| Your Event Here! |
—Public Domain Illustration
UPCOMING NORCAL EVENTS
Don't see
your poetry event listed in Medusa? That's probably because you didn't
send it in! It's such a shame to invite poets to read for you, and
then fail to advertise them.
So try to get your message out in a timely
manner—and that includes
sending it to kathykieth@hotmail.com!
Here's what's coming up in our area.
(Click on visuals to enlarge them.)
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Sacramento Poetry Center's newest Poet News is now available at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/poetnews/. Check it out for area poetry events (including the Bay Area), poetry, submissions, book reviews, workshops and more!
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UPCOMING POETRY READINGS, WORKSHOPS, ETC.:
In addition to these posts, scroll down
to the bottom of this column for
on-going weekly readings, open mics,
workshops and read-arounds
in the NorCal area.
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•••Fri. (10/10), 5:30pm: Six Ft. Swells Press celebrate 20 years of publishing poetry.with a party and poetry performance for the launch of their two new books: From the Top Shelf: A Six Ft. Swells Anthology, 2005-2025, and Three Poets Walk Into a Bar, by Todd Cirillo, Julie Valin and Matt Amott. Performances by Todd, Julie, and Matt, with local poets Will Staple and Marilyn Souza, plus San Francisco Poet William Taylor, Jr. Sliding scale tickets are $5-20 per person. Tickets start at $5 for this event, but, if you can, consider adding a few bucks to your ticket purchase. Wild Eye, 635 Mill St., Grass Valley, CA.
Reservations/questions: 530-446-6668 or info@wildeyepub.com/. Seating/service starts at 5:30, music at 6:30. We offer table service of food/drinks before & during the event; reservations appreciated.
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•••Sat. (10/11), 9-11am: Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center presents the Autumn Nature Poetry Reading and Walk at Dos Rios State Park, 3559 Shiloh Rd., Modesto, CA. Join us at the base camp of the oxbow pond for our third nature poetry reading and walk. Park visitors are invited to bring a few of their favorite poems on nature, written by themselves or by other writers, that they can share. Hosted by Sal Salerno, local poet and park volunteer. The reading will be followed by a 10am optional walk on the Pond Loop Trail, led by State Park staff. Free. Info: https://www.mostpoetry.org/.
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•••Mon. (10/13), 10:30am: Poetic License read-around at Placerville Sr. Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville, CA. Bring poems to read—your own or someone else’s—or just come to listen. Suggested topic is "win the war!" but all topics are welcome. Masks encouraged. For more info about El Dorado County poetry events, go to Western Slope El Dorado Poetry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElDoradoCountyPoetry/. Poetry is Gold in El Dorado County!
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•••Mon. (10/13), 7:30pm: Sacramento Poetry Center presents A Reading Celebrating Spy's Mate, a book release and reading by Brad Buchanan plus open mic (sign up between 7-7:30pm). 25th & R Sts.,
Sacramento, CA. Free. Info for this and for SPC weekly workshops at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/.
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•••Tues. (10/14), 7pm: Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center (MoSt at https://www.mostpoetry.org/) presents Second Tuesday Poetry, featuring Five For Ten: Five Central Valley Poets. Bookish Modesto, 811 W. Roseburg, Modesto, CA. Open mic after readers (3 min./poet); sign up on site.
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•••Wed. (10/15): Deadline for The Al Cortez Memorial Youth Edition of the Sacramento Poetry Center New Rivers Chapbook Series Contest for writers between 18-25. Editor: Oswaldo Vargas. Info: https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/publiciations-tule:review/.
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Chris Erickson and Dr. Greg Miller
•••Thurs. (10/16), 7-9pm: Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis presents Chris Erickson with his new novella, Henrytown, along with Dr. Greg Miller at John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st St., Davis, CA. Open mic after the readers (two chosen texts or four minutes); sign-ups are before the reading and the list fills up by 6:45pm. Host: Dr. Andy Jones.
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•••Sat. (10/18), Noon-3pm: Sacramento Poetry Center will be honored at "100 Years of Writing Excellence in Sacramento" marking the California Writers Club, Sacramento's 100th anniversary with a star-studded gala, featuring seven renowned celebrity presenters and speakers including Carol Lynn Stevenson Grellas. North Ridge Country Club, 7600 Madison Ave., Fair Oaks, CA. Details/tickets to follow at https://sacramentowriters.org/.
