Wednesday, December 16, 2009

LEICESTER: LouAnn Muhm, Pam Thompson, Jane Commane, Matt Merritt

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009, 7.30pm, FREE
Friends' Meeting House,
Queen's Road,
Stoneygate,
Leicester

Ready for some poetry after all that turkey and Christmas pud? Want to end 2009 on a high note? US poet LouAnn Muhm has come all the way from snowy Minnesota, and will be reading from her superb collection Breaking The Glass. She'll be joined by Midlands poets Pam Thompson, Jane Commane and Matt Merritt.

There'll be a small number of open mic slots available too (sign up on the night, from 7pm), along with free mince pies, so come along and say goodbye to the old year in style.

GALWAY: December Over The Edge

Thursday, December 17th, 2009, 6.30pm-8pm
Galway City Library,
St. Augustine Street,
Galway

Featured Readers are Gerry Galvin, Liam Duffy and Conor Mark Kavanagh.

Gerry Galvin is a native of Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick, now living in Oughterard. He is a chef and former restaurateur and the author of bestselling cookbooks The Drimcong Food Affair and Everyday Gourmet. His fiction and poetry have been published at home and abroad in publications such as The Scotsman, The Cape Argus, Hibernia, Crannóg, The Cork Examiner and Ouroboros. He was a 2009 Short Fiction prizewinner in the Fish Publishing competition. His first collection of poetry is forthcoming from Doire Press, Spring 2010.

Liam Duffy is from Galway but is currently attending university in Finland. His poems have appeared in The Shop, Revival and many more. He was also editor of NUI Galway's writers’ society magazine The Sharp Review. Earlier this year, Liam was chosen to take part in a series of summer readings organised in Dublin by The Stinging Fly literary magazine. He recently completed the Advanced Poetry Workshop at Galway Arts Centre and his work features in the group’s highly successful publication Lady Gregory’s Townhouse.

Conor Mark Kavanagh is a poet and RTE News reporter. His first break into journalism was an exclusive interview with the subject of Yeats’ Prayer For My Daughter, Anne Yeats, on the 50th anniversary of the great poet’s death. He has worked as a reporter on The Arts Show and been invited back to the show some years later to read his own poem Homecoming. He is also a singer-songwriter and has co-written album tracks with Eurovision Song Contest winner, Charlie Mc Gettigan.

There will be an open-mic when the Featured Readers have finished. This is open to anyone who has a poem or story to share. New readers are always especially welcome. The MC for the evening will be Susan Millar DuMars. For further details phone 087-6431748.

Over The Edge acknowledges the ongoing generous financial support of Galway City Council and The Arts Council

http://overtheedgeliteraryevents.blogspot.com

Monday, December 14, 2009

LONDON: Ride The Word XIX

Tuesday, 15th December, 2009, 6.30 for 7pm, till 9pm, Free
The Cafe Yumacha
45 Berwick Street,
Soho,
London
W1

Christmas Special

with Short Circuit Editor Vanessa Gebbie, Salt Publishing Director Jen Hamilton-Emery, and Arts Editor of Prospect Magazine Tom Chatfield

and

Tania Hershman, Sarah Salway, Marian Garvey, David Gaffney, Lane Ashfeldt, Elizabeth Baines, Chika Unigwe, David Grubb, Alex Keegan, Catherine Smith

also
Vincent De Souza, Jay Merill.

Floor spots on first come, first served basis. Hosted by Jay Merill and Vincent De Souza.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

LONDON: Jazz Verse Jukebox

Sunday, December 13th, 2009, venue open 6.30pm, show from 8pm, £6
Ronnie Scotts Bar (upstairs)
Tickets can only be purchased on the door
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Tel: 020 7439 0747
Website: http://www:jumokefashola.com

