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1 SEPTEMBER 2016 — thursday

NORTH:
• The EP Foster Library features Michael McLaughlin at its weekly poetry series hosted by Phil Taggart, Poet Laureate of Ventura County, open mic follows, share your own work, EP Foster Library in the Topping Room, 651 East Main Street, Ventura, free and open to the public, 7:30-9:00 (805/648-2716, www.vencolibrary.org)
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EAST:
• Poetry Night Reading Series features librarian-poet Nina Lindsay and architect-poety Rosa Lane, both of their new books are published by Sixteen Rivers Press, open mic follows with five-minute/two-poem limit, whichever is shorter, hosted by Dr. Andy Jones, Poet Laureate of the City of Davis, John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st Street, Davis, free, 8:00-10:00 (www.poetryindavis.com)
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2 SEPTEMBER 2016 — friday

CENTRAL:
• Beyond Words: Jazz + Poetry with impresario and haiku poet Amos White and musician Dillon Vado and friends, also featuring poets Bonnie Kwong, Candy Shue, DeWayne Dickerson, The California Jazz Conservatory, 2087 Addison Street, Berkeley, doors open 7:30, show 8:00 (cjc.edu)
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3 SEPTEMBER 2016 — saturday

CENTRAL:
• Expressions L.A. prose and poetry reading features Ryka Aoki and Milo Martin, plus open mic, Studio City Branch Public Library, 12511 Moorpark Street, Studio City, free, sign up 2:30, reading 3:00-5:00 (for more information, contact James Maverick: 323/920-5264, or expressionsreading@gmail.com)
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• "At Home on Earth," a Living Arts Magazine evening, features poets Judy Grahn, The Queen of Cups, and Brynn Saito, Power Made Us Swoon, with musician Anne Carol Mitchell and artist and painter Asia Morgenthaler, wine, water, and snacks, Art House Gallery & Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, sliding scale $10-$20, doors open 6:30, show begins 7:00 (www.facebook.com/events/1058147107606884)
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4 SEPTEMBER 2016 — sunday

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5 SEPTEMBER 2016 — monday

CENTRAL:
• Poetry Express presents a featured reader, plus an open reading, hosted by Jan Dedrick, Himalayan Flavors, 1585 University Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00-9:00 (PoetryExpress@gmail.com, poetryexpressberkeley.blogspot.com)
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6 SEPTEMBER 2016 — tuesday

CENTRAL:
• Pandemonium Press presents "Hot! New Books" featuring Brynn Saito, Richard Loranger, Rosa Lane, and Robert Coats, curated by Leila Rae, open mic follows, plus free drawing for book, broadsides, and Spice Monkey gift card, books available for sale at book table, first Tuesday of each month, The Loft at Spice Monkey, 1628 Webster Street, Oakland, free, 6:45-9:00 (pandemoniumpress@gmail.com)
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7 SEPTEMBER 2016 — wednesday

CENTRAL:
• The Holloway Series in Poetry presents its Annual Faculty Reading featuring poet-professors C.S. Giscombe, Robert Hass, Lyn Hejinian, Geoffrey G. O'Brien, and John Shoptaw, joined by Mary Szybist, this year's Holloway Lecturer in Poetry and Poetics, University of California campus, Hearst Field Annex, Room D37, off Bancroft Way, Berkeley, free and open to the public, 6:30 (hollowayreadingseries.wordpress.com)
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8 SEPTEMBER 2016 — thursday

CENTRAL:
• The SFSU Poetry Center presents a poetry reading with Tongo Eisen-Martin and Jasmine Gibson, a conversation with the poets follows, Humanities Building, Room 512, Poetry Center, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/338-2227, poetry.sfsu.edu)
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• The Justin Chin Tribute celebrates the release of Justin Chin: Selected Works, featuring a reading from the the late writer's work by fellow poets and writers Kevin Killian, Rabih Alameddine, Henry Machtay, Larry-Bob Roberts, Thea Hillman, Maw Shein Win, Alvin Orloff, and Daphne Gottlieb, hosted by Jennifer Joseph, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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• "PACES: dance & poetry fit to the space performance" based on Alan Bern's greater distance and other poems; Bern reads from the book as he and dancer/choreographer Lucinda Weaver perform a dance/poetry collaboration based on a poem from the book, "Dialogue," a dramatic dialogue between Hildegard of Bingen and St. Francis of Assisi, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
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• The Poetry Circle monthly participation-based reading, bring original work or poems from any person, period, or place, Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Avenue, Berkeley, free, 6:30 (510/981-6820, www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/events/poetry-circle)
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NORTH:
• Why There Are Words award-winning literary reading series features a reading on the theme of "Everybody Knows," with travel writer Mardith Louisell; novelist Elizabeth McKenzie, The Portable Veblen; writer and Entropy contributing editor Linda Michel-Cassidy; fiction writer Ed Porter; poet Mathew Siegel, Blood Work; S. Frances Stroh, Beer Money: A Memoir of Privilege and Loss, host of the Stranger Than Fiction reading series; poet and fiction writer Anastacia Tolbert; and novelist Heather Young, The Lost Girls; every second Thursday of the month, curated by founder Peg Alford Fursell, Studio 333, 333 Caledonia Street, Sausalito, $10 cash or check, doors open 7:00, reading 7:15 (www.whytherearewords.com.com)
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9 SEPTEMBER 2016 — friday

