NAME, M/DD NAME, M/DD NAME, M/DD NAME, M/DD Express %26 Inspire Development %26 Publication
join our mailing list

Get selected timely event updates and news about Poetry Flash in your email inbox.

x
Northern California

< previous month  |  show all JUNE  |  next month >


3 JUNE 2012 — sunday

    CENTRAL:
  • Poets Read Poets benefit features a reading by Michael McClure and David Meltzer in support of "The Painted Word" exhibition, extended through July 14, and including over eighty works of art by writers and poets of the San Francisco Renaissance: Lawrence Ferlinghetti, William Saroyan, Henry Miller, Robert Duncan, Jess, Kenneth Patchen, William S. Burroughs, and more, event features live jazz by the tbd-A Quartet, wine and refreshments, Meridian Gallery, 535 Powell Street, San Francisco, $50, 5:30-8:30 (415/398-7229, www.meridiangallery.org)
  • San Francisco Zen Center holds a Sunday Writing Studio with poet Genine Lentine, City Center Art Lounge, 300 Page Street, San Francisco, 4:00-6:00, $20/$18 members/$16 limited income (888/743-9362, 415/475-9362, www.sfzc.org)
  • Journalist Thai Jones presents More Powerful Than Dynamite: Radicals, Plutocrats, Progressives, and New York's Year of Anarchy, Books Inc., 1760 4th Street, Berkeley, 6:00 (510/525-7777, booksinc.net)
    NORTH:
  • Poetry and music hosted by Geri Digiorno, features Sonoma County Poet Laureate Bill Vartnaw, and former Sonoma County Poet Laureates Gwen O'Gara and Mike Tuggle, with Native American flutist Albert Tenaya, The Redwood Cafe, 8240 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 5:00-7:00 (redwoodcafe.com, petalumapoetrywalk.org)

4 JUNE 2012 — monday

    CENTRAL:
  • A poetry reading and book launch by poet, novelist, and screenwriter Barry Gifford, Imagining Paradise: New and Collected Poems, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, moesbooks.com)
  • Poetry reading by Tinker Green and Carrie Hunter, The Incompossible, open mic follows, Bird & Beckett Books, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com)
  • Justin Halpern of Sh*t My Dad Says fame reads from his new book I Suck At Girls, about his mostly failed romantic adventures, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Poetry Express presents an open mic night with featured readers, with hosts Jim Barnard, Nance Wogan, Odilia Galvan Rodriguez, and Jan Dederick, mention the reading for a ten percent meal discount, Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00 (poetryexpress @ gmail.com)
  • City Arts & Lectures presents photographer Richard Misrach, co-author of Petrochemical America, in conversation with critic Steven Winn, Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, $27/$22, 8:00 (415/392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com, www.cityarts.net)

5 JUNE 2012 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • City Arts & Lectures presents cartoonist Roz Chast, What I Hate: From A to Z, in conversation with novelist Andrew Sean Greer, The Confessions of Max Tivoli, Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, 8:00 (415/776-1111, www.cityarts.net) www.cityarts.net)
    NORTH:
  • Poet's Picnic, the new poet laureate and former and current poet laureates read and picnic, First Street Gazebo Park, Benicia, noon-3:00 (707/746-4343, www.benicialibrary.org)

6 JUNE 2012 — wednesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Alameda Island Poets presents a "first Wednesday monthly" featured reading with host Nanette Bradley Deetz, open mic follows, refreshments, Books Inc.,1344 Park Street, Alameda, 7:00 (510/522-2226, 510/995-8698)
  • Open Mic Series, "Alley Cat Poets in the Mission," hosted by Lorna Dee Cervantes, surprise guest speaker, Alley Cat Books, 3036 24th Street, near Balmy Alley, San Francisco, 6:00-8:00 (415/824-1021, alleycatbookssf @ gmail.com)
  • Poetry writing workshop led by poet Christina Hutchins, drop-ins welcome, Albany Library, 1247 Marin Avenue, Albany, 6:30 (510/526-3720)
  • Mark Coggins reads from Prom Night and Other Man-made Disasters, a nostalgic and humorous collection of short stories, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Rachel Pepper, The Gay and Lesbian Guide to College, presents Transitions of the Heart: Stories of Love, Struggle and Acceptance by Mothers of Transgender and Gender Variant Children, with contributors Geraldine Boothe, Leslie Keeney, Kate Levy, Rebecca Lewis, and Amy Marsh, Books Inc., 1760 4th Street, Berkeley, 7:00 (510/525-7777, booksinc.net)
  • First Anniversary Reading for San Francisco Peace and Hope, an online publication, featured readers include Al Young, Marvin R. Hiemstra, Tanya Joyce, Kit Kennedy, and Ken Saffran, with editor and founder Elizabeth Hack and Niya C. Sisk, open reading, hosted by Dan Brady, Sacred Grounds Café, 2095 Hayes Street, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/387-3859, sacredpoets @ yahoo.com, www.sfpeaceandhope.com)
    NORTH:
  • Poetry reading by Hale Thatcher, A Poet's Sketchbook, River Reader Bookstore, 16355 Main Street, Guerneville, 7:00 (707/869-2240, riverreader @ gmail.com)
    EAST:
  • Mahogany open mic poetry and music, all ages, $5, Queen Sheba Restaurant, 1704 Broadway at 17th Street, Sacramento, 9:00-11:00 (malikspeaks @ aol.com)