Compered by and with music from Jumoké Fashola, Presenter, BBC London 94.9FM

Starring:
RACHEL ROSE REID: The 'storyteller for adults' makes a welcome return to the Jazz Verse Jukebox after a year that has seen her win plaudits for her Edinburgh Fringe Festival Show. Rachel is also a skilled cocktail mixologist, so who knows we may end up with unusual cocktails as she weaves her stories of Spirits!
“It's impossible to take your eyes off Rachel Rose Reid: she absolutely commands the stage. This is storytelling with a unique and modern twist: contemporary storytelling at its best". Antje Papenburg, Three Weeks

NICK MAKOHA: A charismatic poet and educationalist who has performed around the UK. His writing explores the ambiguities and contradictions of life, love and relationships. He has collaborated with musicians and visual artists & was one of four poets commissioned to do a special piece for the Turner Prize as part of the Tate: Remixed initiative.
“On stage he drops he drops a succession of interwoven one-liners so deep that every longitude ever imagined begins to shiver with insecurity”. X-Bout Magazine

DZIFA BENSON: Poetry-prose-plays-philosophy-essay loving and writing, gig organising, workshop leading and generally word bothering girl about town. Dzifa Benson does four main things - writes, performs, curates and teaches. A whirlwind of talent is currently an ambassador for the Southbank Centre’s Global Poetry System project. She has performed her prose and poetry nationally and internationally & is part of the poetry duo, Word Migrants.
"Weaver of well-crafted poems and captivating contemporary myths" Apples & Snakes

WITH MUSIC FROM:

THE WEST-END GOSPEL CHOIR
Past, present and future performers from West End shows such as ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Joseph’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Thriller’, will delight our ears with classic gospel tunes plus songs from hit musicals like Sister Act 2, The Colour Purple and Brooklyn. Not to be missed it's a chance to hear a different side of your favorite Musical Theatre stars and get in the mood for Christmas!
Plus the unique 'jukebox' open mic 3 spots for singers, 3 spots for poets.

BIRMINGHAM: Sunday Xpress Open Mic

Sunday, 13th December, 2009, 1.30pm-6pm, FREE
The Adam and Eve
54 Bradford Street
Digbeth
Birmingham
B12 0JD

Your compere - Big Brendan Higgins.

Friday, December 11, 2009

TODMORDEN: Gill McEvoy, Janet Loverseed, Joy Howard & Gina Shaw

Saturday, 12th December, 2009, 2pm-3.30pm
Todmorden Library,
Strand,
Rochdale Road,
Todmorden
OL14 7LB

Gill McEvoy, Janet Loverseed, Joy Howard and Gina Shaw
A reading from the new anthology from Grey Hen Press Cracking On: Poems about ageing by older women.

Plus mince pies!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

RICHMOND: Poetry Jam @ The Tea Box

Friday, 11th December, 2009, 7.30pm, FREE
The Tea Box,
7 Paradise Road,
Richmond,
TW9 1RX
Phone: 020 8940 3521
E-mail: info@theteabox.co.uk

Featuring Julie Mullen

Innocence meets Experience as The Tea Box hosts another open mic poetry Jam where new voices can perform alongside established performing poets.

Feed your mind, soul and your belly at this unique event where you can enjoy any of 55 different teas, select from fantastic menu including wine and beer.

The accomplished actress and writer Julie Mullen will be providing her particular witty verse from her recently completed works Erotic Poetry for Vegans and Vegetarians, which will be on sale on the night.

Our audience are always friendly, supportive and enthusiastic, as are the owners Mike and Jemma who will ensure you receive a warm welcome and encourage you to join Julie on stage.

Want to Join the Jam? Call us on 020 8940 3521, T-mail: info@theteabox.co.uk or just stick your hand up on the night.

LONDON: Camden Poetry Series

Friday, 11th December, 2009, 7pm (doors open 6.30pm), £4/£3, Wine
Trinity United Reform Church
1 Buck Street,
Camden Town
(2 minutes Camden Town tube)

Ruth O'Callaghan presents Shearsman poets Martin Anderson, Sarah Law and Janet Sutherland.

Poets from the floor very welcome. Cinnamon Press is our new sponsor. Please bring a copy of the poem if you wish to be considered for the new anthology.

