazine.co.uk
Oxfam Reading: Friday November 16th
Life Lines 2: Poets for Oxfam Reading At Dulwich College
featuring Cope, Morrison, Nagra, Sampson, Ward and othersFriday, November 16, 2007
7:30pm - 9:30pm
The Great Hall, Dulwich College, Dulwich, UK
A poetry reading and signing to be held at Dulwich College featuring the poets Wendy Cope, Blake Morrison, Daljit Nagra, Fiona Sampson, Todd Swift and Jonathan Ward. Tickets available on the door.
£6 for Adults (£4 concessions) and £3 for Boys at the College.
Bah Humbug! with special guests and floor spots for YOU
Saturday, December 15, 2007
12:00am - 11:00pm
The Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon Road, London
Bah Humbug! is a Christmas party to remember. Throughout the day and on all three floors of the Betsey Trotwood there will be readings and performances by some of London’s top poets, comedians, musicians and spoken word artists.
Lazy Gramophone will be on hand with face-painting and seasonal fun. Tim Wells will be masquerading as Santa Claus. The lovely people from Legend Press, Pen Pusher, Succour and Trespass Magazine will sell their wares. There will be an open mic. There will be fairy lights. There may be mince pies. Failing that, there will be steak and kidney pies.
And because it’s Christmas all profits will go to charity.
We’ve put this together to celebrate what has been a breakthrough year for the poetry and spoken word scene. So if you’ve been part of the ‘revolution’ (that’s The Times, not us), or if you fancy dipping your toe into London’s most exciting underground arts scene, Bah Humbug! is for you.
* * *
Zena Edwards, Simon Munnery, Generation Txt, Tim Wells, Roddy Lumsden, Niall O'Sullivan, Ross Sutherland, D'Archetypes, Ventriloquist & Tongue Fu Band, Excentral Tempest, Yap and more tba!
Recommended donation £5
Midday til closing time
12:00am - 11:00pm
The Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon Road, London
Bah Humbug! is a Christmas party to remember. Throughout the day and on all three floors of the Betsey Trotwood there will be readings and performances by some of London’s top poets, comedians, musicians and spoken word artists.
Lazy Gramophone will be on hand with face-painting and seasonal fun. Tim Wells will be masquerading as Santa Claus. The lovely people from Legend Press, Pen Pusher, Succour and Trespass Magazine will sell their wares. There will be an open mic. There will be fairy lights. There may be mince pies. Failing that, there will be steak and kidney pies.
And because it’s Christmas all profits will go to charity.
We’ve put this together to celebrate what has been a breakthrough year for the poetry and spoken word scene. So if you’ve been part of the ‘revolution’ (that’s The Times, not us), or if you fancy dipping your toe into London’s most exciting underground arts scene, Bah Humbug! is for you.
* * *
Zena Edwards, Simon Munnery, Generation Txt, Tim Wells, Roddy Lumsden, Niall O'Sullivan, Ross Sutherland, D'Archetypes, Ventriloquist & Tongue Fu Band, Excentral Tempest, Yap and more tba!
Recommended donation £5
Midday til closing time
Zoe Brigley & David Morley: University of Warwick, Wednesday 21st November
Zoe Brigley & David Morley: a poetry reading
Wednesday 21st November 2007
7.15pm - 8pm
Warwick Arts Centre Conference Room
University of Warwick
Bookings/Info: warwickartscentre@warwick.ac.uk
Zoe Brigley reads from her first collection, The Secret (Bloodaxe) which is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation this Autumn. Zoe won an Eric Gregory Award in 2003.
The award-winning poet David Morley's new poetry collection The Invisible Kings is also a Poetry Book Society Recommendation: 'a rare and beautiful book' (The Guardian) and 'one of the most thrilling poetry books of the year' (Radio 3). The book's language and themes are influenced by the writer's Romany heritage. David writes regularly for Poetry Review and The Guardian.
The reading will be followed by a Q & A with the poets. All are welcome.
£5 (£3.50)
Wednesday 21st November 2007
7.15pm - 8pm
Warwick Arts Centre Conference Room
University of Warwick
Bookings/Info: warwickartscentre@warwick.ac.uk
Zoe Brigley reads from her first collection, The Secret (Bloodaxe) which is a Poetry Book Society Recommendation this Autumn. Zoe won an Eric Gregory Award in 2003.
The award-winning poet David Morley's new poetry collection The Invisible Kings is also a Poetry Book Society Recommendation: 'a rare and beautiful book' (The Guardian) and 'one of the most thrilling poetry books of the year' (Radio 3). The book's language and themes are influenced by the writer's Romany heritage. David writes regularly for Poetry Review and The Guardian.
The reading will be followed by a Q & A with the poets. All are welcome.
£5 (£3.50)
AF HARROLD DOES POETRY: this month
FROM AF HARROLD: Poet & English Eccentric
Thursday 15th November
Farrago Poetry
RADA Foyer Bar, Malet St., London.