CENTRAL:
• Last Word Reading Series presents a poetry reading by Jeanne Lupton, Carla Kandinsky, Invasions, and Geores Buttner, plus open reading, co-hosts are Dale Jensen, Ralph Dranow, John Rowe, and Grace Grafton, Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Avenue, north of Hearst, Berkeley, free but a one-drink or one-plate minimum is requested, 7:00-9:00 (Caffe: 510/841-6374)
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10 SEPTEMBER 2016 — saturday

CENTRAL:
• Oakland book release party and reading for Choreography of Nests, poems by Ingrid Keir, with a poetry reading by Ingrid Keir, Richard Loranger, and Jennifer Barone, with live music, Octopus Literary Salon, 2101 Webster Street, Oakland, 5:00-7:00 (510/844-4120, oaklandoctopus.org)
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• Writers with Drinks! features novelist Anuradha Roy, Sleeping on Jupiter, novelist Margaret Wappler, Neon Green, poet Hollie Hardy, How To Take a Bullet, And Other Survival Poems, urban fantasy writer and debut novelist Na'amen Gobert Tilahun, The Root, comedian Dominique Gelin, short fiction writer Curtis Chen, Waypoint Kangaroo, with host Charlie Jane Anders, proceeds benefit the Center for Sex and Culture, The Make-Out Room, 3223 22nd Street, San Francisco, $5-$20, doors open 6:30, show 7:30-9:30 (www.writerswithdrinks.com)
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• Rumi's Caravan Returns to Oakland with "A Poetic Converstion," a recitation of world poetry weaving together poems by Rumi, Hafez, Machado, Rilke, Yeats, Mary Oliver, Joy Harjo, Naomi Shihab Nye, David Whyte, and other poets, with presenters Doug Von Koss, Barry and Maya Spector, Larry Robinson, Kay Crista, and Carol Bower Foote, with musicians Christine Tulis and Kem Stone, the performance benefits the local nonprofit Middle East Children's Alliance, Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, $15 advance/$25 at the door, doors open 6:30, show 7:00 (650/327-5493, for advance tickets, mail check to: Barry Spector, 685-1/2 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611, or to use PayPal, email barry@madnessatthegates.com, www.rumiscaravan.com)
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• Rolling Writers Doubles,"R-Dub Doubles," is a special conceptual reading and musical performance in which poets and writers pair up to read and interpret each other's work, and singer-songwriters pair up to cover each other's songs, featuring readers and performers Maw Shein Win, new El Cerritto Poet Laureate, and Heather Bourbeau; Peter Bullen and James Warner; poets Rebecca Foust and Terry Lucas; Anne Raeff and novelist Lori Ostlund; singer/songwriters Steven Kacsmar (frontman of Phantom City) and Michael Crabtree, no open mic tonight, Rolling Out Café, 1722 Taraval Avenue, San Francisco, 6:30 (rollingwriters.blogspot.com)
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NORTH:
• CORE features Santa Barbara poet Glenna Luschei, The Sky is Shooting Blue Arrows, and Ventura poet Shelley Savren, The Wild Shine of Oranges, host Michael McLaughlin, CORE Winery Tasting Room, 105 W. Clark Avenue, Old Orcutt, free, 8:00 (805/937-1600, mycalmac0@gmail.com)
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11 SEPTEMBER 2016 — sunday

