All-Genre Open Mic Out of Bennington, March 14

Back in Bennington — well, not really, this event is on Zoom & on this particular night it was a good thing because it had snowed most of the day & I wouldn’t have made the attempt to drive the hour if it was an in-person event. Our host Charlie Rossiter does the 2-round thing, one piece each round.

I got into the Zoom room on time & was signed up 1st; my 1st round piece was a tribute to the poet (& my friend) Tamara Gabbard, titled “Tapestry;” in the 2nd round I read another piece about the witches in my attic “The Witch’s Necklace.”

Bill Thwing also writes & performs songs, said he wrote 30 songs in last month & read one based on Kenn Ash’s humorous Brooklyn songs,”I’m gonna miss me when I’m gone;” then on the next round performed one based on a poem by Naomi Bindman (see below) “The Shape of Wind.”

Cheryl Rice has been writing poems about the Zeigfield Follies for years, & reading them out at open mics or at her featured readings, tonight she read a descriptive, back-stage look, “College,” at star Eddie Cantor in black face, & Burt Williams; her 2nd piece was her prize-winning poem from the Stephan A. DiBiase contest “Jed Clampit is a Happy Man” with a summary of all the characters from that iconic TV show, you know the one.

Naomi Bindman was a finalist in the afore mentioned Stephan A. DiBiase contest with her poem about an ice storm  “Blown Glass;” then on the 2nd time around the poem “No Small Thing” a gift of tulips from a friend, written last year, neither the tulips nor the poem no small thing.

Charlie Rossiter, in the 1st round, read a college memoir about Bar City Grill in College Park, MD; his 2nd round piece was from a dream talking with his Dad titled “Sometimes It’s Good to Sit in a Car & Have a Beer.” 

Alexander Perez read from his mss. “Drama Queen” what he described as “a weird fucked up poem" about his corpse in a magician’s lab that was like a morgue; for round 2 he read an untitled piece put together today about recovering what is lost.

Tom Nicotera tried to join us earlier, eventually got connected, with a new poem about aging “I Have Learned How to Slow Down Time” then got cut off again — nothing’s perfect, I guess.

So if you want to join this gathering of poets on the 2nd Tuesday on Zoom, & you’re not already on Charlie’s list, send him an email request at charliemrossiter@gmail.com — tell him I sent you.

2nd Sunday @ 2: Poetry + Prose Open Mic, March 12

At the crossroads of Troy & Vermont, or so it seems. The hosts were me & Nancy Klepsch, & we also read in the open mic.

First up, from Vermont, was Bridget Elder who began with a piece like a letter to a friend, then a Haiku about crows.

The proprietor here of Collar City Mushrooms, Avery Stempel, read an untitled piece written after last week’s reading at Lark Hall in Albany that began “where am I?” a metaphysical pondering — while looking for his car.

Damien, who came over from Vermont to check out the mushrooms, also did couple of metaphysical pieces from memory similar to Avery’s.

Alexander Perez read 2 pieces from a surrealistic work-in-progress titled “Drama Queen,” one a dream & associated images with an eel for dinner, the other in a bed like a boat replete with shells.

My first poem was from my collection of Poem Cards “Content Advisory,” then one from my 1995 A.P.D. chapbook Ireland “Coitus Interruptus at the Dublin Zoo.”

Rhonda Rosenheck’s poems were a trio of ekphrastic pieces, the first based on a piece titled “Bird Mandela Orange” by a Tibetan artist, the 2nd was like a letter addressed to an artist whose work she was looking at, the 3rd was titled “Offer Me Gods” & was a “golden shovel” based on a line from Rumi — the golden shovel is a form invented by Terrance Hayes in homage to Gwendolyn Brooks.

My co-host, Nancy Klepsch, read a poem by Philip Good, “You Are My Sunshine” from his recent chapbook Sub-Atomic Moss, then her own poem a list/litany titled “Everything You Hear is Good.”

The final performer was a old friend of Avery’s from his youth, Emilio, now back in the area; he did not look like the same person who had read last week at Lark Hall, & what he performed was totally different. He began with a rambling introduction that led eventually to a brief guided meditation, which ended with him drumming. 

You can always find mushrooms at Collar City Mushrooms, 333 2nd Ave., Troy, NY, but what you will hear at the 2nd Sunday @ 2 Open Mic for Poetry + Prose is less predictable. Join us with your written/spoken words.

Writers Mic, March 8

Another stimulating evening of poetry on Zoom with Writers Mic, & our congenial host, Jackie Craven.

