Each year Dan Wilcox brings the local community together to celebrate the birthday of one of America’s greats poets, Walt Whitman. In previous years many familiar faces from the area poetry open mics including D. Alexander Holiday, Alan Casline, Joe Krausman, Lorre Smith, Sylvia Barnard, David Stasenko, Cheryl A. Rice, Tess Lecuyer, Sally Rhoades, Dain Brammage, Avery Stempel, JJ Johnson, Matt Galletta, Mary Panza, Jason Crane, Carolee Sherwood, Anthony Bernini, Bob Sharkey, Jill Wickham, and Sue Cerniglia have gotten up top the mic to read Whitman’s iconic poem, “Song of Myself” at the foot of the Robert Burns Statue.
This year, the event will take place on Tuesday, May 31 (Uncle Walt’s birthday) starting at 6:00pm. This is a “Rain or Shine” event, so watch the weather and bring the appropriate gear.
On Thursday, May 19 at the Social Justice Center on Central Ave, poet Mary Eliza Crane will be the feature at the monthly Third Thursday Poetry Night. Mary has been on a tour of the area, recently featuring at Caffe Lena in the beginning of the month. Host Dan Wilcox has sent more information on this great poetry open mic series.
the Poetry Motel Foundation presents
Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center (33 Central Ave., Albany, NY)
May 19, 2011, 7:00 sign up; 7:30 start
Featured Poet: Mary Eliza Crane
Mary Eliza Crane grew up in New England, lived & worked in Schenectady, & now makes her home in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Her most recent book of poems is At First Light (Gazoobi Tales, 2011).
-- with an open mic for community poets before & after the feature: $3.00 donation, suggested; more if you got it, less if you can’t.
Our good friend Dan Wilcox has a new book coming out from A.P.D. (not the Albany Police Department). The book is only $5.00 (add another dollar for postage) and is available from Dan himself.
Support local poets and poetry!
A.P.D. (another poeming day) announces the publication of the new chapbook of poetry by Dan Wilcox, Poeming the Prompt. The 16-page collection contains poems mostly written in November, 2010 in response to prompts for a poem-a-day project sponsored by Writers Digest magazine. While some of the poems confront writing-from-prompts head on, others deal with Wilcox’s usual topics: sex, death & politics. Also included is the whimsical “Top Tips for Anxiety-Free Writing from Prompts.”
A.P.D. (always poem daily), under the direction of Albany poet and photographer Dan Wilcox, has been publishing the works of local and regional poets since 1989. Among the works published by A.P.D. are To the Husband I Have Not Yet Met, by Mary Kathryn Jablonski, Distant Kinships by Anthony Bernini, Suddenly Sapphires by Dina Pearlman, and Three Sides to the Looking Glass by Rachel Zitomer. You can read Wilcox’s Blog on the Albany poetry scene at dwlcx.blogspot.com.
Copies of Poeming the Prompt by Dan Wilcox can be purchased directly from the poet when you see him at poetry readings or out & about for $5.00, or by mail for $6.00 (checks may be made payable to “A.P.D.”) from A.P.D. (another pleasant day), 280 South Main Ave., Albany, NY 12208. For a complete list of publications available from A.P.D. (alternating poetic device) write to the above address or email apdbooks@earthlink.net.
This is the week we have all been waiting for all year. The 2011 Albany Word Fest is taking place this coming Saturday at The Linda. The 12-Hour Open Mic has a couple of open spots left and the nighttime show is packed with the best poets and musicians Albany has to offer.
Some of the names that are already signed up for our biggest Word Fest Open Mic to date are a “who’s who” of regional poetry icons. These are the poets that have kept numerous open mic, poetry readings, and events like the Word Fest happening for all these years and without their support of the art, this very scene and community that we love so much would not exist as it does. Poets like Dan Wilcox, Therese L. Broderick, Karin Maag-Tanchak, Joe Krausman, A.C. Everson, Ronald D. Whiteurs, Bob Sharkey, Alan Catlin, Donald Lev, Ken Salzmann, Joan Pavlinsky, Don Levy, Judith Prest, Carol Graser, Jan Tramontano, Carolee Sherwood, Tess Lecuyer, Cheryl A. Rice, Mojavi, Shannon Shoemaker, Bless, Jacqueline Ahl, and Mike Jurkovic are what the local poetry community is all about and it is because of all of their continuous hard work that we say thank you.