CENTRAL:
• Poetry reading by Susan Cohen, A Different Wakeful Animal, and Chana Bloch, Swimming in the Rain: New and Selected Poems, 1980-2015, Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 653 Chenery Street, Glen Park, San Francisco, 2:00-4:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com)
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• Poetry Flash presents a poetry reading by Susanne Dyckman, A Dark Ordinary, and Elizabeth Robinson, request ASL interpreters one week in advance from editor@poetryflash.org, wheelchair accessible, Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Avenue, Oakland, 3:00 (510/653-9965, dieselbookstore.com)
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• Valona Deli presents a poetry reading by Mary Mackey, Sugar Zone, and Bill Mayer, A Truce with Fantasy, open mic follows, hosted by Connie Post, the poetry is followed by the Terry Henry Jazz Trio, Valona Deli, 1323 Pomona Street, Crockett, 3:00, open mic starts about 4:00 (510/787-2022, connie@poetrypost.com)
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• Rattle Reading Series features the last three Rattle Poetry Prize winners: Roberto Ascalon, "The Fire This Time," Tiana Clark, "Equilibrium," and Craig van Rooyen, "Waiting in Vain," always an open mic, bring a poem or two, ample parking, coffee shop on site, Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada-Flintridge, free, 5:00 (www.flintridgebooks.com)
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• Book publication party and reading for Adam Soldofsky's new poetry chapbook, Memory Foam, with Disorder Press editors Mikela and Joseph Grantham, with music by TRKRNR, DJ Jenicyde, Adobe Books, 3130 24th Street, San Francisco, 3:30-6:30 (disorderpress.com/store/memory-foam-by-adam-soldolfsky)
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• Bay Area Writing Project reading features the Temescal Memoir Writers: Michelle McAfee, Sharon Metzler Dow, Regina Bediako, Judy Belcher, Marianne Goldsmith, Hiuroku Kurihara, Ellen Levin, and Johana West, with BAWP member Marty Williams, hosted by Judy Bebelaar, open mic precedes the reading, refreshments; the Bay Area Wrirting Project is a collaborative program between UC Berkeley and Bay Area schools dedicated to improving writing and teaching at all levels, Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, free, 3:00-4:30 (judy@judybebelaar.com, www,bayareawritingproject.org)
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12 SEPTEMBER 2016 — monday

CENTRAL:
• OMERTAPALOOZA! presents a reading series in celebration of its tenth anniversary featuring Omerta authors David Anderson, Brue Kawin, and Bill Zavatsky, Bird & Beckett Books, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, 2:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com )
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• Poetry Express presents Catharine Lucas, plus an open reading, hosted by Jim Barnard, Himalayan Flavors, 1585 University Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00-9:00 (PoetryExpress@gmail.com, poetryexpressberkeley.blogspot.com)
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• The Arion Press and Grabhorn Institute present a talk by scholar and translator Mark Polizzotti on the last novel of Gustave Flaubert, Boucard & Pécuchet, Polizzot is the biographer of André Breton, co-sponsored by Center for the Art of Translation, Arion Press, 1802 Hays Street, The Presidio, San Francisco, reception 5:00, talk 6:00 (RSVP: 415/668-2542, grabhorn@arionpress.com)
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13 SEPTEMBER 2016 — tuesday

CENTRAL:
• Poetry at the Albany Library features a reading by Rebecca Black to celebrate her new position as Albany's poet laureate, an open mic follows, hosted by Catherine Taylor, Albany Library, Edith Stone Room, 1247 Marin Avenue, Albany, free, 7:00-9:00 (510/526-3720, albanylibrary.wordpress.com)
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• Prize-winning poet Marie Ponsot, author of six previous collections, reads from Collected Poems, a showcase of her stunning life's work, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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• Redondo Poets feature Mike Watts, hosted by Jim Doane and Larry Colker, this weekly poetry reading always includes an open mic before and after the featured reader, Coffee Cartel, 1820 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, 8:10 (310/316-6554)
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NORTH:
• Poetry reading with Julie Rogers, Street Warp, and David Meltzer, When I Was a Poet, a celebration for their fifth wedding anniversary, book signing to follow, free, 7:00 (www.marinlibrary.org/stinson-beach)
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14 SEPTEMBER 2016 — wednesday

CENTRAL:
• Writer/journalist Jeff Chang and Rebecca Solnit discuss his new book, We Gon' Be Alright: Notes on Race and Resegregation, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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NORTH:
• Spocabulary presents performance poetry workshop and open mic, with host Aaron Garnder, every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, EP Foster Library in the Topping Room, 651 East Main Street, Ventura, free and open to the public, workshop 7:00, open mic 8:00 (805/648-2716, www.vencolibrary.org)
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15 SEPTEMBER 2016 — thursday

