November Newsletter

[Benicia Poet Laureate]





Hi Poetry Friends,

I hope you all are finding inspiration in the changing of the seasons, and consequently the activities, the foods, and the landscapes that enrich our lives.  This month brings some new activities to the forefront, as well as old favorites.

Be sure to take special note of Benicia Literary Arts new format of “Meet and Greet” on Sunday, November 3, where you can find support and info from a lively mix of writers in a variety of modalities.  Also deserving of special attention is our latest workshop installment, “Lyrics and Melody: How to Combine Your Poetry with Music” on November 19, 6:30-8:30, in person at the Benicia Library!!

Remember, my last 2 newsletters in September and October listed those regularly reoccurring events in our area - hopefully you bookmarked them or printed them out.  I will repeat and update those listings 2-3 times per year.  If you have a FREE ZOOM WORKSHOP OPEN TO ALL anywhere in the country, please send the info my way.

NOVEMBER 5: First Tuesday Poets Open Mic. WE HAVE MOVED TO THE FIREPLACE AREA - Come enjoy the comfy chairs and supportive, diverse group of poets.  Bring 2-3 poems to read, or just come to listen.  We all need a diversion before the election results start to come in at 9:30-10 (and maybe some by the following Sunday!).  6:15 for cookies and conversation, 6:30 for the start of the program.

NOVEMBER 19: A special workshop, “Lyrics and Melody: Develop Your Poetry into Songs,” will be offered by Gail Wasserman and Tom Stanton, hosted by Yours Truly, and cosponsored with Benicia library and Benicia Literary Arts!

Gail Wasserman is a poet/lyricist from Benicia, California, who serves on the Benicia Literary Arts Board and has ten published poems in “Going the Distance:  Not There Yet” column in the Benicia Herald, several publications with Moonstone Arts Press, a publication by Chelsea Underground: Poetry and Art (inspired by Andy Warhol, and a publication in the American Graveyard Anthology of Read and Green Books.  In addition, Gail has received Honorable Mentions in the 2022 and 2023 Ina Coolbrith contests.

 

Gail has completed a lyrics class with Clay Drayton from Motown fame.  She has 9 sync contracts for songs with her collaborators in A Matter of Music’s Sync Library for film placement.  When Gail is not writing poetry or lyrics, she is practicing Family Law in Contra Costa and San Diego counties.

Tom Eric Stanton is a former Poet Laureate of Benicia.  He is a truly gifted poet, songwriter and performer.  Tom’s unique style blends poetry with musical compositions.  In addition, he provides a monthly forum on OZCAT radio for other poet’s words to be heard.

NOVEMBER 3:  BENICIA LITERARY ARTS MEET AND GREET is a fun opportunity to talk about writing, get to know the Board members who represent different literary modalities, and learn what the organzation does to help local writers and readers.  The event will run from 3:00 to 4:30 pm in Room 2 of the Benicia Community Center, 370 East L St.  Light refreshments will be served.  You can register to attend on the website, Benicialiteraryarts.org or on Eventbrite.

NOVEMBER 9:  “THANKFUL FOR POETRY” is a special event at the Fairfield Civic Library, 1150 Kentucky St., Fairfield, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. It is a 

DOUBLE FEATURE of 2 wonderful poets, Jackie Berger and Lenore Weiss!  An Open Mic will follow.  Hosted by Suzanne Bruce, Fairfield Poet Laureate.

NOVEMBER 10:  TEA HOUSE OPEN MIC POETRY is held at Integrity Space, 717 Marin St. Vallejo, 2:00-4:00 pm, Hosted by Vallejo Co-Poet Laureates, Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne.

NOVEMBER 17:  POETRY AT HISTORIC ALBION HALL in San Francisco is a fundraiser for Colossus Press and the Ina Coolbrith Circle.  It will feature 8 - yes, eight - fabulous poets including our own FTP, Deborah Bachels Schmidt! (Details, including lineup are on the website.)

Reservations are strongly encouraged at albion...@gmail.com. The $20 donation can be paid in advance or at the door.  They recommend ride sharing or taking BART to  16th St/Mission.

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!!

Kathy

Katrina Monroe

Benicia Poet Laureate