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•••Sat. (10/18), 8=10pm: T-MO presents Bonfire, music and poetry at Our Place Event Space, 1107 Firehouse Alley in Old Sacramento, with Mario Ellis Hill, Sequoia Woodard, J. Rowe, Patrick Grizzell, Jimmy So Blessed, and Miss T. Admission: $10 (or buy 1 ticket and get 1 free on this link: https://bonfireshow.eventbrite.com/). You can also scan the QR code on the flyer.
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•••Sun. (10/19), 3-5:30pm: The Poets Club of Lincoln presents its Winners' Event, featuring winners of the annual contest (including 17 young poets) at The Salt Mine, 590 Lincoln Blvd. (on the southeast corner of Sixth St. and Lincoln Blvd.) in Lincoln, CA. Free. Host: David Anderson. Info: dcajla80@gmail.com/.
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•••Sun. (10/19): DEADLINE for digital submissions of storytelling and poetry to Lit Fest 6, presented by Winters Theatre Co., Winters Opera House, Nov. 7, 6-8pm. Info: www.winterstheatre.org/lit-fest/.
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•••Mon. (10/20), 10:30am: Poetry in Motion read-around at Placerville Sr. Center, 937 Spring St., Placerville, CA. Bring poems to read—your own or someone else’s—or just come to listen. Masks encouraged. For more info about El Dorado County poetry events, go to Western Slope El Dorado Poetry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElDoradoCountyPoetry/. Poetry is Gold in El Dorado County!
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•••Mon. (10/20), 7:30pm: Sacramento Poetry Week Kick-Off at Sacramento Poetry Center, 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA. Info: SacPoetryWeek.com/.
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•••Tues. (10/21), 6pm: Twin Lotus Thai Third Tuesdays presents poets from Escritores del Nuevo Sol, reading from their newest publication, Then and Now; readers include Janet Rodriguez, Zheyla Henriksen, Marco Contreras, and Estela Victoria-Cordero plus open mic. Twin Lotus Thai, 8345 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA. Reservations strongly recommended: see https://www.twinlotusthai.com/. Hosted by Ann Michaels.
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•••Fri. (10/24), 10am-noon: Writin’ With Critters Zoom workshop with Frannie Dresser; six sessions (thru Dec. 5). Prompts, visuals/aural soundscapes, and other tips and tricks, traveling into the spirit world of animals, using mythology, cultural nuances, and science to inspire new work.$75-95 sliding scale; no one turned away for lack of funds. Go to janniedres@att.net/.
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•••Sat. (10/25), 10am-1pm: California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick will teach a workshop on Zoom through UCLA Extension, called "I've Been Here and Never Been Here: Writing Poems About Place and Displacement." Free. Fall enrollment closes 9/28. Info/reg: https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing/creative-writing/course/ive-been-here-and-never-been-here-writing-poems-about-place-and/. Keep up with Lee at https://www.leeherrick.com/.
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•••Sun. (10/26), 6pm: Special Poetry Day Event at Sacramento Poetry Center, 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA.
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•••Mon. (10/27), 7:30pm: Sacramento Poetry Center welcomes Youth Writers from 916 Ink plus open mic (sign up between 7-7:30pm). 25th & R Sts.,
Sacramento, CA. Free. Info for this and for SPC weekly workshops at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/.
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•••Sun. (11/2), 10am-12pm: Capturing Wakamatsu: A Poetry Walk/Workshop from American River Conservancy, led by Taylor Graham and Katy Brown. Wakamatsu Farm, 941 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville, CA. Children 8+ welcome with adult supervision. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members. Info/registration link: www.arconservancy.org/event/capturing-wakamatsu-a-poetry-walk-workshop/. For more info about past and future Wakamatsu workshops and other El Dorado County poetry events, go to Western Slope El Dorado Poetry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElDoradoCountyPoetry/.
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•••Mon. (11/3), 7:30pm: Sacramento Poetry Center presents Hart Center Workshop Participants Reading: Poets' Truth, plus open mic (sign up between 7-7:30pm). 25th & R Sts.,
Sacramento, CA. Free. Info for this and for SPC weekly workshops at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/.
