Poetry Channel #35
12/9/97
IN THIS EPISODE: Kathy Acker, Haiku Slam, Firestorm, Walt Curtis, Molotov Cocktail Caberet, Gabrielle Zane, Hank Hyena, Las Vegas, Marc Smith, 9x9, Lyn Lifshin, Kim Webb, Laguna Beach, Paradise Lounge, Michael Hoerman, Sean Shea, Spoken War
Hey y'all.
Kathy Acker, RIP.
>>> At 1 am Sunday November 30, 1997, Kathy Acker died peacefully, surrounded by friends. She had been fighting cancer for months and, while very weak, was in no pain and quite lucid as she went. We'll will miss Kathy, but it was time for both her and her friends to let go.
(From an earlier news story:)
>>> Kathy Acker was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 1996. Shortly thereafter she had a full mastectomy and there was some involvement in her lymph nodes. After the surgery she underwent extensive alternative therapies in San Francisco, then moved to London to be with friends in August '96. (This period is described in The Gift of Disease.) Over the summer of 1997 she suffered increasingly bad health, ranging from digestive disorders to pneumonia. Once back in San Francisco in the fall, her condition worsened and she finally was taken to the emergency room by Sharon Grace and Matias Viegener. At Davies Medical Center, she was told she had advanced cancer of the liver, pancreas, spleen, and lungs.
(There was talk of a benefit show in mid-December to offset the medical bills that Acker was facing. The following comes from Richard Peabody at Atticus Books:)
Hi Juliette:
We're going ahead and holding the benefit now as a memorial benefit. So sad. We'll have a couple people read and Lucinda and I will no doubt read some of Kathy's stuff. She, Mathias, and Ira Silverberg were all aware we were doing something to help and now that she'd gone, we'll go ahead anyway. Collect money to pay off her hospital bills so they don't lean on the estate. Checks are to be made out to Giorno Poetry Systems with Kathy Acker Fund in memo line. We'll send them on, or of course people can send them direct to Giorno.
For Now,
Richard Peabody
atticus@radix.net (Atticus Books)
(There's also a Kathy Acker homepage or two you can check out. Deepest sympathies to her friends and fans. Thank you to all the folks who forwarded the news. A few of Kathy Acker's books include Pussy, King of the Pirates, Hannibal Lecter, My Father, and Blood and Guts in High School.
Let's look in on the Seattle scene:)
12/1/97
A rowdy crowd of 150+ saw Homeless Activist Dr. Wes Browning win the 2nd annual Haiku Slam in Seattle at the O.K. Hotel last Wednesday. 16 poets, including the runner-up, Globe Cafe owner Robin Schultz and the likes of: Clarice Keegan, Sean "Dot.Communist" Sarringar, Marta Sanchez, Mary Ann Barnard, Anitra Freeman, this reporter and others.
Todd "Shut the Fuck Up!" Davis was mc/referee and is likely murderer of perennial heckler Thomas Hard. I lost to Wes in the first round by blundering with:
Rental Dilemma HaikuNo bad feelings, but Dr. Wes goes to Portland to:
Jerry McGuire
or the Planet of the Apes?
Show me the monkey!
a) Take on their Haiku Slam winner
b) Sleep on the BEST damn street exhaust grates in the Rose City, or
c) spend the money on gin and hookers.
Paul E. Nelson
Presidente of Plays in Peoria Productions
(253)735-MEAT
(Thanks, Paul. Give my regards to Danika Dinsmore. Here's another pal from Seatown, Noel Franklin, talking about the Firestorm reading series:)
seattle firestorm! december 6th, 7:00 pm at the speakeasy cafe, seattle. noel franklin, who has participated in 3 firestorms so far, nationally, continues juliette's idea by hosting a seattle firestorm! to benefit the puget sound community school. our all-star all-femme line-up includes dannyka dinsmore, red reddick, alma johnson, allison durazzi, nancy colos-nakala, gabrielle boulaine, and marta sanchez, along with pscs' student poets as well!! limited open-mic spaces as well. (all-women, sorry guys.)
if it's male energy you're looking for, though, we'll have plenty of it on the prior tuesday the 2nd, when walt curtis appears at eleventh hour productions real to reel series. walt will be reading from mala noche and showing his video-documentary the peckerneck poet, a collaboration with sick and twisted animator bill plympton.
december 10th, seattle will bear witness to the first molotov cocktail cabaret -- with musicians, poets, comedians, drag queens, a dog and the kitchen sink! highlights include comedian kathy sorbo, music by activist and folk-singer jim page, drag-antics by agnes and jackie hell, and spoken word by cristien storm, lauren weedman, and noel franklin. the night will end by a superfly funk band -- only $5 at seattle's rebar! (bring your own kitchen sink.) molotov cocktail cabaret is being trial-run in seattle and surrounding areas in the following months, but may explode in a city near you come spring.
