LEICESTER: Lyric Lounge

Friday, July 30th to Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Lyric Lounge, Leicester
will see New Walk Museum transformed into an enchanting performance space celebrating the power of live literature. Events are part of a region-wide series of mini-festivals taking place throughout 2010, following on from the massive success of last year’s Lyric Lounge Leicester. Alongside workshops and performance opportunities for local artists, audiences can feast on a variety of commissions and jaw- dropping lyrical moves by established poets. http://www.lyriclounge.co.uk

John Hegley
“There’s warm wit aplenty, both in the poetry and in the engaging banter that sets the scenes,” Chortle. Hegley’s new show, Adventures of Monsieur Robinet, delves deeply into the world of one of the UK’s most prolific storytellers. Radio regular, published writer, and popular glasses wearer, John Hegley has made his mark everywhere. From sell out shows at Edinburgh Festival to comedy festivals worldwide, his poems about dogs, glasses and a whole lot more, have really gone the distance. John’s poems are renowned for being deeply humorous, personal and emotional. Marvel at his adventures in rhyme, rhythm and mandolin plucking, from someone whose background fuses Luton mundanity and glorious French culture. Catch him perform on Sat 31 July, 7pm. Tickets £10/ £5. Suitable for ages 7 plus with guidance.

Mark Gwynne Jones
'Inspired…one of the most accomplished performance poets in the land…drawing the audience into a world where things are not quite what they seem.’ The Guardian. Five times fringe award winners Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread use poetry, music and tragic-comedy as their messenger. From the joys of driving a Sherman Tank at rush hour..to agonising over hairstyles while waiting your turn with Sweeney Todd... it's contagious, gritty and sometimes startlingly sensitive. Mark and Psychicbread headline WORD! – Sun 1 August, 7pm. Tickets are £4/ £3. Suitable for ages 13+.

Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze
Jamaica born artist Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze is the world’s first female Dub Poet and has performed on every continent, apart from the Antarctic. Her published works ponder social and political issues, as well as her own experience of mental health. Jean is a Bloodaxe Poet and the author of seven collections of poetry and fiction. Catch her perform on Fri 30 July, 1pm, at Lyrical Lunchtime (FREE- just turn up) or leading a workshop inspired by museum objects on Sun 1 August, 2.30pm (FREE but booking essential – check website for details).

Andy Craven Griffiths
“If Macbeth had been into hip hop, he’d have sounded a bit like this.” Apples and Snakes Slam champion for Manchester Lit Festival 2004, Glastonbury 2005 and Munich 2007, Andy has wowed his fair share of audiences. A regular on BBC Radio 1 and 2, his work crosses exciting territory between poetry and rap. Far from being just a pretty face, Andy’s work is thought provoking and delivered with breathtaking ease. Andy comperes and performs as part of urban poetry competition ILUVLYRICS (suitable for ages 13 plus) – Fri 30 July, 7pm. Tickets £5/ £3 (performers get in free and need to sign up at 6pm on the night).

All tickets for evening events are available from The New Walk Museum Box Office: 0116 225 4900. For the full ‘Lyric Lounge Leicester’ line up, including FREE workshops, film screenings, after show parties, and open mic and mentoring opportunities, visit www.lyriclounge.co.uk
Workshops can be booked via: word@wordpoetry.co.uk

DUBLIN: Moloch Showcase

Friday, July 30th, 2010, 7pm
Irish Writers' Centre,
19 Parnell Square,
Dublin 1.

We're going to be showing off just a few of our talented contributors, namely Paul Perry, Jack Harte, Aideen Henry, Jessica Reidy and Katelyn Ferguson. There will also be music from some spectacular young singer-songwriters: Jude Shiels, whose songs have been described by Colin Harper as "little screenplays conjured from the clouds," and Drimnagh's finest, Stephen Kelly.