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•••Fri. (11/7), 6-8pm: Lit Fest 6: Storytelling and Poetry presented by Winters Theatre Co. (deadliine for submissions was Oct. 19). Winters Opera House, 13 Main St., Winters, CA. Free; suggested donation $10. Info: www.winterstheatre.org/lit-fest/.
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•••Sat. (11/29), 8-9:30pm: Terry Moore presents his spoken word for "Comfortable in the Balcony". Our Place Event Space, 1107 Firehouse Alley, Sacramento, CA. $15. Info: 916-208-POET.
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EVERY WEDNESDAY!
•••Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour airs live on KDVS 90.3 every Wednesday evening from 5-6 p.m. On the air since 2000, DAPATH features interviews with poets, writers, actors, innovative thinkers, and important members of both the national and international artistic community, including professionals of theatre, music, and writing across new media. They are also sharing content via podcast! See also https://www.facebook.com/poetrytechnology AND/OR https://www.poetrytechnology.com/.
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MORE ON-GOING READINGS/OPEN MICS
Events from here down may be cancelled some weeks—
who knows? It's best to check before heading off to them.
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•••Every Tuesday, 7-9pm: City Sounds Sound Bites All-Open Mic, 1614 X St., Sacramento, CA. No sign ups, just a hot mic for anyone who wants to speak. No admission, but requesting a one-item minimum purchase at the snack bar. Hosts: Kory Vance, Josh Jorin.
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•••1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 8-10:30pm: The Roux Open Mic & Feature Series, Gumbo King Restaurant, 2201 Southgate Blvd., Sacramento. All poets, comedians, and musicians are invited to come. Admission is $5. Hosts: Russell Cummings and Dyva Cat (Tina Cates).
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•••Fourth Wednesdays, 7-10pm: Mahogany Urban Poetry Series, Our Place in Old Town, 1107 Firehouse Alley, Sacramento, CA. Open mic, music, comedy. 21 and older. $10 admission. Host: MalikSpeaks.
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•••Thursdays, 6:30pm: Speak Your Peace Open Mic, Roberts Family Development Center, 766 Darina Av., Sacramento, CA. Roberts Family Development Center provides services to the Greater Sacramento area that meet the individual needs of each family member. Their services provide a holistic approach focusing on PreK-12th grade academic support and enrichment, parent education and engagement, and community involvement and advocacy. Info about open mic/events: https://robertsfdc.org/.
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•••Third Thursdays, 7pm: He Brews Coffee open mic, hosted by NubianSunflower. First-timers are encouraged to come out! Coffee and snacks will be available for purchase, plus wine tasting. 1540 Jefferson Blvd, West Sacramento, CA.
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•••Thursdays, 7-9pm: Lucid Poetry Series, Lucid Winery, 1015 R St., Sacramento.
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•••Thursdays, 7pm: Two Rivers Jam and Poetry Jam. Two Rivers Cider Company, 4311 Attawa Ave, Sacramento, featuring jazz jam and poetry. Host: Kent Lacin. Info: https://www.tworiverscider.com/.
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•••Second Thursdays, 7:30pm: PO-ET Out! African Marketplace, hosted by Poetic Butterfly. Details/info/opportunities: poeticbutterfly@poetout.com/.
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•••Thursdays, bi-weekly, 8-10:30pm: Poetry Unplugged at Silver Linings: Joy Montoya's Poetry Unplugged returns, now to Silver Lining Cocktail Bar (formerly Luna's Cafe), 1414 16th St., Sacramento. Open mic, no cover.
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•••Third Thursdays, 7-10pm: HeBrews Coffee Open Mic, 1540 Jefferson Blvd., W. Sacramento, CA. Host: Nubian Sunflower.
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•••First Fridays, 7-9pm beginning in October (10/6): Classy Hippie Tea Co. returns, presenting Fo' Shang Poetry and Jazz with Vince Kobelt
and his musical poetry performance group, Fo’ Shang, holding forth. There
will be special features at each event. Broadway Coffee, 3200 Broadway,
Sacramento, CA.
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•••Second Fridays, 8pm beginning 10/13: Fo' Shang Poetry and Jazz with Vince Kobelt
and his musical poetry performance group, Fo’ Shang, holding forth. Self Designs Art Gallery, 708 K St., Sacramento, CA.