(Busy busy busy. The Rebar is one of my favorite places, what a great room to play. Look for the Molotov Cocktail Cabaret in a west coast tour in the near future. Their multi-media show is not to be missed. Also, Noel, thanks for coordinating Firestorm, I hope it went well. The Speakeasy is one of the coolest cafes I've ever seen. The lineup of poets is stunning, I wish I could have seen it. Marta Sanchez coordinates another Firestorm show next spring in Seattle, stay tuned.
Noel Franklin and Bob Redmond will put down their producer hats and put their poet hats on when they feature at Berbati's Pan in Portland on December 17. Here's Gabrielle Zane, checking in after a 10-week stint with Poetry Alive:)
To All My Friends In Poetry:
I have returned from the great wanderings with Poetry Alive! Where in I spent 10 weeks covering thousands of miles (and stayed in Hotels too numerous to recall) all over the Eastern US from Portland, Maine to Orlando, Florida to Cincinnati, Ohio and back again. I and my PA partner brought poetry to more than 10 thousand kids and others in over 40 different schools.
Am I tired? Well, yes, but not of poetry. Anyone want to hear Paul Revere's Ride... I now know about 80 poems or so from Carroll to cummings, from Frost to Farjeon, from Stevens to Sandburg.
It was a fun time and very much work for the promotion of poetry. Now I am back to promote my own for awhile and am asking (humbly and not so) for help from any of you in the poetry community who are interested. I am looking to do readings in the New England area to help promote my new chapbook. If you run a venue or know someone who does, I am booking readings for the winter/spring at this time. Please contact me if you are interested. I am also in favor of sharing space with other readers as I like multi artist readings, if anyone is interested in doing a duo or so.
My chapbook entitled Lorelei Meets The Lady is available for sale. Just $5 check or MO to: Gabrielle Zane, P.O. Box 582, Willimantic, CT 06226.
Please feel free to forward or post this message to all who may have an interest.
I thank you for yours,
Best, Gabrielle Zane
(Thanks, Gabrielle, and welcome back. Wendi Loomis also spent some time this year with Poetry Alive. Last sighting of her was from Austin, Texas. Here's Hank Hyena, who's on his way to New Mexico as we speak:)
I'm going to Las Vegas to be on a bill with Michelle Tea and Justin Chin that Dave Figler is putting on and then to Albuquerque and Santa Fe that Joe Ray Sandoval set up -- Albuquerque is is Tulane Exchange at 5pm on December 8th and Santa Fe is Drama CLub on December 9th and Plan B on December 10th.
(Have fun, Hank. Sorry I missed you before you left. I was ten minutes late, that's what I get. I saw your picture in David Kelly's naked poet playing card series. I just took my picture for the series, I'm the two of diamonds. I'm wearing this Aztec warrior costume and brandishing a knife and a smile. Winston Tong did my makeup. I saw a lot of, umm, familiar faces in that series, I heard the playing cards might be ready in time for Albuquerque. Tulane Exchange has changed their name to Nob Hill Books and Music. They'll be the main merchandisers of the Albuquerque Poetry Festival. Poets and writers needing to confirm their slot at the Albuquerque Poetry Festival should call 415-668-4769. That's me. No fresh solicitations please, unless you're talking about 1999.
Also, I'm actively seeking small presses who would be interested in participating in a two-day book fair at the Albuquerque Poetry Festival (February 20 and 21). It would be a great opportunity to sell off your damaged and distribute catalogs. We can also provide staffing if you just want to ship books. Tables will cost $25, proceeds going to the Tongue, the local literary newsletter sponsored by Flaming Tongues (a non-profit devoted to poetry and spoken word. Something to think about.
The next post comes from Las Vegas:)
***CALLING ALL POETS & AUTHORS!***
Please redistribute far and wide....
Coming to Las Vegas? *Want* to come to Las Vegas? Can't imagine turning your Vegas vacation into an artistic experience?
Well, ENIGMA GARDEN CAFE in Las Vegas, Nevada is sponsoring the second WORDBRIDGE Series of readings by artists from all over the world. The series exists because it is a better way to promote the readings by various authors than doing it on a per-event basis, and gives word-lovers a chance to plan their attendance well in advance.