So come along and drag your friends, writing groups, estranged uncles, strange aunts and any other interested parties, and of course tell everyone you know to check out the new issue which will go online this Friday. Wine, punch, cake, poetry, and music are all free but we would encourage you to leave a small contribution (if you can) so we can afford to bring you more nights like this, and more editions of the journal.

www.moloch.ie

LEICESTER: Shodfest @ Shindig

CHELTENHAM: Spoken Word & Poetry Open Mic Night

Thursday, 29th July, 2010, doors open at 7.30pm, readings will begin at 8pm, £3 entry, or £1 + book donation
Slak Bar, Cheltenham

Poetry book sale on the night
All proceeds go directly to Oxfam

ABERDEEN: Poetry Aberdeen

Thursday, 29th July, 2010, 7pm, FREE
The Coffee House,
Aberdeen

Poetry Aberdeen this month features members of Aberdeen's longest-established writers' group, Aberdeen Writers' Circle. The poets reading are Keith Murray, Ellena van Tebberen, Roger Barnett, Catriona Yule, Moira Brown and Gina Sherratt, with music by Andy Brown (guitar).

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

LONDON: Keston Sutherland

Thursday, July 29th, 2010, 7pm, FREE
Parasol Unit
14 Wharf Road
London
N1 7RW
events@parasol-unit.org

Poetry reading by Keston Sutherland

Keston Sutherland is editor of the poetics and critical theory journal QUID and co-editor, with Andrea Brady, of Barque Press. His recent books are White Hot Andy (2007) and Stress Position (2009).

LEICESTER: Lyric Lounge

Friday, July 30th to Sunday, August 1st, 2010

Lyric Lounge, Leicester
will see New Walk Museum transformed into an enchanting performance space celebrating the power of live literature. Events are part of a region-wide series of mini-festivals taking place throughout 2010, following on from the massive success of last year’s Lyric Lounge Leicester. Alongside workshops and performance opportunities for local artists, audiences can feast on a variety of commissions and jaw- dropping lyrical moves by established poets. http://www.lyriclounge.co.uk

John Hegley
“There’s warm wit aplenty, both in the poetry and in the engaging banter that sets the scenes,” Chortle. Hegley’s new show, Adventures of Monsieur Robinet, delves deeply into the world of one of the UK’s most prolific storytellers. Radio regular, published writer, and popular glasses wearer, John Hegley has made his mark everywhere. From sell out shows at Edinburgh Festival to comedy festivals worldwide, his poems about dogs, glasses and a whole lot more, have really gone the distance. John’s poems are renowned for being deeply humorous, personal and emotional. Marvel at his adventures in rhyme, rhythm and mandolin plucking, from someone whose background fuses Luton mundanity and glorious French culture. Catch him perform on Sat 31 July, 7pm. Tickets £10/ £5. Suitable for ages 7 plus with guidance.

Mark Gwynne Jones
'Inspired…one of the most accomplished performance poets in the land…drawing the audience into a world where things are not quite what they seem.’ The Guardian. Five times fringe award winners Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread use poetry, music and tragic-comedy as their messenger. From the joys of driving a Sherman Tank at rush hour..to agonising over hairstyles while waiting your turn with Sweeney Todd... it's contagious, gritty and sometimes startlingly sensitive. Mark and Psychicbread headline WORD! – Sun 1 August, 7pm. Tickets are £4/ £3. Suitable for ages 13+.

Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze
Jamaica born artist Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze is the world’s first female Dub Poet and has performed on every continent, apart from the Antarctic. Her published works ponder social and political issues, as well as her own experience of mental health. Jean is a Bloodaxe Poet and the author of seven collections of poetry and fiction. Catch her perform on Fri 30 July, 1pm, at Lyrical Lunchtime (FREE- just turn up) or leading a workshop inspired by museum objects on Sun 1 August, 2.30pm (FREE but booking essential – check website for details).

Andy Craven Griffiths
“If Macbeth had been into hip hop, he’d have sounded a bit like this.” Apples and Snakes Slam champion for Manchester Lit Festival 2004, Glastonbury 2005 and Munich 2007, Andy has wowed his fair share of audiences. A regular on BBC Radio 1 and 2, his work crosses exciting territory between poetry and rap. Far from being just a pretty face, Andy’s work is thought provoking and delivered with breathtaking ease. Andy comperes and performs as part of urban poetry competition ILUVLYRICS (suitable for ages 13 plus) – Fri 30 July, 7pm. Tickets £5/ £3 (performers get in free and need to sign up at 6pm on the night).