7 JUNE 2012 — thursday

    CENTRAL:
  • Anthony Swofford, Jarhead, discusses his memoir Hotels, Hospitals, and Jails, Books Inc., 1760 4th Street, Berkeley, 7:00 (510/525-7777, booksinc.net)
  • Daniel H. Wilson, the bestselling author of Robopocalypse, reads from his novel Amped, in which people are implanted with a device that gives them superhuman abilities, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Thursday at Readers Poetry Series presents Paul Flores and Dee Allen, food and drink sales benefit San Francisco Public Library, Readers Café, Building C, South End, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, 6:30 (415/771-1011, www.readerscafe.org)
  • Novelist Joan Frank, In Envy Country, reads from Make It Stay, Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore, 2904 College Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/704-8222, mrsdalloway.com)
  • Novelist and short story writer Nell Freudenberger reads from The Newlyweds, Books Inc., 2251 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/931-3633, booksinc.net)
  • Not Your Mother's Book Club presents Fierce Reads, featuring readers Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone, Jennifer Bosworth, Struck, Emmy Laybourne, Monument 14, and Anna Banks, Of Poseidon, Books Inc., 601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/776-1111, booksinc.net)
  • City Arts & Lectures presents General Colin Powell, It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership, in conversation with Roy Eisenhardt, Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, 8:00 (415/776-1111, www.cityarts.net)
  • The Remainders: Book Discussion Group meets, El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante, 7:00 (510/374-3991, koien @ ccclib.org)
  • Tourettes Without Regrets, a controversial and lively open mic and slam, with hosts Jamie and Sissy DeWolf and Sideshow Syzygy with DJ, all ages, full bar, cash prizes, Best of the Bay-winner, Oakland Metro, 630 3rd Street, Oakland, $10, sign up 8:00, slam 8:30 (www.touretteswithoutregrets.com)
  • Poetry Flash at Moe's Books celebrates Turning a Train of Thought Upside Down: An Anthology of Women's Poetry with a reading by contributors Judy Bebelaar, Lucille Lang Day, Gail Rudd Entrekin, Christina Hutchins, and Janell Moon, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com; wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired may be requested a week in advance by email, editor@poetryflash.org)
    NORTH:
  • Benicia Poets & Friends open readings around the table, bring copies of your poem, refreshments, hosted by Poet Laureate of Benicia, Robert M. Shelby, Benicia Public Library, Doña Benicia Room, 150 East L Street, Benicia, 7:00-9:00 (707/746-4355, rmspoet @ comcast.net, www.poetrymatters.150m.com)
    EAST:
  • Poetry Unplugged presents an open mic before and after featured readers, hosted by Joe Montoya, Luna's Café and Juice Bar, 1414 16th Street, Sacramento, $2 or one drink minimum, 8:00 (916/441-3931, www.lunascafe.com)
  • Poetry Night features Troy Jollimore, At Lake Scugog, and open mic, hosted by Andy Jones and produced by Brad Henderson, five minute open mic spots, John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 First Street, Davis, 8:00 (530/756-4556, poetryindavis.blogspot.com)

8 JUNE 2012 — friday

    NORTH:
  • Poetry SoCoCo presents Elizabeth Herron, Jonah Raskin, and Gregory Mahrer, hosted by Andrew Mayer, Coffee Catz, 6761 Sebastopol Avenue, Sebastopol, 7:30-9:30 (707/829-6600, a target="_blank" href="http://coffeecatz.com/">coffeecatz.com)

9 JUNE 2012 — saturday

    CENTRAL:
  • Second Saturdays Poetry & Prose presents Clara Hsu and Mel C. Thompson, open mic follows, refreshments, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, Alameda, 7:00-9:00 (www.frankbettecenter.org)
    SOUTH:
  • Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale performs its Silver Anniversary Concert, presenting the world premier of a piece written by Will Todd for this event, setting to music three poems by former Santa Clara Country Poet Laureate Nils Peterson, California Theatre, 345 South First Street, San Jose, $24, 8:00 (408/ 286-2600, www.symphonysiliconvalley.org/SSVchorale.php)
    EAST:
  • Spit Fresh Poetry open mic, hosted by Pierre Butler, Downstairs Art Studio, The Arts Building, 808 Lincoln Way, Auburn, sign up 6:30, reading 7:00-10:00 (916/346-0955, gorillapoet @ hotmail.com, thehandsthatspeak @ hotmail.com, www.eskimopie.net/calendar.htm)