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•••Third Fridays, 6:15-7:45pm: A Seat at the Table Books For Open Mic Night. Poetry, music, dance, spoken word, comedy. 9257 Laguna Springs Dr., Elk Grove, CA. All experience levels welcome.
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•••1st and 3rd Saturdays, 12-6pm: Poetry at the African Market Place, 2251 Florin Rd., Sacramento. Free. Info: https://www.florinsquare.com/african-market-place.html/.
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•••Second Saturdays, 7-9pm: Out the Way on J, Mahogany and Rose Salon, 2612 J St., Suite 5, Sacramento, CA. Live jazz and spoken word. Info/tix: https://www.mahoganyandrose.com. Tickets $30/$25.
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•••Sundays, 8pm: LabRats Sunday Sessions Music and Poetry Jam at the Torch Club, 904 15th St., Sacramento, CA.
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WORKSHOPS: Weekly and Otherwise
From Sac. Poetry Center:
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Wednesdays, 7pm: Polyphonics: A Workshop of Poets in Conversation
facilitated by Kyle Griffiths. Info/reg: kylegriffithsband@gmail.com/.
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The above are weekly workshops at Sac. Poetry Center;
for info on these, click poster to enlarge
or go to www.facebook.com/sacpoetrycenter/.
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Also in our area:
•••Mondays, 5pm: Two Sylvias Readings, Workshops and Retreats from Two Sylvias Press. Info: https://twosylviaspress.com/weekly-muse-calendar.html/.
•••Tuesdays, 2-3:30pm: City of Sacramento Hart Center Workshop for adults 50+ years and older at the Ethyl McLeod Hart Senior Center, 915 27th St., Sacramento, CA (916-808-7908). Meetings provide a workshop consisting of sharing of poetry information and discussion, followed by readings, positive commentary, and thoughtful critique on each person's poem. Select work is publish annually in a group anthology. No advance registration is required. Info: chulabrowne@gmail.com/.
•••Tuesdays, 7pm: Rediscover Your Writing w/M. Todd Gallowglas: streaming web show LIVE!—writing, living a writer’s life, books that have taught him about writing, possibly some Lit Theory, and/or whatever else happens to pop into his brain. Live chat channel, so viewers can ask questions in real-time. Join at twitch.tv/ mgallowglas. Gallowglas workshop details can be found at https://mtoddgallowglas.com/gallowclass/. Monthly workshops focus on specific aspects of the craft of writing. Unless otherwise stated, the Workshops and Reading as a Contact Sport are FREE (with a donation option).
•••First Tuesdays and Third Thursdays of each month, 5:30pm: El Dorado County Library Poets and Writers Workshop for adults, led by Lara Gularte and Beverly Parayno,
Cameron Park Library, 2500 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park, CA on the
first Tuesday and third Thursday of each month. Bring copies for 7 of
one or two poems, or up to 6 pages of prose, double-spaced. Free.
Beginners welcome.•••Tuesdays at Two Poetry Group led by Taylor Graham, El Dorado County Library, 345 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA.
•••Thursdays at Two Poetry Group (1st & 3rd Thursdays) led by Taylor Graham, Georgetown Library, 6680 Orleans St., Georgetown, CA.
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Check these out for more happenings:
•••For more info about El Dorado County poetry events, go to Taylor Graham's Western Slope El Dorado poetry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElDoradoCountyPoetry/.
•••El Dorado County's Lara Gularte also has a Facebook page to announce poetry events and all things poetic in the county. See www.facebook.com/groups/382234029968077/.
•••Find out more about the Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis, California by visiting http://www.poetryindavis.com.
Invite your friends to sign up for the mailing list. To learn more
about Dr. Andy’s tiny media fiefdom, check out his weekly podcast at https://poetrytechnology.buzzsprout.com/. Find his other musings at https://andyjones.substack.com/.
•••Another newsletter resource, this one for the East Bay, is Deborah Fruchey’s monthly Strictly East (www.strictly-east.org). Check it out for a calendar, groups on Zoom and in person, special events and submission calls.
•••Bethanie Humphreys holds online workshops: see https://bethaniehumphreys.com/upcoming-workshops/.
—Public Domain Illustration