All tickets for evening events are available from The New Walk Museum Box Office: 0116 225 4900. For the full ‘Lyric Lounge Leicester’ line up, including FREE workshops, film screenings, after show parties, and open mic and mentoring opportunities, visit www.lyriclounge.co.uk
Workshops can be booked via: word@wordpoetry.co.uk

BIRMINGHAM: Poetry Bites at the Kitchen Garden Café, with Jane Routh and Mike Barlow

Tuesday 27th July, 2010, 7.30pm, (food available from 6.30pm), £5 (£4)
Kitchen Garden Café,
17 York Road,
Kings Heath,
Birmingham
B14 7SA

Jane Routh is a poet and photographer who manages woodland and a flock of geese in the Forest of Bowland, North Lancashire. She has won the Academi Cardiff International Poetry Competition and her collection, Teach Yourself Mapmaking was a Poetry Book Society recommendation.

Winner of the National Poetry Competition and many other major awards, Mike Barlow has published a number of books and pamphlets, most recently Amicable Numbers (Templar) which was a PBS pamphlet choice.

Poetry Bites includes floor spots where you can share your own poetry with an appreciative audience. Please arrive early to book a spot.

To reserve a place email jacquirowe@hotmail.co.uk or pay at the door.

CHELTENHAM: Spoken Word & Poetry Open Mic Night

Thursday, 29th July, 2010, doors open at 7.30pm, readings will begin at 8pm, £3 entry, or £1 + book donation
Slak Bar, Cheltenham

Poetry book sale on the night
All proceeds go directly to Oxfam

DUBLIN: Moloch Showcase

Friday, July 30th, 2010, 7pm
Irish Writers' Centre,
19 Parnell Square,
Dublin 1.

We're going to be showing off just a few of our talented contributors, namely Paul Perry, Jack Harte, Aideen Henry, Jessica Reidy and Katelyn Ferguson. There will also be music from some spectacular young singer-songwriters: Jude Shiels, whose songs have been described by Colin Harper as "little screenplays conjured from the clouds," and Drimnagh's finest, Stephen Kelly.

So come along and drag your friends, writing groups, estranged uncles, strange aunts and any other interested parties, and of course tell everyone you know to check out the new issue which will go online this Friday. Wine, punch, cake, poetry, and music are all free but we would encourage you to leave a small contribution (if you can) so we can afford to bring you more nights like this, and more editions of the journal.

www.moloch.ie

LEAMINGTON SPA: PUREandGOODandRIGHT

Sunday, July 25th, 2010, 7.30pm, £3 (£2 Student/OAP)
The Slug & Lettuce,
Leamington Spa.

As you know, each month we also invite a fabulous guest performance poet. This month we are delighted to have the company of the very talented and highly acclaimed A F Harrold.

A.F. Harrold has published two collections of poetry, Logic & the Heart (2004) and Of Birds & Bees (2008), and two collections of comic entertainments – Postcards From The Hedgehog (2007) and The Man Who Spent Years In The Bath (2008). He often works as a performance poet and a cabaret artiste, as well as a man prepared to do just about anything with words for almost any amount of money. Among other things he has been Poet-in-Residence for the Glastonbury Festival's website, which involved very little mud, thank goodness, and a guest on various BBC Radio programmes, which involved very little mud either.

Other info is to be found at www.afharrold.co.uk and www.myspace.com/afharrold.

DEFINITELY AN EVENING NOT TO BE MISSED!

With open mic support from…….yes……YOU!
Come and share your poems - seasoned poets & first time performers most welcome! As we aim for a 7.30pm start please arrive a bit earlier to book a slot!!!

If you're planning to come along, or would like to know more about the night, please email pgrpoetryandpints@talktalk.net

Look forward to seeing you there!

ABERDEEN: Poetry Aberdeen

Thursday, 29th July, 2010, 7pm, FREE
The Coffee House,
Aberdeen

Poetry Aberdeen this month features members of Aberdeen's longest-established writers' group, Aberdeen Writers' Circle. The poets reading are Keith Murray, Ellena van Tebberen, Roger Barnett, Catriona Yule, Moira Brown and Gina Sherratt, with music by Andy Brown (guitar).

