Calendar Northern California

Updated August 26, 2008

August 1-31, 2008 S M T W Th F S 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24/31 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 AUGUST--friday:
CENTRAL:
• Summer Season at Studio One Art Center presents a reading by Jack Morgan and Kaya Oakes, Studio One, Great Hall, 365 45th Street, at Broadway, Oakland, $3-$15 sliding scale, 7:30

3 AUGUST---sunday:
CENTRAL:
• Poetry Flash presents a poetry reading by Poetry Flash's Richard Silberg, Deconstruction of the Blues; Parthenon West Review co-editor Chad Sweeney, An Architecture; and Jennifer K. Sweeney, Salt Memory; this special event is a farewell party for the Sweeneys, popular Bay Area poets who are moving to Michigan, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)

4 AUGUST---monday:
CENTRAL:
• Poetry Express presents poet, percussionist, and KPFA/KPOO radio host Avotcja, with open mike, come early, mention the poetry and get a ten percent discount on a meal, Priya Indian Cuisine, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:00-9:00 (poetryexpress@gmail.com)

5 AUGUST---tuesday:
CENTRAL:
• Cloud House Poetry Archives presents Bruised Angel/Master Performance: Celebrating the Continued Life of Susan Birkeland, a film showcasing video field recordings of Steven "Kush" Kushner, North Beach Branch Library, 2000 Mason Street, SF, free, 7:00 (415/355-5656)

6 AUGUST---wednesday:
NORTH:
• Sunset Poetry by the Bay presents spoken word poet Kirk Lumpkin and The Word-Music Continuum performing from their latest CD project, Sound Poems, open mike follows, Northpoint Coffee House, 1250 Bridgeway, Sausalito, no cover, 7:00-9:00 (www.northpointcoffee.com, www.kirklumpkin.com)

7 AUGUST---thursday:
CENTRAL:
• Poetry at the Albany Library presents a featured poet, open reading follows, Albany Library, 1247 Marin Avenue, Albany, free, 7:00-9:00 (510/526-3720, www.aclibrary.org)

8 AUGUST---friday:
CENTRAL:
• Last Word presents a poetry reading by Adam David Miller, author of Ticket to Exile, a memoir, and Rita Flores Bogaert, open mike follows, co-hosted by Dale Jensen, Ralph Dranow, Diana Q., Grace Grafton, Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Avenue, near Hearst, Berkeley, free, 7:00 (510/841-6374)

9 AUGUST---saturday:
CENTRAL:
• Second Saturday Poetry and Prose Reading, featured reading by Kit Kennedy and Jane Green, open reading follows, Jeanne Lupton hosts, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, at Lincoln, Alameda, 7:00 (510/523-6957; to sign up for open: jeany98@aol.com)

10 AUGUST---sunday:
CENTRAL:
• The second and fourth Sunday readings of Music of the Word (La Palabra Musical), have shifted to Rebecca's Books; this Sunday presents a contributors reading for the Petaluma Poetry Walk 10-Year Anthology, 1996-2005, edited by Geri Digiorno and Bill Vartnaw, featuring Joyce Jenkins, Adam David Miller, Camincha, Jack and Adelle Foley, Bill Vartnaw, and Avotcja, an open reading follows, Rebecca's Books, 3268 Adeline Street, Berkeley, free, 3:30 (510/450-1743)
• The Dream Poetry Team, a poetry reading by Francisco X. Alarcón, Jack Hirschman, Jose Montoya, and Nina Serrano, hosted by Fernando A. Torres, La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, $5, 7:00 (510/849-2568, www.lapena.org)

