| 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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•••Thur. (9/18), 5:30-7pm: Cameron Park Library Writers Workshop presents a Fall Reading and Open Mic featuring Moira Magneson. Cameron Park Library, 2500 Country Club Dr., Cameron Park, CA. Hosts: Lara Gularte and Beverly Parayno. Free.
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•••Thurs. (9/18), 7pm: Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis presents Carol Lynn Stevenson Grellas and John Bell 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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(collage on masonite 15.5” x 23.75”, 1962)
•••Fri. (9/19)-Sun. (9/21): Small Traffic Press presents Poetry as Magic: Celebrating the Fran Herndon & Jack Spicer Centennial, a once-in-a-century celebration of poet Jack Spicer (1925-1965) and artist Fran Herndon (1926-2020), two legendary collaborators who helped define the San Francisco Renaissance. Rare archival materials, a lithograph exhibition, a collective reading and workshop, and contemporary reflections on Herndon & Spicer’s extraordinary influence. Et Al. Gallery; University of Calif., Berkeley; and San Francisco Public Library. Free! Schedule/info: https://www.smallpresstraffic.org/event/poetry-as-magic-celebrating-the-fran-herndon-jack-spicer-centennials/.
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•••Sat. (9/20), 12-5pm: Artists Embassy International (www.dancingpoetry.com/aeihistoryandinfo.html/) presents its annual Dancing Poetry Festival at UUCB1 Lawson Rd., Kensington, CA. Poetry and dance, dance and poetry, shopping bazaar, pies and more. Special guest Sha Sha Higby opens the show at noon. Donations appreciated: $20 adults, $10 seniors/teens (cash, Venmo, Paypal).
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•••Sat. (9/20), 4pm: Sacramento Poetry Alliance features John Johnson and Marjorie Stein plus open mic. 1169 Perkins Way, Sacramento, CA. Info: http://www.sacramentopoetryalliance.com/.
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•••Sat. (9/20), 6pm: Sacramento Poetry Center presents Los Escritores Del Nuevo Sol releasing its Then & Now anthology, plus a special appearance by Aztec Dance Company Kalpulli Xihuacoatl. Free; no open mic. 25th & R Sts, Sacramento, CA.
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•••Sun. (9/21), 10am-4pm: American River Conservancy and Myrtle Tree Arts present The Art of Native Plants Festival at Wakamatsu Farm, 941 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville, CA. Lara Gularte will be offering an activity called, "What Poets say about Nature." She is offering a Haik/Haibun activity rich with nature imagery. All ages are welcome. Free. Info/reg/schedule: https://myrtletreearts.com/ripe-area-2025/.
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•••Sun. (9/21), 11-8pm: 28th Annual Petaluma Poetry Walk in Petaluma, CA, a day-long event with 26 poets reading in 8 venues. Schedule/new anthology, go to https://petalumapoetrywalk.org/.
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•••Mon. (9/22), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents An Evening with Mary Mackey (book release and SPC fundraiser) 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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•••Sat. (9/27), 6pm: Sacramento Poetry Center presents a 100,000 Poets for Change Fundraiser for California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA. Info: https://www.facebook.com/100ThousandPoetsForChangePage/.
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•••Sun. (9/28), 2pm: Poets and Writers of the Sierra Foothills features a reading from Then and Now, the new anthology from Los Escritores del Nuevo Sol, plus open mic. Contributors will read their work from the collection. 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. (9/29), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents A Special Evening With Dangerous Women, including Molly Fisk, Patricia Caspers, Kim Shuck, and Moira Magneson, 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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•••Mon. (10/5), 7:30pm: Sacramento Poetry Center and Gunpowder Press presents A Reading Celebrating Women in a Golden State
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. (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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•••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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•••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): T-MO presents Bonfire, a hot night of music and poetry at Our Place, 1107 Firehouse Alley in Old Sacramento. The lineup is still developing, but so far includes Sequoia Woodard, J. Rowe, Patrick Grizzell, Jimmy So Blessed, and Miss T. More details coming soon.
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•••Mon. (10/20), 7:30pm: Sacramento Poetry Week Kick-Off at Sacramento Poetry Center, 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA
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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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•••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: He Brews 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