If any poets still wish to signup, go to www.albanywordfest.com and click on “Signup”. There are only a few morning spots left.
The nighttime show, the Pycho Cluster F#*k ‘11, is again a great combination of music and spoken word with the talents of David Fey, Olivia Quillio, Avery, Daniel Nester, Poetyc Vyzyonz, Mother Judge’s Open Mic Showcase, Metroland’s Best Poets of 2011: Mary Panza, R.M. Engelhardt, and KC Orcutt. All of these performers are long-time supporters of not just poetry and spoken word, but all of the arts in the Capital Region.
Tickets for the entire day starting at 7:00AM are only $10 and are available online and at the door.
This is by far our biggest Word Fest yet, from the venue to the talent. We are celebrating 10 years of the Albany Word Fest and we could not have gotten here without the wonderful support of everyone in the poetry and arts community.
Below is the press release that we have been sending out regarding the event. We hope to see everyone out there for this celebration of the poetry, music, and spoken word of upstate New York.
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Albany Poets is proud to present the 2011 Albany Word Fest featuring the poetry, spoken word, and music of upstate New York. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at The Linda (339 Central Ave., Albany).
This year's event is the 10th anniversary of the Albany Word Fest and with that in mind, Albany Poets is promising big things.
Thom Francis, Albany Poets President, says, "When we started this event ten years ago on a Saturday afternoon in Thatcher Park, we never thought it would become one of the biggest 'mark-your-calendar' events of each and every year. We are very proud of how we have been able to continue hosting one of the biggest poetry open mics in upstate New York for ten years."
The 2011 Albany Word Fest will kick-off with the 12-Hour Open Mic at 7:00AM at The Linda. Albany Poets Vice President Mary Panza says, “After the success of the last two 12-hour open mics, we have decided to do it again, but this time, during the day. This will give poets a better opportunity to share their work and also give the audience more time to appreciate the talent in the poetry and spoken word community.” This open mic for poetry and spoken word will be held from 7:00AM – 7:00PM.
Poets who wish to participate in the open mic can sign up online by going to the Albany Word Fest website, www.albanywordfest.com until 5:00pm on Friday, April 15. Performers will also have a limited opportunity to sign up at the event itself. Each poet will have 10 -15 minutes to share their work. The open mic is open to all poets and spoken word artists with no style or content restrictions.
After the Open Mic, starting at 7:00PM, the 2011 Albany Word Fest brings the annual Psycho Cluster F*#k to the The Linda featuring poetry, music and spoken word from upstate New York artistsDavid Fey, Olivia Quillio, Avery, Daniel Nester, Poetyc Vyzyonz, Mother Judge’s Open Mic Showcase, Metroland’s Best Poets of 2011: Mary Panza, R.M. Engelhardt, and KC Orcutt, and much more.
Admission for this event is $10.00. Tickets will be available for purchase on The Linda's website and at the door on the day of the event. This event is open to all ages ( 21+ with a picture ID required to drink).
The 2011 Albany Word Fest is sponsored by Albany Poets, McGeary's, The Linda, and the very generous donations of supporters of the arts in upstate New York.
Albany Poets will celebrate the sixth anniversary of its open mic, “Poets Speak Loud,” at McGeary's on Monday, January 31, 7:00 PM. The event will also commemorate Tom Nattell, local poet and community activist, who died the same day the poetry open mic began, January 31, 2005. Tom had been scheduled to be the first featured reader at the new series, but died of cancer that morning. The open mic was held that night and was a celebration of his life, work and performances.
The event this Monday will begin with the annual “beret toss” at the Robert Burns statue in Washington Park in Tom’s memory at 6:30pm.