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

KING'S LYNN: 26th Poetry Festival

September 24th-26th, 2010
Thoresby College,
on the South Quay,
King's Lynn

The quirky town of King's Lynn hosts some of the world's most respected poets. This year's festival has a special session dedicated to the life and poetry of Peter Porter, who was a regular visitor to the festival.

Readers include John Welch, Jo Shapcott, Kit Wright, Agnes Meadows, Penelope Shuttle, Selima Hill, John Lucas, John Fuller, Valérie Rouzeau with Susan Wicks, Dannie Abse, Amarjit Chandan and, celebrating his 80th birthday, Anthony Thwaite.

Full details at www.lynnlitfests.com

MILTON KEYNES: Poetry Kapow!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010, 7.30pm-11pm, £5/£4 performers and other concessions
MADCAP,
Wolverton,
Creed Street,
Milton Keynes
MK12 5LY

Whatever floats your boat this festival season, you can get down and dirty with Poetry Kapow! for some poetic, artistic and musical delights.

Put some flowers in your hair, pack your groundsheet and don’t forget your wellies and suncream. Then join us for the poetry event of the summer! Bring us rhymes about breathless moments in the open air, dancing the sun up, pot noodles, wet socks and warm beer in plastic cups. Bring us your lyrics about glorious moments on verdant hillsides or under damp canvas, where music and performance came alive and lodged in the memory forever.

As ever, there will be a live slam competition and open mic poetry, as well as featured poets, marvellous acoustic musicianship, and all manner of interactive art and games to get your mitts on.

Your hosts for this festive trip will be Fay Roberts and Danni Antagonist.

We'll be recording the night again and giving you the chance to immortalise your performance. CDs from the last gig will be on sale, along with Monkey Kettle merchandise and all sorts of other goodies...

KAPOW!

Poetry Kapow! website: http://www.poetrykapow.co.uk/

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107210732660089

Contact: festival@poetrykapow.co.uk 07904 488009

LONDON: Jawdance

Wednesday, 21st July 2010, 7.30pm, FREE
Rich Mix,
35–47 Bethnal Green Road,
London,
E1 6LA

Info: www.applesandsnakes.org / 020 8465 6154

Apples & Snakes presents Jawdance – a splurge of spoken word

Jawdance is a crunchy, chewy, new poetry concoction: fresh poets, seasoned poets, poetry books and singers (who are poets by any other name). Plus specially selected poetry films from Viral Verse.net.

Come and savour your free sample every third Wednesday at Rich Mix. Get there early to grab a sought-after open-mic slot. Because, deep down, we’re all poets, aren’t we?

Featuring:
Esther Poyer, Ralph Swift, Zionite, Clair Whitefield and Captain of the Rant

WESTSIDE ARTS FESTIVAL: Over The Edge Summer Open Mic

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010, 7pm
Westside Library,
Seamus Quirke Road
Galway

Westside Library Writers & Over The Edge Summer Open Mic
The Westside Library Writers, who have participated in a series of workshops facilitated by Kevin Higgins, will read from their work. Afterwards the annual Over The Edge Summer Open Mic will take place. Everyone who has a poem or story to share is most welcome to take part. So, if you have if have some writing you’d like to read to an audience this is your opportunity to do so.

MCs for the evening will be Kevin Higgins & Susan Millar DuMars. All are welcome to attend.

LEAMINGTON SPA: PUREandGOODandRIGHT

Sunday, July 25th, 2010, 7.30pm, £3 (£2 Student/OAP)
The Slug & Lettuce,
Leamington Spa.

As you know, each month we also invite a fabulous guest performance poet. This month we are delighted to have the company of the very talented and highly acclaimed A F Harrold.

A.F. Harrold has published two collections of poetry, Logic & the Heart (2004) and Of Birds & Bees (2008), and two collections of comic entertainments – Postcards From The Hedgehog (2007) and The Man Who Spent Years In The Bath (2008). He often works as a performance poet and a cabaret artiste, as well as a man prepared to do just about anything with words for almost any amount of money. Among other things he has been Poet-in-Residence for the Glastonbury Festival's website, which involved very little mud, thank goodness, and a guest on various BBC Radio programmes, which involved very little mud either.