***An Illustrious History***
The series, under the direction of Nevada State Arts Council Fellowship recipient and bon vivant DAYVID FIGLER, has hosted such authors as Lisa Verlo, Justin Chin, Beth Lisick, Daniel Ferri, Monica Copeland, Jeff McDaniel, Carl Hanni, Peter Marin, Tarin Towers, Bruce Isaacson, and group readings by the Chicago Slam Team and the contributors to the Red Rock Review. Enigma also hosted the Allen Ginsberg Memorial Flower Power Pow Wow, a reading and remembrance in honor of the late poet.
Readings occur on Fridays, twice a month, at 8 pm. There is the possibility of grant funding for airfare for interested authors, although it has not yet been procured. Unfortunately, there is no honorarium involved, but it is a fine chance to share your art with a hungry and appreciative audience.
This is a great opportunity for authors on book tours or general reading tours, to add Las Vegas to their agenda. Readings are held in the garden courtyard of the Enigma (in the unlikely event of inclement weather, readings will beheld inside the gallery.) Recent events have been standing-room only, with as many as 175 attendees.
***What's an Enigma?***
The Enigma is a coffeehouse/cafe/gallery/performance space that opened in 1993 in downtown Las Vegas' Gateway District, the emerging arts and cultural center of the city. It is a complex of three historic buildings and a garden filled with art and flowers, and is open 24 hours a day from March to November, and 7 m to midnight seven days during the winter. Enigma has a new show every five weeks in the gallery, focusing on southern Nevada artists, and regularly hosts musicians from around the country performing blues, bluegrass, jazz, folk and acoustic rock. Enigma has a full menu featuring fresh made soups, salads and sandwiches (and numerous vegetarian and vegan dishes) as well as all the standard coffeehouse fare.
***Deadlines and contact***
Deadline for booking slots for the first quarter of 1998 is the end of December 1997. Deadline for the second quarter is February 15, 1998. There are still two slots in the 1st quarter that are tentative, so if you want to try for them, feel free. We are accepting bookings for the 3rd and 4th quarters as well; communicate with us for dates.
Some authors host workshops on the Saturday following their readings. If you are interested in doing this, let us know.
For more information, contact Lenadams Dorris:
email: lenadams@radiant.org
snail: Enigma Garden Cafe, 918 South Fourth Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
phone: 702.386.0999.
faqs: "Frequently Asked Questions" documents about art, music and spoken word at Enigma and their promotion can be found at http://radiant.org/faqs/
***WordBridge Schedule (as of 12/5/97)***
First Quarter
Jan 30 contributors to the Red Rock Review (CCSN)
Feb 13 Lob of Thee Instagon (So Cal)
Feb 27 visiting poet Claudia Keelan (UNLV)
Mar 13 Women's History Month reading (UNLV)
Apr 3 Giovanni Moro and contributors to The Typewriter (SF) (tentative)
Apr 17 Cynthia Heimel of Playboy Magazine (So Cal) (tentative)
(How organized! I hear nice things about this place, and Vegas is cheap by airline. Go figure. Plus, LV poetry audiences buy books. They really support visiting poets, due of course in part to Dayvid Figler. Here's Marc Smith from Chicago:)
HI JULIETTE,
Just want to ask all the folks running slams in Poetry Channel world and elsewhere to send me (or e-mail me) the following information:
Name and address of the Venue (including zip code)Here's my address:
Phone number of the venue
Day and time the slams are held
Name and address of the contact person/ organizer (incl. zip)
Phone number of contact person
Marc SmithAlso, the health insurance program I've been exploring turns out to be more expensive than if individuals got it on the their own.... if anyone has leads on cheap group insurnace plans, drop me a note.
1829 Euclid Ave
Berwyn, IL 60402
slampapi@wwa.com
Marc
(Thanks, Marc. There seems to be a ton of slams that started up in the past six months. That reminds me, the San Francisco Slam is November 15 at the beautiful Cafe Du Nord. Fun starts at 5 p.m. The bout features Eirik Ott versus Danny Fishman. Al "the Commish" Simmons said he plans to attend just to check out this hybrid of slam and bout. Here's something else from San Francisco, 9x9:)
9x9 Magazine Proudly Presents:
Our Brand New Web Site at http://www.stilton.com/nine/
Check Out Our Events Page, Images From Past Readings And, Of Course, The Rockinest Texts From Assorted 9X9ers!
CATCH OUR NEXT READING ON December 11, 1997, 8pm
COLSON WHITEHEAD, TARIN TOWERS AND A SPECIAL GUEST
Adobe Books, 3166 16th St. (between Guerrero & Valencia)
San Francisco, California
Colson Whitehead is a novelist. His first novel, The Intuitionist, forthcoming from Anchor Books in Fall, 1998. Tarin Towers, a doyenne of the San Francisco poetry world, and participant in the 1997 National Poetry Slam, has her own web site at www.tarin.com.