CENTRAL:
• The SFSU Poetry Center presents a poetry reading with Bay Area poets Samantha Giles, the forthcoming origin, and Angela Hume, Middle Time, a conversation with the poets follows, Humanities Building, Room 512, Poetry Center, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00-8:30 (415/338-2227, poetry.sfsu.edu)
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• Pegasus presents a one-hour staged distillation of Othello, second of Shakespeare's most acclaimed tragedies, directed by Colin Johnson, starring Stanley Spenger, Stuart Elwyn Hall, Joe Christiano, Suraya Kating, and Holly Bradshaw, Pegasus Books on Solano, 1855 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:30 (510/525-6888, www.pegasusbookstore.com)
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NORTH:
• The EP Foster Library features Marguerite Costigan at its weekly poetry series hosted by Phil Taggart, Poet Laureate of Ventura County, open mic follows, share your own work, EP Foster Library in the Topping Room, 651 East Main Street, Ventura, free and open to the public, 7:30-9:00 (805/648-2716, www.vencolibrary.org)
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• Third Thursday Poetry & Jazz Improv Reading Series features Prartho Sereno, Marin County Poet Laureate, hosted by blake more, reading begins with live jazz by local musicians and an open mic with jazz improv, 215 Main Pub, 215 Main Street, Point Arena, free, 7:30 (707/884-9189, blake@snakelyone.com, www.facebook.com/215main)
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• Writers Forum presents a workshop with Julia Park Tracey, Poet Laureate of Alameda, novelist, biographer, as well as poet, bring paper and pen, Petaluma Community Center, 320 No. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, $15 at the door, 6:30-8:30 (www.thewritespot.us)
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EAST:
• Poetry Night Reading Series features poet and prose writer Richard Loranger, Sudden Windows, open mic follows with five-minute/two-poem limit, whichever is shorter, hosted by Dr. Andy Jones, Poet Laureate of the City of Davis, John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st Street, Davis, free, 8:00-10:00 (www.poetryindavis.com)
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16 SEPTEMBER 2016 — friday

CENTRAL:
• Book release party and reading for Choreography of Nests, poems by Ingrid Keir, with a poetry reading by Ingrid Keir, Jennifer Barone, and live music by Jeff Desira, Alley Cat Books, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco, 7:00-9:00 (415/824-1761, www.alleycatbookshop.com)
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• Expressions Art Gallery Reading presents a featured reading by poets Judy Wells, The Glass Ship, and Dale Jensen, Yew Nork, plus open mic, refreshments, Expressions Art Gallery, 2035 Ashby Avenue, near the Ashby BART station, Berkeley, 7:00 (510/644-4930, www.expressionsgallery.org)
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17 SEPTEMBER 2016 — saturday

CENTRAL:
• The Beat Museum's Ninth Annual Poetry Festival presents readings for two days, Saturday and Sunday, by Avotcja, Blake More, Bob Dickerson, Kevin Arnold, Carrie Hechtman, Carl Macki, Carol Denney, Chris Olander, Clive Matson, Dale Jensen, Esther Kamkar, Judy Wells, Lee Rossi, Peter Neil Carroll, Gary Horsman, Gwynn O'Gara, Jack Foley (with Helen Wendy Loo), Joe Cottonwood, Justice Morrighan, Jym Marks, Kim Shuck, Gaetana Caldwell-Smith, Q.R. Hand, Kirk Lumpkin, Mary D. Winegarden, Maurine Killough, Peter Sherburn-Zimmer, Philip Hackett, Sarah Kobrinsky, Tracey Knapp, William Taylor, Jr., Word Music Continuum, with co-hosts Terry Adams, Fred Dodsworth, and Leah Lubin, The Beat Museum, 540 Broadway, at Columbus, North Beach, San Francisco, free, 1:00-6:00 (www.kerouac.com)
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• On the Road with the Poet Laureate: Dana Gioia's 58-County Tour Across California presents The Third Annual Golden Bridge Festival, an evening of choral music with Honorary Guests and Patrons Stephen Fry, Dana Gioia, Poet Laureate of California, and composer Morten Lauridsen, Artistic Director Suzi Digby, wine reception to follow, in partnership with the California Arts Council, the California Center for the Book, and the California State Library, All Saints Episcopal Church, 504 North Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, free will offering/$25 suggested donation, 8:00-10:30 (http://www.capoetlaureate.net, https://calartscouncil.wordpress.com/2016/09/06/guest-post-on-the-road-as-poet-laureate)
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• Expressions L.A. prose and poetry reading features Rick Overton and Tucker Smallwood, plus open mic, Studio City Branch Public Library, 12511 Moorpark Street, Studio City, free, sign up 2:30, reading 3:00-5:00 (for more information, contact James Maverick: 323/920-5264, or expressionsreading@gmail.com)
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18 SEPTEMBER 2016 — sunday