Other info is to be found at www.afharrold.co.uk and www.myspace.com/afharrold.

DEFINITELY AN EVENING NOT TO BE MISSED!

With open mic support from…….yes……YOU!
Come and share your poems - seasoned poets & first time performers most welcome! As we aim for a 7.30pm start please arrive a bit earlier to book a slot!!!

If you're planning to come along, or would like to know more about the night, please email pgrpoetryandpints@talktalk.net

Look forward to seeing you there!

LEAMINGTON SPA: Shindig!

Sunday, 18th July, 2010, doors 6.30pm, readings from 7.30pm, FREE
Wilde's Wine Bar,
The Parade,
Leamington Spa

With special guest-poets Roz Goddard, Deborah Tyler-Bennett, Julie Boden and Maria Taylor.

Maria Taylor lives in Leicestershire and has been published in The Times Literary Supplement, The Coffee House and others, and has edited Fizzle and Sizzle, an anthology of young people’s writing. She is a teacher and lecturer of English and Creative Writing and is the mother of twins.

Roz Goddard’s fourth poetry collection is The Sopranos Sonnets & Other Poems. She is a former poet-laureate for Birmingham, her work is permanently displayed in BMAG’s newest gallery. Her poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and 4. She runs writing workshops and courses, including for the Arvon Foundation and mentors individual writers. She is currently studying for an MPhil in writing at Glamorgan University. More details of her work can be found at www.rozgoddard.com.

Julie Boden is Symphony Hall’s Poet in Residence and she explores the frontiers of poetry and music in collaboration with a ‘meticulous eye’ and an ‘ear for the mellifluous’. Accomplished on both stage and page, her sensitivity, warmth and humour haveendeared her to a wide audience.

Deborah Tyler-Bennett’s first collection was Clark Gable in Mansfield (King’s England, 2003). Her latest collection, Pavilion, is set in Brighton and on Dandies Pavilion and is published by Smokestack Books. She had work included in Shoestring’s Take Five (2003), and has published over 400 poems and short fictions. Recently, a selection of her work has been translated and broadcast on Romanian Radio.

LONDON: Keston Sutherland

Thursday, July 29th, 2010, 7pm, FREE
Parasol Unit
14 Wharf Road
London
N1 7RW
events@parasol-unit.org

Poetry reading by Keston Sutherland

Keston Sutherland is editor of the poetics and critical theory journal QUID and co-editor, with Andrea Brady, of Barque Press. His recent books are White Hot Andy (2007) and Stress Position (2009).

BIRMINGHAM: Roz Goddard and Michael Wyndham Thomas

Thursday, 15th July, 2010, 7.30pm-9pm, FREE
The Priory Rooms,
Bull Street,
Birmingham,
B4 6AF.

Birmingham Launch: The Sopranos Sonnets & Other Poems and Port Winston Mulberry

Join us to celebrate the launch of two brand new poetry collections from Nine Arches Press and Littlejohn & Bray, with readings from Roz Goddard and Michael Wyndham Thomas.

About Roz Goddard's The Sopranos Sonnets & Other Poems:
Roz Goddard's The Sopranos Sonnets & Other Poems is acutely observed, streetwise and bittersweet. At its heart are ten sonnet-portraits inspired by the television series about a dysfunctional mafia boss and his family. Among the cast of characters is Gloria, the hauntingly-seductive mistress with a built-in self-destruct button, and Leotardo, ready to murder at the drop of a letter…
This pamphlet will be available as a standard pamphlet, but also as a signed limited-edition pamphlet in a print run of 100 copies only. See www.ninearchespress.com for the details of how to order a copy.

