Saturday, January 22 from 6-8pm, the Racine Public Library will once again host "BONK!", the free monthly performance series that has quickly become an established entertainment event in downtown Racine. Now being held at the Racine Arts Council 316 Sixth St., the series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. Each BONK! event features a short question and answer session with the artists. This month's event features outstanding performances by poets Judith Goldman and Amaud Jamaul Johnson, and musician Rob Reid.
Judith Goldman earned a PhD in English and comparative literature from Columbia University in 2007. Her collections of poetry include Vocoder (2001), DeathStar/rico-chet (2006), and the chapbook The Dispossessions (2009). The poems in DeathStar/rico-chet address the political, post-9/11 world, partly through the use of found material and fragmented language. Goldman is a Harper Schmidt Fellow at the University of Chicago. She co-edits, with Leslie Scalapino, the annual journal War and Peace, and was a co-editor of Krupskaya Press in 2002 and 2003.
Amaud Jamaul Johnson is a native son of Compton, California. He received his BA in English from Howard University and a MPS in African American Studies from Cornell University. A former Wallace Stegner Fellow in Poetry at Stanford, Amaud is a member of the Cave Canem Workshop. His poems have appeared in New England Review, Rivendell, Poetry Daily, From the Fishouse, and The Cave Canem Anthology. He is an assistant professor of English at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
A voracious listener of traditional world music, musician Rob Reid draws from an eclectic range of genres such as bossa nova, Malian griot, and doo-wop to create a backdrop for songs about real and fictional characters. When performing live, Rob often uses a looping station to layer percussion, vocal harmonies, guitar, and kitchenware. In December 2009, he completed his third solo album, The Principles of Crop Rotation. Rob has brought his solo act out to countless venues ranging from coffee shops to restaurants, farmers markets to neighborhood taverns, and charity events to house concerts in Chicago, southeastern Wisconsin, and southern Michigan. In addition to his solo work, Rob has also played as a percussionist and backing vocalist for The Hump Night Thumpers and several other Chicago performers.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Holiday Programs and More at the Library
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is offering the following programs the week of December 12-18:
NICK DEMSKE/PETER O'LEARY BOOK SIGNING AND RECEPTION
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, will host a reception and book signing with local poet Nick Demske and author Peter O'Leary on Saturday, December 11 from 5:30-9pm. In celebration of their recent publications, the event will feature readings by both authors, live music with Brent Mitchell, book signings, and a Social Justice and Literary Arts Fair.
Nick Demske lives in Racine, Wisconsin, and works at the Racine Public Library. He recently received his Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. His first book of poetry, self-titled Nick Demske, was chosen by Joyelle McSweeney for the 2010 Fence Modern Poets Series prize and and was published by Fence Books in November 2010. His work has appeared in Conduit, Sawbuck, Moria, Pinstripe Fedora, Action Yes and elsewhere. Demske is also the curator of the BONK! Performance series and is an editor of the online venue boo: a journal of terrific things. Visit Nick Demske at nickipoo.wordpress.com
Peter O'Leary is the author of Watchfulness, A Mystical Theology of the Limbic Fissure, Depth Theology, Wren/Omen, and Benedicite. In 2010, the Cultural Society published his third full-length book, Luminous Epinoia. He lives in Berwyn, Illinois and teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and for the Committee on Creative Writing at the University of Chicago.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
STRESS & YOUR BODY
Dr. John Daniels, Daniels Chiropractic Office, is presenting a program on stress, the toll it takes on the body, and ways to protect yourself from its damaging effects. The presentation is being held on Thursday, December 16 at 1:00pm. Registration is requested and may be made by calling the library at 262.636.9217, or by completing the online registration form at www.racinelibrary.info.
FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN AND MUSIC
The library's monthly Family Fun Night will be held on Thursday, December 16 from 6:30-7:30pm. Families with children ages 4-10 are invited to share in a celebration of the winter holidays. Holiday music will be provided by the Washington Park High School Vocal Ensemble. Families will also hear traditional holiday stories and will have the opportunity to create unique a holiday craft to take home. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Registration is requested. Call 262.636.9245 or register on line at www.racinelibrary.info.