Poets Speak Loud, an open mic sponsored by Albany Poets, is held at McGeary's in Albany on the last Monday of each month. The usual host is Mary Panza. However, for the anniversary event the host will be Dan Wilcox, poet and host of the third Thursday open mic at the Social Justice Center. Wilcox was a friend of Nattell’s and both were members of 3 Guys from Albany, a poetry performance group.
The event Monday will be a classic open mic, in the style of the monthly open mics run by Tom Nattell at the QE2 on the last Monday of each month in the 1980s and 1990s. While it is expected that some poets will read tribute poems to Nattell, or old favorites from past readings, poets are invited to read poems on any theme and share in the spirit of poetry.
The suggested donation for the event is $3.00; McGeary's is located at 4 Clinton Square. in Albany, NY. For more information about Albany Poets visit the website: www.albanypoets.com. For more information about this event, or about Tom Nattell, contact Dan Wilcox at 518-482-0262 or email to dwlcx@earthlink.net
Tonight at Valentines (17 New Scotland Ave., Albany), Albany Poets Presents returns for our monthly open mic for poetry and spoken word. Since this is election day, be prepared for poems about politics and what is going on around us.
Sign up for the open mic starts at 7:00PM, poetry begins at 8:00PM.
Caffe Lena Poetry Open Mic
Tomorrow night in Saratoga, Rachael Ikins will be the featured reader at the Caffe Lena Poetry Open Mic at the historic Caffe Lena. Carol Graser is the host and she sent along the following information about the event:
the first Wednesday of every month Caffè Lena presents:
Caffè LenaPoetry Open Mic Wednesday, November 3 7pm sign up, 7:30 readings start Featured Poet: Rachael Ikins $3 Hosted by Carol Graser Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs www.caffelena.org 583-0022
Rachael Ikins has published in numerous journals over the years and won 8 poetry prizes among them first place National League of American Penwomen 2006 and 08. She will be reading from her chapbook "Slide-show in the Woods" (Foothills) which was published in August 2008. Also available for purchase and signing will be her broadside "The Dairy Farm" (BeNeVoLeNt BiRd Press) We hope to have some copies of her newest book release "TRANSPLANTED" (Finishing Line Press). Rachael has read her work through out the central and capitol district of New York State. Her artwork has appeared in galleries across the region. She is a member of MAD-art an artists' co-op in Hamilton NY, The Downtown Writers Center of Syracuse, National League of American Penwomen, the Cazenovia Writers and the Canastota Writers groups. Rachael has received several fellowships to Colgate's writer's conferences in Hamilton, NY and to the Downtown Writers Center Retreat through the YMCA writing program in Syracuse and has used her work to support humanitarian organizations such as the YWCA, SPCA, Golisano Children's Hospital and various animal rescues.
Two Upcoming Readings in the Hudson Valley
Our good friend Rebecca Schumejda sent in some information about two poetry readings that will be taking place this weekend in New Paltz and Kingston.
I just want to give you information on two upcoming readings: *John Dorsey, Alex Strong and I will be reading at slash root, tech. cafe, 60 Main Street, New Paltz, NY on Friday, November 5th at 7pm. then:
Five Poets to read at Half Moon Books in Kingston, 35 North Front Street, on Saturday November 6th at 6:30 pm. The event will be hosted by Rebecca Schumejda and the featured readers will be John Dorsey, Aleathia Drehmer, Roberta Gould, Robert Milby, and Dan Provost. For more information call 331-5439 or e-mail rschume@hotmail.com.
John Dorsey currently resides in Toledo, Ohio. He is the author of several collections of poetry, including Teaching the Dead to Sing: The Outlaw's Prayer (Rose of Sharon Press, 2006), and Sodomy is a City in New Jersey (American Mettle Books, 2010). He work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize
Aleathia Drehmer is the editor of the print micro-zine Durable Goods and the online flash fiction site In Between Altered States. She has a shared book of poetry with Dan Provost from Rank Stranger Press called A Quiet Learning Curve and a forthcoming collection from Propaganda Press called You Find Me Everywhere. She lives in upstate New York with her daughter and her cat, Carrot.
