| 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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Deadline is Weds., 7/16, for the
21st Annual Voices of Lincoln Poetry Contest
* * *
The deadline for the next Tule Review
from Sacramento Poetry Center is
July 31!
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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, 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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•••Mon.
(7/14), 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 "fireplace", but any subject is 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. (7/14), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents Youth 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. (7/15), 6pm: Twin Lotus Thai presents Cynthia Linville, Sue Daly, and Richard Turner plus open mic. Twin Lotus Thai, 8345 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA. Reservations strongly recommended: see https://www.twinlotusthai.com/. Host: Bob Stanley.
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•••Thurs. (7/17), 7pm: Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis presents Dane Cervine and Adela Najarro at John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st St., Davis, CA. Open mic after the readers (one chosen text or four minutes). Host: Dr. Andy Jones. Free.
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•••Sat. (7/19), 1pm: Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center (MoSt at https://www.mostpoetry.org/) presents a free workshop, Paint Chip Poetry, with Stella Beratlis. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Rd., Salida, CA. Try out a variety of poetry prompts inspired by the descriptive language of paint chips. All ages invited. Feel free to bring your own extra paint chips to add to the prompt possibilities. Info: https://www.mostpoetry.org/event/free-poetry-workshop-paint-chip-poetry/.
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•••Sat. (7/19), 7-9pm: Spoken Word Federation presents a Spoken Word Competition at Taro Z Muay Thai Gym, 3749 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA. Raising money for NorCal Resist (norcalresist.org). Tickets: tinyurl.com/SWFVA2; $15+, plus 40 for $5 for low-income.
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•••Mon. (7/21), 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. (7/21), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents A Reading Featuring Contributors to Winter In America (Again—Poets Respond to 2024 Election) in person & via Zoom. The readers—some of whom are editors and editorial board members for the book as well as contributors—include Greg Bem, Francisco Dominguez, Lara Gularte, Lorin Medley, Paul Nelson, William O’Daly, Roxy Power, Beverly Parayno, Theresa Whitehill, Cathleen Williams, Katie Sarah Zale, and Patrick Grizzell. Special gratitude is offered to poet and translator (and anthology contributor) William O’Daly for his efforts to make this event possible. 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA. Free. Info for this, how to sign up for Zoom, and for SPC weekly workshops at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/.
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•••Sat. (7/26), 1-6pm: Sacramento Poetry Alliance features Voices from Cold River Press (www.coldriverpress.com), featuring readers from VOICES: 2025—Mysticism, Prophecies & Marigolds. 1169 Perkins Way, Sacramento. Beverages, BBQ, Books, and a Potluck.
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•••Sun. (7/27), 2pm: Poets and Writers of the Sierra Foothills features El Dorado County's new Poet Laureate, Moira Magneson plus open mic. Chateau Davell, 3020 Vista Tierra Dr, Camino, CA (right off Hwy 50, 4 mi. from Placerville), 530-644-2016. $10 purchase or donation is requested. Host: Lara Gularte.
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•••Mon. (7/28), 4-6pm, and Wed. (7/30), 4-6pm: Cal. Poet Laureate Lee Herrick's online workshop: Giving Difficult Material Poetic Shape: The Unexpected Joys of the Abecedarian. Cost: $150 ($120 before 7/14). Sign up soon—seats are filling fast. Info: https://capoetlaureate.org/ourcalifornia/.
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•••Mon. (7/28), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents Sue Daly and Jill Stockinger 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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•••Thurs. (7/31, 8/28, 9/25), 5:30-6:50pm: Poets and Writers of El Dorado present Writing Words to Light the Way, a workshop with Lara Gularte. El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Pkwy, El Dorado Hills, CA.
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•••Mon. (8/4): SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER WILL BE CLOSED throughout August for refurbs.
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•••Thurs. (8/7), 7-8:30pm: Crocker Art Museum present The Art of Reading, based on the book, Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets, & Philosophers by Leonard Koren. Docent-led tour that explores key themes and passages from reading through the lens of the Crocker’s permanent collection; then a facilitated discussion with fellow participants and special guests. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento, CA. Info: https://www.crockerart.org/. Free for Crocker members, $25 nonmembers.