STRONG VOICES
The library's creative writing club for teens will meet again on Saturday, December 18 from 1:00-3:00 pm. The monthly workshops are open to young, passionate writers ages 13-18. The gatherings focus on the finer details of writing within different genres and formats. There is no cost for the workshops and all supplies will be provided. Walk-ins are welcome; no registration is necessary.
LIBRARY'S GOLDEN BOOKS COLLECTION
The library is seeking donations of Golden Books published in Racine, WI to build on its current collection. The library has been able to obtain about 300 of the nearly 1000 published in this area. If you or someone you know has Golden Books to donate, please contact the library at 262.636.9217.
NICK DEMSKE/PETER O'LEARY BOOK SIGNING AND RECEPTION
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, will host a reception and book signing with local poet Nick Demske and author Peter O'Leary on Saturday, December 11 from 5:30-9pm. In celebration of their recent publications, the event will feature readings by both authors, live music with Brent Mitchell, book signings, and a Social Justice and Literary Arts Fair.
Nick Demske lives in Racine, Wisconsin, and works at the Racine Public Library. He recently received his Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. His first book of poetry, self-titled Nick Demske, was chosen by Joyelle McSweeney for the 2010 Fence Modern Poets Series prize and and was published by Fence Books in November 2010. His work has appeared in Conduit, Sawbuck, Moria, Pinstripe Fedora, Action Yes and elsewhere. Demske is also the curator of the BONK! Performance series and is an editor of the online venue boo: a journal of terrific things. Visit Nick Demske at nickipoo.wordpress.com
Peter O'Leary is the author of Watchfulness, A Mystical Theology of the Limbic Fissure, Depth Theology, Wren/Omen, and Benedicite. In 2010, the Cultural Society published his third full-length book, Luminous Epinoia. He lives in Berwyn, Illinois and teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and for the Committee on Creative Writing at the University of Chicago.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
STRESS & YOUR BODY
Dr. John Daniels, Daniels Chiropractic Office, is presenting a program on stress, the toll it takes on the body, and ways to protect yourself from its damaging effects. The presentation is being held on Thursday, December 16 at 1:00pm. Registration is requested and may be made by calling the library at 262.636.9217, or by completing the online registration form at www.racinelibrary.info.
FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN AND MUSIC
The library's monthly Family Fun Night will be held on Thursday, December 16 from 6:30-7:30pm. Families with children ages 4-10 are invited to share in a celebration of the winter holidays. Holiday music will be provided by the Washington Park High School Vocal Ensemble. Families will also hear traditional holiday stories and will have the opportunity to create unique a holiday craft to take home. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Registration is requested. Call 262.636.9245 or register on line at www.racinelibrary.info.
STRONG VOICES
The library's creative writing club for teens will meet again on Saturday, December 18 from 1:00-3:00 pm. The monthly workshops are open to young, passionate writers ages 13-18. The gatherings focus on the finer details of writing within different genres and formats. There is no cost for the workshops and all supplies will be provided. Walk-ins are welcome; no registration is necessary.
LIBRARY'S GOLDEN BOOKS COLLECTION
The library is seeking donations of Golden Books published in Racine, WI to build on its current collection. The library has been able to obtain about 300 of the nearly 1000 published in this area. If you or someone you know has Golden Books to donate, please contact the library at 262.636.9217.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Saturday, December 11: Nick Demske Book Signing and Reception
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, will host a reception and book signing with local poet Nick Demske on Saturday, December 11 from 6-9pm. In celebration of the recent publication of Demske's first book of poetry, the event will feature readings by Nick Demske and author Peter O'Leary, live music with Brent Mitchell, book signings, and a Fair Trade and Literary fair.