7.30pm. £6/£5.
This is a rather exciting Farrago event without a slam. To celebrate the 80th birthday of jazz singer and beat poet Fran Landesman, she’ll be along knocking some tunes out with her band, while special guests John Hegley, Michael Horovitz and me do some poems and things. Sounds quite fun.
Friday 16th November
Poets’ Café
South Street Arts Centre, South St., Reading.
8pm for 8.30pm. £6/£4.
Two Rivers Press Special. Tonight instead of one special guest there will be little guests spots from the authors of TRP’s first six poetry collections in their latest series (which began in 2004 with my book Logic & The Heart (still available from www.afharrold.co.uk, go to the shop), though I shall be keeping my reading very, very short – so really it’s the next five) – Susan Utting, Joe Butler, Adrian Blamires, Ian House and John Froy. TRP will have a book stall selling their books which make ideal Christmas, birthday and all other presents. In addition to which there will still be time for the usual open mic, turn up on the night to sign up. Hooray.
Sunday 18th November
Pure ‘n’ Good ‘n’ Right
Robbins Well, The Parade, Leamington Spa Admission: £3 (OAP/NUS £2)
This popular open mic with guests costs £3/£2 and starts at 7.30pm prompt.
Thursday 15th November
Farrago Poetry
RADA Foyer Bar, Malet St., London.
7.30pm. £6/£5.
This is a rather exciting Farrago event without a slam. To celebrate the 80th birthday of jazz singer and beat poet Fran Landesman, she’ll be along knocking some tunes out with her band, while special guests John Hegley, Michael Horovitz and me do some poems and things. Sounds quite fun.
Friday 16th November
Poets’ Café
South Street Arts Centre, South St., Reading.
8pm for 8.30pm. £6/£4.
Two Rivers Press Special. Tonight instead of one special guest there will be little guests spots from the authors of TRP’s first six poetry collections in their latest series (which began in 2004 with my book Logic & The Heart (still available from www.afharrold.co.uk, go to the shop), though I shall be keeping my reading very, very short – so really it’s the next five) – Susan Utting, Joe Butler, Adrian Blamires, Ian House and John Froy. TRP will have a book stall selling their books which make ideal Christmas, birthday and all other presents. In addition to which there will still be time for the usual open mic, turn up on the night to sign up. Hooray.
Sunday 18th November
Pure ‘n’ Good ‘n’ Right
Robbins Well, The Parade, Leamington Spa Admission: £3 (OAP/NUS £2)
This popular open mic with guests costs £3/£2 and starts at 7.30pm prompt.
Mario Petrucci at the Poetry Cafe, Friday 23rd November
New Poetry at the Poetry Cafe
Friday 23rd Nov, 8 pm
Mario Petrucci presents a reading from 'Flowers of Sulphur', with music & poems from the floor, plus Jacqueline Gabbitas (a delightfully human new voice)
Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street (near Covent Garden Tube), London
more info: 0208 299 2767
Friday 23rd Nov, 8 pm
Mario Petrucci presents a reading from 'Flowers of Sulphur', with music & poems from the floor, plus Jacqueline Gabbitas (a delightfully human new voice)
Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street (near Covent Garden Tube), London
more info: 0208 299 2767
Rhythm & Muse, Teddington: Thursday 22nd November
Rhythm & Muse
Thursday 22 November
8.30-10.30 ~ £4.00/£2.00
The Lion, Wick Road, Teddington, TW11
Nearest BR - Hampton Wick
Guest poets Claire Crowther and Racker Donnelly and music from singer
songwriter - and poet - Steve Antoni. Also open mic (book in advance).
Contact Alison Hill for more info
Tel: 020 8977 4610
Email: alison-hill@blueyonder.co.uk
Thursday 22 November
8.30-10.30 ~ £4.00/£2.00
The Lion, Wick Road, Teddington, TW11
Nearest BR - Hampton Wick
Guest poets Claire Crowther and Racker Donnelly and music from singer
songwriter - and poet - Steve Antoni. Also open mic (book in advance).
Contact Alison Hill for more info
Tel: 020 8977 4610
Email: alison-hill@blueyonder.co.uk
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Cafe Writers in Norwich: this Monday, 12th November
Cafe Writers
Jurnet's Bar, Wensum Lodge, 169 King Street, Norwich
2nd Monday of every month
7.30pm
This month Cafe Writers features the poet and editor Matthew Hollis, and Andrea Holland. All events include support acts and an open mic session for all-comers.
More details: www.cafewriters.org.uk
Friday, November 09, 2007
A Message from Hammer & Tongue
Hello pop pickers,
Thank you to the hundreds of people who turned out for The John Hegley / Inflatable Buddha gig on Friday - I hope you enjoyed it as much as the Hammer & Tongue team did!
