October Newsletter

[Benicia Poet Laureate]

Dear Poetry Lovers,

As the days get cooler, our poetry events are heating up! Plenty of opportunities are here, so I hope you find something that inspires you.

Deadline for submission is coming soon, Sunday, October 5!  Main Street Arts in Martinez  still has loads of wonderful art to inspire your next poem or prose work. Visit the gallery, sign up for your choice, and email your maximum 40 line poem or your 400 word prose piece to poetlaure...@gmail.com. Visiting hours for the Gallery are available on Mainstreetarts.net The ekphrastic reading will be October 12 at 3:30. See attached flyer below.

 Martinez Ekphrastic Otter Announce for Writers.jpg

Tuesday, October 7, 6:30-8:30  Benicia Library hosts our regular First Tuesday Open Mic in the comfy chairs by the main fireplace.  Come at 6:15 for cookies and conversation. Bring 2 poems maximum 3 minute read each, or come just to listen. Open to all.

Save the date of Thursday, November 13, 6:30-8:30 for a workshop on Poetry, Lyrics and Melody at the Benicia Library.  Gail Wasserman and Tom Stanton will teach us how to turn our writing into song.

DON'T MISS THIS! My last event of my PL 2 year term will be a poetry party on Saturday, December 6, 3:30-5:30 at the Library!  The theme will be Holiday Traditions and our special guest will be LEE HERRICK, our state Poet Laureate, who will share his thoughts and readings from his latest book.

Lee will be followed by an Open Mic so bring your favorite holiday poem.

Live music by Angie Davidson and Marcy Orendorff, luscious holiday treats and books available for purchase for holiday gifts.

In early October, you will receive an email in regard to the BiAnnual First Tuesday Poetry Anthology.  Traditionally this is organized by the Poet Laureate and published by Benicia Literary Arts.  Keep your eyes peeled for the email, and be thinking about which of your wonderful poems you would like to submit.

Mondays, October 6 and 20, 6:30-8:30: SHUT UP AND WRITE at Benicia Library, 150 East L St. An opportunity to write your own work in privacy with minimal distraction with peer support offered at the beginning and end of session.  Sponsored by Benicia Literary Arts, hosted by Kyle Gerner.

Wednesday, October 8, 6-8pm:  Meet Your Poetic Cousins and Ancestors

at JFK Library, 505 Santa Clara St, Vallejo.  A reading and explanation of famous poets is hosted by David Hakim.

Thursday, October 9, 10:30 brunch, 11-12 program:  Table Talk at the Inn at Benicia Bay, 145 East D St, Benicia. Since Beth Grimm has moved to the East Coast, Benicia Literary Arts is continuing this delightful group! Lois Requist and Debbie Weiss will host a conversation on "Where do you get your inspiration?"

Sunday, October 12, 2-4 pm:  Tea House Open Mic at Integritea Space, 717 Marin St., Vallejo.  Hosted by Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann, Co Poets Laureate.

Thursday, October 23, 10:30-11:30 am: OZCAT poetry hour on OZCAT radio, 89.5FM.  Arrive by 10:15 if you would like to read live on the radio to the studio at 1026 Georgia St, Vallejo.  Use the TUNE-IN app to hear this in your local area.  Hosted by DJ LaLa and Tom Stanton.

Thursday, October 23, 7:30-9:30 pm: Poetry by the Bay at Mira Theatre, 51 Daniels St., Vallejo.  Open Mic hosted by Keith Thompson and Cynaka.

Sunday, November 2, 2-4 pm:  Poems in Conversations with readings by Terra Oliveira and Valdez Hill at the Exchange in Vallejo, 817 Marin St.  Hosted by Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne.

TWO EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES:

BENICIA POET LAUREATE applications will be up on the Library's website soon along with the updated description of the position. The term will run through 2027.

California is looking for its first TEEN POET LAUREATE!  Wonderful opportunity with a significant stipend for anyone age 13-19 at the time of application. see California Arts Council website for details or apply at capoetlaureate.org.

Happy poeting,

Kathy

Katrina Monroe

Benicia Poet Laureate