CENTRAL:
• The Beat Museum's Ninth Annual Poetry Festival presents readings for two days, Saturday and Sunday, by Avotcja, Blake More, Bob Dickerson, Kevin Arnold, Carrie Hechtman, Carl Macki, Carol Denney, Chris Olander, Clive Matson, Dale Jensen, Esther Kamkar, Judy Wells, Lee Rossi, Peter Neil Carroll, Gary Horsman, Gwynn O'Gara, Jack Foley (with Helen Wendy Loo), Joe Cottonwood, Justice Morrighan, Jym Marks, Kim Shuck, Gaetana Caldwell-Smith, Q.R. Hand, Kirk Lumpkin, Mary D. Winegarden, Maurine Killough, Peter Sherburn-Zimmer, Philip Hackett, Sarah Kobrinsky, Tracey Knapp, William Taylor, Jr., Word Music Continuum, with co-hosts Terry Adams, Fred Dodsworth, and Leah Lubin, The Beat Museum, 540 Broadway, at Columbus, North Beach, San Francisco, free, 1:00-6:00 (www.kerouac.com)
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• OMERTAPALOOZA! presents a reading series in celebration of its tenth anniversary, today's event: An Afternoon with Diane di Prima, Bird & Beckett Books, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, free, 2:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com )
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• Sixth annual POETS 11 Branch Readings are held in neighborhoods all over San Francisco, local contributors selected from a citywide Friends of the San Francisco Public Library poetry contest will read; this is the final event of the season, curated by FSPL Poet-in-Residence Jack Hirschman, Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Public Library, Civic Center, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, 1:00-4:00 (415/557-4400, katherine.jardine@frieendssfpl.org, www.friendssfpl.org)
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NORTH:
• End of Summer Celebration of Poetry and Prose features a reading by fiction writer Molly Giles, poet Kathy Evans, and Lannan Award-winning poet Tom Centolella, Almost Human, open mic follows with a two- to three-minute limit, Trek Winery Patio, 1026 Machin Avenue, two blocks from downtown Novato, $10, 3:00 (Trek Winery: 415/899-9883; information: savesongbirds@yahoo.com)
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• Corners of the Mouth monthly poetry reading presents two featured poets from San Luis Obispo, John Hampsay and Will Jones, hosted by Kevin Patrick Sullivan and Patti Sullivan, open reading to follow, five-minute limit to read your original work, Linnaea's Café, 1110 Garden Street, San Luis Obispo, free, 7:00 (www.languageofthesoul.org)
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• The 21st Annual Petaluma Poetry Walk presents a full-day of readings in a walk from venue to venue in downtown Petaluma: 11:00 a.m.: Barbara Swift Brauer, At Ease in the Borrowed World, Nina Lindsay, Because, and Dave Seter, with emcee Terry Ehret, Seed Bank, 199 Petaluma Blvd. North, at Washington; Noon: Jeanne Lupton, Ed Mycue, Song of San Francisco, Cathryn Shea, Snap Bean, emcee Sande Anfang, Riverfront Art Gallery, 132 Petaluma Blvd. North; 1:00: Duane Big Eagle, Kevin Gunn, Livermore Poet Laureate, Connie Post, Floodwater, North Bay Cafe, 25 Petaluma Blvd, South; 2:00:Dominican Republic-born artist and poet Ms. Noris Binet, Juanita J. Martin, Fairfield's first Poet Laureate, and Daniel Michael McKenzie, Lala's Creamery, 134 Petaluma Blvd, North; 3:00: Al Young, California Poet Laureate Emeritus, A.D. Winans, emcee Gwynn O'Gara, Copperfield's Books, 140 Kentucky Street; 4:00: Geri Digiorno, Petaluma Poetry Walk founder-director, Rebecca Foust, Paradise Drive, Mike Tuggle, The Motioning In, The Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington Street; 5:00: Sonoma County Poet Laureate Iris Jamahl Dunkle, There's a Ghost in this Machine of Air, reading with student poets, emcee John Johnson, Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 4th Street; 6:00: Playwright and poet J.R. Brady, The Space Between, Erica Goss, Poet Laureate of Los Gatos, California, Israeli-born artist and author Leah Lubin, singer and poet Karen Melander Magoon, and Susan Weinstein, emcee David Madgalene, Aqus Café, 189 H Street (this venue is much farther away, prepare for a longer walk or drive to this one); Petaluma, free, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 (petalumapoetrywalk.org)
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SOUTH:
• Breaking Borders: San Jose Poetry Festival 2016, featuring Alejandro Murguía, San Francisco Poet Laureate; Arlene Biala, Santa Clara County Poet Laureate; Sally Ashton, former Santa Clara County Poet Laureate; and many more local and regional poets, with Small Press Fair; spoken word performances; "Veterans Write"; "Words & Music" features Diane Frank, accompanied by cellist Eric Levins; Charlotte Muse presents a segment on how poetry inspires "The Senses," "The Borders of Ecstasy" features poets Mark Heinlein and Pranita Patel; "World Poetry" readings in original languages and translation, curated by Pushpa MacFarlane; "Scientist Poets" with Len Anderson; "Youth Poetry" features high school poets led by Dennis Richardson, Poetry Workshops: "Surreal Poetry" with Tresha Haefner Rubinstein; "Revision" with Dean Rader, "Building a Poem—Word by Word" with Tim Myers; "How to Read a Poem" with Nils Peterson; "Self Publishing" with Diane Moomey; "Journal Submission" with Kelly Cressio-Moeller, History Park San Jose, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, $20/$15 PCSJ members/$5 students, priority for limited festival seating will be given to advance ticket holders and registrants from www.eventbrite.com, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 (www.pcsj.org/festival)
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19 SEPTEMBER 2016 — monday