Proceeds to the Cold Weather Shelter for the Homeless

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

LONDON: Jazz Verse Jukebox

Sunday, December 13th, 2009, venue open 6.30pm, show from 8pm, £6
Ronnie Scotts Bar (upstairs)
Tickets can only be purchased on the door
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Tel: 020 7439 0747
Website: http://www:jumokefashola.com

Compered by and with music from Jumoké Fashola, Presenter, BBC London 94.9FM

Starring:
RACHEL ROSE REID: The 'storyteller for adults' makes a welcome return to the Jazz Verse Jukebox after a year that has seen her win plaudits for her Edinburgh Fringe Festival Show. Rachel is also a skilled cocktail mixologist, so who knows we may end up with unusual cocktails as she weaves her stories of Spirits!
“It's impossible to take your eyes off Rachel Rose Reid: she absolutely commands the stage. This is storytelling with a unique and modern twist: contemporary storytelling at its best". Antje Papenburg, Three Weeks

NICK MAKOHA: A charismatic poet and educationalist who has performed around the UK. His writing explores the ambiguities and contradictions of life, love and relationships. He has collaborated with musicians and visual artists & was one of four poets commissioned to do a special piece for the Turner Prize as part of the Tate: Remixed initiative.
“On stage he drops he drops a succession of interwoven one-liners so deep that every longitude ever imagined begins to shiver with insecurity”. X-Bout Magazine

DZIFA BENSON: Poetry-prose-plays-philosophy-essay loving and writing, gig organising, workshop leading and generally word bothering girl about town. Dzifa Benson does four main things - writes, performs, curates and teaches. A whirlwind of talent is currently an ambassador for the Southbank Centre’s Global Poetry System project. She has performed her prose and poetry nationally and internationally & is part of the poetry duo, Word Migrants.
"Weaver of well-crafted poems and captivating contemporary myths" Apples & Snakes

WITH MUSIC FROM:

THE WEST-END GOSPEL CHOIR
Past, present and future performers from West End shows such as ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Joseph’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Thriller’, will delight our ears with classic gospel tunes plus songs from hit musicals like Sister Act 2, The Colour Purple and Brooklyn. Not to be missed it's a chance to hear a different side of your favorite Musical Theatre stars and get in the mood for Christmas!
Plus the unique 'jukebox' open mic 3 spots for singers, 3 spots for poets.

Monday, December 07, 2009

BIRMINGHAM: Rhymes Christmas Slam

Sunday, December 17th, 2009, 8pm, £5
Mixing Bowl Theatre
The Custard Factory
Birmingham

Join us for some festive poetic fun as 15 Rhymes poets battle it out in front of judges to be crowned Rhymes Slam Winner 2009, plus the Rhymes Christmas Raffle and free mince pies.

LONDON: Teen Angst: A Celebration of Inadvertantly Hilarious Adolescent Writing

Tuesday, 8th December, 2009, 7pm-11pm, £5/£4
Bethnal Green Working Men's Club - BASEMENT
42-46 Pollard Row,
E2 6NB
London

Featuring Angry Sam, Cath Cath, Sophia Blackwell, Tim Clare and Tim Wells.

Teen Angst is an open mic comedic reading series where everyday people read from their embarrassing old journals, poems, songs, essays (and more), in front of an audience.

Part stand-up comedy, part poetry reading, part karaoke (in the way you go to watch people embarrass themselves). The night started in Canada in 2000 to launch the website http://www.TeenAngstPoetry.com - Teen Angst has since gone on to publish an anthology Teen Angst: A Celebration of REALLY BAD Poetry (St. Martin's Press, 2005), performed at the LATITUDE FESTIVAL (UK), BUMBERSHOOT (Seattle), THE KGB BAR (New York City), THE INTERNATIONAL HIGH PERFORMANCE RODEO (Calgary) and at London's BOOK CLUB BOUTIQUE.

Hosted by Sara Bynoe, creator of Teen Angst and Michelle Madsen, founder of the London arm of the Hammer and Tongue Poetry Slam.