10 JUNE 2012 — sunday

    CENTRAL:
  • Poet and co-editor of The Haight Ashbury Literary Journal Alice Rogoff reads from Barge Wood, her new poetry collection, Bird & Beckett Books, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, free, 2:30 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com)
  • 31st Annual Northern California Book Awards, Northern California authors are honored in Fiction, General Nonfiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Translation, and Children's Literature, Fred Cody Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to journalist and author Michael Pollan, Food Rules, The Omnivore's Dilemma, NCBR Recognition Award will be presented to Everything is its own reward, An All Over Coffee Collection, by Paul Madonna, awards are presented by Northern California Book Reviewers, Poetry Flash, Center for the Art of Translation, San Francisco Public Library and the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, Red Room (redroom.com), PEN West, and Mechanics' Institute, public reception with book signing follows, Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Public Library, 100 Larkin, enter at Grove, SF, free, 1:00 (Poetry Flash: 510/525-5476, poetryflash.org/programs/?p=ncba_2012)
  • San Francisco Zen Center holds a Sunday Writing Studio with poet Genine Lentine, City Center Art Lounge, 300 Page Street, San Francisco, 4:00-6:00, $20/$18 members/$16 limited income (888/743-9362, 415/475-9362, www.sfzc.org)
  • Valona Deli featured poetry reading with Robin Ekiss and Bruce Snider, open mic follows, with host Connie Post, Terry Henry Jazz Trio performs after poetry, Valona Deli, 1323 Pomona, Crockett, 4:00-6:00 (510/787-2022)
    NORTH:
  • River Reader Book Club discusses Fatherland, all welcome, River Reader Bookstore, 16355 Main Street, Guerneville, 11:00 a.m. (707/869-2240, riverreader @ gmail.com)

11 JUNE 2012 — monday

    CENTRAL:
  • Behavioral economist Dan Ariely discusses The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone--Especially Ourselves, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Canessa Park Reading Series presents a poetry reading by Joseph Lease, Testify, Denise Newman, The New Make Believe, and Stephen Ratcliffe, Canessa Park Gallery, 708 Montgomery Street, at Columbus, San Francisco, $6, 7:30 (aedburns @ yahoo.com)
  • Poetry Express presents an open mic night with featured readers, with hosts Jim Barnard, Nance Wogan, Odilia Galvan Rodriguez, and Jan Dederick, mention the reading for a ten percent meal discount, Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00 (poetryexpress @ gmail.com)
    SOUTH:
  • Stephanie Reents presents her debut novel The Kissing List, Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 7:00 (650/321-0600, booksinc.net)
    EAST:
  • Poet Brendan Constantine leads "Reach Out and Read," a children's poetry workshop, Golden Valley Health Centers, 737 West Childs Avenue, Merced, 5:30-7:00 (www.redhen.org)

12 JUNE 2012 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Lit & Lunch series presents a reading and celebration for My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales, with editor Kate Bernheimer, contributor and poet Ilya Kaminsky, and folklore and German literature expert Maria Tatar, discussing the craft of translating myth and the origins of fairy tales, 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna Street, San Francisco, free, 12:30 (www.catranslation.org)
  • Two Voices Reading Series night of fairy tales, My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales, with editor Kate Bernheimer, poet/contributor Ilya Kaminsky, and folklore scholar Maria Tatar, Viracocha, 998 Valencia Street, San Francisco, $5, pre-order tickets at Brown Paper Tickets, 8:30 (415/374-7048, www.catranslation.org)
  • JCCSF presents novelist Christopher Buckley, Thank You for Smoking and They Eat Puppies, Don't They, in conversation with Litquake cofounder Jane Ganahl, Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street, San Francisco, $20/$17 members/$10 students, 7:00 (415/292-1200, jccsf.org)
  • Lindsey Hilsum reads from Sandstorm: Libya in the Time of Revolution, on the uprising and defeat of Colonel Gadaffi, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
    SOUTH:
  • The OFJCC presents behavioral economist Dan Ariely, Predictably Irrational and The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone--Especially Ourselves, Room F-401, Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, $15 door/$10 members, 7:30 (650/223-8692, icc @ paloaltojcc.org)
  • Poetry Santa Cruz presents a Favorite Poem Project Reading, each reader will have five minutes to read a favorite poem and talk about its significance for them, welcome to all readers, all ages, Corralitos Cultural Center, 127 Hames Road, Watsonville, $3, 7:30 (to read, call: 831/464-8983, www.poetrysantacruz.org)
  • Poets @ Play is an informal gathering for collaborating with fellow poets about works in progress, registration encouraged but not required, The Edwin Markham House, History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, 10:00 a.m. (www.pcsj.org)