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•••Thurs. (8/7), 7pm: Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis presents Keith Ekiss and Robin Ekiss at John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st St., Davis, CA. Open mic after the readers (one chosen text or four minutes). Host: Dr. Andy Jones. Free.
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•••Sat. (8/9), 8-10pm: Terry Freeman Moore presents The VIP Affair Show with Michale Todd Gallowglas, Twosense, Christa Grant, Anthony Jackson, & Goddess Donya, and special guest Lizzy Paris. Our Place Event Space, 1107 Firehouse Alley, Sacramento, CA. Info: 916-208-POET. $15 admission OR buy 1 ticket and get 1 free on this link: https://thevipaffairshow.eventbrite.com or scan the QR code on the flyer.
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•••Mon. (8/11), 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. 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!
* * *
•••Mon. (8/11): SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER WILL BE CLOSED throughout August for refurbs.
* * *
•••Mon. (8/18), 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. (8/18): SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER WILL BE CLOSED throughout August for refurbs.
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•••Tues. (8/19), 6pm: Twin Lotus Thai presents Brad Buchanan and Jim Knowles plus open mic. Twin Lotus Thai, 8345 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA. Reservations strongly recommended: see https://www.twinlotusthai.com/. Host: Bob Stanley.
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•••Thurs. (8/21), 7pm: Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis presents Rhony Bhopla at John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st St., Davis, CA. Open mic after the readers (one chosen text or four minutes). Host: Dr. Andy Jones. Free.
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•••Mon. (8/25): SACRAMENTO POETRY CENTER WILL BE CLOSED throughout August for refurbs.
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•••Thurs. (8/28, 9/25), 5:30-6:50pm: Poets and Writers of El Dorado present Writing Words to Light the Way, a workshop with Lara Gularte. El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Pkwy, El Dorado Hills, CA.
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•••Sun. (8/31), 2pm: Poets and Writers of the Sierra Foothills features readers from Cold River Press's anthology, VOICES, plus open mic. Chateau Davell, 3020 Vista Tierra Dr, Camino, CA (right off Hwy 50, 4 mi. from Placerville), 530-644-2016. $10 purchase or donation is requested. Host: Lara Gularte.
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•••Mon. (9/1), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents What Work Is: A Labor Day Open Mic (sign up between 7-7:30pm). Bring your poems about labor. 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA. Free. Info for this and for SPC weekly workshops at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/.
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•••Mon. (9/8), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents A Reading Featuring Keith Ekiss and Rachel Richardson 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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•••Sat. (9/13), 11am: Dedication of Juan Carrillo's RCAF Mural, Una Noche de Salsa, the newest RCAF mural on Franklin Blvd. in Sacramento. SPC colleague and Royal Chicano Air Force founding member Juan Carrillo and master muralist Carlos Lopez spent the month of April bringing a 1975 RCAF concert poster to life as a mural. This piece now joins the proud collection of 1970s RCAF posters gracing buildings along Franklin Boulevard. The makers express special thanks to Diego Carrillo for managing the project and bringing the vision to fruition, and to the Franklin Boulevard Business Association for its strong support and ongoing commitment to public art in the community. ABC Tile, 4027 Franklin Blvd. (between 15th & 16th Ave at Wilmington Ave.), Sacramento, CA.
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•••Mon. (9/22), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents An Evening with Mary Mackey 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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•••Thurs. (9/25), 5:30-6:50pm: Poets and Writers of El Dorado present Writing Words to Light the Way, a workshop with Lara Gularte. El Dorado Hills Library, 7455 Silva Valley Pkwy, El Dorado Hills, CA.
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•••Mon. (9/29), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents A Special Reading with Molly Fisk and Friends 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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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, 7-9pm: Classy Hippie Tea Co. presents 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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•••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: He Brews Coffee Open Mic, 1540 Jefferson Blvd., W. Sacramento, CA. Host: Nubian Sunflower.
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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:
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:
•••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