This Sunday sees an exciting event in the form of Slounge. The fine purveys of original live music extravaganzas Oxford Contemporary Music have teamed up with Hammer & Tongue to produce a multi-media event that promises to float the boat of even the most jaded gig goer. Music / art / poetry and organic food will be served up at everybodies favorite fair trade cafe The Vaults and Gardens (Radcliffe Square opposite the Radcliffe Camera).
On the bill is the much touted winsome folk-punk harpist Serafina Steer
"blurring cartoonish fantasy with kitchen-sink reality" (BBC) and if that's not enough a rare solo poetry performance from Inflatable Buddha frontman Steve Larkin "funny and biting, like a pump-action powerhouse on-stage" Edmonton Journal, Canada. There will also be short films from Oxford Film and Video Makers and a DJ.
This is the shape of things to come. The future is a multi-media. The future is slounge! Be there. Come for dinner for £12 from 7pm or come without dinner for £4 from 8pm.
That's all for now folks.
Boomshanka
The Hammer & Tongue Team
Thank you to the hundreds of people who turned out for The John Hegley / Inflatable Buddha gig on Friday - I hope you enjoyed it as much as the Hammer & Tongue team did!
This Sunday sees an exciting event in the form of Slounge. The fine purveys of original live music extravaganzas Oxford Contemporary Music have teamed up with Hammer & Tongue to produce a multi-media event that promises to float the boat of even the most jaded gig goer. Music / art / poetry and organic food will be served up at everybodies favorite fair trade cafe The Vaults and Gardens (Radcliffe Square opposite the Radcliffe Camera).
On the bill is the much touted winsome folk-punk harpist Serafina Steer
"blurring cartoonish fantasy with kitchen-sink reality" (BBC) and if that's not enough a rare solo poetry performance from Inflatable Buddha frontman Steve Larkin "funny and biting, like a pump-action powerhouse on-stage" Edmonton Journal, Canada. There will also be short films from Oxford Film and Video Makers and a DJ.
This is the shape of things to come. The future is a multi-media. The future is slounge! Be there. Come for dinner for £12 from 7pm or come without dinner for £4 from 8pm.
That's all for now folks.
Boomshanka
The Hammer & Tongue Team
Thursday, November 08, 2007
CB1 Poetry with Michael Laskey: Tuesday November 13th
CB1 Poetry
Tuesday November 13th
7.30pm - 10pm
Michaelhouse Cafe, Trinity Street, Cambridge
This popular Cambridge poetry events boasts two guest readers, this month Michael Laskey and Andrea Holland. The event also features short poem floor spots, books for sale and a licensed bar. Doors open at 7:30pm.
www.cb1poetry.org.uk
Tuesday November 13th
7.30pm - 10pm
Michaelhouse Cafe, Trinity Street, Cambridge
This popular Cambridge poetry events boasts two guest readers, this month Michael Laskey and Andrea Holland. The event also features short poem floor spots, books for sale and a licensed bar. Doors open at 7:30pm.
www.cb1poetry.org.uk
Two Forthcoming Farrago Events in London
On Thursday, 15th November – The Fran Landesman 80th Birthday Celebration Show. RADA Foyer Bar, Malet St, WC1. Goodge St tube.
Featuring Fran Landesman and her band, (Miles Landesman, Rsyzarda & Simon Lawrence) and special guests including John Hegley, Michael Horovitz & AF Harold. Hosted by John Paul O’Neill.
Tickets: £6/£5.
*
Featuring Fran Landesman and her band, (Miles Landesman, Rsyzarda & Simon Lawrence) and special guests including John Hegley, Michael Horovitz & AF Harold. Hosted by John Paul O’Neill.
Tickets: £6/£5.
*
On Friday, 16th November – The Farrago London SLAM! Championships.
RADA Foyer Bar, Malet St, WC1. Goodge St Tube.
Information from John Paul O’Neill: 07905078376. farragopoetry@yahoo.co.uk. http://London.e-poets.net www.myspace.com/farragopoetry
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Apples Xmas Cabaret: London, Thursday 6th December
Apples Xmas Cabaret
Whitechapel Gallery, 80-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QXThursday 6th December 2007
7pm
FREE!
A freewheeling night of comedic wordplay in East London’s artiest café bar.
Featuring
Stacy Makishi
Multimedia weirdness to flip your brain inside out. Removes the spoken word from its comfort zone and soon has it foaming at the mouth.
Bob Boyton
Shady character monologues and no-nonsense chat from the man they once dubbed “the Joe Orton of alternative comedy”.
Yam Boy
Song-and-dance man explores the status of the British Asian in his inimitably tongue-in-cheek style.
Vanessa Walters
A set of knowing and spot-on poems from the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea’s artist-in-residence.