PLUS ...weird and wonderful foodstuffs and drinkables to plant you firmly back in the heady days of your adolescence.

WANT TO READ YOUR BAD TEEN WRITING?
Contact sarabynoe(at)gmail.com

MORE INFO AT:
http://www.teeangst.ca

LONDON: Lumen Poetry Series

Tuesday, 8th December, 2009, doors open 6.30pm for 7pm, £4/£3, wine
Lumen
88 Tavistock Place
WC1
Tubes: Russell Square , Kings Cross, St Pancras.

Ruth O'Callaghan presents Shoestring poets and friends John Hartley-Williams and Lynne Wycherley.

Poets from the floor very welcome. Please bring a copy of your poem if you wish to be considered for the anthology sponsored by the thought-provoking Cinnamon Press. Proceeds to the Cold Weather Shelter.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

LONDON: Hammer and Tongue Open Poetry Slam

Monday, December 7th, 2009, 7.30pm-11pm, £5/£4
Green Note Café
106 Parkway
Camden

Hammer & Tongue is delighted to welcome Henry Bowers (http://www.myspace.com/kunghenrybowers) former Swedish Slam Champion, World Slam Championship runner-up and 4 Continents Slam Champion and 2009 Young Storyteller of the year Wilf Mertens (http://www.myspace.com/stanleywilfridmerttens) to its last London slam of the year.

Slammers: Come along early and sign up on the door. The first eight get in for free and slam for a place in the London H&T final next year.

Hosted by Michelle Madsen and Angry Sam

The very next day we'll be at the Bethnal Green Working Mens Club for a night of Teen Angst Poetry, hosted by the irascible Sara Bynoe and featuring Tim Clare, Cath Cath, Sophia Blackwell, Angry Sam and Michelle Madsen. The kids from Foodrambler will be making very leftfield foodstuffs to go with the evening, £6/5 on the door.

Contact: Michelle Madsen on 07809 236 133

http://twitter.com/hammerandtongue

Saturday, December 05, 2009

CHELTENHAM: Buzzwords Poetry Night

Sunday, 6th December, 2009, 7pm onwards, £3/£5 if you are able
function room at The Brown Jug,
Bath Road,
Cheltenham

Nine Arches Press present David Morley and Matt Nunn
7pm Workshop led by David Morley
8pm - Readings and open mic

Friday, December 04, 2009

LONDON: Ride The Word XIX

Tuesday, 15th December, 2009, 6.30 for 7pm, till 9pm, Free
The Cafe Yumacha
45 Berwick Street,
Soho,
London
W1

Christmas Special

with Short Circuit Editor Vanessa Gebbie, Salt Publishing Director Jen Hamilton-Emery, and Arts Editor of Prospect Magazine Tom Chatfield

and

Tania Hershman, Sarah Salway, Marian Garvey, David Gaffney, Lane Ashfeldt, Elizabeth Baines, Chika Unigwe, David Grubb, Alex Keegan, Catherine Smith

also
Vincent De Souza, Jay Merill.

Floor spots on first come, first served basis. Hosted by Jay Merill and Vincent De Souza.

RICHMOND: Poetry Jam @ The Tea Box

Friday, 11th December, 2009, 7.30pm, FREE
The Tea Box,
7 Paradise Road,
Richmond,
TW9 1RX
Phone: 020 8940 3521
E-mail: info@theteabox.co.uk

Featuring Julie Mullen

Innocence meets Experience as The Tea Box hosts another open mic poetry Jam where new voices can perform alongside established performing poets.

Feed your mind, soul and your belly at this unique event where you can enjoy any of 55 different teas, select from fantastic menu including wine and beer.

The accomplished actress and writer Julie Mullen will be providing her particular witty verse from her recently completed works Erotic Poetry for Vegans and Vegetarians, which will be on sale on the night.

Our audience are always friendly, supportive and enthusiastic, as are the owners Mike and Jemma who will ensure you receive a warm welcome and encourage you to join Julie on stage.

Want to Join the Jam? Call us on 020 8940 3521, T-mail: info@theteabox.co.uk or just stick your hand up on the night.