I got in on time & ended up 1st on the list. My first poem was one I wrote last year that I don’t recall reading out anywhere previously, titled “Confused About Pronouns,” then a recent piece following up on an earlier “witches poem,” this one titled “The Witch’s Necklace.”

David Graham said that he turned 70 recently which has inspired poems, so he read “Improvising” a birthday poem (he said that he shares the birthday with his wife), a memory of listening to Keith Jarrett together, then a tiny suite of 5 funny vignettes on aging “70 for Sure.” 

Susan Carroll Jewell shared her “latest Rattle ekphrastic failure” from January, titled “Wood Cuts,” riffing on the wood, on blank pages & the ink.

Scott Morehouse gave the usual dose of humor, this titled “The White Elephant Bed” a story of a large man who commissions a special made bed, then when he dies the bed is taken by the Smith Brothers Circus for the circus fat lady, & Billy the circus black smith finds happiness. 

Alan Catlin began with a piece from his collection of poems based on the photographs of Diane Arbus, then one from a new collection of poems based on found or remembered real stories, this a family story about bootlegging. 

Ellen White Rook read her poem “After Sunrise” about daughters with beautiful names for International Women’s Day, then one titled “Spanish Point,” a childhood memory of being on a beach in Ireland “before it was cool.” 

Alexander Perez read two poems with rich, vivid images, “A Blaze” imagining being burned alive, & a yet untitled poem written today about January leaves.

Sue Oringel read 2 memoir pieces, “My Mother’s Kitchen” perhaps a piece of flash non-fiction, then “Reunion in Iowa” a conversation about the old farm house not there anymore.

Naomi Bindman read 3 recent short poems, “Perspective” about the backyard a mess, “Sacrilege” on an alchemist, or priest, or deity as a baker, & “Breath” in the now.

Our host Jackie Craven brought the evening to a close with a descriptive, surreal, quirky prose block “Realtor.”

You can find the link for the monthly Zoom open mic — held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month — on the Writers Mic Facebook page — share your written/spoken words, poems, or prose with an always attentive audience of writers.

Invocation of the Muse, March 6

Starting off the month at Lark Hall, our host, R.M. Engelhardt, read a poem by William Wanting (1933 - 1974), “Open Letter to the Time,” then Rob read one of his own “Even Charlie Sheen was a Poet.” There were 2 featured poets on the bill this night, to make up for last month interrupted by weather, Josh the Poet & Avery Stempel. But first a bit of the open mic.

I read a new poem, that harkens back to a poem I wrote last Fall, this one titled “The Witch’s Necklace,” then my annual birthday poem this year titled “Magic in Gloucester.” Ian Mack was next reading from his phone with a poem about a car accident, then one for the past season of fantasy football, “The National Fucked-Up Team.”

The first of the night’s 2 features was Josh the Poet who recited from memory a series of his characteristic philosophical/spiritual poems. One titled “Black Boy” was inspired by his experiences, another was a meditation on “Undying Loyalty.” Josh has been busy going to Albany open mics & I fully expect we’ll see a lot more of him as he hones his poetic skills.

Back to the open mic, Mary Panza took the stage with a piece of childhood memoir about walking about barefoot, then a Limerick that began “There once was girl from Troy…” I’m sure “boy” & “toy” were in there somewhere too. Alexander Perez’s 1st poem was titled “Word Play” & was literally about his poems wanting to come out & play, then to a poem complete with screeching in the persona of an owl.

A late sign-up to the list was Joseph Ward (the father of Josh the Poet) who recited a poem that was like a prayer (as poems often are). Our host, R.M. Engelhardt, read a poem that began “Not Antifa …” about poets as deadly weapons against a non-defined “they”, then one titled “The Dive Bar at the End of the World” filled with lonely people. Next was Emilio Flores, who was introduced as “a friend of Avery’s” (the next reader), who performed a stream-of-consciousness word play about consciousness, then an emotional piece titled “Thought I Knew” from high school year book to the coffin.

Avery Stempel, the 2nd featured poet & the last reader of the night, began by reciting from memory “Walking Life’s Paths,” then continued with a reading of other philosophical, descriptive poems, such as “A Dream” (of being on the road), “A Murder” (of crows), “A Trojan Reflects from Across the River” (remembering the Albany of his past), & a piece combining singing & pressured speech “Homage to The Last Dragon” & so that was the night.

Invocation of the Muse is an open mic for poetry & the written/spoken word, with a featured reader (or 2) that takes place each 1st Monday of the month at Lark Hall, on the corner of Lark St. & Hudson Ave., (enter at 351 Hudson), Albany, NY -- 7:30PM sign up, 8:00 start.