11 AUGUST---monday:
CENTRAL:
• Idiolexicon Poetry Series presents a reading by Brian Teare, The Room Where I Was Born, and Mike Young, MC Oroville's Answering Machine, Cafe Royale, 800 Post Street, SF, free, 7:00 (www.idiolexicon.com)
• Word Dancing features poets Kirk Lumpkin, H.D. Moe, and Blake More, open reading follows, hosted by Jeanne Powell, It's A Grind Coffee House, 1800 Polk Street, at Washington, SF, free, 7:00-9:00 (415/441-1272; host: 415/928-8904)
• Poetry Express presents poet and memoirist Adam David Miller, Ticket to Exile, open mike, come early, mention the poetry and get a ten percent discount on a meal, Priya Indian Cuisine, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:00-9:00 (poetryexpress@gmail.com)

12 AUGUST---tuesday:
NORTH:
Speaker of the House, Representative Nancy Pelosi reads and discusses her book, Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters, sponsored by Marin magazine, Book Passage, and Dominican University, at Angelico Hall, Dominican University of California, San Rafael, tickets $35, order by phone, or web, or pick up at Book Passage, 7:00 (415/927-0960, www.bookpassage.com)

14 AUGUST--thursday:
NORTH:
• Marin Poetry Center's Summer Traveling Show 2008 presents a poetry reading by Barbara Swift Brauer, Carolyn Ingram, Patricia McCaron, Kate Peper, and Ann Robinson, hosted by Roy Mash, Larkspur Library, 400 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, 7:30 (415/927-5135, www.marinpoetrycenter.com)
SOUTH:
• Featured poetry reading, open mike follows, Willow Glen Books, 1330 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, 7:00 (408/298-8141, 408/266-1361)
EAST:
• Sacramento Poetry Center presents Dan Guerra, Alex Stephens, and Mary Rosenberry, hosted by Rebecca Morrison, HQ for the Arts, 1719 25th Street at R Street, Sacramento, 7:00 (www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org)

15 AUGUST---friday:
CENTRAL:
• A reading by poet David Hadbawnik, Ovid in Exile, and writer Mary Burger, Sonny, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
• Paces presents a preview of "The Tristan Codas," a dance and poetry performance by poet/storyteller Alan Bern and dancer/choreographer Lucinda Weaver, Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley, donation to benefit the BAC, 7:30 (510/684-0931, BAC: 510/644-6893, www.berkeleyartcenter.org)
EAST:
• Poetry reading by Susan Finkleman with photographer Joe Finkleman, celebrating their new CD, Wild Mountain Books, 352 Main Street, Placerville, 7:00 (www.wildmountainbooks.com)

16 AUGUST---saturday:
CENTRAL:
• Rhythm & Muse series presents spoken word performer Paradise with horn player The Ambassador of Trouts, spoken word with music, open mike follows, piano and two microphones available, Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut Street, between Eunice and Rose Streets, Berkeley, free/donation, open sign up 6:30, show 7:00 (510/527-9753, BAC: 510/644-6893, www.berkeleyartcenter.org)
EAST:
• Register now for the first day of the Sacramento State Summer Writers' Conference, to be held August 16-17, 2008; designed for aspiring memoir writers, critics, novelists, playwrights, poets and writers of children's literature, this conference is an opportunity to take your writing to the next level by exploring new genres and learning how to publish your own work, weekend events include lectures, hands-on workshops, a free evening reading on Saturday and networking opportunities with writers and publishers, featuring a keynote presentation by Dinah Lenney (for information and registration: 916/278-4433, www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/writers/Conf08/index.htm)

17 AUGUST---sunday:
CENTRAL:
• A reading by poet and translator Andrew Schelling, Old Tale Road, with poet and Omnidawn editor Rusty Morrison, the true keeps calm biding its story, Moe's Bookstore, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
NORTH:
• Third Sunday Salon of the Healdsburg Literary Guild presents American Indian poet and international slam champion Luke Warm Water, Iktomi's Uprising, open mike follows with emcee David Madgalene, Healdsburg City Hall, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, 2:00-4:00 (707/836-9586)
EAST:
• Second day of the Sacramento State Summer Writers' Conference, held August 16-17, 2008; designed for aspiring memoir writers, critics, novelists, playwrights, poets and writers of children's literature, this conference is an opportunity to take your writing to the next level by exploring new genres and learning how to publish your own work, weekend events include lectures, hands-on workshops, a free evening reading on Saturday and networking opportunities with writers and publishers, featuring a keynote presentation by Dinah Lenney (for information and registration: 916/278-4433, www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/writers/Conf08/index.htm)
• Pagan's Place presents a poetry reading by Laura Wine Paster, with open mike hosted by Debralee Pagan, It's a Grind Coffee House, 2230 Oak Grove Road, Walnut Creek, 2:00-4:00 (925/939-2492)