Compered by
Critically acclaimed funnywoman and would-be swingball champion Rosie Wilby
Poetry Bites at the MAC, Birmingham: Thursday 22nd November
Poetry Bites at the mac
Poetry Bites in Birmingham, hosted by Jacqui Rowe, also includes floor spots where you can share your own poetry with an appreciative audience. Please arrive early to book a spot.Midlands Arts Centre, off Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham
Thursday 22nd November 2007
7.30 pm.
See www.macarts.co.uk for details of venue, directions, booking.
November’s Poetry Bites guest, Laurence Inman, was born in Birmingham. He taught English for twenty five years, in Manchester, London, Leicester, Exeter, Germany, Bahrain an Singapore, before becoming a playwright, short story writer, stand up comedian and actor, and, of course, a poet. He has appeared in a number of TV dramas and in the film “Sex Lives of the Potato Men” with Johnny Vegas and Mackenzie Crook. His work appears in Loffing Matters, published by Tindal Street Press. He would like people in general to be more stoical and believes that there is, at the moment, exactly the right amount of happiness in the world.
Aidan Dunn & the Fire Poet: London, Friday 16th November
AIDAN DUN & THE FIRE POET
This vibrant event, featuring Aidan Dun & the superb Philip Wells as the Fire Poet, takes place next week at St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation & Peace with ANN MEEK & SIRISHKUMAR, tabla maestro7pm
Friday 16th November
78 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AG
(near Liverpool St tube)
£10 with refreshments
Telephone: 020 7496 1610
Email: events@stethelburgas.org
Website: www.stethelburgas.org
Monday, November 05, 2007
Night Blue Fruit at the Tin Angel, Coventry: TOMORROW, Tuesday November 6th
Night Blue Fruit
This famous Midlands open mic poetry night at the Tin Angel, Coventry, continues tomorrow with guest songwriter Cliff Hands from Coventry, and the usual open floor slots.Poetry kicks off at about 8.30pm. Be there early to sign up if planning to read (or planning to park, in fact). There is usually a slight fee/donation to the cause. Good bar, great atmosphere, superb and informal open mic poetry.
8 - 8.30pm sign-up.
Slight entrance fee/donation.
The Tin Angel Bar
Medieval Spon Street
Coventry
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Poetry & Open Mic in Brighton: Wednesday 7th November
Floetics
Wednesday 7th November 2007, 8pm.Red Roaster Coffee House, St James' Street (off Old Steine), Brighton BN2 1RE
Entrance £2.50
A monthly night with open mic slots, poetry, live music, spoken word, storytelling and drama hosted by Jasmine Cooray.
This month features poetry from Danny Rovira and Rosy Carrick, and music from Rudi Schmidt and Holly Dawson. Come early to sign up for open mic slots!
POEJAZZI in London: Tuesday 6th November
Poejazzi
Tuesday 6th November 2007.6pm doors open, show starts at 8pm.
Volupte Bar, No 9 Norwich Street, off Furnival Street, London EC4A 1EJ
£10, reservations only.
Call 0207 8311622 or email lordgokal@hotmail.com leaving name, mobile number and number of seats you'd like.
Features Kevin Molloy, Ana Silvera, Rhian Edwards and Valentina. Hosted by A Poem in Between People.
"Spoken word and music night with a killer line-up that will see queues of cool peeps right down the street... (TimeOut No.1 Critic's Choice, January 2007 AND Listed among 101 Things To Do In London 2007!). Also Voted one of London's Top Five Spoken Word Nights By... The London Paper.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Exciting Line-up in the Salt Margins: Thursday 8th November
SALT MARGINS
Thursday 8 NovemberWhitechapel Gallery
Doors 7pm, readings from 8pm
Free entry
Salt Margins closes its doors for 2007 with a hefty dose of future fiction and poetry. There’s a return journey for the outrageously talented Luke Kennard and first-time Whitechapel forays for poets Valeria Melchioretto and Sascha Akhtar. Plus ‘sawn-off tales’ from David Gaffney. Joining the hosts of East London’s most exciting literary residency are the editors of Succour Magazine, celebrating their sixth issue ‘The Future’.
Whitechapel Gallery, 80-82 Whitechapel High Street (Tube: Aldgate East)
www.pennedinthemargins.co.uk
www.succour.org
www.saltpublishing.com
www.whitechapel.org
* * * * * *
Luke Kennard
Since his recent nomination for the Forward Prize for Best Collection, 26 year-old Luke Kennard has enjoyed a meteoric rise to poetic stardom. The Harbour Beyond The Movie (Salt) has been dubbed ‘original and startlingly imaginative lyrical pyrotechnics’. He is regional editor of Succour Magazine, an award-winning playwright with theatre group Pegabovine and is currently completing a PhD at Exeter University.
