Calendar for Southern California

Updated September 23, 2008

September 1-30, 2008 S M T W Th F S 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 0 0 0 0

1 SEPTEMBER---monday:
NORTH:
• Monthly poetry reading series features a poet to be announced, Tree Bernstein hosts, open reading at 8:00, The Village Jester Restaurant & Pub, 139 Ojai Avenue, Ojai, open reading 8:00, featured reading 8:30 (805/640-8001)

2 SEPTEMBER---tuesday:
CENTRAL:
• Redondo Poets presents a reading by Ben Crowley, with open mic, Coffee Cartel, 1820 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, sign up to read 7:50, featured reading 8:10 (310/548-5344, www.redondopoets.com)
• Cobalt Poets presents a reading by featured guest Kate Buckley, open reading to follow, seven minute limit, The Cobalt Café, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, sign up 8:30, reading 9:00 (818/348-3789, poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt)
• Da' Poetry Lounge cutting-edge poetry and spoken word open mic, Greenway Court Theater, 544 N. Fairfax Blvd., LA, free, early arrival a must, 9:00-midnight (www.dapoetrylounge.com)

6 SEPTEMBER---saturday:
CENTRAL:
• Emerging Urban Poets writing workshop, 1:30-2:30; Pure Poetry critique workshop, 2:45-3:45; backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, drop-in, attend one or both (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)
• Saturday Afternoon Poetry presents a reading by Andrea Carter Brown, open reading, backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, 4:00-5:00 (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)

8 SEPTEMBER---monday:
CENTRAL:
• Moonday, A West Side Reading Series presents a reading by Billie Dee and Seretta Martin, open mic follows, Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, just north of Sunset, Pacific Palisades, 7:30 (310/454-4063, www.home.earthlink.net/~pero/moonday.html)

9 SEPTEMBER---tuesday:
CENTRAL:
• Monthly open reading hosted by G. Murray Thomas, read your poems or your favorite poet's, Marina Pacifica Barnes & Noble, 6326 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, 7:00
(562/431-2253, www.myspace.com/gmurraythomas)
• Redondo Poets presents a reading by J.P. Dancing Bear, with open mic, Coffee Cartel, 1820 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, sign up to read 7:50, featured reading 8:10 (310/548-5344, www.redondopoets.com)
• Cobalt Poets presents a reading by a featured poet to be announced, open reading to follow, seven minute limit, The Cobalt Café, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, sign up 8:30, reading 9:00 (818/348-3789, poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt)
• Da' Poetry Lounge cutting-edge poetry and spoken word open mic, Greenway Court Theater, 544 N. Fairfax Blvd., LA, free, early arrival a must, 9:00-midnight (www.dapoetrylounge.com)
NORTH:
• The Tuesday Night Poets present a reading by Carine Topal, open mic follows, host Roe Estep, The Artists' Union Gallery, 330 California Street, across from Crown Plaza, Ventura, 7:30 (805/320-3524, www.thetuesdaynightpoets.com)

10 SEPTEMBER---wednesday:
CENTRAL:
• Praxis & Poetry: Beyond the Walls of Medicine, a reading by poet and physician Willam Rector from Bill, his poetry collection, with poets Alex Lemon, Hallelujah Blackout and Cody Todd, Frankenstein, My Father, Doheny Memorial Library, Intellectual Commons, Room 233, University of Southern California, 4:30 (213/740-6786, www.usc.edu/visionsandvoices)

11 SEPTEMBER---thursday:
CENTRAL:
• Praxis & Poetry: Beyond the Walls of Medicine, a reading by poet and physician Willam Rector from Bill, his poetry collection, with poets Alex Lemon, Hallelujah Blackout and Cody Todd, Frankenstein, My Father, Hoyt Gallery, Health Sciences Campus, University of Southern California, 4:00 (213/740-6786, www.usc.edu/visionsandvoices)
NORTH:
• Kate English hosts a reading by poet J.P. Dancing Bear, Conflicted Light, open mic to follow, The Old Town Studio Gallery, 2165 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, 7:30

