| MUSELETTER #62 | |
Margy Snyder & Bob Holman“Poetry is seeking the answer
And now he knows the Answer.
Joy is in knowing there is an answer
Death is knowing the Answer”
(from “The Happy Birthday of Death”
by Gregory Corso)...
Poetry Guides
POETRY IS EVERYWHERE AT ABOUT In her newest feature article, Janet Burns, About's Latin Language Guide, succinctly describes the characteristics of a typical Japanese haiku, with rules and guidelines for writing your own haiku in Latin & samples of Latin haiku translated into English, from the book Tonight They All Dance. Her site also offers these poetic resources:
- Links to Latin poetry & prayers
- Links pertaining to scansion of Latin poetry
- An introduction to Catullus' love poetry
- A brief biography of Sulpicia, author of the only literary works by a woman which have survived from Ancient Rome
NEW YORK/NORTHEAST
“TOODLE-OO” GREGORY CORSO
Sad news from New York City. Poetic legend and New York Beat poet extraordinaire Gregory Corso passed away on January 18, 2001 in Minneapolis, where he had been living with his daughter. For Corso, who was the only beat poet actually from New York City, living the life of poet did not come easily at first. When he was only 16, he was sent to prison on robbery charges. However, at the young age of 20, Corso joined a young and brash group of poets, artists and writers, who would then become the “Beats.” His simple, funny and unpretentious voice soon garnered attention. Never shy about doing live readings, and also writing new work, Gregory Corso was an inspiration to all poets. Check out his (in)famous love poem to the Atom bomb, “Bomb,” (which he wrote in the shape of a mushroom cloud!) or perhaps his best known poem, “Marriage,” to get a better understanding of who Gregory was as person and as a poet. New York City poets all give out heavy sighs at the loss of yet another amazing poet. I bid him good wishes into the next life by reciting back to him the same one-word poem that he read at the St. Mark's Church Allen Ginsberg Tribute after Allen's death in 1996, which was simple, honest, funny, just like Gregory: “Toodle-oo.”
POETRY IN ALBANY
But poetry must move forward. So it is with great pride that I showcase a new series that has come to my attention. Next time you are in Albany, and have a hankering for a big sloppy helping of poetry with a side of saxophone, check out The School of Night. Held on the last Tuesday of each and every month at Valentine's, 17 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, the reading is hosted by none other than R.M. Engelhardt and Bruce Richardson on sax (!). Next gathering/open mike for poets is on January 30th, and with just $3 suggested donation, you can't go wrong. Signup @ 7:30 pm, start time @ 8 pm. For more info visit Engelhardt's Nightvox site. This event is sponsored by www.albanyarts.com.
WHEN IS A PINK PONY NOT A PINK PONY?
Answer: When the Pink Pony Reading Series in NYC leaves Pink Pony Cafe and moves to its swank new West Side digs! Beginning January 19, join the whole motley Pink Pony Troupe on Friday nights at The Cornelia Street Cafe for the newly-christened “Pink Pony West” reading series hosted by Maggie Balistreri & Jackie Sheeler. The Cafe has been a center of musical and literary creativity (not to mention good food) in the West Village for more than twenty years. Though it is sad to leave the Pony (the cocoa was so excellent!), the move is placing this delightful reading series right in the heart of poetic history. Come out and welcome the series to its new home at 29 Cornelia Street [A,B,C,D,E,F to West 4th or #1 to Christopher]. $6 admission gets you a free drink. The open mike begins at 6 pm (note the earlier start time), featured poet reads at 7:45. Upcoming features include Eric Yost (January 26), Elizabeth Wilson (February 2), Quraysh Ali Lansana (February 9) and Maryellen Cammarosano (February 16). See you Fridays!
NYC ONLINE!
If you are coming to NYC and want to see what the city has to offer poetically, try looking at the online calendar at NYCPoetry.com. This amazing in-depth calendar lists not only events, but also contests and NYC anthology submissions. Hzah! And every month new poetry is featured in the ReadPoetry section.
Speaking of Web sites, there have been two major Web innovations in the world of NYC slam venues. The Bar 13 A Little Bit Louder reading series recently has begun an online anthology of poems that have been read at the venue. It is a wonderful introduction to the diverse types of poetry you can expect from both Bar 13's features and its regulars. Check it out at www.geocities.com/loudpoet/poems/poetry.htm. And in a more pathetic, but still triumphant, innovation, my reading series, the Urbana Reading Series, has finally developed a Web site! Finally! Check out upcoming features, directions and a great pic of me where it looks like I have the microphone crammed halfway up my nose here, all at the Poetry Slams link at cbgb.com.