(Thanks! Tarin is also hosting the Monday night open mic at the Chameleon these days as Bucky Sinister takes a well-deserved break. Here's some word about one of the most published poets in the country, Lyn Lifshin:)
Check out the new Lyn Lifshin website at http://gate.cruzio.com/~zerocity/lifshin/. Poems from 4 of Lyn's books: Cold Comfort, Blue Tattoo, Marilyn Monroe, Not Made of Glass. Plus poetry links, pictures, reviews, and an interview.
(Thanks for the forward. Kevin Sampsell's press Future T also published a Lyn Lifshin chapbook recently. I wonder how he's doing, the news of his marriage to Ritah Parrish sent shock waves throughout the country. The following comes from Ann Arbor:)
December 1997
Ann Arbor's Poetry Forum presents Detroit Poet Kim Webb. Listen to poems and interviews in RealAudio at http://www.poetryforum.org.
Detroit poet Kim Webb is the author of Abstract Cores, published by Ridgeway Press. Several poems from this collection were nominated for the Pushcart Prize. A co-founder of the MASK Gallery and of the Detroit FlowPoets troupe, he currently hosts the Hamtramck Poetry Slam held at the Roadrunners Raft.
Thanks for listening to Ann Arbor's Poetry Forum.
(Thanks! Here's Victor Infante in SoCal, letting us know what's up in Laguna. Victor wrote a very nice review of Poetry Channnel in the newest issue of Next Magazine. There was an interview with me too. Ummm, thanks guys:)
Saturday, 20 December 1997, 1998, 7:00 pm: Victor D. Infante, Chris Tannahill, Robin Hudecheck and Daniel McGinn will read their poetry in a special pre-Christmas presentation at Upchurch-Brown Booksellers in Laguna Beach, CA. [384 Forest Ave. #5, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; (714) 497-8373] There may also be surprise guests! Admission is free.
Robin Hudecheck Received her MFA in poetry from UCI, and is the author of the acclaimed book of poetry, GHOST DANCE.
Chris Tannahill has made a huge impression on the SoCal and Colorado performance poetry scenes. He has competed on two National Poetry Slam teams, has read with many famous poets -- including the late Allen Ginsberg -- and is the author of two books of poetry: IN DIABOLIC GEAR and INHUMAN AND OUT OF MAGIC.
Victor D. Infante has read his poetry all over the U.S.A., and has been involved in most every facet of SoCal poetry, including running the "near infamous" poetry readings at the Java Garden in Huntington Beach. His books include STALE CIGARETTES & GUINNESS, THE PRICE OF GETTING WHAT YOU WANT and his recent work, UPSTART. This will be his first featured reading in OC since his return after a one year absence.
Daniel McGinn has been published frequently, and his prose often appears in the OC WEEKLY. He competed on the first ever Los Angeles National Poetry Slam Team -- which ranked seventh over all -- and has published three books: BALLOONS FOR THE DEAD, PICTURE DAY and WHERE WE LIVE.
(Hey guys! Sounds fun. The Christmas parties are starting in full swing. Beth Lisick is organizing a Manic D holiday showcase coming up at Elbo Room. She and her Ordeal just played with Angelo Moore. Good Vibrations just had their party; the crowd included sex-positive goddess Annie Sprinkle, who is just as beautiful in real life. The Last Gasp party is coming up December 19. The stacks were filled with famous artists these past few days including Frank Kozik, Joe Coleman and Winston Smith. Here's the December schedule for the Paradise Lounge:)
December 7: Eirik Ott and Russell Gonzaga followed by open reading
December 14: Rick Pernod and Meg Kearney followed by open reading
December 21: Sini Anderson and Sarah Gina Jones followed by open reading
December 28: Xmas Party All Open Reading hosted by Jennifer Joseph
(Thanks, Jen! Eirik Ott has been talking some serious trash online about poets in his scene and laying down challenges. Maybe it's the testosterone talking. You know, one of those mucho macho things. I hope the situation can be resolved. I'm sorry I missed his reading. Michael Hoerman writes from Joplin:)
Hello you fucking insane writers. I enjoy being on these group mailings and thought I'd share something of my own with you. This link -- http://www.prisonzone.com/writers/ghost.html -- is a webpage designed by Chris Cozzone, editor of Prison Life Magazine. The story is one of about sixty I've written about my sixteen months of experiences behind bars in Missouri and Louisiana in 1985-86. Chris designed a pretty cool graphic to accompany the story. Even if you never read anything but your own work (I know how you are) check the page out just for a second or two of visual stimulation.