Nick Demske lives in Racine, Wisconsin and works at the Racine Public Library. He recently received his Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. His first book of poetry was chosen by Joyelle McSweeney for the 2010 Fence Modern Poets Series prize and and was published by Fence Books in November 2010. His work has appeared in Conduit, Sawbuck, Moria, Pinstripe Fedora, Action Yes and elsewhere. Demske is also the curator of the BONK! Performance series and is an editor of the online venue boo: a journal of terrific things. Visit Nick Demske at nickipoo.wordpress.com
Peter O'Leary is the author of Watchfulness, A Mystical Theology of the Limbic Fissure, Depth Theology, Wren/Omen, and Benedicite. In 2010, the Cultural Society published his third full-length book, Luminous Epinoia. He lives in Berwyn, Illinois and teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and for the Committee on Creative Writing at the University of Chicago. Vocations to poetry and religion have committed him to the pursuit of what St. Bonaventure named an itinerarium mentis in deum, or the journey of the mind to God, with particular attention devoted to the mystagogical-initiatic and the mytho-poetical.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
Nick Demske lives in Racine, Wisconsin and works at the Racine Public Library. He recently received his Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. His first book of poetry was chosen by Joyelle McSweeney for the 2010 Fence Modern Poets Series prize and and was published by Fence Books in November 2010. His work has appeared in Conduit, Sawbuck, Moria, Pinstripe Fedora, Action Yes and elsewhere. Demske is also the curator of the BONK! Performance series and is an editor of the online venue boo: a journal of terrific things. Visit Nick Demske at nickipoo.wordpress.com
Peter O'Leary is the author of Watchfulness, A Mystical Theology of the Limbic Fissure, Depth Theology, Wren/Omen, and Benedicite. In 2010, the Cultural Society published his third full-length book, Luminous Epinoia. He lives in Berwyn, Illinois and teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and for the Committee on Creative Writing at the University of Chicago. Vocations to poetry and religion have committed him to the pursuit of what St. Bonaventure named an itinerarium mentis in deum, or the journey of the mind to God, with particular attention devoted to the mystagogical-initiatic and the mytho-poetical.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Tuesday, November 9: Library Hosts Poetry Reading at Gallery B4S
The Racine Public Library is hosting another "Baby" BONK! at Gallery B4S, 613 Sixth St, on Tuesday, November 9 at 7:00pm. This adult poetry event is free; no registration is necessary. The program will feature readings by poets Michael Earl Craig, Eric Huff, and a special guest reader.
Michael Earl Craig is the author of three collections of poetry: Thin Kimono (Wave Books, 2010), Yes, Master (Fence Books, 2006) and Can You Relax in My House (Fence Books, 2002). He received a BA in English Literature from the University of Montana, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts. His poems have been published in various print and online journals, including Provincetown Arts, The Iowa Review, The Believer, HoboEye, Octopus Magazine, Fence, jubilat, and Denver Quarterly, as well as anthologized in Isn't It Romantic: 100 Love Poems (Verse Press, 2004) and Poems About Horses (Everyman's Library Pocket Series, 2009). He lives in Livingston, Montana, where he is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, shoeing horses for a living.
Eric Huff is a graduate of Carthage College and is an 8th grade English teacher at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He has poems appearing in or forthcoming in Sawbuck, 2011 Wisconsin Poet's calendar, 1913: A Journal of Forms, Weird Deer, and Boo: A Journal of Terrific Things, among others.
The Racine Public Library is located at 75 Seventh St in downtown Racine. Visit the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info for more information about upcoming events and programs.
Michael Earl Craig is the author of three collections of poetry: Thin Kimono (Wave Books, 2010), Yes, Master (Fence Books, 2006) and Can You Relax in My House (Fence Books, 2002). He received a BA in English Literature from the University of Montana, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts. His poems have been published in various print and online journals, including Provincetown Arts, The Iowa Review, The Believer, HoboEye, Octopus Magazine, Fence, jubilat, and Denver Quarterly, as well as anthologized in Isn't It Romantic: 100 Love Poems (Verse Press, 2004) and Poems About Horses (Everyman's Library Pocket Series, 2009). He lives in Livingston, Montana, where he is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, shoeing horses for a living.
Eric Huff is a graduate of Carthage College and is an 8th grade English teacher at Lincoln Middle School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He has poems appearing in or forthcoming in Sawbuck, 2011 Wisconsin Poet's calendar, 1913: A Journal of Forms, Weird Deer, and Boo: A Journal of Terrific Things, among others.