BRADFORD: Word Life

Saturday, December 5th, 2009, £5
Theatre In The Mill,
University of Bradford

Performers: Joe Kriss, Jon Gomm, Mark Gwynne Jones, Jasmine Ann Cooray and Gareth Durasow

A night of moving and original story telling and poetry from some of the most renowned performance poets in the UK. Followed by live music from Jon Gomm, fresh from his Italian tour.

Jon Gomm is a singer-songwriter and acoustic solo performer, with an incredible virtuoso guitar style. He uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, basslines and sparkling melodies all at the same time. The emphasis is still on the soulful vocals and songwriting however, and his original material is influenced by everything from Robert Johnson to Radiohead, Roni Size to Joni Mitchell.

Mark Gwynne Jones is a poet whose work crosses over into physical theatre and the visual arts. An engaging and energetic performer, Mark has presented his work on platforms from Edinburgh to London.

Jasmine Ann Cooray is a poet who is learning to tell stories, but is better known for uncompromisingly moving verse and arresting delivery. She tries to tell the truth. Her debut pamphlet, everything we don't say, was published with Tall Lighthouse Press in April 2009.

Gareth Durasow is a prize-winning poet, performer and playwright. He appears at events ranging from intimate readings at cafes and bars to renowned literature festivals, collaborating with the audience to create a truly unique spoken word experience that alternates between the disarmingly endearing, the riotously funny and the blisteringly intense.

Hosted by Joe Kriss who has performed at venues such as the Tate Modern, The Roundhouse Theatre and The Winter Gardens. The creative writing editor of Now Then, which is one of the most widely distributed outlets for new writing in the country.

Word Life is a live literature organisation dedicated to showcasing live original poetry and music from writers and musicians.
http://www.jongomm.com
www.myspace.com/joekriss
www.myspace.com/wordlifeuk
www.nowthensheffield.blogspot.com

Tickets from 01274 233200/theatre@bradford.ac.uk

Thursday, December 03, 2009

GALWAY: December Over The Edge

Thursday, December 17th, 2009, 6.30pm-8pm
Galway City Library,
St. Augustine Street,
Galway

Featured Readers are Gerry Galvin, Liam Duffy and Conor Mark Kavanagh.

Gerry Galvin is a native of Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick, now living in Oughterard. He is a chef and former restaurateur and the author of bestselling cookbooks The Drimcong Food Affair and Everyday Gourmet. His fiction and poetry have been published at home and abroad in publications such as The Scotsman, The Cape Argus, Hibernia, Crannóg, The Cork Examiner and Ouroboros. He was a 2009 Short Fiction prizewinner in the Fish Publishing competition. His first collection of poetry is forthcoming from Doire Press, Spring 2010.

Liam Duffy is from Galway but is currently attending university in Finland. His poems have appeared in The Shop, Revival and many more. He was also editor of NUI Galway's writers’ society magazine The Sharp Review. Earlier this year, Liam was chosen to take part in a series of summer readings organised in Dublin by The Stinging Fly literary magazine. He recently completed the Advanced Poetry Workshop at Galway Arts Centre and his work features in the group’s highly successful publication Lady Gregory’s Townhouse.

Conor Mark Kavanagh is a poet and RTE News reporter. His first break into journalism was an exclusive interview with the subject of Yeats’ Prayer For My Daughter, Anne Yeats, on the 50th anniversary of the great poet’s death. He has worked as a reporter on The Arts Show and been invited back to the show some years later to read his own poem Homecoming. He is also a singer-songwriter and has co-written album tracks with Eurovision Song Contest winner, Charlie Mc Gettigan.

There will be an open-mic when the Featured Readers have finished. This is open to anyone who has a poem or story to share. New readers are always especially welcome. The MC for the evening will be Susan Millar DuMars. For further details phone 087-6431748.

Over The Edge acknowledges the ongoing generous financial support of Galway City Council and The Arts Council

http://overtheedgeliteraryevents.blogspot.com