Go buy a book!
Sarah Dopp
I'm forwarding a special message about the space we use for for Queer Open Mic -- Modern Times Bookstore. They're a queerly community-owned co-op and they're in danger of not making it through the summer.
We lost our last venue two years ago when the 3 Dollar Bill Cafe at the LGBT Center closed.
So, in the words of my great co-host, "GO BUY A BOOK!"
http://mtbs.com/weneedyourhelp.html
And read on!!!
~Sarah
From: Baruch Porras-Hernandez <baruch...@gmail.com>
Subject: Go buy a book!
Dearest friends
For the past year and a half my good friend Sarah Dopp and I have been working very hard to keep The San Francisco Queer Open Mic alive and kicking since the unfortunate closing of the 3Dollar Bill Café. Every month we are there providing a space for artists, poets, musicians, writers, comedians,bloggers, to share their work, and their love with real actual people, awayfrom computers, away from television and away from the bar scene. We provide a space for real human connections, of all levels, all types, from the most amateur, to the most professional, for free! We would not be able to do this without The amazing Modern Times Bookstore. They graciously let us use their space for free.
Since 1971"Modern Times Bookstore has been a true Bookstore for the people of its community,they have survived the assault of chain bookselling, the death of independent stores throughout the country, gentrification of the Mission and throughout all that they have always provided a space in the back for community events." They do this because they are committed like me, like all my artist and writer friends to a literate and lively exchange of ideas and ideals.
I know,the bad times have hit everyone hard. I'm not going to bore you with the list of weird things and odd jobs I had to do while I was unemployed. But even though I'm incredibly poor, I'm walking into the store tomorrow to buy a book, and donate 20dollars. That is more than I can afford.
The Bookstore is in danger of not making it through the summer. I know I always close my e-mails and facebook messages with buy me a drink, and some of you do, out oflove, next time don't buy me a drink, donate 10 bucks to Modern Times. Go visitthe store, buy a book, get a gift certificate for someone you love, donate whateveryou can if you feel like you are able to.
By doing so you're helping out one of the only Collectively run Queer Bookstores inthe country.
A bookstore that truly serves its community, provides a place for alternativebooks to be sold, zines, poetry journals, and the Home of The San FranciscoQueer Open Mic.
People ask me all the time why I work and co-host the Queer Open Mic for free? I answer because I believe well run Open Mics are sacred. They are one of the only places left in the world where you can go sit among your fellow citizens of the planet and see some sincerity, in the pages, in their voices, free from commercialism, corporatefunding, and censorship. Open Mics are freedom of speech, are raw energy, political protest, community in motion. Open Mics are real and necessary. It is because of places like The Modern Times bookstore supporting The SanFrancisco Queer Open Mic that I have been able to explore my work as an artist, recite my poetry in different parts of the country, and connect with some ofthe people that have changed my life.
If you can, please, help them out.
I love you all.
BaruchPorras-Hernandez
PerformancePoet
Co-Host/Organizer for the San Francisco Queer Open Mic
http://mtbs.com/weneedyourhelp.html
--
Baruch Porras-Hernandez
baruch...@gmail.com