13 JUNE 2012 — wednesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Joan Frank, In Envy Country, presents her new novel, Make It Stay, A Great Good Place for Books, 6120 LaSalle Avenue, Oakland, 7:30 (510/339-8210, greatgoodplace.indiebound.com)
  • Featured readers followed by an open reading, hosted by Dan Brady, Sacred Grounds Café, 2095 Hayes Street, San Francisco, sign up 7:00, reading 7:30-9:50 (415/387-3859, sacredpoets @ yahoo.com)
  • Stephanie Reents reads from The Kissing List, about a group of young women, their jobs, roommates, and failed relationships, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
    NORTH:
  • Center Literary Café open mic features a poetry reading by Brendan Constantine, Calamity Joe, Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson, Healdsburg, donation, 7:00-9:00 (707/696-1111, centerliterarycafe @ gmail.com)
  • Sunset Poetry by the Bay presents a poetry reading by Patti Trimble, Christina Hutchins, The Stranger Dissolves, and Francesca Bell, Sunset Poetry by the Bay at Studio 333, 333 Caledonia Street, Sausalito, 7:00-9:00 (415/331-8272, www.studio333.info)
    EAST:
  • Mahogany open mic poetry and music, all ages, $5, Queen Sheba Restaurant, 1704 Broadway at 17th Street, Sacramento, 9:00-11:00 (malikspeaks @ aol.com)

14 JUNE 2012 — thursday

    CENTRAL:
  • Poetry Flash presents a reading by Jessica Fisher and Margaret Ronda, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com; wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired may be requested a week in advance by email, editor@poetryflash.org)
  • Readers Poetry Series presents devorah major, Flying Inside the Evening Sky, and George Long, food and drink sales benefit San Francisco Public Library, Readers Café, Building C, South End, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, 6:30 (415/771-1011, www.readerscafe.org)
    NORTH:
  • Poetry by the Bay, a spoken word open mic, live bands and poets, hosted by Profet of ProfeticLyrics, Panama Red Coffee Co., 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, 7:30-9:30 (707/554-2100)
  • Poetry Slam hosted by Tazuo Yamaguchi, all ages, Café FLO, 365 6th Street, Chico, $6, 7:00-9:00 (www.chicopoetryslam.com)
    SOUTH:
  • SubRosa Open Mic, music, poetry, performance, SubRosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, donation $3-$7, sign up 7:30, show 8:00 (www.subrosaproject.org)
    EAST:
  • Poetry Unplugged presents an open mic before and after featured readers, hosted by Joe Montoya, Luna's Café and Juice Bar, 1414 16th Street, Sacramento, $2 or one drink minimum, 8:00 (916/441-3931, www.lunascafe.com)

15 JUNE 2012 — friday

    CENTRAL:
  • The Booksmith presents "Literary Clown Foolery," a 90-minute cabaret about Greek Tragedy that pushes the boundaries of good taste, drinks included, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, $10, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)

16 JUNE 2012 — saturday

    NORTH:
  • Elizabeth Percer reads from her debut novel An Uncommon Education, refreshments, The River Reader, 16355 Main Street, Guerneville, 7:00 (707/869-2240, riverreader @ gmail.com)
  • Sonoma County Poet Laureate emeritus Mike Tuggle hosts an open mic poetry circle, very short stories and poetry welcome, The River Reader, 16355 Main Street, Guerneville, 11:00 a.m. (707/869-2240, riverreader @ gmail.com)
    SOUTH:
  • Third Saturday Poetry with featured reader, M.Coffee, 522 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, 7:00 (650/726-6241)
    EAST:
  • Spit Fresh Poetry open mic, hosted by Pierre Butler, Downstairs Art Studio, The Arts Building, 808 Lincoln Way, Auburn, sign up 6:30, reading 7:00-10:00 (916/346-0955, gorillapoet @ hotmail.com, thehandsthatspeak @ hotmail.com, www.eskimopie.net/calendar.htm)

17 JUNE 2012 — sunday

    CENTRAL:
  • Poetry Flash presents a reading by Michelle Bitting, Brendan Constantine, and Joseph Lease, Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Avenue, Oakland, 3:00 (510/653-9965, dieselbookstore.com; wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired may be requested a week in advance by email, editor@poetryflash.org)
    NORTH:
  • "With the Earth: Community Poetry Reading," fifteen poets share their words on local wilderness, Julia Bartlett, Nancy Bertelsen, Nancy Cherry, Roert Coates, Martin Hickel, Brian Kirven, Carla Steinberg, Eden Trenor, Patti Trimble, Elizabeth Underwood, Devi Weisenberg, Arron Wilder, hosted by Patti Trimble, whose art work show, "Vanishing California," is currently exhibiting in GRO's Project Space Gallery, Gallery Route One, 11101 Highway One, downtown Point Reyes Station, 7:00 (415/663-1347, galleryrouteone.org)
    SOUTH:
  • Poet/Speak presents an open reading with featured reader to be announced, hosted by Joyce Keller, Main Library upstairs Meeting Room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, free, 2:00 (831/464-8983, www.poetrysantacruz.org )
    EAST:
  • Firehouse Arts Poetry Series presents Michael McLaughlin and Jim Curcuro, open mic for one-single-page-poem each reader follows, The Century, 2401 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, $5/students with ID free, 2:00-4:00 (925/399-5520, www.firehousearts.org )