The Racine Public Library is located at 75 Seventh St in downtown Racine. Visit the library's website at www.racinelibrary.info for more information about upcoming events and programs.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Saturday, November 6: Racine Public Library Poetry Reading
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, will host a poetry reading and reception for three accomplished poets visiting the Racine area on Saturday, November 6 from 7:00-9:00 pm. Doors will open at the library at 6:30 for this free event. Performing readings at the evening gathering will be poets MC Hyland, Brian Oliu, and Joseph P. Wood.
MC Hyland is the author of Neveragainland, forthcoming this winter from Lowbrow Press. Her chapbooks include Every Night In Magic City (H_NGM_N, 2010), Residential, As In (Blue Hour Press, 2009) and (with Kate Lorenz and Friedrich Kerksieck) the hesitancies (Small Fires Press, 2006). She lives in Minneapolis, where she runs DoubleCross Press and the Pocket Lab Reading Series, and works as an administrator and occasional letterpress instructor at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.
Brian Oliu is originally from New Jersey and currently lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His work has been published or is forthcoming in Hotel Amerika, New Ohio Review, Ninth Letter, Sonora Review, WebConjunctions, Best Creative Nonfiction Vol. 2, and elsewhere.
Joseph P. Wood is the author of the forthcoming books Fold of the Map (Salmon Poetry) and I & We (CW Books) as well as five chapbooks. Newish poems can be found in BOMB, Boston Review, Hotel Amerika, Hunger Mountain, Verse, among others. He is co-founder of Slash Pine Press and director of the Slash Pine Poetry Festival and Slash Pine Writer Hikes in Tuscaloosa, AL.
To stay up to date on all of the library's programs, services, and resources visit the website at racinelibrary.info, read the library blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com, or follow the Racine Public Library on Facebook and Twitter.
MC Hyland is the author of Neveragainland, forthcoming this winter from Lowbrow Press. Her chapbooks include Every Night In Magic City (H_NGM_N, 2010), Residential, As In (Blue Hour Press, 2009) and (with Kate Lorenz and Friedrich Kerksieck) the hesitancies (Small Fires Press, 2006). She lives in Minneapolis, where she runs DoubleCross Press and the Pocket Lab Reading Series, and works as an administrator and occasional letterpress instructor at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.
Brian Oliu is originally from New Jersey and currently lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His work has been published or is forthcoming in Hotel Amerika, New Ohio Review, Ninth Letter, Sonora Review, WebConjunctions, Best Creative Nonfiction Vol. 2, and elsewhere.
Joseph P. Wood is the author of the forthcoming books Fold of the Map (Salmon Poetry) and I & We (CW Books) as well as five chapbooks. Newish poems can be found in BOMB, Boston Review, Hotel Amerika, Hunger Mountain, Verse, among others. He is co-founder of Slash Pine Press and director of the Slash Pine Poetry Festival and Slash Pine Writer Hikes in Tuscaloosa, AL.
To stay up to date on all of the library's programs, services, and resources visit the website at racinelibrary.info, read the library blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com, or follow the Racine Public Library on Facebook and Twitter.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sunday, October 17: Poetry Reading at Gallery B4S
The Racine Public Library is hosting a mid-month “Baby” BONK! at Gallery B4S, 613 Sixth St, on Sunday, October 17 at 7:00pm. This event is free and open to all, and will feature readings by poets Jennifer Karmin, Tom Orange, and Mark Wallace.
Jennifer Karmin’s text-sound epic, Aaaaaaaaaaalice, was published by Flim Forum Press in 2010. She curates the Red Rover Series and is co-founder of the public art group Anti Gravity Surprise. Her multidisciplinary projects have been presented at festivals, artist-run spaces, community centers, and on city streets across the U.S., Japan, and Kenya. At home in Chicago, Jennifer teaches creative writing to immigrants at Truman College and works as a Poet-in-Residence for the public schools.
Tom Orange is currently teaching literature and creative writing at Georgetown University and The George Washington University. His recent work appears or is forthcoming in Court Green, Primary Writing, The Word at Peek Review, Rock Heals, and The Poker.