Valeria Melchioretto
Born to Italian parents in the German part of Switzerland, Valeria Melchioretto has been living in the UK since the early ‘90s. She was the winner of New Writing Ventures in 2005 and her debut collection of poetry was published recently by Salt. The End of Limbo is a journey through heaven and hell and back, stopping at numerous stations on the way, including iffy guest houses and ice palaces.
David Gaffney
Former teacher, lecturer, holiday camp entertainer, medical records clerk, pub pianist, debt counsellor and legal consultant David Gaffney is a master of short, short fiction. His Sawn-Off Tales (Salt) is filled with poignancy and wit – each story goes off like a tiny depth charge in the mind, leaving you with the trace memory of some new urban myth. Comic, absurd and disturbingly true.
Sascha Akhtar
Pakistan-born Sascha Akhtar is a writer, filmmaker, photographer, musician and dancer. She also teaches yoga and meditation. Her debut collection of poetry The Grimoire of Grimalkin is forthcoming from Salt. With fellow poet Anthony Joseph she runs experimental music, poetry and fiction night La Langoustine est Morte. She plans to learn Mongolian throat-singing.
Slam on Siblings: Thursday 15th November, London
POET SIZE SLAM
Thursday 15 November9pm
Clare Theatre, Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1
FREE (reservations 020 7922 2922)
A poetry slam on the subject of siblings - win two tickets for a show at the Young Vic plus a signed copy of The Brother Size
To help celebrate the new ATC/Young Vic production of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brothers Size, the evening show (15 Nov, 7.45pm) will be followed by a quickfire poetry competition. If you’ve got a poem on a brother/sister theme, come along and vie for the prize of two theatre tickets.
Special guest slot from Polarbear, one of the UK’s top performance-poets, and compere Mr Jacob Sam-La Rose
For further info about The Brothers Size, contact www.youngvic.org / 020 7922 2922
When: Thursday 15 November @ 9pm
Where: Clare Theatre, Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1
Tickets: Free (reservations 020 7922 2922)
Info: www.applesandsnakes.org
THE BIG WORD, Edinburgh, hosted by Jenny Lindsay: Thursday 15th November
THE BIG WORD
THE JAZZ BAR, 1a Chambers St, Edinburgh.THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER,
Doors 8.30pm, show 9 - 11.15pm.
£4/3 concs.
Hosted by JENNY LINDSAY.
FEATURING TIM TURNBULL, Fiona Lindsay, VIV GEE, Tribal Tongues, and music from CHRIS BRADLEY. For more info contact Jenny on 07989 508 436
The Big Word is back with more lyrical treats from a whole host of wildly diverse spoken word artists and poets.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Fresh (&) Poetry at the Palace: Apples & Snakes, with an Open Mic
Fresh, in association with Apples & Snakes
Are you in to poetry with a hip hop beat?From fast'n'furious words to delicious moves'n'grooves, Fresh brings you a showcase of poetry blended with rap and music. There'll be guest acts from pioneering hip hop poets and dub poets, as well as open mic slots up for grabs on the night.
Featuring: Raw Jam artist-in-residence Frisko; beatboxer John Berkavitch; spoken word duo Under da Poetree; and dub poet Moqapi Selassie.
Go to www.skycast.com and watch performers at the last Fresh: Tempest, Chris Rowan, Abstract Turmoil, Will Stopha and Kenny Baraka
When: Friday 2 November @ 8pm
Where: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG
Tickets: £6 /£5 concs /£4 under-25s
Box office: 020 8692 4446 / www.thealbany.org.uk
Also recommended... Poetry at the Palace
Some of the best British performance poets come together for one night only. Expect wit and wordplay! Line up includes: Francesca Beard, 'the Queen of British performance poetry' (Metro), OneNess, nominated for Best Black female poet by Black Women in the Arts and [verb]swish. Plus, Edinburgh Fringe favourite Luke Wright presents his new live act Poet & Man whilst acting as compere for the evening.
Apples and snakes Offer: get tickets for just £5. Call the Box Office on 01923 225671 to book and quote 'Apples and Snakes'.
When: Friday 16 November @ 8pm
Where: Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ - just 20 minutes from Euston on fast trains
Info: www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Return of the Lobster: Saturday 3rd November
La Langoustine est Morte
3rd November 20077.30pm.
Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2
£5 / £4 conc.
The regular Langoustine poetry night returns after its summer break with a superb line-up featuring Chris Good, The Ex-Men and Sascha Akhtar.
Six Women Poets with a Kick - SOLD OUT!
Six Women Poets with a Kick
4th November 20077:30 PM
Lantern Theatre, Kenwood Park Road, Sheffield
After their electrifying visit to Off the Shelf 2005 Six Women Poets with a Kick are back by popular demand. Encompassing some of the hottest talent in the region (including two Bloodaxe poets) Suzanne Batty, Anne Caldwell, Nell Farrell, Char March, Clare Shaw and River Wolton are re-defining any concepts of ‘Women’s Poetry. Prepare to find yourself out of your comfort zone.
