Saturday, June 30, 2007

Simply Amazing

That pretty much sums up Thursday night's reading by Cave Canem founders Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady, and Carl Phillips and Pulitzer Prize winner Yusef Komunyakaa at the Hill House in the Hill District of Pittsburgh.

I was sitting right behind Toi Derricotte, with Cornelius Eady on her right and Yusef Komunyakaa on her left. *Was in total awe the entire time* All of them blew me away with their amazing poetry. I especially loved Toi Derricotte's impromptu ode to butter, Cornelius Eady's fun and intellegent style, Carl Phillips' reserved humor, and every single word that dripped from Yusef Komunyakaa's mouth. It was a poetry student's heaven.

Big thanks to Jim for making us go!

My only disappointment was that I had to leave early and couldn't stay to meet them all, buy their books and get them to sign them.


Later, I'll write about our big reading last night at the Birmingham Bridge Tavern! Talk about a fun and inspiring time!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Free Lunch?

So, my friend Sarah told me about this lit mag called Free Lunch that advertises free subsciptions to all who submit. Sarah and I both submitted.

They're liars. Not only did they send both of us scathing "comments" (I'm beginning to believe that all of those journals who just send form letters have the right idea), they also had a box checked that said something like "Cannot provide a free subsciption based on work submitted." Can you believe that? Sarah and I were both upset. They even had the nerve to call one of Sarah's poems "not poetry" and tell me to not use "personal anecdotes."

Needless to say, they'll never get my endorsement, or my poetry, again.

Just a few days away...

Just a reminder that my reading, in conjunction with Most Wanted Fine Arts, is this Friday at 7:30, at the Birmingham Bridge Tavern on Pittsburgh's Southside. That's at 29th and Sarah, for those of you not in the know.

Come support me! Even if you're a stranger, I welcome you.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Come Hear Me Read!

In the Pittsburgh area? Well, I've got an upcoming event for you to mark on your calendars!

Most Wanted Fine Arts in Pittsburgh is hosting its 2 year anniversary celebration on Friday, June 29th at 7:30 at the Birmingham Bridge Tavern on Pittsburgh's Southside. The event features a number of bands, artists, and... me!

Well, to be fair, I'm only one of five featured poets. The reading includes great stuff by Marissa Schwalm, Courtney Lora Lang, Sarah Adkins and Mathew Gaitens as well. Talented people, every one of them!

Come check it out. The Birmingham Bridge Tavern is located at 29th and Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA (in the Southside). See you on June 29th!