13 SEPTEMBER---saturday:
CENTRAL:
• The Poetry of Work: A lecture workshop and discussion of the place and history of work and industry in poetry, with poet David St. John, looking at poems by Philip Levine, B. H. Fairchild, Joe Millar, George Oppen, Gloria Fuertes, Thomas McGrath, Adrienne Rich, and others, please bring twenty-five copies---the extras for auditors---of a poem by a poet (any of the above, or others) whose work relates to your sense of this topic, bring twenty-five copies of a poem of your own for the afternoon session, The Ruskin Art Club, 800 S. Plymouth Blvd., LA, $85 for breakfast, 9:00 a.m. -4:00; $45 audit, breakfast and morning session 9:00 a.m.-12:30 (to register contact Elena Karina Byrne: 310/936-7484, Ekduende@cox.net)
• Emerging Urban Poets writing workshop, 1:30-2:30; Pure Poetry critique workshop, 2:45-3:45; backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, drop-in, attend one or both (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)
• Saturday Afternoon Poetry presents a publication party for San Gabriel Valley Poetry Quarterly #39---send up to three poems of any length in the body of an e-mail message by August 30 to kingfisher1031@charter.net---plus open reading, backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, 4:00-5:00 (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)
• 4 Poets Poetry Bash presents poets Gerald Locklin, Michael C. Ford, John Harris, Patricia Cherin, introducing poet Zachary Locklin, Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill Street, Santa Monica, $15-$5 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds, 7:30 (310/828-3951)
• A reading by poet Milo Martin and the Utopian Nihilists, celebrating his new collection of poetry and art, Poems for the Utopian Nihilist, also featuring spoken word poets and fiction writers Rich Ferguson, whose new CD is Where I Come From; performance poet and art critic Jerry the Priest; Brad Listi, Attention.Deficit.Disorder; Pushcart Prize nominee and short story writer Mary Otis, Yes, Yes, Cherries; hyper-intense neo-Elizabethan drive-by poet Chris Tannahill, the sweetly-sardonic stylings of poet Hannah Wehr, and Venice accordion diva Mrs. Hobbs, Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Feliz Village, LA, free, 7:30 (323/660-1175, www.skylightbooks.com)

14 SEPTEMBER---sunday:
CENTRAL:
• Poetry at the Ruskin with Red Hen Press presents a reading by Tracy K. Smith, The Body's Question, and Juliana Spahr, The Transformation, co-editor of the international arts journal Chain, hosted by Kate Gale and Elena Karina Byrne, The Ruskin Art Club, 800 S. Plymouth Blvd., Windsor Park, LA, $10/$5 students, seniors, 2:00 (310/669-2369, 818/831-0649)
• Valley Contemporary Poets presents a poetry reading by Lea Deschenes and Victor Infante, open mic follows, Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, 19130 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana, $5 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds, 3:00 (818/705-1286, vcpoets@pacbell.net, www.mytarzana.org)
EAST:
• Trapdoor Poetry Reading presents Desert Deli Selection, a reading by Maureen Alsop, Lee Balan, Louisa Castrodale, Patricia D'Allesandro, Jeff Green, Randolph Maxted, Ruth Nolan, Dessa Reed, plus open mic, you must be twenty-one or up, Palm Springs Wine & Art, 242 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, free, 6:00 (760/325-9991, www.palmspringswineandart.com, www.trapdoorpoetry.com)

16 SEPTEMBER---tuesday:
CENTRAL:
• Redondo Poets presents a featured reader with open mic, Coffee Cartel, 1820 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, sign up to read 7:50, featured reading 8:10 (310/548-5344, www.redondopoets.com)
• The Valley Contemporary Poets presents a reading by featured guest Saria Idana, open reading to follow, seven minute limit, The Cobalt Café, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, sign up 8:30, reading 9:00 (818/348-3789, poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt)
• Da' Poetry Lounge cutting-edge poetry and spoken word open mic, Greenway Court Theater, 544 N. Fairfax Blvd., LA, free, early arrival a must, 9:00-midnight (www.dapoetrylounge.com)