CENTRAL:
• Poetry reading by Jennifer Barone and Cara Vida, with music, open mic follows, hosted by Jerry Ferraz, Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 653 Chenery Street, Glen Park, San Francisco, 7:00-9:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com)
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• Poetry Express presents James Cagney, plus an open reading, hosted by Liz Alford, Himalayan Flavors, 1585 University Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00-9:00 (PoetryExpress@gmail.com, poetryexpressberkeley.blogspot.com)
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• City Arts & Lectures presents New Yorker staff writer and CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, American Heiress: The Wild Saga of Patty Hearst, in conversation with David Talbot, Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco, $29, 7:30 (415/563-2463, www.cityarts.net)
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20 SEPTEMBER 2016 — tuesday

CENTRAL:
• Micah Ballard, Afterlives, and Garrett Caples, Power Ballads, read from their new books of poetry, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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• Redondo Poets feature Eric Howard, hosted by Jim Doane and Larry Colker, this weekly poetry reading always includes an open mic before and after the featured reader, Coffee Cartel, 1820 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, 8:10 (310/316-6554)
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• Readers Poetry Series featuring Jeanne Powell, Word Dancing, in a reading and booksigning, with Tony Robles, North Beach Library, 850 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 6:00-7:45 (415/355-5626, sfpl.org)
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21 SEPTEMBER 2016 — wednesday

CENTRAL:
• Lyrics & Dirges presents a reading by poets Rosa Lane, Tiller North, Nina Lindsay, Because, memorist Jackie Graves, spoken word poet Sandra García Rivera, poet and neuroscientist Pireeni Sundaralingam, with an opening by novelist and rock climber C.B. Lee, Seven Tears at High Tide, hosted and curated by Sharon Coleman, free refreshments, Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (www.pegasusbookstore.com)
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• Tim Murphy reads from his critically acclaimed novel, Christodora, a story of characters whose fates intertwine on the backdrop of an iconic building in Manhattan's Lower East Side, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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• City Arts & Lectures presents novelist Ann Patchett, Bel Canto, in conversation with Roy Eisenhardt, "On Arts" series benefits 826 Valencia Scholarship Program, Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco, $29, 7:30 (415/563-2463, www.cityarts.net)
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SOUTH:
• Creative Writers Series presents a poetry reading, reception, and book signing by poet and translator Lisa Allen Ortiz, Guide to the Exhibit, winner of the Perugia Press Prize 2016, and Amy MacLennan, The Body, A Tree, her work was recently featured on The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor, Notre Dame de Namur University, Wiegand Gallery, 1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, parking in the NDNU main lot or in the Notre Dame High School lot, 7:30 (information: jberger@ndnu.edu)
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22 SEPTEMBER 2016 — thursday

CENTRAL:
• Mel Gordon in conversation with Russell Blackwood on the expanded edition of his classic outré books Theatre of Fear & Horror: The Grisly Spectacle of the Grand Guignol of Paris, 1897-1962, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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• Poetry Flash presents an Apogee Press poetry reading by Pattie McCarthy, Denise Newman, and Laura Walker, request ASL interpreters one week in advance at editor@poetryflash.org, wheelchair accessible, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
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• The Holloway Series in Poetry features Mary Szybist, this year's Holloway Lecturer in Poetry and Poetics and recipient of the 2013 National Book Award for poetry, University of California campus, Hearst Field Annex, Room D37, off Bancroft Way, Berkeley, free and open to the public, 6:30 (hollowayreadingseries.wordpress.com)
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NORTH:
• The EP Foster Library features an all open mic at its weekly poetry series hosted by Phil Taggart, Poet Laureate of Ventura County, share your own work, EP Foster Library in the Topping Room, 651 East Main Street, Ventura, free and open to the public, 7:30-9:00 (805/648-2716, www.vencolibrary.org)
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23 SEPTEMBER 2016 — friday