Roberta Gould work has appeared in many publications including HPN, New York Times, Catholic Worker, Chronogram, Socialism Today, Poetry Now, Green Mountain Review etc. Her first chapbook Dream Yourself Flying, Four Zoas Press was followed by books including Writing Air, Written Water, Only Rock, Not By Blood Alone. Her 9th, Louder Than Seeds, Foothills Press, followed In Houses With Ladders, and Pacing the Wind. She has lived for 3 years in Mexico, published a book in Spanish, and studied for a year at the National University of Mexico. She published Light a Poetry Review and has edited several poetry magazines. For information and poems see website: robertagould.net and a blog of current work robertagould.wordpress.com.
Robert Milby, of Florida, NY currently hosts 3 Hudson Valley poetry series. He’s been reading his work in public since early 1995, throughout Hudson Valley and beyond, over 1000 times onstage. His first book is Ophelia’s Offspring(Foothills Publishing, 2007). 2nd book, Victorian House: Ghosts and Gothic Poems (Foothills Pub. in late 2010)
Dan Provost's poetry has been published throughout the small press for a number of years. He is the author of seven books, his latest being "A Quiet Learning Curve"-- poems that also feature Aleathia Drehmer, published by Rank Stranger Press. He lives in Worcester, Massachusetts.
For more information on these events and all of the poetry and spoken word events in the upstate New York area, go to www.albanypoets.com. If you would like to have your events listed or if you would like to be listed on the Albany Poets site, send us an email at info@albanypoets.com.
Our friends at The Arts Center in Troy are starting up a brand new open mic on the second Sunday’s of each month at 2:00PM. Dan Wilcox and Nancy Klepsch are hosting this new venue for poetry and spoken word starting on Sunday, November 14.
More information can be found on The Arts Center website.
Dan Wilcox and Charlie Rossiter are bringing 3 Guys from Albany to Oklahoma City for the Oklahoma LaborFest. Here is the information about their new tour.
You can follow their antics on the 3 Guys from Albany Facebook page & on their website, www.3guysfromalbany.com.
3 Guys from Albany, a poetry performance group, have been invited to be featured poets at the Oklahoma LaborFest, held August 26-28 in Oklahoma City, OK. 3 Guys from Albany will perform on August 26 at Coffey’s Café in the Plaza District (http://www.coffyscafe.org/#) and will read as part of “Oklahoma Speaks” on August 28 at the Lyric Theatre Auditorium (http://www.oklahomarevelator.com/laborfest). On August 27, 3 Guys from Albany will perform at the Albany/Wade Senior Center in Albany, OK. See the complete itinerary below.
3 Guys from Albany (Tom Nattell, Charlie Rossiter and Dan Wilcox) have a mission to read their poetry in each of the Albanys in the U.S. They are friends who share the idea that poetry should be a part of society rather than apart from it -- relevant, communicative and, above all, honest. Their poems address social issues such as the homeless, peace and war, and the environment, as well as joyful celebrations of art, love and life. They have toured the United States since 1993 and so far they have read in 12 of the 18 Albanys in the USA. They have released a 60-minute cassette tape and CD of their poetry performance, available at their readings or by mail. Although Tom Nattell died of cancer in January, 2005, Charlie & Dan are continuing the project, along with the ever-present nudging from the spirit of Tom.
Charlie Rossiter is a recipient of an NEA fellowship for his poetry and is the host of www.poetrypoetry.com.
Dan Wilcox hosts the Third Thursday open mic at the Social Justice Center in Albany, NY & has the world's largest collection of photos of unknown poets. You can find him at dwlcx.blogspot.com
Tom Nattell was an international mail artist, environmentalist, poet and peace activist who wrote the "Simple Life" column for Metroland, Albany's entertainment weekly.
This coming Thursday (August 19), poetry returns to Central Ave. at the Social Justice Center with the Third Thursday Poetry Night hosted by Dan Wilcox. This month the featured poet is Jill Crammond Wickham. Here is all of the info from Dan Wilcox himself:
the Poetry Motel Foundation presents Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center (33 Central Ave., Albany, NY)
August 19 - 7:00 sign up; 7:30 start
Featured Poet: Jill Crammond Wickham
-- with an open mic for community poets before & after the feature; $3.00 donation, suggested; more if you got it, less if you can’t.