Six Women Poets with a Kick
Tickets £5/£4 from Sheffield Theatres – tel. 0114 249 6000
NB. This event is SOLD OUT but there might be the odd ticket available at the last minute, due to no-shows.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
New Writing from Warwick: a LAUNCH reminder for TONIGHT!
BROADCAST 2 - work from Warwick University
Wednesday 31st October7.30pm
Conference Room, Warwick Arts Centre
Broadcast 2 - Picture Thinking and other stories will be launched on Wednesday October 31st in the Conference Room at Warwick Arts Centre. The event starts at 7.30, and includes performances from the students in the anthology, plus readings by great Heaventree poets Simon Turner and Milorad Krystanovich, and an acoustic performance by tutor, writer and musician Peter Blegvad. It all looks set to be wonderful night, and I hope you will be able to make it. Please support this project and the work of new Warwick writers!
Jane Commane
Over the Edge in Galway: Thursday November 1st
Over the Edge
Three women poets for November 1st Over The Edge: Open Reading with Floor SessionsThe next ‘Over The Edge: Open Reading’ takes place in Galway City Library on Thursday, November 1st, 6.30-8.00pm. The Featured Readers are Barbara Smith, Megan Buckley and Jean Folan.
There will be an open-mic after the Featured Readers have finished. New readers are always welcome. The MC for the evening will be Susan Millar DuMars. For further details phone 087-6431748.
Over The Edge acknowledges the financial support of Galway City Council and The Arts Council http://overtheedgeliteraryevents.blogspot.com
Buzzwords Poetry Night in Cheltenham: Sunday 4th November
Buzzwords in Cheltenham
Next Sunday, November 4th upstairs at The Exmouth, Bath Road (opposite the co-op), Cheltenham.Guest poet - Colin Watts
7pm - Workshop led by Colin Watts
8pm - open mic and guest poet
Come at 7 if you want to write, 8 if you don't.
Entrance £3
N.B. Please note NEW VENUE for this popular monthly open mic.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Aldeburgh Poetry Festival: November 2nd - 4th 2007
ALDEBURGH POETRY FESTIVAL 2007 POETS
Connie BensleyBeverley Bie Brahic
Peter Carpenter
Polly Clark
Peter Cole
John F Deane
Anne-Marie Fyfe
Louis Jenkins
Ariane Koek
Anne Marie Macari
Michael Mackmin
Rory Motion
Roger Moulson
Taha Muhammad Ali
Owen O'Neill
Alice Oswald
Jacques Rancourt
Christopher Reid
Jacob Sam-La Rose
Fiona Sampson
Peter Sansom
Robert Seatter
Gerald Stern
Anne Stevenson
Susan Utting
Joseph Woods
Sophie Woolley
You can find full details of this weekend's events and book tickets at http://www.thepoetrytrust.org
*
Poetry at the Great Grog Bar, Edinburgh: Sunday 4th November
A great line-up of poets reading at the Great Grog Bar in Rose Street, Edinburgh (walk up Hanover Street, turn left at Rose Street for 50 metres).
Roddy Lumsden
A.B. Jackson
Andrew Philip
Rob A. Mackenzie
Sunday 4 November 2007, 7.30pm
Free Entry
Roddy Lumsden
A.B. Jackson
Andrew Philip
Rob A. Mackenzie
Sunday 4 November 2007, 7.30pm
Free Entry
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Fresh (&) Poetry at the Palace: Apples & Snakes, with an Open Mic
Fresh, in association with Apples & Snakes
Are you in to poetry with a hip hop beat?From fast'n'furious words to delicious moves'n'grooves, Fresh brings you a showcase of poetry blended with rap and music. There'll be guest acts from pioneering hip hop poets and dub poets, as well as open mic slots up for grabs on the night.
Featuring: Raw Jam artist-in-residence Frisko; beatboxer John Berkavitch; spoken word duo Under da Poetree; and dub poet Moqapi Selassie.
Go to www.skycast.com and watch performers at the last Fresh: Tempest, Chris Rowan, Abstract Turmoil, Will Stopha and Kenny Baraka
When: Friday 2 November @ 8pm
Where: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG
Tickets: £6 /£5 concs /£4 under-25s
Box office: 020 8692 4446 / www.thealbany.org.uk
Also recommended... Poetry at the Palace
Some of the best British performance poets come together for one night only. Expect wit and wordplay! Line up includes: Francesca Beard, 'the Queen of British performance poetry' (Metro), OneNess, nominated for Best Black female poet by Black Women in the Arts and [verb]swish. Plus, Edinburgh Fringe favourite Luke Wright presents his new live act Poet & Man whilst acting as compere for the evening.
Apples and snakes Offer: get tickets for just £5. Call the Box Office on 01923 225671 to book and quote 'Apples and Snakes'.
