January Newsletter

[Benicia Poet Laureate]

Happy New Year Dear Poets and Lovers of Poetry! 

I hope this day finds you well rested from Happy Holidays and are eager for the poetry events in the upcoming year. So here we go!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 6:30-8:30 PM:  FIRST TUESDAY OPEN MIC POETRY offers new and experienced poets alike an enjoyable time in a supportive setting.  Coffee and conversation at 6:15, Readings start at 6:30.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2-4 PM, DONA BENICIA ROOM IN BENICIA LIBRARY: Ekphrastic reading to art exhibit by John Tullis, "I Like What I See!" Enjoy the Gallery's offerings and then listen to a variety of poets reading their personal takes on a number of art pieces in this exhibit. FREE, Snacks provided!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 5:30-7:30, Bookshop Benicia, 636 1st St.  Benicia Literary Arts presents a conversation between Joan Gelfand, author of "Outside Voices: A Memoir of the Berkeley Revolution" and Lois Requist, President Emerita.  This book is the winner of several awards, including the NYC "Big Book" award and the International Book Award 2024.  It describes the early 70's in Berkeley where feminism, protests, poetry, music and parties blossomed.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, is the deadline for registering your interest in POETRY OUT LOUD, a competition for 9th to 12th graders. Due to partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the Solano County Arts Council, participation is free, with cash prizes. More info at www.poetryoutloud.com.  Call 

707-342-2128 to register interest.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2-4 pm, Integrity Cafe, 717 Marin St., Vallejo:  TEA HOUSE POETRY, Open Mic hosted by co Poet Laureates Jacalyn Yvonne and Kathleen Herrmann.

MONDAYS, JANUARY 13 AND 27, 6:30-8:30 at the Benicia Library:  SHUT UP AND WRITE provides a time and space for writers of all kinds to do just that in a loosely structured and independent environment.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 3-6PM, AT FAIRFIELD-SUISUN VISUAL ARTS ASSO SOLANO TOWNE CENTER GALLERY:  "SHOW ME YOUR COLORS" Art reception with poetry readings starting at 5 pm. Send your poem, title of art piece and artist name by Thursday, January 16 at 5 pm to Suzanne Bruce at FairfieldP...@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18: INA COOLBRITH CIRCLE online Zoom of the prize winning poems of 2024 contest.

See Coolpoetry.org for details.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 7 PM: POETRY BY THE BAY, an open mic at Mira Theatre, 51 Daniels Ave, Vallejo.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 10;30am: ART BEAT POETRY HOUR ON OZCAT RADIO, 89.5 FM or TUNE IN APP for across the country.

In Poetry for Mutual Support and Peace,

Kathy

Katrina Monroe

Benicia Poet Laureate