CENTRAL:
• Book release party for Cesar Love's new book of poems, Birthright, the night's festivities include readings by poets Maurisa Thompson, Kim Shuck, and Gerardo Pacheco, music by Daniel Flores, Alley Cat Books, 3036 24th Street, Mission District, San Francisco, free, 7:00-9:00 (415/824-1761, (alleycatbookshop.com)
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• Barrett Watten, author of Questions of Poetics: Language writing and Consequences, reading with Q&A, wheelchair accessible, Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, free, 7:30 (510/849-2087, www.moesbooks.com)
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24 SEPTEMBER 2016 — saturday

CENTRAL:
• 100 Thousand Poets for Change in El Cerrito, with poets Heather Bourbeau, Derek Lassiter, Mari L'Esperance, Kirk Lumpkin, Peggy Morrison, and Tess Taylor, curated by El Cerrito poet laureate Maw Shein Win, The Scene, 10700 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, free, 3:00-5:00 (elcerritopoet@gmail.com, http://www.100TPC.org)
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• 100 Thousand Poets for Change with poets from the Bay Area including the Revolutionary Poets Brigade, voices for labor, human rights, and justice, featuring Dee Allen, Dan Brady, Kristina Brown, John Curl, David Giesen, Gary Hicks, Clara Hsu, Barbara Paschke, Karen Melander-Magoon, Nina Serrano, David Volpendesta, and more, Unitarian Universalist Center, King Room, 1187 Franklin, at Geary, San Francisco, 7:00 (http://www.100TPC.org)
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• 100 Thousand Poets for Change in Alameda, with poets Louis Cuneo, Lourdes Figueroa, Vernon Keeve III, Sarah Kobrinsky, Indigo Moor, John Shoptaw, and Kim Shuck, curated by Sharon Coleman, hosted by Jeanne Lupton, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, Alameda, 7:00-9:00 (elcerritopoet@gmail.com, http://www.100TPC.org)
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• Bill Berkson Memorial Tribute: Bay Area poets and artists gather to pay homage to poet, art writer, and teacher Bill Berkson, to read his work, share stories and farewells, co-sponsored by The Poetry Center and The Green Arcade, hosted by McRoskey Mattress Company, 1687 Market Street, at Gough, Third Floor, San Francisco, free, 7:00-10:00 (415/338-2227, poetry.sfsu.edu)
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• The Ina Coolbrith Circle presents "Veterans Writing on Military Life" with Dr. Jim Ott, a special program on the power of expressive writing as a means of assisting post 9-11 veterans to make meaning from their military experiences and their transition back to civilian life, The Ina Coolbrith Circle meets monthly, September through May, Lafayette/Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, free with membership, 2:00 http://www.coolpoetry.org)
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• Bay Area Poetry Marathon presents a 100,000 Poets for Change reading, curated by BAPM series curator Donna de la Perrière, and featuring Xochiquetzal Candelaria, Aja Couchois Duncan, Edward Foster, Tonya Foster, Kit Schluter, Alicia Franco, Arisa White, and Al Young, Alley Cat Books, 3036 24th Street, between Harrison and Treat, San Francisco, doors open 6:30, reading 7:00 sharp (415/824-1761, bayareapoetrymarathon.net/2016/08/11/2016100tpcbapmeventsept24)
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NORTH:
• WordTemple presents a book release party, with poet Lee Slonimsky, Consulting With the Swifts: New and Selected Poems, 1982-2016, and former Sonoma County Poet Laureate Katherine Hastings, Shakespeare & Stein Walk Into a Bar, opening poet is Sandra Anfang, Looking Glass Heart, founder and host of the Rivertown Poets series, introductions by Sonoma County Poet Laureate Iris Jamahl Dunkle, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High Street, Sebastopol, free, 7:00 (www.wordtemple.com)
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EAST:
• 100,000 Poets for Change Poetry reading all-day reading, plus release party and reading for Sacramento Voices Anthology 2016, Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th Street, Sacramento, start and end times to be determined (916/240-1897, www.sacramentopoetrycenter.com)
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25 SEPTEMBER 2016 — sunday

• No events listed for this date. Find out how to submit your event listing.