Even in the summer, the Albany poetry scene is very active. We have some great readings and open mics coming up in the next couple of days. So, if you are looking for something to do on a hot summer evening in upstate New York, here are a couple of events to put on your calendar.
Saturday brings us to the end of the 2010 Poets in the Park series. Poets Susan Deer Cloud and Guy Reed will be bringing their words to Washington Park. Dan Wilcox has brought in some great poets this year and we thank him for this wonderful summer series and tradition.
Poets in the Park 2010
Saturdays in July at the Robert Burns statue, Washington Park, Albany, NY (at Henry Johnson Blvd. & Hudson Ave.)
July 31, 7PM - Susan Deer Cloud and Guy Reed
Free! & open to the public (just like the park)
Bring a chair or blanket to sit on
Rain site: the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave.
Sponsored by the Poetry Motel Foundation & the Hudson Valley Writers Guild. For information call 482-0262
And then on Tuesday the poetry continues with an open mic at Valentines. Albany Poets returns to our favorite beer and rock club for our monthly No Gimmick Open Mic.
Albany Poets Presents
Albany Poets Presents, hosted by El Presidente Thom Francis returns to Valentines on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 8:00PM.
This month we are presenting another No Gimmick Open Mic. Poets, musicians, comedians, spoken word artists are all invited to take the stage at Valentines.
Come over and join local poets and spoken word artists for an evening of conversation, cocktails, coffee, and, of course, poetry.
Sign up begins at 7:00PM, open mic starts at 8:00PM. There is a $3.00 suggested donation for this event. Albany Poets Presents takes place at Valentines Music Hall (17 New Scotland Ave.) on the first Tuesday of each and every month.
Summer is in full swing and the poetry scene here in Albany is heating up. We started things off with a great day of poetry and spoken word at Art on Lark a couple weeks ago and now we are heading into the annual Poets in the Park series in Washington Park tomorrow evening with features Donald Wellman and Cheryl A. Rice.
Poets in the Park 2010
Saturdays in July at the Robert Burns statue, Washington Park, Albany at Henry Johnson Blvd. & Hudson Ave.
Free! & open to the public (just like the park). Rain site: the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave.
Sponsored by the Poetry Motel Foundation & the Hudson Valley Writers Guild. For information call 482-0262.
Monday night Keith Spencer is hosting the Professor Java's Wide Open Mic for poets and musicians. It is not his birthday this month, but Keith is promising a great evening at Professor Java's. No word on if there will be an after-party in room 108.
Come see and be a part of one of the Capital Region's best Open Mic Nights! Hosted by Keith Spencer and presented by Professor Java's and Albany Poets, this night is a great show case of talent and local flavor! Sign up at 7:15pm and starting at 8pm this night is not one you want to miss.
Second Mondays at the Coffee Sanctuary have never been so entertaining!
See you there!
Poetry on TV? It is not new for the local poetry community to get some TV time. Albany Poets have been featured on WNYT/Channel 13 and YNN (Capital News 9) in the past year and this Monday, July 12, "The Define Poetic Show" is having a special taping at the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza with three local poets who have been a part of Albany Poets since the beginning over ten years ago; Marcus Anderson, Mojavi, and R.M. Engelhardt. This is a new series that is being broadcast on Schenectady Channel 16.
You’re invited to the Monday, July 12th taping of *The Define Poetic Show* hosted by Shaun Mintz featuring poets R.M. Engelhardt , Mojavi , and Marcus Anderson at The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, 1475 Western Ave. At 6:45 p.m.
Space is very limited !! RSVP!
Please RSVP the518@gmail.com or call Oliver @ Define Poetic 374-3532 4pm – 9pm ......for more information ! More information can be found at http://openstagemedia.com/ or http://www.bhny.com/
That is just a couple of the many events and readings in the Albany area coming up this week. Be sure to go to www.albanypoets.com/events for the full calendar of events. If you are hosting or involved in a poetry / spoken word event, reading, or open mic, send the event information to info@albanypoets.com and we will add it to the calendar.