20 SEPTEMBER---saturday:
CENTRAL:
• Emerging Urban Poets writing workshop, 1:30-2:30; Pure Poetry critique workshop, 2:45-3:45; backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, drop-in, attend one or both (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)
• Saturday Afternoon Poetry presents a reading by Beth Cheng, open reading, backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, 4:00-5:00 (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)
• Laurel Ann Bogen, Michael C. Ford, Linda Albertano, J. Mark Beaver, Jennifer Lively, and Mitchell Untch read their poetry with musical accompaniment by accordionist/composer Nick Ariondo, bring a picnic and your beverage, The Folly Bowl Amphitheater, 1601 E. Loma, Alta Drive, Altadena, $12 suggested donation, 6:30 (323/632-1375)

21 SEPTEMBER---sunday:
NORTH:
• Corners of the Mouth presents a poetry reading by Phil Taggart and Dian Sousa, open reading limited to five minutes of original work follows, Linnaea's Café, 1110 Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, free, 7:00 (805/547-1318, www.languageofthesoul.org)

23 SEPTEMBER---tuesday:
CENTRAL:
• Redondo Poets presents a reading by Deborah Edler Brown, with open mic, Coffee Cartel, 1820 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, sign up to read 7:50, featured reading 8:10 (310/548-5344, www.redondopoets.com)
• Cobalt Poets presents a 'classic' open reading with no featured poet, seven minute limit, The Cobalt Café, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, sign up 8:30, reading 9:00 (818/348-3789, poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt)
• Da' Poetry Lounge cutting-edge poetry and spoken word open mic, Greenway Court Theater, 544 N. Fairfax Blvd., LA, free, early arrival a must, 9:00-midnight (www.dapoetrylounge.com)
NORTH:
• The Tuesday Night Poets present a reading by Gauvin, open mic follows, host Roe Estep, The Artists' Union Gallery, 330 California Street, across from Crown Plaza, Ventura, 7:30 (805/320-3524, www.thetuesdaynightpoets.com)

24 SEPTEMBER---wednesday:
CENTRAL:
• Casa Romantica Reading Series presents a reading by poet Elliot Fried, Picking Up the Pieces, and poet, prose writer and literary critic Bill Mohr, Bittersweet Kaleidoscope, Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, free, 7:00 (949/498-2139, www.casaromanticareadingseries.org)

25 SEPTEMBER--thursday:
CENTRAL:
• The Third Area: Poetry at Pharmaka, a reading with featured poets Gail Wronsky, Holaday Mason, Louise Mathias, Marsha de la O, Pharmaka Art Gallery, Gallery Row, 101 West 5th Street, LA, $5, 8:00 (213/689-7799, www.pharmaka-art.org)
• Intercollegiate Department of Black Studies presents a reading with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, reception and book signing to follow, Rose Hills Theatre, Smith Campus Center, Pomona College, Pomona, free and open to the public, 4:30 (909/607-3070)

26 SEPTEMBER--friday:
CENTRAL:
• Tebot Bach presents a poetry reading by Richard Jones, Apropos of Nothing, editor of Poetry East, and Mifanwy Kaiser, founder of Tebot Bach, and teacher of creative writing workshops for the homeless in Orange County and homeless veterans in LA, Golden West College, Community Room 102, Huntington Beach, free, sign up 7:30, reading 8:00 (www.tebotbach.org)