When: Friday 16 November @ 8pm
Where: Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1JZ - just 20 minutes from Euston on fast trains
Info: www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Glasgow Open Mic & Headline Poetry Act: Last Mondays
Last Monday at Rio
Monday October 29th8pm start
The Rio Cafe, 27 Hyndland Street, Glasgow G11
Headline act this month is Kevin Cadwallender, author of the "Baz" poems (a lairy Newcastle lout). Kevin explores the "Baziness" in the world around him, the people he meets and - if truth be told - in himself!
We will also be treated to the raving, ranting, radical who may or may not possess a birth certificate bearing the name Gary Death.
The first hour of the evening is open mic. Robin Cairns is your compere. Anyone wishing to read, speak or perform should contact robin.cairns@btconnect.com
New Writing from Warwick: Broadcast 2 launch
BROADCAST 2 - work from Warwick University
Wednesday 31st October7.30pm
Conference Room, Warwick Arts Centre
Broadcast 2 - Picture Thinking and other stories will be launched on Wednesday October 31st in the Conference Room at Warwick Arts Centre. The event starts at 7.30, and includes performances from the students in the anthology, plus readings by great Heaventree poets Simon Turner and Milorad Krystanovich, and an acoustic performance by tutor, writer and musician Peter Blegvad. It all looks set to be wonderful night, and I hope you will be able to make it. Please support this project and the work of new Warwick writers!
Jane Commane
Oxford Poets anthology launch in London
Launch of Oxford Poets 2007
Monday 29th October6.30pm
Foyles, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EB
Readings from Jemma Borg, Mary Ingoldby (reading poems by Grace Ingoldby), Olivia McCannon, Saradha Soobrayen, Damien Walford Davies and John White to launch Oxford Poets 2007, the latest in the anthology series published annually by Carcanet. Please RSVP to stephenprocter@carcanet.co.uk
"The fifth OxfordPoets anthology continues the aim stated in the first of the series, 'a desire to represent the best' of the new work associated with the OxfordPoets imprint. This latest collection is as varied and thought-provoking as the earlier books. Here are poets from a diversity of backgrounds and traditions, spanning ages, experiences and purposes.
What they share is a commitment to the truth of their experience and an excitement with the possibilities of poetry. They often write at the point where the private and public worlds collide, but such serious concerns never preclude wit, imagination, an inventive flair for language. New writers, and writers who are already becoming recognised, are making compelling new poetry."
For more, visit www.carcanet.co.uk
*
David Miller in Kentish Town: TONIGHT!
David Miller reads & plays!
Sunday 28 October 20077.30pm.
at the Torriano, 99 Torriano Avenue, Kentish Town, London NW5.
Admission £5 / £4 / £3 / £2 (according to pocket).
David Miller reads his poetry and plays the clarinet, after readings from the floor.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Sunday XPress in Birmingham: this Sunday!
SUNDAY XPRESS OPEN MIC
"Come to the Sunday Xpress! This Sunday 3-6pm ish, all open mic, all types of performers welcome (and their audiences) and hopefully free roast potatoes, I'll have to see how I feel Sunday morning.
Market Tavern, corner of Moseley St & Birchall St, Digbeth, Birmingham."
Liz Smith
"Come to the Sunday Xpress! This Sunday 3-6pm ish, all open mic, all types of performers welcome (and their audiences) and hopefully free roast potatoes, I'll have to see how I feel Sunday morning.
Market Tavern, corner of Moseley St & Birchall St, Digbeth, Birmingham."
Liz Smith
Hammer & Tongue event in Oxford
Friday 26th October8 - 11pm
East Oxford Community Centre, Oxford
East Oxford Community Centre on Friday 26th 8-11pm plays host to the
mighty Queen Sheba all the way from the US of A, a poet, activist and
revolutionary with too many slam titles under her belt to bother
boasting about. We will be blessed by the wisdom of Frank Isahak and
then blown away with a live reggae set from Oxford's finest The
Aboriginals. £5 or £4 if you haven't got £5 on the door, includes
entry to the bar for Mish Mash which is open late.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
***1000th Blog Post on Poets on Fire!***
This is actually the 1002nd post now, but I didn't want to let the moment slip by without proper commemoration!
Poets on Fire has been going since January 2006, so nearly two years but not quite. In that time, I've far surpassed my own slender vision for the site, which was simply to promote those poetry events which came to my attention - mainly London-based or in my own region, the Midlands.
There's plenty to celebrate here indeed. Poets on Fire now promotes live poetry right across the UK and Ireland, and occasionally even beyond! Far from being a mere spin-off from my poetry blog, Raw Light, this site is now far more visible and popular than any of my other sites.
35,000+ visitors so far, with the average weekly number growing all the time!
Although I haven't managed to persuade people to review for the site very often - i.e. live events they've attended - or to send me interviews with poets and performers, the number of visitors this site has enjoyed is easily in excess of what I'd envisaged at the beginning.