Dan Wilcox just released information on the Poets In The Park series for this year. Poets In The Park has been bringing some of the best poetry and spoken word to the people of Albany in Washington Park for a number of years and this years line up looks no different.
The series begins on July 10 and continues every Saturday in July at the Robert Burns statue in Albany’s historic Washington Park. Below is the information from Dan Wilcox himself.
Poets in the Park 2010 Saturdays in July at the Robert Burns statue, Washington Park, Albany (at Henry Johnson Blvd. & Hudson Ave.)
Every year on Walt Whitman’s birthday, Dan Wilcox brings local poets and community citizens together for a special reading of Whitman’s Song of Myself . Here is the announcement from Dan himself:
Celebrate the Birthday of Walt Whitman at the Robert Burns Statue Washington Park, Albany, NY
A reading of “Song of Myself” by local poets & other citizens
Monday, May 31, 2010 - 6:00 PM rain or shine free
(bring chairs or blankets to sit on)
presented by the Poetry Motel Foundation, the Hudson Valley Writers Guild, & Capital Pride 2010 (Capital Pride 2010 is produced by the Capital District Gay & Lesbian Community Council)
Albany Poets is very proud to be a part of this event to bring awareness to the closing of Thacher Park. We have a long history with the park as the first two Albany Word Fest’s were held there in 2001 and 2002. We are teaming with 518Fever.com to bring artists, musicians, and poets together for this great day of entertainment in Schenectady. Local poets Don Levy, Dan Wilcox, A.C. Everson, Cara Benson, and Carol Graser will be performing at the Robb Alley stage from 6pm-8pm Saturday evening.
Here is the info from our friends at 518Fever.com:
UNITED 4 THACHER: A CELEBRATION OF THACHER PARK
518Fever.com is working with Proctor's Theatre to put on a Support Event for Thacher Park.
The Albany Poets Kick it in Kingston at Half Moon Books
Dan Wilcox is the host of the Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center in Albany, N.Y. and is a member of the poetry performance group "3 Guys from Albany". As a photographer, he claims to have the world's largest collection of photos of unknown poets. He has been a featured reader at all the important poetry venues in the Capital District & throughout the Hudson Valley and is an active member of Veterans for Peace.
He also publishes poetry under the imprint, A.P.D. (albany’s poetic device, another pleasant day, etc.). Recently, Benevolent Bird Press published a chapbook of his poetry, "boundless abodes of Albany". You can read his Blog at dwlcx.blogspot.com.
Mary Panza, Vice President of Albany Poets is Albany’s poetry diva. She originated and hosted the poetry open mic at Border’s and has been a driving force in the poetry community for a number of years. Mary has also been active in promoting, hosting, and participating in many arts events through out Upstate New York.
Mary has been the host of the Singer/Songwriter stage at the annual LARKfest street fair since 2004 and was one of the first poets to perform in the 25 year history of the arts event in 2006. Mary has published a number of poetry chapbooks and was the producer of Volume, a compilation of Albany area poets performing their work at local readings and open mics. Mary is the host of Albany Poets’ monthly poetry open mic, Poets Speak Loud, at the Tess' Lark Tavern.
Mary also served as the Poetry Editor for short lived Capital Region edition of Chronogram Magazine.
R.M. Engelhardt, Poet & writer, has published several books over the last decade including Nod~Logos~Alchemy~The Last Cigarette: The Collected Poems of R.M. Engelhardt & others. His current experimental book of poetry & prose is called “Versus”. His work has also been published by many journals both in print including Retort, Verve, Industrial Nation, Sure! The Charles Bukowski Newsletter, Copious Amounts, Thunder Sandwich, The Angry Poet, Zygote In My Coffee, Full of Crow & many others. R.M. currently lives in Albany, NY http://www.rmengelhardt.com
MURROW is an Albany based spoken word and music duo consisting of poet Thom Francis and guitarist/bassist/noise maker Keith Spencer. MURROW has been featured at such events as LarkFEST, The Albany Word Fest, Poets Speak Loud, and many others in the upstate New York region. They combine Thom's striking words with Keith's music to tell a story to the audience.