YOUTH QUAKER
Cairo, a student at Columbia University, is taking the poetry she likes and giving it to the world. Check out Gestalt, the online magazine for which she is Editor-in-Chief, where the works of fellow Columbia students (like the talented Hannah Lucky Tran, whose story “10, 8 and 5” had this hard-hearted New Yorker in tears) rub elbows with New York legends like Steve Cannon. Photography, visual arts and prose fill out this impressive endeavor. And there is even talk of making an off-line version. Internet poetry you can hold in your hands. Viva les Jeune Poets!
That's all. New York City is preparing for the People's Poetry Gathering in April, where the best poets from all over the world are going to come, perform, teach and inspire, amaze, shake up and make the city perspire. I'll fill you in the with all the gossip as I get it.
Till then, keep reading and keep writing!
DENVER/ROCKY MOUNTAINS
WINTER DOINGS IN DENVER: KWANZAA & IYANLA VANZANT
Denver's poetry scene has been busy over the winter months. Brother Jeff's Cultural Center & Café hosted the opening of Kwanzaa which featured poetry, Kwanzaa traditions in line with the principle of Unity and much more. Brother Jeff is working with the literary community to create a host of literary events that are both educational and affordable for all. The Hue-man Experience Bookstore hosted a wonderful series of speakers and writers this winter. Iyanla Vanzant was one of those writers. I was fortunate to have the honor of interviewing this NAACP Image Award winning creative non-fiction writer. Iyanla is an incredible creative spirit. During our interview, Iyanla said, “I get letters from young writers all the time asking me what the secret is to being a success. Just be a vessel, I tell them. That's what I am, a vessel for the creative words of God.” She encourages young writers to make time to write, to affirm their creative gifts through speaking and never to give up. Denver embraced this best-selling author with love and light.
HUE-MAN EXPERIENCE EVENTS
Hue-man will be hosting ongoing workshops in writing and publishing throughout the year, as well as featuring accomplished writers and poets for book signings and lectures. February will be an especially hot month with writers like Tananarive Due, author of The Black Rose, the story of Madame C.J. Walker, the first Black woman millionaire, and many others. Call 303.293.2665 for more information about events at The Hue-Man Experience Bookstore.
SLAMMING & SHOWING AT CAFE NUBA
Cafe Nuba, “It's Hot & It's Black,” hosted a poetry slam for Kwanzaa that was standing room only. They are gearing up for the 2nd Annual Reel/Real Black: Pan African Film & Arts Festival which features film, poetry, art and other literary activities. For information contact Ashara Ekundayo at 303.291.1077. This year's event promises to be off the hook! Sister Ashara is planning to bring in some creative giants in the film arts and literary beatnik scene. Come one, come all and bring a friend. Ashara is also looking for volunteers, who will get discounts on film screenings, special events and other private showings. Keep the Black Arts Movement alive in Denver!
EVENTS CALENDAR FROM BROTHER JEFF'S
The following listings are courtesy of Brother Jeff's Cultural Center & Café:
- Saturday 1/27: Danny Glover will be at Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs performing “An Evening with Langston & Martin,” 8 pm. Call 719.262.3275 for information.
- Saturday 2/10: The Pre-Big 12 Summit/Step/Slam. African-American high school and college students from across the state will meet in Denver to network, dialogue, and learn more about issues facing them in higher education. There will be workshops throughout the day moderated by some of the state’s finest Black student advocates, advisors and educators. Call for more information, 303.297.0823.
- Saturday 2/10: “Who Brings It?!” Step Show and Talent Competition at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, 119 Park Avenue West. Do you have talent? Can you bring a crowd to its knees? Calling all singers, comedians, dancers, poets, rappers, and anybody else who brings it. Call 303.297.0823 for more details. This will be another sold-out event so order your tickets today. The audience decides the winners so bring the noise! $10/ticket.
- Ongoing: Black Inkwell Writers Group, a support group and workshop club for new and established writers, meets Saturdays at 6 pm sharp, at Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center & Café, 2836 Welton Street. Join now and become a founding member.
HATS OFF
The Carnations Literary Arts Group has adopted a Manual High School graduate, taking on the task of supporting her while she attends UNC Greeley.
DON'T MISS OUT
Production is now underway for Brother Jeff’s Annual Business & Community Guide 2001-2002. If your organization or business would like to be included in this year’s publication, or if you have ideas for interesting community stories or articles, email brotherjeff@earthlink.net.
SOUL LOVELY
Finally, Soul Lovely, a new zine for Denver poets, is going strong. Publisher and sistahfriend Jessica continues to bring work by exceptional poets and writers to the forefront of the Denver literary scene. Jessica is a mother, a massage therapist and writer who lives in Denver. She is doing wonderful work with a women's writing group that meets on the full moon each month to write poetry, celebrate accomplishments and share creative energy underneath the stars. Submissions of poetry or short-short fiction (under 500 words) to Soul Lovely can be emailed to Patrice C. Queen, Associate Editor, ecirtap@uswest.net, or call Jessica at 303.879.1427. Get hooked up with the soul!
Peace,
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