18 AUGUST---monday:
CENTRAL:
• Poetry Express presents Jan Steckel and Giovanna Capone, open mike, come early, mention the poetry and get a ten percent discount on a meal, Priya Indian Cuisine, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:00-9:00 (poetryexpress@gmail.com)
EAST:
• Sacramento Poetry Center presents a reading by Nancy Wallace and Melen Lunn Fureby, open mike and refreshments, hosted by Rebecca Morrison, HQ for the Arts, 1719 25th Street at R Street, Sacramento, 7:30 (www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org)

19 AUGUST---tuesday:
NORTH:
• Marin Poetry Center's Summer Traveling Show 2008 presents a poetry reading by Barbara Brooks, Gabrielle Rilleau, Sharon Pretti, Deborah Ruth, and Garth Stanton, hosted by Dale Biron, Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Drive, Corte Madera, 7:30 (415/924-6444, www.marinpoetrycenter.com)

20 AUGUST---wednesday:
CENTRAL:
• House Press presents a reading by Carrie Hunter, Kalicia Pivirotto, and Logan Ryan Smith, Books & Bookshelves, 99 Sanchez Street, SF, 7:30 (415/558-9019)
NORTH:
• Sunset Poetry by the Bay presents a reading from Sara Tolchin, aka Sara Berkeley, Facts About Water and Strawberry Thief, and Andrena Zawinski, Taking the Road Where It Leads, open mike follows, Northpoint Coffee House, 1250 Bridgeway, Sausalito, no cover, 7:00-9:00 (www.northpointcoffee.com, www.poetrymagazine.com/zawinski)

21 AUGUST---thursday:
CENTRAL:
• Journalist Anna Winger reads from and signs her debut novel, This Must Be the Place, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, SF, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
NORTH:
• Third Thursday Poetry Reading presents Santa Barbara poet Lois Klein, A Soldier's Daughter, open mike follows, CityArt Building, 284 Main Street, Point Arena, free, 7:30 (707/882-3616)

22 AUGUST---friday:
CENTRAL:
• Writer Thorina Rose reads from and signs her illustrated novel, The Heartbreak Diet: A Story of Family, Fidelity, and Starting Over, discussion follows, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, SF, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
• Hurricane Katrina Fundraiser, with readings from Words Upon the Waters: A Poetic Response by San Francisco Bay Area arts in support of Hurricane Katrina survivors, reading honors the late poet Reginald Lockett, readers include New Orleans novelist Alice Wilson-Fried, Outside Child, poets Nina Serrano, Kirk Lumpkin, Mary Rudge, John Curl, Linda Martin, Avotcja, Raymond Nat Turner, Zigi Lowenberg, Karen Folger Jacobs, Teasha Gable, hosted by Karla Brundage and Wanda Sabir, benefits Common Ground Health Clinic Alternative Medicine and Survivors for Survivors, Rebecca's Books, 3268 Adeline Street, Berkeley, $5, 7:00 (510/852-4768)

23 AUGUST---saturday:
NORTH:
• Poetry reading by Rose Black, Winter Light, with Janet Jennings, and Karla Clark, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera, 7:00 (415/927-0960, www.bookpassage.com)