But if you'd like to send me reviews or interviews as outlined above, or even an article about live poetry, email me at j.holland442 @ btinternet.com and I'll be happy to consider your submission.
No payments, of course, but there are always other reasons - just as good - for getting your work online. 35,000 reasons, in this case!
Thanks for all your support. Keep the poetry news coming!
Jane x
Poets on Fire has been going since January 2006, so nearly two years but not quite. In that time, I've far surpassed my own slender vision for the site, which was simply to promote those poetry events which came to my attention - mainly London-based or in my own region, the Midlands.
There's plenty to celebrate here indeed. Poets on Fire now promotes live poetry right across the UK and Ireland, and occasionally even beyond! Far from being a mere spin-off from my poetry blog, Raw Light, this site is now far more visible and popular than any of my other sites.
35,000+ visitors so far, with the average weekly number growing all the time!
Although I haven't managed to persuade people to review for the site very often - i.e. live events they've attended - or to send me interviews with poets and performers, the number of visitors this site has enjoyed is easily in excess of what I'd envisaged at the beginning.
But if you'd like to send me reviews or interviews as outlined above, or even an article about live poetry, email me at j.holland442 @ btinternet.com and I'll be happy to consider your submission.
No payments, of course, but there are always other reasons - just as good - for getting your work online. 35,000 reasons, in this case!
Thanks for all your support. Keep the poetry news coming!
Jane x
VOICES from the Sheffield Flood: Wednesday 31st October
Voices from The Sheffield Flood
31 October 2007
7:30 PM
with Rob Hindle and Shelley Roche-Jacques
Quaker Meeting House, St James Row, Sheffield
Rob Hindle’s pamphlet Some Histories of the Sheffield Flood 1864 explores the disaster through the lives and ends of some of its victims. (Winner of the 2006 Templar Poetry Pamphlet Competition).
Shelley Roche-Jacques’ dramatic monologues draw on the everyday details in the 11 volumes of Flood Compensation Claims held at Sheffield Archives.
Part of the Off the Shelf Festival
£4/£3 (cons) from SIS - Tel 0114 273 4761 or 273 4712
Rhythm & Muse, Teddington: Thursday October 25th
Rhythm & Muse
Thursday October 25th8.30-10.30pm
£4.00/£2.00
Poetry and music in The Lion, Wick Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11. Guest poets this month are Rik Wilkinson and Joanna Ezekiel and music from singer guitarist Susan Wheeler. Also open mic - poetry and music (book in advance).
Contact Alison Hill for further info
Tel: 020 8977 4610 or email:
alison-hill@blueyonder.co.uk
VOICES: Human Rights Poetry in Glasgow
An evening of innovative new Human Rights and Animal Rights Poetry and Prose
Performed with panache by some of Scotland’s top performance Poets.The writer Ashby McGowan is developing a new style of poem, which has numerous voices intermingling. The effect varies from cacophony to sheer musical delight. Directed by Anita Govan, this promised to be a poetry night unlike any other!
Basura Blanca
The Brunswick Hotel, 106 Brunswick Street, Merchant City, Glasgow, G1 1TF.
8 PM to 9.30 PM. Monday 10th December
International Human Rights day.
Entrance Free, but donations gleefully accepted.
Ashby McGowan is a Human Rights and Animal Rights Campaigner and has been helped in this project by conFAB. Founded in January 2004, conFAB aims to to support, develop and expand opportunities for writers of all mediums, encouraging the innovative growth of the arts of the written and spoken word across Scotland and internationally.
This work has been funded by: The Scottish Book Trust and Glasgow District Council. Many Thanks to them! This work has been directed and developed over the last few months by Anita Govan: who is a performance poet with her own book of poems recently printed. And, the Producer is Rachel Jury of conFAB. The confab website is: http://www.confab.org.uk
The Performers are: Wendy Miller, Allison Julia Taudevin, Lorna Callery,
Tracy Patrick, Martin O’Connor, and Tawona Sithole.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Cambridge Open Mic: Tuesday 23rd October
CB1 Poetry Night
Our next event is this coming Tuesday, 23rd October, at CB1 Cafe on Mill Road, Cambridge. Patrick Widdess will be giving readings as our featured local poet, and there will be plenty of opportunity for open mike readers, with a vote and prize for the most popular poem.Entry is £3/£2 concessions; please arrive in good time for readings to start at 8pm sharp -- sign up is at 7:45 for open mike slots.
All CB1 Cafe events are on the fourth Tuesday of the month, hence on the 23rd this month. Our next event after that is on the 13th of November with Michael Laskey at the Michaelhouse.
Patrick Widdess did his first reading at CB1 in 2001 shortly after graduating from Liverpool John Moores with a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. Following this he spent many years living abroad, teaching English as a foreign language; resurfacing from time to time in Cambridge and at CB1.
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