Mark Wallace is the author and editor of more than fifteen books and chapbooks of poetry, fiction, and essays. Most recently he has published a collection of tales, Walking Dreams, and a book of poems, Felonies of Illusion. http://wallacethinksagain.blogspot.com .
The Racine Public Library is located at 75 Seventh St in downtown Racine. Visit the library’s website at www.racinelibrary.info for more information about upcoming events and programs.
Jennifer Karmin’s text-sound epic, Aaaaaaaaaaalice, was published by Flim Forum Press in 2010. She curates the Red Rover Series and is co-founder of the public art group Anti Gravity Surprise. Her multidisciplinary projects have been presented at festivals, artist-run spaces, community centers, and on city streets across the U.S., Japan, and Kenya. At home in Chicago, Jennifer teaches creative writing to immigrants at Truman College and works as a Poet-in-Residence for the public schools.
Tom Orange is currently teaching literature and creative writing at Georgetown University and The George Washington University. His recent work appears or is forthcoming in Court Green, Primary Writing, The Word at Peek Review, Rock Heals, and The Poker.
Mark Wallace is the author and editor of more than fifteen books and chapbooks of poetry, fiction, and essays. Most recently he has published a collection of tales, Walking Dreams, and a book of poems, Felonies of Illusion. http://wallacethinksagain.
The Racine Public Library is located at 75 Seventh St in downtown Racine. Visit the library’s website at www.racinelibrary.info for more information about upcoming events and programs.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Saturday, June 26: Racine Public Library Hosts BONK!
Summer is a great time to hit the streets and enjoy some of downtown Racine's finest entertainment. The Racine Public Library invites you to enjoy an evening with some very talented artists on Saturday, June 26 from 6-8pm, for another installment of "BONK!", a free monthly performance series in downtown Racine. Now being held at the Racine Arts Council, 316 Sixth St., the series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis.
This month's event will feature poet Nina Corwin, spoken word artist Nigel Wade, and City Dwellers with musicians Kevin MacPhail, Austin Spika and Cody Hess.
Poet Nina Corwin is a Chicago social worker, jazz guitarist, and the author of a collection of poetry, Conversations With Friendly Demons and Tainted Saints. She has performed throughout the country and has collaborated with choreographers, percussionists, and jazz and chamber musicians. Her published work appears or is forthcoming in ACM, Bayou, Hotel Amerika, Mudfish, Nimrod Int'l, Poetry East, Slipstream and Southern Poetry Review, as well as the anthologies Visiting Frost (University of Iowa Press, 2005) and Poetic Voices Without Borders (Gival Press), receiving awards from the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois State Poetry Society. She co-edited Inhabiting the Body (Moon Journal Press, 2002) with Mary H. Ber and served as a guest poetry editor for Fifth Wednesday.
Spoken word artist Nigel Wade,is an energetic, positive performer who has risen to the top of the Milwaukee Slam and Spoken Word scenes. A member of many successful national slam poetry teams, including the Milwaukee National Slam, Wade won the Milwaukee Shuffle Slam competition in 2006. In 2007, Nigel was honored to represent Milwaukee in the Individual World Poetry Slam, which took place in Vancouver, Canada.
Individually, musicians Kevin MacPhail, Austin Spika and Cody Hess are incredibly talented young musicians who have garnered much attention in the music world among professionals, their peers and their audiences. Together, calling themselves the City Dwellers, they will take their music to new heights. All three can claim talented musical abilities from a young age and all three have experienced a variety of playing opportunities, accomplishments and recognitions. We're eager to see what this trio works up. Join us for their debut performance.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, Power Audio, the Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.
This month's event will feature poet Nina Corwin, spoken word artist Nigel Wade, and City Dwellers with musicians Kevin MacPhail, Austin Spika and Cody Hess.