Poetry Power Hour, February 19

Collar City Mushrooms is not just the breeding ground of mushrooms (if that is the correct term), nor just a retail store for more mushroom varieties than you ever knew, but is also an art gallery & performance space & home to the 2nd Sunday @ 2 Open Mic for Poetry + Prose. Urged on by poet Tim Verhaegen, Avery Stempel, the proprietor of Collar City Mushrooms, put together this poetry event to showcase the work of some of his poetry friends, as well as his own extensive body of work.

It began with a short open mic. I read a dream poem “Lily White,” then Carrie read a poem titled “A Resolution,” & Alexander Perez also read a dream poem.

Avery selected some long-time poetry friends to be the “invited poets” to read, & introduced them with nostalgic reflections on their poetry connection. Samson Dikeman read 2 pieces, apparently untitled, one on the imagined implications on finding a torn corner of a manuscript of music by Mozart, the other in the voice of a dandelion crushed by the stone that was rolled back from the grave of Jesus, with the line “the Savior came 3 days late …”

Mary Panza’s first poem was a pro-Roe manifesto/rant, which she followed with another of her marvelous rants, which are usually addressed to someone (unnamed) who deserves it (I think she should license the rents for people to use as needed).

Amber Jackson began with an untitled poem addressed to “you” (perhaps the poem itself?) about the poem being written; then a poem written today, also untitled, about her mother, on her mother’s birthday.

Tom Verhaegen, whom you can often find here on the 2nd Sunday, read an extended piece about walking in a cemetery, then worries about being mugged there & dying there.

Avery, April 2000, Cafe Web

Then on to Avery’s retrospective/anthology, which he described in the program as “A Mass of Entangled Meanings Delivered by a Wondering Wanderer.” There were 29 titles listed, & while I took notes on many of the poems, I can’t attest to whether he read all of them, though certainly most. He began with what is certainly an Avery classic, “From Me to You,” on building & exchanging a smile. Indeed, his performances can best be described as “enthusiastic,” & a frequent style or manner in his performances is that of a chant, as well as at times singing. 

This day, since there was a printed program, he frequently omitted the title in his performance & at times simply ran the poems together. There were portraits, sometimes satirical, there were philosophical ponderings, an ekphrastic poem (“Portals and Doors”), a Cento composed of texts of friend requests from social media, poems about his childhood memories, tales of installing a ceiling fan, even an audience-participation piece in English & Sanskrit. Phew, it was exhaustive, uplifting, funny & a good time was had by all.

Check out Collar City Mushrooms online for their menu of available mushrooms, mushroom products & wares, & for upcoming events, & art exhibits, & join us each 2nd Sunday at 2PM for Poetry + Prose.

Third Thursday Poetry Night, February 16

In January The Third Thursday Poetry Night here at the Social Justice Center was cancelled due to the weather, so this was the first event in the series for 2023. Gordon Davis who had been scheduled in January has been re-scheduled for July, 2023.

Paul Lamar

Tonight’s featured poet was Paul Lamar. The night’s Muse was the recently gone poet Bernadette Mayer (1945 - 2022), who was associated for many years with the Poetry Project at St. Mark’s in the Bouwerie in NYC, but since 2000 she had lived in East Nassau with her partner the poet Philip Good. She had been a featured poet here at the Third Thursday Poetry Night & in Poets in the Park, as well at most other poetry venues in the region. This night I read her poem “Helen Green” from Bernadette’s 2013 New Directions Poetry Pamphlet (#3) The Helens of Troy, N.Y.

The night’s sign-up sheet included not only some “regulars” here but a couple of writers new here, drawn in by Paul Lamar. First up was Francine Berg with a moving funeral oration to a gone veteran, “Hallowed Ground.” Robert Knightly read a short prose memoir about being a pro bono attorney representing people incarcerated at Rikers Island, NYC. 

Catherine Dickert has been here previously, &  has been a student in Paul Lamar’s writing classes/workshops; the piece she read tonight was a richly descriptive memoir of her early years in school.

Paul Lamar began his reading by talking about the creative importance of titles for poems & other pieces of writing, & what he read this night all had titles that were like doors opening to the poem that followed, for example “The Clarinet Teacher,” “For a Man to Whom I May Have Caused Some Embarrassment,” “Theatre de la Pergola” (in Milan, a classical music concert with a companion), the anaphoric “When Love Goes,” & “Phone Call for Neal.” Paul contributes the notes on the composers for the programs for the Albany Symphony Orchestra so it is no surprise that a number of poems contained references to classical music, “August 11” from a cool weather concert outdoors, “Opus 90 Early Morning” (Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F), & the aforementioned “Theatre de la Pergola.” A poem for his mother was titled “St. Peter’s Hospital Waiting Room,” & he ended with a poem for his partner, “English Sonnet for Mark.” It was apparent that he carefully orchestrated (pun intended) the selections & sequence of the works he read for his appreciative audience.