27 SEPTEMBER---saturday:
CENTRAL:
• Poets from across Southern California gather for a benefit poetry marathon for Avenue 50 Studio in LA's Highland Park, featuring Steve Abee, Luis Alfaro, Gloria Alvarez, Theresa Antonia, Cat B., Laurel Ann Bogen, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, Amaranth Borsuk, Jack Brewer, Leo Victor Briones, Stephine Brown, Elena Karina Bryne, Luis Campos, Brendan Constantine, Dennis Cruz, James Cushing, Peggy Dobreer, Kate Durbin, Erica Erdman, Yvonne M. Estrada, Rich Ferguson, Consuelo Flores, Michael C. Ford, Sesshu Foster, Donna Frazier, Doctor Mongo, Jerry Garcia, Corrie Greathouse, S.A. Griffin, Peter J. Harris, Eloise Klein Healy, Saria Idana, kalamity j, Mona Jean, Doug Knott, Paul Koenig, Jennifer Lively, Adolfo Guzman Lopez, Cassandra Love, Rick Lupert, Sarah Maclay, Erica Morago, Jason Neese, Mindy Netifee, Harry Northup, Pat Payne, Claudia Perez, Holly Prado, Reina Prado, Jerry Quickley, Razor, Ari Robles, Luís Rodríguez, Abel Salas, Tattiana Simonian, Judi Smolker, Keren Taylor, G. Murray Thomas, A.K. Toney, Ann Tweedy, Amy Uyematsu, Carmen Vega, Pam Ward, Conney Williams, Cindy Woods, Terry Wolverton, and The Barnettes play their pop/rock/soul at 12:30 a.m.; hourly contemporary poetry book give-away donated by City Lights Books, Copper Canyon Press, Wesleyan University Press, Da Capo Press, University of Pittsburgh Press, White Pine Press, BOA Editions, Ltd., Source Books, University of Tampa Press, W.W. Norton, and Kaya Press; food, wine, coffee, dessert provided from Porto's Bakery, Palermo Italian Restaurant; Avenue 50 Studio, 131 North Avenue 50, Highland Park, LA, $10 includes all day admission, daylight to midnight (ticket information: 323/258-1435; general information, e-mail: md84rfja65@yahoo.com; www.thebarnettes.com)
• Emerging Urban Poets writing workshop, 1:30-2:30; Pure Poetry critique workshop, 2:45-3:45; backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, drop-in, attend one or both (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)
• Saturday Afternoon Poetry presents an Emerging Urban Poets reading featuring Lynn Allgood, Michelle Angelini, CaLokie, Don Kingfisher Campbell, Barbara Cogswell, Pauli Dutton, Richard Dutton, Eleanor Higgins, Lindy Hill, Patrick Jeffries, Deborah P. Kolodji, Toby McManmon, James Pinkerton, and Mary Torregrossa---send three poems for the Emerging Urban Poets anthology in the body of an e-mail message by September 13 to kingfisher1031@charter.net---Barry Schwam will be professionally recording the performance to create an Emerging Urban Poets CD, open reading, backroom, Santa Catalina Branch, Pasadena Public Library, 999 W. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, free, 4:00-5:00 (http://community.livejournal.com/saturday_poetry)
NORTH:
• Friday's on Saturday presents a poetry reading by Sherman Pearl, plus open mic hosted by Friday, The Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Avenue, Ventura, 7:30 (805/643-1960, www.bellartsfactory.com)

28 SEPTEMBER--sunday:
CENTRAL:
• Seventh Annual West Hollywood Book Fair, sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, many bookstores of the West Hollywood community have booths, including the Bodhi Tree Bookstore, also storytelling, entertainment, panels, and author events along with food and beverages, West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, free, with free parking available across the street at the Pacific Design Center, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 (www.WestHollywoodBookFair.org)

29 SEPTEMBER--monday:
CENTRAL:
• Red Hen Press Readings & Conversations: Coast to Coast presents a fiction reading with novelist Ron Carlson, Five Skies, named a book of the year by the American Library Association and the Los Angeles Times; Greg Sanders, Motel Girl, short stories; Charles Bock, Beautiful Children, a national bestseller, moderator: novelist Janet Fitch, Paint it Black and White Oleander, Geffen Playhouse, Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, LA, $20/$15 students, seniors $15, 7:30 (tickets: 310/208-5454, seating is limited and on a first come basis)

30 SEPTEMBER---tuesday:
CENTRAL:
• Cobalt Poets presents a 'classic' open reading with no featured poet, seven minute limit, The Cobalt Café, 22047 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, sign up 8:30, reading 9:00 (818/348-3789, poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt)
• Da' Poetry Lounge cutting-edge poetry and spoken word open mic, Greenway Court Theater, 544 N. Fairfax Blvd., LA, free, early arrival a must, 9:00-midnight (www.dapoetrylounge.com)