Poet Nina Corwin is a Chicago social worker, jazz guitarist, and the author of a collection of poetry, Conversations With Friendly Demons and Tainted Saints. She has performed throughout the country and has collaborated with choreographers, percussionists, and jazz and chamber musicians. Her published work appears or is forthcoming in ACM, Bayou, Hotel Amerika, Mudfish, Nimrod Int'l, Poetry East, Slipstream and Southern Poetry Review, as well as the anthologies Visiting Frost (University of Iowa Press, 2005) and Poetic Voices Without Borders (Gival Press), receiving awards from the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois State Poetry Society. She co-edited Inhabiting the Body (Moon Journal Press, 2002) with Mary H. Ber and served as a guest poetry editor for Fifth Wednesday.
Spoken word artist Nigel Wade,is an energetic, positive performer who has risen to the top of the Milwaukee Slam and Spoken Word scenes. A member of many successful national slam poetry teams, including the Milwaukee National Slam, Wade won the Milwaukee Shuffle Slam competition in 2006. In 2007, Nigel was honored to represent Milwaukee in the Individual World Poetry Slam, which took place in Vancouver, Canada.
Individually, musicians Kevin MacPhail, Austin Spika and Cody Hess are incredibly talented young musicians who have garnered much attention in the music world among professionals, their peers and their audiences. Together, calling themselves the City Dwellers, they will take their music to new heights. All three can claim talented musical abilities from a young age and all three have experienced a variety of playing opportunities, accomplishments and recognitions. We're eager to see what this trio works up. Join us for their debut performance.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, Power Audio, the Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wednesday, June 16: Library Hosts "Baby Bonk!" Poetry Reading
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St, is hosting a mid-month "Baby Bonk!" featuring poetry readings by three nationally recognized and talented poets at the Racine Arts Council on Wednesday, June 16 at 6:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public; no reservations are needed. The event features performances by poets Anthony Madrid, Travis Nichols, and Catherine Wagner.
Anthony Madrid lives in Chicago. His poems have recently appeared or are forthcoming in The Cincinnati Review, FlashPoint, Forklift Ohio, LIT, Now Culture, PANK, Shampoo, AGNI Online, 6X6, and WEB CONJUNCTIONS. He is the author of The 580 Strophes, a chapbook. His manuscript The Getting Rid of the That Which Cannot Be Without was a finalist for the 2010 Fence Modern Poets Series.
Catherine Wagner's published collections include Miss America and Macular Hole (Fence Books). She has also recently edited two anthologies that are forthcoming from Fence Books -- a collection of poetry based on motherhood and one entitled A Poetry and Politics Primer. Her latest chapbook, Everyone in the Room is a Representative of the World at Large, is forthcoming from Bonfire Press. She currently teaches in the English department at the University of Miami, Ohio.
Travis Nichols was born and raised in Ames, Iowa. He now lives in Chicago. An editor at the Poetry Foundation, his writing has appeared in The Village Voice, The Believer, Paste, The Stranger, and the Huffington Post. He is the author of Iowa, a book of poems put out by Letter Machine Editions, and Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder, a novel from Coffee House Press.
Information about more of the Racine Public Library's upcoming programs is available at www.racinelibrary.info or by calling 262.636.9217.
Anthony Madrid lives in Chicago. His poems have recently appeared or are forthcoming in The Cincinnati Review, FlashPoint, Forklift Ohio, LIT, Now Culture, PANK, Shampoo, AGNI Online, 6X6, and WEB CONJUNCTIONS. He is the author of The 580 Strophes, a chapbook. His manuscript The Getting Rid of the That Which Cannot Be Without was a finalist for the 2010 Fence Modern Poets Series.
Catherine Wagner's published collections include Miss America and Macular Hole (Fence Books). She has also recently edited two anthologies that are forthcoming from Fence Books -- a collection of poetry based on motherhood and one entitled A Poetry and Politics Primer. Her latest chapbook, Everyone in the Room is a Representative of the World at Large, is forthcoming from Bonfire Press. She currently teaches in the English department at the University of Miami, Ohio.
Travis Nichols was born and raised in Ames, Iowa. He now lives in Chicago. An editor at the Poetry Foundation, his writing has appeared in The Village Voice, The Believer, Paste, The Stranger, and the Huffington Post. He is the author of Iowa, a book of poems put out by Letter Machine Editions, and Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder, a novel from Coffee House Press.