Catherine Dickert

We took a short break while I passed my hat through the audience that was as generous as they had been attentive. Then we continued with the open mic, & I read a poem I had written in one of Bernadette Mayer’s writing workshops, “Saturday Hawk,” based on listening to Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins & other jazz musicians of the be-bop era.

Alexander Perez has been reading his fine poems at many of the local open mics, many of them in the voice of other creatures, this night it was a whale looking for love “Humpback Love Song.” Joe Krausman regularly reads here but he had trouble reading, even with his trusty magnifying glass, his much-published poem (& one of my favorites), “The Passionate Accountant to His Love,” so I stepped up to read it for him & I saw that it was a page from a published version printed in about 11 point type.

Sylvia Barnard, another frequent-reader here, read a 2-part urban elegy starting with the image of the now vacant site of Ralph’s bar on the corner of Madison & New Scotland Avenues, then ending with a dream of her gone friend. Tom Bonville read a chilling & moving piece of poetic prose with images of the shooting at the supermarket in Buffalo, NY then crows visiting the scene.

The Third Thursday Poetry Night happens regularly on the, well, third Thursday of the month at the Social Justice Center, 33 Central Ave., Albany, NY, starting at 7:30PM, a featured reader with an open mic for community poets/writers — even William Kennedy has read in the open mic, why not you?

All Genre Open Mic Out of Bennington, February 14

Charlie Rossiter (our host) & I go way back even before 3 Guys from Albany. When he moved to Chicago many years back Tom Nattell & I would visit him there & participated in open mics that he organized where he developed his opening, hip-hop-inspired rant ending with “the mic is open.”  Which it then was.

Since this was Valentine’s Day I decided that the poems I would read would be on the theme; in the 1st round I read one from my single days in the mid-1970s in NYC written from the point of view of a gorilla in a cage in Europe “And a Venus on a Half Shell;” in the 2nd round I read one titled “Adirondack Life,” from 2006.

Bill Thwing’s poems in both rounds were based on Haiku, actually his 1st round poem was a song he wrote on a Japanese Death poem, he played the song on his phone, the recurring line was “I love people but then I loathe ‘em;” in the 2nd round he read from a Haiku anthology edited by Charlie Rossiter in the late 1970s, at the end Charlie talked about his experience editing it the volume.

Sheryll Bedingfield in the 1st round read a love poem from her 2016 book The Clattering, “Isabele & Ian Early On” set in 16th century Scotland; then in the 2nd round one titled “Mountains” filled with “grey-green giants,” also, perhaps, a love poem.

Alexander Perez’s piece had the strange historical title “The Apocryphal Note to St. Valentine” but was a love poem to his boy friend; in the 2nd round he read one titled simply “Juniper,” a portrait/meditation.

In both rounds Tom Nicotera stayed on the theme of the day with love poems, in the 1st round the short “Midnight Lovers,” then in the 2nd round the tender “Waking with You in the Morning (to Sherry).”

Our host, Charlie Rossiter was next, said he has been digging around in his files again, found a descriptive piece about Santa Fe “Plaza Morning;” then in round 2 one from the old days in D.C. about a restaurant gone now “One Summer Day at the Pig’s Foot.”

Julie Lomoe was distracted by her dinner & when Charlie announced she was next she said, “I thought I was after Charlie;” in both rounds she read pieces that had been published recently in a publication titled New Authors Journal; in the 1st round she read one written for this past Fall’s Herman Melville reading titled “River Reminiscing” the sections in the order of geography, not time; in the 2nd round, “I Can Hear Clearly Now” a memoir about getting hearing aids. Clearly Julie, with a couple of ample novels under her belt, & a long-time habitué of open mics, is not a “new author,” but I guess that is just the name of the journal.

Naomi Bindman read in the 1st round the somewhat revised “The Shape of Wind” 2 hawks flying, a description as the title says; in the 2nd round she read another visually captivating piece that she screen-shared (the wonders of Zoom) “heart space.”

Always fun & filled with poets from everywhere else — every 2nd Wednesday from Bennington, VT, but you don’t have to be. If you are not on Charlie’s ever-expanding list & you want to join us, send him an email (charliemrossiter@gmail.com) & ask for the Zoom link — see you “there.”