To those of you who got a copy of Portable Plateau in the mail -- a magazine I put out featuring the 97 Clinton Inaugural Poem by Miller Williams of Fayetteville, Arkansas, as well as writing by Tess Gallagher, Langston Hughes, Frank Stanford (another Ozark homeboy, definite small press poet-genius and suicide at 29 -- three shots with a revolver to the heart!!!! Try that for points at a slam, you melodramatic pussies!!!!) and scores of Ozark writers -- I hope you enjoyed it. Anyone who wants a copy send a couple of bucks to me at POB 755, Joplin, MO 64802. The Plateau is 36 pages, 10x13, with about 75 pieces of writing, tons of pictures and graphics. Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin made me their Artist in Residence from June till the end of December and helped me get a grant from the Missouri Arts Council to put it out. Press run was 3,000 copies, of which 600 remain.
The Plateau is being included in the Index of Periodic American Verse. This is quite a coup for a small press ex-con recovering junkie like myself! I was asked to make nominations from The Plateau for Pushcart prizes and nominated work by Tess Gallagher, Marty Evans (2x National Slam Poet), Brent Long (1x National Slam Poet), Miller Williams and Ginny Stanford. Anyway, this is my two cents worth.
I'd be more than happy to send any of you some of my poems or stories for the magazines or newsletters you must put out. Let me know if you're interested or just want to chat. Happy Holidays! Last night in Joplin Eve Stern from Boston featured, along with Brenda Moossy and Lisa Martinovic from Fayetteville and Mark Sweet and myself from Joplin.
Michael Hoerman
Joplin, MO
(Thanks, Michael, and congratulations. Chris Cozzone, Chris Cozzone. . . that name rings a bell. I think he was working as a photographer in New Mexico at one time. Maybe I'm being delusional again. I get amazed by how small the world gets. Now, please welcome Sean Shea from Providence:)
Hello everybody tuned to the Poetry Channel. This is Sean Shea of Providence '96 and Worcester '97 teams making a request for some information to help make the upcoming "Fourth In Your Hearts Tour" a reality.
I have gotten a deal on a camper van with stove, fridge, etc. so great that I just have to tour!
I am looking for experienced poets to help man the legs of the tour by contributing driving, gas money, emergency Ford Econoline repair, and any other services you think might be helpful in coming along with me, especially in the South West and North West. Also, I'm looking for partners to join me in 2 on 4 exhibition slams.
I'm also looking to hear experiences from others who have toured. Chandler? Lisick? Are you out there?
Anyone who has secrets about "not necessarily slam venues" would be appreciated also (i.e., I heard 3 years ago that Albany had a reading every night of the week, but this was unconfirmed).
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.
Thirdly, and most importantly, I am looking for anyone who would be interested in booking me at their venue. And, if possible, to also phone or email me with answers to as many of the following questions as you can put up with:
1.) Your contact information.Thanks so much for any and all responses. Please contact me at SSHE7322@uriacc.uri.edu, or for immediate contact, please call at 508.854.8051.
2.) When in the week or month do you hold your readings?
3.) How far in advance do you require a booking?
4.) What is the pay scale? Are there any "fringe benefits" (like couches, meals, or honest mechanic cousins?)
5.) What type of crowd do you draw and are there any special circumstances for that (such as: it's held at a college and there is a no-profanity rule, or, it's a really large room and there's no mike...)
6.) What do you expect of your performers? (How long do I need to perform, or more likely, when do I have to shut up...etc.)
7.) Can you suggest other venues in your area so that I could arrange double bookings?
You can also send email to kyria@spinners.com and she will make sure I receive it.
Thanks!
Sean Shea
(And last but never least, from Greg Stant:)
Dear Juliette,
SpokenWar will start December with 12 new pieces guaranteed to give you cow tongue and make you stare off into space for hours. We've also expanded the site to include Radio, which is a section of Real Audio files (truly spoken SpokenWar). We encourage all families and people who burn their mouths with pizza to attend.
Thanks,
SpokenWar
http://www.spokenwar.com
That concludes another Poetry Channel & Information Network. Send news and hype c/o sofasurf@aol.com. Opinions here are not necessarily the opinions of the sponsors. Please try to keep contributions brief.
xox
juliette torrez
snail mail: 1969 oak st, sf, ca 94117
Poetry @ The Mining Company
"lately i've been dreaming of bridges," a sampling of new work from Juliette Torrez. (If you haven't already read her interview, featured last week, you can still find it in the archives.)
Live chat! Our new & very fast Java chat room is open -- drop in on Wednesday, December 10, 10 - 11 pm EST for po-conversation with Bob Holman.