Information about more of the Racine Public Library's upcoming programs is available at www.racinelibrary.info or by calling 262.636.9217.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Library Hosts Writing Programs
Writer's Cramp? Jog your imagination these two great opportunities!
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., invites community members of all ages to participate in the third annual Write-a-thon, being held July 5-10, in which participants will raise funds to support the Racine Public Library and local authors.
Participants are asked to acquire sponsors from among friends, families and local community organizations to raise money for creative writing produced during the Write-a-thon. Since many forms of writing can only be judged subjectively, sponsorship will be based on quantitative measures: the number of pages written, word count, or time spent writing.
The Racine Public Library believes in supporting the local arts community and has pledged to gift participating writers with half of the proceeds. The remaining funds will enable the Library to contribute new material to its nationally recognized Poetry Collection.
People of all ages and levels of writing experience are encouraged to participate. Throughout the week, during regularly scheduled hours, the library will provide group writing space for participating authors.
Interested participants should contact Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info for more information or to register for the event. A message may also be left for Nick at 262.619.2571. An informational meeting will be scheduled one week prior to the Write-a-thon.
Writers of all levels are also invited to attend the monthly gathering of "Writer's Cramp". This group of local community members meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6pm to discuss and share personal writing and the writing of other authors. The group also has a Facebook page where discussion can take place in between meetings. You can find them at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Writers-Cramp/113562295334008?ref=search&sid=1299110495.552833959..1 The next gatherings of Writer's Cramp will be held on May 10 and 24. All are welcome, no registration is necessary. Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their own written work.
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., invites community members of all ages to participate in the third annual Write-a-thon, being held July 5-10, in which participants will raise funds to support the Racine Public Library and local authors.
Participants are asked to acquire sponsors from among friends, families and local community organizations to raise money for creative writing produced during the Write-a-thon. Since many forms of writing can only be judged subjectively, sponsorship will be based on quantitative measures: the number of pages written, word count, or time spent writing.
The Racine Public Library believes in supporting the local arts community and has pledged to gift participating writers with half of the proceeds. The remaining funds will enable the Library to contribute new material to its nationally recognized Poetry Collection.
People of all ages and levels of writing experience are encouraged to participate. Throughout the week, during regularly scheduled hours, the library will provide group writing space for participating authors.
Interested participants should contact Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info for more information or to register for the event. A message may also be left for Nick at 262.619.2571. An informational meeting will be scheduled one week prior to the Write-a-thon.
Writers of all levels are also invited to attend the monthly gathering of "Writer's Cramp". This group of local community members meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6pm to discuss and share personal writing and the writing of other authors. The group also has a Facebook page where discussion can take place in between meetings. You can find them at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Writers-Cramp/113562295334008?ref=search&sid=1299110495.552833959..1 The next gatherings of Writer's Cramp will be held on May 10 and 24. All are welcome, no registration is necessary. Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their own written work.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 17: Kiwanis Youth Artists Present at the Racine Public Library
Families are invited to participate in a variety of free and entertaining Spring events hosted by the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. All programs are free and open to the public; no registration is necessary. For more information, contact the Youth Services Dept. at 262.636.9245 or visit the library's website at racinelibrary.info.
Kids ages 5-10 and their families are invited to attend a musical evening event on Monday, May 17 from 6:30-7:30 pm with a special performance by the Racine Kiwanis Youth Symphony Orchestra, Symphonette, and Children's Choir. The evening will feature, not only fabulous music by talented young musicians, but poems and short stories read to the music of the symphony orchestras. The event is free and no registration is necessary. Younger siblings are welcome to attend this wonderful event.
You won't want to miss the library's enthusiastic storytellers for the final "On the Road" Saturday storytime. Each month, the storytellers perform a Saturday morning event for kids ages 3-10 and their families and Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St. The final event of the season will be held on Saturday, May 29 at 9:30 am. Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with and hour of interactive storytelling and crafts with your young ones. Enjoy a leisurely morning of quality family time and a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
School age children in grades 1-5 are invited to spend 15 min. reading to one of the library's specially-trained listening dogs in the award-winning Ruff Readers Program. Our loving canine friends visit the library after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and provide a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener. Time slots are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for available times and to reserve a reading spot.