24 AUGUST---sunday:
CENTRAL:
• Poets with Trees Reading, featuring Bay Area Poet Laureates Albert Flynn DeSilver, of Marin County, Penelope La Montagne of Healdsburg, Martha Meltzer of Pleasanton, and Connie Post of Livermore, plus open mike for all, organized by the Poetry Hotel with the support of the San Francisco Poetry Reading Hosts, and the San Francisco Park and Recreation Department, bring food to share, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, John McLaren Park, 45 Shelley Drive, SF, donation at the park, noon-4:00 (www.clarahus.com/hotel.html, carpool info: 415/244-1317)
• The second and fourth Sunday series, Music of the Word (La Palabra Musical), has moved to Rebecca's Books: this Sunday features MamaCoatl, La Border Crossing Diosa, and Phavia Kujichagulia, Word Wizard, plus open reading, Rebecca's Books, 3268 Adeline Street, Berkeley, free, 3:30 (510/852-4768)

25 AUGUST---monday:
CENTRAL:
• Poetry Express presents "The Funniest Sex You've Ever Had," open mike theme night, come early, mention the poetry and get a ten percent discount on a meal, Priya Indian Cuisine, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:00-9:00 (poetryexpress@gmail.com)
EAST:
• Sacramento Poetry Center presents a reading by Ann Keniston and June Saraceno, open mike and refreshments, hosted by Tim Kahl, HQ for the Arts, 1719 25th Street at R Street, Sacramento, 7:30 (www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org)

26 AUGUST--tuesday:
CENTRAL:
• Poetry at the 33 presents a reading with JR Brady and Kit Kennedy, open mike follows, Kearne's 3300 Club, 3300 Mission Street at 29th Street, SF, free, twenty-one and up, 7:00 (415/826-6886, www.3300club.com)
• Blue Press authors, poet/art critic Bill Berkson, Goods and Services, and Kevin Opstedal, Santa Cruz, in a poetry reading, Books & Bookshelves, 99 Sanchez Street, SF, free, B.Y.O.B., 7:30 (415/621-3761, www.99sanchez.com)
NORTH:
• Marin Poetry Center's Summer Traveling Show 2008 presents a reading by Rafaella Del Bourgo, Victoria Granucci, Charselle, Yvonne Postelle, and Julia Vose McClung, hosted by Sim Warkov, Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Street, San Raphael, 7:30 (415/485-3326, www.marinpoetrycenter.com)

27 AUGUST---wednesday:
NORTH:
• Reading by poet Adam David Miller, from his memoir, Ticket to Exile, coming of age in the Jim Crow South, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera, 7:00 (415/927-0960, www.bookpassage.com)

28 AUGUST--thursday:
NORTH:
• Writers Read presents a poetry reading by Bay Area refugee Eugene David, open mike follows, refreshments available, Colored House Studios, 780 Waugh Lane, Ukiah, donation, 7:00 (707/463-6989, 707/462-4557, www.coloredhorse.com, www.theSighting.com)

29 AUGUST--friday:
CENTRAL:
• Canessa Park Poetry Series presents a reading by Truong Tran, Lara Durback, and Geof Huth, hosted by Erica Lewis, Canessa Gallery, 708 Montgomery Street, SF, 8:00

30 AUGUST--saturday:
CENTRAL:
• Bay Area Poetry Marathon 2008, curated by Donna de la Perriere and Joseph Lease, presents this last of three summer readings featuring Edward Foster, Matthew Zapruder, Elizabeth Robinson, Jennifer Scappettone, Cynthia Sailers, Sara Larsen, Michael Nicoloff, Myron Hardy, The Lab, 2948 16th Street, at Capp, SF, one block from Mission BART, $3-$15 sliding scale, 7:00-9:00 (www.myspace.com/bayareapoetrymarathon)

31 AUGUST--sunday:
CENTRAL:
• Canessa Park Poetry Series presents The Etherdome/Woodland Chapbook Party and Reading, hosted by Colleen Lookingbill, Elizabeth Robinson, and Jamie Robles, Canessa Gallery, 708 Montgomery Street, SF, 3:00