18 JUNE 2012 — monday

    CENTRAL:
  • Bird & Beckett Books presents a poetry reading by Noel Black, Uselysses, Cralan Kelder, Give Some Word, and Sunnylyn Thibodeaux, Palm to Pine, open mic follows, Bird & Beckett Books, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, free, 7:00
  • Open Heart Poetry features a reading by Brendan Constantine, Calamity Joe, open mic, $5 minimum for tea or food, Om Shan Tea, 233 14th Street, San Francisco, 7:00 (888/747-8327)
  • Poetry Express presents an open mic night with featured readers, with hosts Jim Barnard, Nance Wogan, Odilia Galvan Rodriguez, and Jan Dederick, mention the reading for a ten percent meal discount, Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00 (poetryexpress @ gmail.com)
  • The Booksmith presents a reading by Sarah Terez Rosenblum, Herself When She's Missing, and Anna Pulley, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)

19 JUNE 2012 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Writer and media producer Noel Anderson Black, Uselysses, poets Brian Lucas, Circles Matter, and Cralan Kelder, Big Deal Rimbaud, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
  • KPFA presents activist Medea Benjamin, cofounder of CODEPINK and Global Exchange, reads from Drone Warfare: Killing by Remote Control, hosted by Laura Prives, The Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley, $15/$12 advance tickets at Pegasus Books, Mrs. Dalloway's, Moe's Books, Walden Pond, DIESEL, A Bookstore; and in San Francisco: Global Exchange, The Booksmith, Modern Times Bookstore, 7:30 (800/838-3006, www.kpfa.org/events)
  • Comedian Owen Egerton reads from his novel The Book of Harold, The Illegitimate Son of God, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Word Party poetry and jazz open mic, hosted by Jennifer Barone and Ingrid Keir, Viracocha, 998 Valencia Street, at 21st Street, San Francisco, $5, 8:00-10:30 (www.thewordparty.com)

20 JUNE 2012 — wednesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Carlos Aldama, one of the masters of the batá drum, and his student Umi Vaughan share stories from Carlos Aldama's Life in Batá: Cuba, Diaspora, and the Drum, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
  • Small Press Traffic presents the annual Leslie Scalapino Memorial Lecture in Twenty-First Century Poetics, delivered by Jalal Toufic, Lebanese artist, filmmaker, and author, details to be announced, San Francisco (smallpresstraffic.org)
  • The Booksmith presents a panel discussion of Notes from a Revolution Com/co, the Diggers & the Haight, moderated by Kristine McKenna, featuring Harvey Kornspan, Claude Hayward, and surprise guests, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 6:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
  • Featured readers followed by an open reading, hosted by Dan Brady, Sacred Grounds Café, 2095 Hayes Street, San Francisco, sign up 7:00, reading 7:30-9:50 (415/387-3859, sacredpoets @ yahoo.com)
  • Smack Dab Open Mic, all ages, all genders may perform five minutes or less, writing, music, comedy, or performance, Magnet, queer neighborhood health center, 4122 18th Street, San Francisco, free, sign up 7:30, show 8:00-9:30 (www.magnetsf.org)
    EAST:
  • Mahogany open mic poetry and music, all ages, $5, Queen Sheba Restaurant, 1704 Broadway at 17th Street, Sacramento, 9:00-11:00 (malikspeaks @ aol.com)
  • Nevada County Poetry Series, featured poets Phillip Larrea and Peter Pastoor, open mic follows, refreshments, The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main Street, Grass Valley, $5/$1 for those under 18, 7:30 (530/274-8384, www.thecenterforthearts.org)
  • Our House Gallery Poetry Series open mic, Our House Gallery, Montano de El Dorado Center, 1004 White Rock Road #400, Latrobe Road at White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, free, sign up by 7:00, 7:00-8:30 (916/933-4278, www.ourhousegallery.com)