Half Moon Poetry Reading April 3, 2010 at 6:30pm 35 North Front Street, Kingston NY 12401 (845) 331-5439
Dan Wilcox recently traveled down to Washington, D.C. for the Split This Rock Poetry Festival. While he was there enjoying the work of some great poets including Martin Espada and Patricia Smith he also held a workshop on “how to build a poetry reading”.
Dan has chronicled the entire weekend on his blog, talking about the performances, the poets, and the workshops.
Check out Dan’s blog to read about everything you missed in Washington.
Here is some information on some poetry and spoken word events and open mics coming up this week. It appears that this month’s VoX at the Fuze Box has been moved from the last Friday to this coming Friday for the holidays…mystery.
Third Thursday Poetry Night Thursday, December 17, 7:00PM Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave., Albany
the Poetry Motel Foundation presents Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave., Albany, NY
Thursday, December 17 7:00 sign up; 7:30 start Featured Poet: Urayoán Noel
-- with an open mic for community poets before & after the feature: $3.00 donation, suggested; more if you got it, less if you can’t.
Your host: Dan Wilcox & the annual visit from Sanity Clause.
Urayoán noel is the author of Kool Logic/La Lógica Kool (bilingual press; a 2006 books of the year selection by el nuevo día) and Boringkén (ediciones callejón/la tertulia, 2008). Other works include the artist’s book Las Flores del Mall (2000) and various text-sound collaborations with composer Monxo López, some of which are featured on the dvd Kool Logic Sessions (bilingual press) and on the cd included with Boringkén.
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, he divides his time between Albany and the Bronx, NY, and teaches literature and creative writing at the University at Albany.
v0x Friday, December 18, 8:00PM Fuze Box, 12 Central Ave., Albany
V O X : ALBANY'S POETRY OPEN MIC Special Mystery Edition
WHISKEY, RYE & POEMS . At The Fuze Box
ON FRIDAY December 18th, 2009
Albany, NY's Open Mic For Poets POETRY & THE WORD *8pm Start time* $4.00 Donation Requested
WHISKEY, RYE & POEMS ... The Mystery "Noir" Edition. Bring your detective prose & mystery poems, even dress the part!
If you don't have any bring some excerpts by your favorite writer.
Hosted by R.M.Engelhardt FuzeBox, 12 CENTRAL AVENUE, ALBANY, NY Always Held On The Last Friday of Each Month.
HVWG Holiday Open Mic Sunday, December 20, 2:00PM Perfect Blend, 376 Delaware Ave., Delmar
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild will host "Season's Readings," an open mic for writers with a holiday theme on Sunday, December 20, at 2 p.m., at Perfect Blend in Delmar. Writers are invited to read two pieces on holiday (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, etc.) or holiday-related themes, such as kindness or generosity: one piece from a famous or published author other than themselves, and one piece that they have written. Hot coffee and warm words: what a great way to slow down for a couple hours this season!
The Perfect Blend is located at 376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, at the 4 Corners. Hosts are Jill Crammond Wickham and Carolee Sherwood. There is no cover charge, but please bring canned goods or other nonperishable food items for donation to the local food bank. The event is open to the public. Bring family and friends for a new holiday tradition!
Approximately 30 minutes prior to the event start time, a sign-in sheet will be available for those interested in reading. To keep the reading moving along, please select poems no longer than one page. If reading prose, please limit each piece to excerpts of 400 words per piece.
For the complete calendar of events, go to www.albanypoets.com/events. While you are there, be sure to subscribe to calendar so you can always know what is going on in upstate poetry and spoken community.
A busy week here in the upstate poetry and spoken word community. Here is some information on two of the readings coming up. For a complete list of events, go to the Events Calendar.
