| 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.)
* * * * * * * * * *
California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick's Our California program continues; keep up with it and send a poem to https://capoetlaureate.org/ourcalifornia/.
* * *
The 2025 issue of the Sacramento anthology of poems from Cold River Press, VOICES, is now open for submissions. Please send in your poetry, prose, essay, short fiction, flash fiction, photographs, artwork, and collage for the next issue. This year's theme is MYSTICISM, PROPHECIES & MARIGOLDS; deadline is April 10, 2025 for Summer 2025 publication. Info: www.coldriverpress.com/.
* * *
The February issue of Sacramento Poetry Center's 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!
And check SPC's website for available publications, including the new Tule Review (plus back issues), and New Rivers Quarterly, ed. by Lara Gularte: https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/.
* * *
UPCOMING POETRY READINGS & WORKSHOPS:
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.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
•••Sat. (2/22), 10am-2pm: Sacramento Storytellers Guild Workshop: Enhancing Your Storytelling with Movement, presented by Joyce Ormond and Karen Daly. Sacramento Poetry Center, 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA. 20 spots available. Reg. $20 (includes a light lunch) at ormondjoyce2@gmail.com by 2/15/2025. Bring a story or tale to enhance with movement.
* * *
•••Sat. (2/22), 2pm: MoSt Poetry on Saturday presents UC Berkeley Professor Luisa Giulianetti and former Emeryville Poet Laureate Sarah Kobrinsky plus open mic. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock, CA. Free. Info: https://www.mostpoetry.org/.
* * *
•••Sat. (2/22), 6-8pm: Amatoria Fine Art Books presents Berkeley Poet Barbara Ruth Saunders and special guest nialla rose, celebrating Black History Month. 1831 F. St., Sacramento, CA. Free with a purchase.
* * *
•••Sun. (2/23), 2pm: Poets and Writers of the Sierra Foothills features the launch of a chapbook, The Way Back, by Mike Owens (presented by Bob Stanley) from Voices of the Creek, New Rivers Quarterly Anthology, pub. by Sacramento Poetry Center, ed. by Lara Gularte.
Open mic to follow. 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.
* * *
•••Sun. (2/23), 2 & 3:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents a panel: Influences of African American Writers & the Poetry of Protest with a workshop to follow. 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA. Free. Info for this and for SPC weekly workshops at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/. Then, that evening~~~
* * *
•••Mon. (2/24), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents an Open Mic on the themes of Influences of African American Writers and the Poetry of Protest
(sign up between 7-7:30pm). Panel leaders and participants from the
Sunday events will lead this open mic; it is asked that readers
tailor their readings to the topic. 25th & R Sts., Sacramento, CA. Free. Info for this and for SPC weekly workshops at https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/.
* * *
•••Thurs. (2/27), 2-3pm: Friends of the University Library presents a lecture by Mary Mackey: The Jaguars That Prowl Our Dreams, to be held both live at Sacramento State's Harper Alumni Center or live-streamed via Zoom Webinar. Info and reg.: https://library.csus.edu/spotlight-and-events/author-lecture-mary-mackey/. Free parking upon request.
* * *
•••Sat. (3/1), 11am: A Poetry Writing Workshop Honoring Women's Voices with Nancy Gonzalez St. Clair. Lodi Public Library, 201 W. Locust St., Lodi, CA. For info, contact Nancy at n_gonzalez8@u.pacific.edu/.
* * *
•••Sat. (3/1), 3-6pm: The Jean Seberg Fanclub, a jam and show in memory of B.L. Kennedy. Friends of B.L. are invited to read poetry with the band as backup. Two Rivers, 4311 Attawa Ave. #300, Sacramento, CA. Host: Mike Farrell.
* * *
•••Sat. (3/1), 5-7pm: Lucid Winery & Princess Book Club's Wine and Poetry, a fundraiser for Sacramento Poetry Center. Lucid Winery, 1015 R St., Sacramento, CA. Poetry, music, raffles, sips, bites. Donate at the door. Info https://www.sacpoetrycenter.org/events/. Host: Sunni Harley.
* * *
•••Mon. (3/3), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents the Liz Ryder Baxmeyer Book Release Celebration 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/.
* * *
•••Sat. (3/8), 2pm: Mosaic of Voices presents Jeanine Stevens and Laura Rosenthal plus open mic. Lodi Public Library, 201 W. Locust St., Lodi, CA. Host: Nancy Gonzalez St. Clair. For info, contact Nancy at n_gonzalez8@u.pacific.edu/.
* * *
•••Sun. (3/9), 10am-12pm: Capturing Wakamatsu: A Poetry Walk/Workshop 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/.
* * *
•••Sun. (3/9), 4:30pm: International Buddhist Film Festival Official Selection Series presents the world premier of O Mother Gaia—The World of Gary Snyder at Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 4th St., San Rafael, CA (415) 454-1222, with filmmaker Colin Still joined by Peter Coyote, Jane Hirschfield, and Jack Shoemaker for a conversation following the screening. $15 General | $13 Seniors & Youth | $10 CAFILM members. Tix, trailer, and info: https://rafaelfilm.cafilm.org/o-mother-gaia/.
* * *
•••Mon. (3/10), 7:30pm: Sac. Poetry Center presents Youth Open Mic
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/.
* * *
•••Sat. (3/15), 7pm (seating at 6:30pm): Rumi's Caravan, an evening of poetry and music in the Ecstatic tradition, benefit for Empower Yolo and Grace Garden of Davis. Musical accompaniment by Michael Grasso. Suggested donation $20-$30 at the door. Veterans Memorial Theater, 203 E 14th St., Davis, CA. Presented by Michael Coleman.
* * *
•••Weds. (4/30), 5:30-8pm: El Dorado County Poet Laureate Stephen Meadows reads (plus open mic) at South Lake Tahoe Library, 1000 Rufus Allen Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA. Info: https://artsandcultureeldorado.org/laureate-trail/.
* * *
•••Sat. (6/7), 1-4pm: El Dorado County Poet Laureate Stephen Meadows reads (plus open mic) at Cameron Park Library, Placerville Library, 345 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA. Info: https://artsandcultureeldorado.org/laureate-trail/.
* * * * * * * * * *
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/.
* * * * * * * * * *
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.
* * *
•••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.
* * *
•••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).
* * *
* * *
•••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.
* * *
•••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/.
* * *
•••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.
* * *
•••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.
* * *
•••Thursdays, 7-9pm: Lucid Poetry Series, Lucid Winery, 1015 R St., Sacramento.
* * *
•••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/.
* * *
•••Second Thursdays, 7:30pm: PO-ET Out! African Marketplace, hosted by Poetic Butterfly. Details/info/opportunities: poeticbutterfly@poetout.com/.
* * *
•••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.
* * *
•••Third Thursdays, 7-10pm: He Brews Coffee Open Mic, 1540 Jefferson Blvd., W. Sacramento, CA. Host: Nubian Sunflower.
* * *
•••Fridays, 6-8pm: A Seat at the Table Books Open Mic. Poetry, music, dance, spoken word, comedy. 9257 Lagna Springs Dr., Elk Grove, CA.
* * *
•••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/.
* * *
•••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.
* * *
•••Sundays, 8pm: LabRats Sunday Sessions Music and Poetry Jam at the Torch Club, 904 15th St., Sacramento, CA.
* * * * * * * * * *
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/.
* * *
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.
* * *
* * * * * * * * * *
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