21 JUNE 2012 — thursday

    CENTRAL:
  • Poetry Flash presents a reading by David Alpaugh and Kathleen Lynch, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com; wheelchair accessible, ASL interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired may be requested a week in advance by email, editor@poetryflash.org)
  • Christian Kiefer reads from his debut novel, The Infinite Tides, about an astronaut's return to earth and the loss he confronts, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylight.com)
  • Laura Glen Louis reads from her elegiac poetry, Some, like elephants, with electronic score by Silvia Matheus and visuals by William Thibault, in "Garden of Memory 2012," a "walk-through concert" to celebrate the summer solstice, Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, two performances: 6:00-7:00 and 8:00-9:00 (www.gardenofmemory.com)
  • Readers Poetry Series presents Brandon Loberg, poet and writer for The 16th and Mission Review, and Dave Lee, So Quietly the Earth, food and drink sales benefit San Francisco Public Library, Readers Café, Building C, South End, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, 6:30 (415/771-1011, www.readerscafe.org)
    NORTH:
  • Writers Forum of Petaluma presents a workshop with short story writer Stefanie Freele, "Developing the Distinct Character," writing exercises and discussion of the work of well-known fiction writers, Petaluma Community Center, 320 No. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, $15 at door, 7:00-9:00 (www.thewritespot.us)
  • Third Thursday Poetry Reading, open mic with a featured poet Claudia Dudley, Waters of the Afternoon: A Song in Three Voices, with live jazz, 215 Main Street, Point Arena, free, 7:30 (707/882-3114, 415/283-8204)
    SOUTH:
  • Novelist and essayist Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things, reads and signs her memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Capitola Book Café, 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola, book discussion at 6:00, reading at 7:30 (831/462-4415, capitolabookcafe.com; first twelve people who email Tamera will join Cheryl Strayed for a private book discussion beforehand)
  • Poetry reading with featured poet Len Anderson, Affection for the Unknowable, open reading follows, sponsored by Poetry Center San Jose, Willow Glen Library, 1157 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose, free, 7:00, (info @ pcsj.org, www.pcsj.org/calendar.html)
  • SubRosa Open Mic, music, poetry, performance, SubRosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, donation $3-$7, sign up 7:30, show 8:00 (www.subrosaproject.org)
    EAST:
  • Poetry reading by Brendan Constantine, Calamity Joe, and Trina L. Drotar, Time Tested Books, 1114 21st Street, Sacramento, 7:00
  • Sacramento Poetry Center presents Brown Bag Poetry with Mary Zeppa and Lawrence Dinkins, bring your favorite poems and lunch, Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento, free, noon (916/979-9706, www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org)
  • Poetry Night features a reading by Michelle Bitting, Notes to the Beloved, winner of the Sacramento Poetry Center Book Contest, and open mic, hosted by Andy Jones and produced by Brad Henderson, five minute open mic spots, John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 First Street, Davis, 8:00 (530/756-4556, poetryindavis.com)
  • Poetry Unplugged presents an open mic before and after featured readers, hosted by Joe Montoya, Luna's Café and Juice Bar, 1414 16th Street, Sacramento, $2 or one drink minimum, 8:00 (916/441-3931, www.lunascafe.com)

22 JUNE 2012 — friday

    CENTRAL:
  • Squaw Valley Community of Writers presents a reading event to benefit the Poetry Program's financial aid and scholarships, featured readers include poets Kazim Ali, Robert Hass, Sharon Olds, Claudia Rankine, and C.D. Wright, poets' books available for purchase and signing, Setzer Auditorium, Crocker Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento, tickets are $20 and $15 for students with ID, purchase at brownpapertickets.com, doors open at 6:30, event begins at 7:00 (877/537-8073, squawvalleywriters.org/benefit.html)

23 JUNE 2012 — saturday

    CENTRAL:
  • Calligraphy demonstration of Italic Calligraphy by Georgianna Greenwood, in conjunction with KALLI-GRAPHIA 13, an exhibition of contemporary calligraphy, broadsides, manuscript books, and three-dimensional pieces, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, San Francisco Main Library, Lower Level, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, free, 2:00-4:00 (415/557-4277, (sfpl.org)
  • Fourth Saturdays Poetry & Prose presents Mark Kockinos and the Revolutionary Poets' Brigade, hosted by Jeanne Lupton, open mic follows, refreshments, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, Alameda, 7:00-9:00 (www.frankbettecenter.org)
  • The Ecology Center presents “Strength in Diversity: The Poetry of Ecology,” a reading by Adam David Miller, The Sky is a Page, New and Selected Poems, Kim Shuck, Smuggling Cherokee, Jahan Khalighi, and Nakia “Precious Gift” Dillard, with a Youth Speaks Slam poet, hosted by Kirk Lumpkin, Third Floor Community Meeting Room, Berkeley Public Library, Central Branch, 2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, free, 2:00 (510/981-6150, www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org)
    NORTH:
  • Redwood Writers Open Mic, with featured reader Jennie Orvino, SoCo Coffee, 1015 4th Street, at Brookwood Drive, Santa Rosa, sign up 3:30, reading 4:00-6:00 (house @ bbooks.com; redwoodwriters.org)
  • The River Reader presents a Literary Lunch with Kenneth Brower reading from The Wildness Within: Remembering David Brower, benefits Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, $50 person/$80 per couple includes a signed copy and gourmet lunch, noon (707/869-2240, riverreader @ gmail.com; tickets at River Reader, Guerneville, or online at: www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/tickets.htm) ( www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/tickets.htm)
  • "With the Earth: Panel," poet and artist Patti Trimble, whose art work show, "Vanishing California," is currently exhibiting in GRO's Project Space Gallery; native plant expert Judith Larner Lowry, artist and educator Madeline Hope on her work in West Marin with children, art, and nature; and biologist Sarah Minnick on restoring habitat, followed by open discussion, Gallery Route One, 11101 Highway One, downtown Point Reyes Station, 7:30 (415/663-1347, galleryrouteone.org)
    SOUTH:
  • The Community Reading Series presents an open reading for poetry and prose, with featured reader Emalou King, Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter Street, Soquel, 2:00 (jww95010 @ aol.com)
  • A Garden of Poetry and Music presents a poetry reading by Beth Benjamin, Lisa Coffman, Farnaz Fatemi, Michael Hannon, Frances Hatfield, Stephen Meadows, Releasing the Days, and Lee Perron, sponsored by Friends of the UCSC Farm & Garden and the UCSC Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems, Alan Chadwick Garden, University of Santa Cruz campus, Santa Cruz, free, noon-2:00 (Martha Brown, 831/459-3376, mtbrown @ ucsc.edu; directions: casfs.ucsc.edu/about/directions-2)
    EAST:
  • Spit Fresh Poetry open mic, hosted by Pierre Butler, Downstairs Art Studio, The Arts Building, 808 Lincoln Way, Auburn, sign up 6:30, reading 7:00-10:00 (916/346-0955, gorillapoet @ hotmail.com, thehandsthatspeak @ hotmail.com, www.eskimopie.net/calendar.htm)