26 SEPTEMBER 2016 — monday

CENTRAL:
• Bay Area Generations presents writers of different generations in pairs, featuring Paul-Corman Roberts and Christine No, Norma Smith and Kelechi Ubozoh, Indiana Pehlivanova and G. Macias Guzman, Dennis Estrada and Dezzy Hatter, with a special appearance by jazz fusion saxophonist George Brooks, this is a submission-based reading series, see guidelines on their website, full bar, Hotel Rex, 562 Sutter Street, San Francisco, $7, admission with chapbook of readers $10, doors open 7:00, show 7:30 (Hotel Rex: 415/433-4434, bayareagenerations.com)
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• Poetry Express presents an open reading on the writing prompt "Here Comes The Judge"; Prompt Nights "the group nominates a work which then is eligible for publication in our online magazine at the end of the year," hosted by Liz Alford, Himalayan Flavors, 1585 University Avenue, Berkeley, 7:00-9:00 (PoetryExpress@gmail.com, poetryexpressberkeley.blogspot.com)
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• OMERTAPALOOZA! presents a reading series in celebration of its tenth anniversary featuring Omerta authors, the POTUS and FLOTUS of poetry, David Meltzer and Julie Rogers, with music by Bill Crossman and Zan Stewart, Bird & Beckett Books, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com )
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• One of Kenyan's leading writers and scholars Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o reads from and discusses his new memoir, Birth of a Dream Weaver: A Writer's Awakening, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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27 SEPTEMBER 2016 — tuesday

CENTRAL:
• Release party for ZYZZYVA: Fall 2016 Issue, with readings by Christopher Adamson, Heather Altfeld, Ann Cummins, novelist Lori Ostlund, and Austen Leah Rosenfeld, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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• Redondo Poets feature John Gardiner, hosted by Jim Doane and Larry Colker, this weekly poetry reading always includes an open mic before and after the featured reader, Coffee Cartel, 1820 S. Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, 8:10 (310/316-6554)
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• Happy Hour Stories: Solano's Story Time for Adults, short stories on a theme are read by Pegasus employees and friends, refreshments served, every last Tuesday, Pegasus Books on Solano, 1855 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, free, 8:45 (510/525-6888, www.pegasusbookstore.com)
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• City Arts & Lectures presents fiction and nonfiction author Jonathan Safran Foer Here I Am, in conversation with Steven Winn, "On Arts" series benefits 826 Valencia Scholarship Program, Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco, $29, 7:30 (415/563-2463, www.cityarts.net)
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28 SEPTEMBER 2016 — wednesday

CENTRAL:
• Multispecies feminist theorist Donna J. Haraway discusses the subject of her new book, Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene, provocative new ways to reconfigure our relations to the earth and all its inhabitants, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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NORTH:
• Spocabulary presents performance poetry workshop and open mic, with host Aaron Garnder, every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, EP Foster Library in the Topping Room, 651 East Main Street, Ventura, free and open to the public, workshop 7:00, open mic 8:00 (805/648-2716, www.vencolibrary.org)
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29 SEPTEMBER 2016 — thursday

CENTRAL:
• The SFSU Poetry Center presents a poetry reading with Bay Area poets Jennifer Foerster and Orlando White, co-sponsored by The Poetry Center, SFSSU Fine Arts Gallery, and American Indian Studies in conjuction with the exhibition, "When I Remember I See Red: California Contemporary Native American Art," Fine Arts Gallery, Fine Arts 238, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, free, 7:00-8:30 (415/338-2227, poetry.sfsu.edu)
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• HOT BOOKS Inaugural Party celebrates short format, topical subjects addressed in depth, featuring new books by Rebecca Gordon, American Nuremberg: The U.S. Officials Who Should Stand Trial for Post-9/11 War Crimes, Nicholas Schou, Spooked: How the CIA Manipulates the Media and Hoodwinks Hollywood, and Alexander Zaitchik The Glided Rage: A Wild Ride Through Donald Trump's America, hosted by David Talbot, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 (415/362-8193, www.citylights.com)
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• The Holloway Series in Poetry features poet George Stanley, University of California campus, Hearst Field Annex, Room D37, off Bancroft Way, Berkeley, free and open to the public, 6:30 (hollowayreadingseries.wordpress.com)
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NORTH:
• The EP Foster Library features Diana Sousa and Lisa Coffman at its weekly poetry series hosted by Phil Taggart, Poet Laureate of Ventura County, open mic follows, share your own work, EP Foster Library in the Topping Room, 651 East Main Street, Ventura, free and open to the public, 7:30-9:00 (805/648-2716, www.vencolibrary.org)
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30 SEPTEMBER 2016 — friday

• No events listed for this date. Find out how to submit your event listing.

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