About Michael Wyndham Thomas's latest poetry collection, Port Winston Mulberry, from Littlejohn & Bray:

Mulberry was the name of the artificial harbours used for the D-Day landings in June, 1944. The title poem of the collection, Port Winston Mulberry highlights one of Michael Wyndham Thomas's abiding interests: giving voice to anonymous witnesses when history throws a fit. But this is just one strand in his latest collection. Reflections on how relationships are (or ought to be); observations of the passing human scene; the light and shade of memory; even commemorations of a father's lethal choice of van--all of these and more find voice in a collection as varied in mood and form as in subject. 'My dad drove vans,' declares the opening poem. Michael Wyndham Thomas drives in all directions and returns with much to report.

BUXTON: Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread

Thursday, 15th July, 2010
The Eagle,
10 Market Place,
Buxton
SK17 6EQ.

Mark Gwynne Jones and the Psychicbread return to the Buxton Festival Fringe.
For tickets keep tabs on: http://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk/2010fringe.php

Also, on Saturday 17th July, Mark will give a 15 minute solo set as part of poetry evening Tongue in Chic with Mark Neil.

LEWES: Lewes Poetry

Thursday, 15th July, 2010, from 8.30pm
Lewes Arms
Lewes

We are lining up some great poets for the night and you are welcome to join them. Just drop me a line if you would like to read a poem or two.
Incidentally, the Olivers Poetry website has been updated with a new poem at: www.oliverspoetry.com
And there are TWO new blog entries - Michael Wojas' Burning Up and Grimsey Island - on Oliver's Poetry Garret, at:
http://oliverspoetrygarret.blogspot.com/

LONDON: 7 or a Kumquat - an evening of poetry

Thursday, 15th July, 2010, 7.30pm, £3 entry includes free pamphlet of the poets' work.
The Lamb
92 Lambs Conduit Street,
Bloomsbury,
London
WC1N 3LZ

Short poetry readings by the Artillery Arms Group, an advanced class led by Katy Evans-Bush with poets: Rishi Dastidar, David Floyd, Jennifer Grigg, Rob Lowe, Simon Rees-Roberts, Matthew Saxton, Anna Selby and Chrissy Williams

STREATHAM: Katrina Naomi

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010, 7pm for 7.30pm, £5
Oxfam Furniture Store,
23 Streatham High Road,
London
SW16

Katrina Naomi will be reading from her latest pamphlet Charlotte Bronte's Corset (Bronte Society, 2010) and from her first collection The Girl with the Cactus Handshake (Templar Poetry, 2009).

All proceeds go to Oxfam, and you also get a buffet and two beers/wines. There'll also be an open mic (5 mins each). If you'd like to read please sign up on the door on the night at 7pm.

For further information, call Karen at the store on 020 8769 1291.
www.katrinanaomi.co.uk

LEAMINGTON SPA: Shindig!

Sunday, 18th July, 2010, doors 6.30pm, readings from 7.30pm, FREE
Wilde's Wine Bar,
The Parade,
Leamington Spa

With special guest-poets Roz Goddard, Deborah Tyler-Bennett, Julie Boden and Maria Taylor.

Maria Taylor lives in Leicestershire and has been published in The Times Literary Supplement, The Coffee House and others, and has edited Fizzle and Sizzle, an anthology of young people’s writing. She is a teacher and lecturer of English and Creative Writing and is the mother of twins.

Roz Goddard’s fourth poetry collection is The Sopranos Sonnets & Other Poems. She is a former poet-laureate for Birmingham, her work is permanently displayed in BMAG’s newest gallery. Her poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and 4. She runs writing workshops and courses, including for the Arvon Foundation and mentors individual writers. She is currently studying for an MPhil in writing at Glamorgan University. More details of her work can be found at www.rozgoddard.com.

Julie Boden is Symphony Hall’s Poet in Residence and she explores the frontiers of poetry and music in collaboration with a ‘meticulous eye’ and an ‘ear for the mellifluous’. Accomplished on both stage and page, her sensitivity, warmth and humour haveendeared her to a wide audience.

Deborah Tyler-Bennett’s first collection was Clark Gable in Mansfield (King’s England, 2003). Her latest collection, Pavilion, is set in Brighton and on Dandies Pavilion and is published by Smokestack Books. She had work included in Shoestring’s Take Five (2003), and has published over 400 poems and short fictions. Recently, a selection of her work has been translated and broadcast on Romanian Radio.