24 JUNE 2012 — sunday

    CENTRAL:
  • Starry Night Poetry Series presents a reading by Brendan Constantine, Calamity Joe, Lodi Public Library, 201 West Locust Street, Lodi, 3:00 (209/333-5566)
  • San Francisco Zen Center holds a Sunday Writing Studio with poet Genine Lentine, City Center Art Lounge, 300 Page Street, San Francisco, 4:00-6:00, $20/$18 members/$16 limited income (888/743-9362, 415/475-9362, www.sfzc.org)
    SOUTH:
  • The Oshman Family JCC presents humorists Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel in an onstage conversation about Lunatics, their new collaborative novel, moderated by Sam Barry, Dave's brother and band-mate, Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, $18-$30, 8:00-10:00 (650/223-8699, www.paloaltojcc.org/arts )

25 JUNE 2012 — monday

    CENTRAL:
  • Poetry Express presents an open mic night with featured readers, with hosts Jim Barnard, Nance Wogan, Odilia Galvan Rodriguez, and Jan Dederick, mention the reading for a ten percent meal discount, Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00 (poetryexpress @ gmail.com)
  • Award-winning novelist Sapphire, Push, reads from The Kid, Books Inc., 1344 Park Street, Alameda, free, 7:00 (510/522-2226, www.booksinc.net)

26 JUNE 2012 — tuesday

    CENTRAL:
  • City Lights and Litquake present a reading by novelist Alice LaPlante, Turn of Mind, Tosca Café, 242 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/986-9651, toscacafesf.com)
  • KPFA presents Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Chris Hedges reading from Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt, his collaboration with Joe Sacco, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and graphic artist on what happens when a society loses all sense of the sacred, when nothing has intrinsic worth beyond monetary value, King Middle School, 1781 Rose Street, Berkeley, $15, $12 advance tickets at Marcus Books, Mrs. Dalloway's, Moe's Books, Walden Pond, Diesel, A Bookstore, Modern Times Bookstore, 7:30 (800/838-3006, www.kpfa.org/events)
  • Colleen Morton Busch reads from Firemonks: Zen Mind Meets Wildfire to celebrate the paperback release, Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Avenue, Oakland, 7:00 (510/653-9965, dieselbookstore.com)
  • A reading by poet D.A. Powell from his new collection, Useless Landscape, or a Guide for Boys, and short story writer Catherine Brady, Curled in the Bed of Love, among other honors, both are Northern California Book Award winners, The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco, free, 7:30 (415/863-8688, www.booksmith.com)
    SOUTH:
  • The Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series presents The Front Street Poetry Group featuring Ellen Hart, The Cruel Ever After, John Laue, Paradise Lost, Joanna Martin, The Meaning of Wings, Dan Phillips, Spiritual Journaling, and Bernice Rendrick, Trainsong, East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington Street, Monterey, $5, 7:00 (www.eastvillagecoffeelounge.com/entertainment.html)