Wednesday, November 18 7:00PM Cock N Bull Restaurant Parkis Mills Rd, Galway, NY 12074
You very well may have heard about the Open Mic to be held at the Cock n Bull Wed., Nov. 18 at 7pm-9pm. I am writing to ask you all to come and share in this fun event. This isn't your usual open mic. We are expecting a host of performing artists -- readers, singers, musicians from the community of Galway and beyond. If you want to share your talent, sign up is at 6:30. If you want to just enjoy the events, the fun begtins at 7. Or you can come earlier and have a bite to eat. The bar will be open for those who wish to have a drink.
This event is sponsored by the Galway Public Library, the biggest little library in the state. Please come and support the library and have a good time. It's free, though a small donation will be welcomed. Oh, and there's free refreshments, compliments of the Cock n Bull. What more could you ask?
Thursday, November 19 7:00PM Third Thursday Poetry Night Social Justice Center 33 Central Ave., Albany, NY
Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave., Albany, NY on Thursday, November 19 with a 7:00 sign up; 7:30 start
Featured Poet: Barbara Adams -- with an open mic for community poets before & after the feature: $3.00 donation, suggested; more if you got it, less if you can’t.
Your turkey host: Dan Wilcox
Barbara Adams is the author of two books of poems, and a book of literary criticism on Laura Riding. She is a retired Professor of English at Pace University. Born in Manhattan, she has lived in the mid-Hudson valley most of her life. Her poems appear in the two anthologies of Hudson River writers, "Riverine" and "WaterWrites."
The Poetry Motel Foundation presents Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center (33 Central Ave., Albany, NY)
Thursday, October 15 7:00 sign up; 7:30 start
Featured Poet: Bless
-- with an open mic for community poets before & after the feature: $3.00 donation, suggested; more if you got it, less if you can’t.
Starting his career as one of the original slam poets of the Nyorican Poets Cafe in NYC, Bless has been performing at local poetry venues and was the host of Wize Words at Simply Fish & Jazz.
Dan Wilcox has an article in today’s Times Union where he looks back on the poetry and events that Tom Nattell started here in Albany in the 80’s.
“I returned to Albany in 1986 and found myself at the beginning of the poetry open mike scene that has put Albany on the nation's poetry map. At that time there were a few poets who read at the music open mike at the Eighth Step on Willett Street, but the energizing force was the annual Readings Against the End of the World, a fundraiser for the Albany Peace & Energy Council.”
Some of the names that are already signed up for our biggest 
The nighttime show, the Pycho Cluster F#*k ‘11, is again a great combination of music and spoken word with the talents of David Fey, Olivia Quillio, Avery, Daniel Nester, Poetyc Vyzyonz, Mother Judge’s Open Mic Showcase, Metroland’s Best Poets of 2011: 
This is by far our biggest Word Fest yet, from the venue to the talent. We are celebrating 10 years of the Albany Word Fest and we could not have gotten here without the wonderful support of everyone in the poetry and arts community.
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Albany Poets is proud to present the 2011 Albany Word Fest featuring the poetry, spoken word, and music of upstate New York. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 
Our friends at 
Dan Wilcox and Charlie Rossiter are bringing 3 Guys from Albany to Oklahoma City for the Oklahoma LaborFest. Here is the information about their new tour.
Even in the summer, the Albany poetry scene is very active. We have some great 
Summer is in full swing and the poetry scene here in Albany is heating up. We started things off with a great day of poetry and spoken word at 
Dan Wilcox just released information on the Poets In The Park series for this year. Poets In The Park has been bringing some of the best poetry and spoken word to the people of Albany in Washington Park for a number of years and this years line up looks no different. 
Every year on Walt Whitman’s birthday, Dan Wilcox brings local poets and community citizens together for a special reading of Whitman’s Song of Myself . Here is the announcement from Dan himself:
Albany Poets is very proud to be a part of this event to bring awareness to the closing of Thacher Park. We have a long history with the park as the first two Albany Word Fest’s were held there in 2001 and 2002. We are teaming with 
Dan Wilcox recently traveled down to Washington, D.C. for the 
A busy week here in the upstate poetry and spoken word community. Here is some information on two of the readings coming up. For a complete list of events, go to the 
The Poetry Motel Foundation presents Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center (33 Central Ave., Albany, NY)