27 JUNE 2012 — wednesday

    CENTRAL:
  • Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges discusses Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt, on Camden, New Jersey, his new book with illustrator Joe Sacco, City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Avenue, at Broadway, San Francisco, 7:00 (415/362-4921, www.citylights.com)
  • Great Books Group discusses Nadine Gordimer's July's People, facilitated by Rosalie Gonzales, Edith Stone Room, Albany Library, 1247 Marin Avenue, Albany, 1:30-2:30 (510/526-3720, rdavis @ aclibrary.org)
  • Featured readers followed by an open reading, hosted by Dan Brady, Sacred Grounds Café, 2095 Hayes Street, San Francisco, sign up 7:00, reading 7:30-9:50 (415/387-3859, sacredpoets @ yahoo.com)
  • Bay Area Writing Project presents Lucille Lang Day, Marianne Betterly, Judy Bebelaar, Grace Marie Grafton, and Ruby Bernstein reading from Turning a Train of Thought Upside Down: An Anthology of Women's Poetry from the Bay Area Women's Poetry Salon, edited by Andrena Zawinski, Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby, at Adeline, across from Ashby BART, Berkeley, free, 5:30-7:00 (510/644-4930, www.expressionsgallery.org)
    EAST:
  • Mahogany open mic poetry and music, all ages, $5, Queen Sheba Restaurant, 1704 Broadway at 17th Street, Sacramento, 9:00-11:00 (malikspeaks @ aol.com)

28 JUNE 2012 — thursday

    CENTRAL:
  • Acclaimed Hungarian novelist Lázló Krasznahorkai, The Melancholy of Resistance, Animalinside, and more, reads from his selected works, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
  • Thursday at Readers Poetry Series presents poet/historical fiction writer Lorene Zarou-Zouzounis, Inquire Within, and local poet and critic Martin Hickel, food and drink sales benefit San Francisco Public Library, Readers Café, Building C, South End, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, 6:30 (415/771-1011, www.readerscafe.org)
    NORTH:
  • Writers Read presents artist and poet Jacquelyn Hewitt, open mic follows for poetry and prose, slots limited to six minutes, Art Center Ukiah's Corner Gallery, 201 South State Street, Ukiah, featured reading 7:00, open mic 8:00 (707/462-1400, artcenterukiah.org, coloredhorse.com/WritingPoetry/PoetryEvents)
  • Poetry by the Bay, a spoken word open mic, live bands and poets, hosted by Profet of ProfeticLyrics, Panama Red Coffee Co., 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo, 7:30-9:30 (707/554-2100)
  • Poetry Slam hosted by Tazuo Yamaguchi, all ages, Café FLO, 365 6th Street, Chico, $6, 7:00-9:00 (www.chicopoetryslam.com)
    SOUTH:
  • SubRosa Open Mic, music, poetry, performance, SubRosa, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, donation $3-$7, sign up 7:30, show 8:00 (www.subrosaproject.org)
    EAST:
  • Poetry Unplugged presents an open mic before and after featured readers, hosted by Joe Montoya, Luna's Café and Juice Bar, 1414 16th Street, Sacramento, $2 or one drink minimum, 8:00 (916/441-3931, www.lunascafe.com)

29 JUNE 2012 — friday

    CENTRAL:
  • San Francisco in BLOOM is a reading from the newest issue of the acclaimed queer literary journal BLOOM, with poets and writers Daphne Gottlieb, Brent Calderwood, Yinka Rose Reed-Nolan, Cheryl Dumensil, and editor Charles Flowers, signing follows; the evening is dedicated to the poet Adrienne Rich, Books Inc., 2275 Market Street, San Francisco, 7:30 (415/864-6777, www.booksinc.net)
    EAST:
  • Final Friday Open Mic is held often but irregularly, confirm before attending, featured poet plus open mic mostly for poetry, storytellers and song writers welcome, hosted by Oliah Kraft and Andy Fahrenwald. J&D's Back Room, Eureka just off Main, Sutter Creek, 7:00 (209/267-5967, allergic @ riseup.net)

30 JUNE 2012 — saturday

    CENTRAL:
  • Calligraphy demonstration of Edward Johnston's Foundational Script by Antonia Smith, in conjunction with KALLI-GRAPHIA 13, an exhibition of contemporary calligraphy, broadsides, and manuscript books, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room, San Francisco Main Library, Lower Level, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, free, 2:00-4:00 (415/557-4277, (sfpl.org)
  • Poetry reading by Larry Beresford, Family Poems, and Rose Mark, open mic follows, Florey's Book Company, 2120 Palmetto Avenue, Pacifica, 7:00-9:30 (650/355-8811, sherrirose-walker @ hotmail.com)
  • Poetry Discussion Group meets, bring a favorite poem by you or someone else, Meeting Room, El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante, 3:00-4:00 (510/374-3991, eweiss @ ccclib.org)
    NORTH:
  • A poetry reading by Benjamin Bloch, Narrows, and Joan Stepp Smith, In a Pasture with Palominos, open mic follows, refreshments, Rebound Bookstore, 1611 4th Street, San Rafael, free/donation, 4:00-6:00 (to sign up for open: 415/482-0550, www.reboundbookstore.com)
    EAST:
  • Spit Fresh Poetry open mic, hosted by Pierre Butler, Downstairs Art Studio, The Arts Building, 808 Lincoln Way, Auburn, sign up 6:30, reading 7:00-10:00 (916/346-0955, gorillapoet @ hotmail.com, www.eskimopie.net/calendar.htm)

< previous month  |  show all JUNE  |  next month >

© 1972-2021 Poetry Flash. All rights reserved.  |