Kids ages 5-10 and their families are invited to attend a musical evening event on Monday, May 17 from 6:30-7:30 pm with a special performance by the Racine Kiwanis Youth Symphony Orchestra, Symphonette, and Children's Choir. The evening will feature, not only fabulous music by talented young musicians, but poems and short stories read to the music of the symphony orchestras. The event is free and no registration is necessary. Younger siblings are welcome to attend this wonderful event.
You won't want to miss the library's enthusiastic storytellers for the final "On the Road" Saturday storytime. Each month, the storytellers perform a Saturday morning event for kids ages 3-10 and their families and Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St. The final event of the season will be held on Saturday, May 29 at 9:30 am. Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with and hour of interactive storytelling and crafts with your young ones. Enjoy a leisurely morning of quality family time and a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
School age children in grades 1-5 are invited to spend 15 min. reading to one of the library's specially-trained listening dogs in the award-winning Ruff Readers Program. Our loving canine friends visit the library after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and provide a fun way for kids to practice reading to a non-judgmental and gentle listener. Time slots are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Call the library at 262.636.9245 for available times and to reserve a reading spot.
Saturday, May 22: Library Hosts BONK!
Its the season to hit the streets and enjoy some of Racine's finest evening entertainment. The Racine Public Library invites you to enjoy an evening with some very talented artists on Saturday, May 22 from 6-8pm, for another installment of "BONK!", a free monthly performance series in downtown Racine. Now being held at the Racine Arts Council, 316 Sixth St., the series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. Each BONK! event features a short question and answer session with the artists. Summer is fast approaching and BONK is ready to heat up the night with its many fresh voices. This month's event will feature spoken word artist Dan Vaughn, poet Adam Weg, and musicians Lyra Vega.
Dan Vaughn is a poet, writer, and spoken word artist, born in Meridian, MS, and educated at Jackson State University. Marching to the beat of his own drum, in his own band, with his own rhythm...and motivated by his son, Jonathan...this talented artist is taking his creativity full time. He has recently completed his first novel, The Ride Home, and has published a book of poetry, I Dream, as well as two cd's of his work, I Dream and Soul Searching. Vaughn has performed in a number of successful events including work with Dasha Kelly on HBO's Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry!, and a four-year championship run with the Milwaukee National Slam Team. He is also the winner of the 2006 Akoben/Word Up! National Slam and has participated in the Brother's Speak Feature Series in Toronto, Canada. Vaughn also conducts creative writing and poetry workshops in the Milwaukee area.
Adam Weg is a poet originally from Lafayette, IN, now living and working in Chicago, IL. A participant in the Next Objectivist workshop out of the Mess Hall in Rodgers Park, Chicago, his interests lie in writing hard and soft poetry
Lyra Vega is an indie folk band from Milwaukee. With Emily Hall on the lyre (a classical harp-like instrument) and Monica Stone on acoustic guitar, their music has been described as ethereal, whimsical, and poetic. Their style evokes a thoughtful lyricism, as they sing of lost kings, gypsies, and rain storms. Staying within the local community, they have played at Milwaukee's Woodland Pattern, Art Bar, and the Brew Haus.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, Power Audio, the Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.
Dan Vaughn is a poet, writer, and spoken word artist, born in Meridian, MS, and educated at Jackson State University. Marching to the beat of his own drum, in his own band, with his own rhythm...and motivated by his son, Jonathan...this talented artist is taking his creativity full time. He has recently completed his first novel, The Ride Home, and has published a book of poetry, I Dream, as well as two cd's of his work, I Dream and Soul Searching. Vaughn has performed in a number of successful events including work with Dasha Kelly on HBO's Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry!, and a four-year championship run with the Milwaukee National Slam Team. He is also the winner of the 2006 Akoben/Word Up! National Slam and has participated in the Brother's Speak Feature Series in Toronto, Canada. Vaughn also conducts creative writing and poetry workshops in the Milwaukee area.
Adam Weg is a poet originally from Lafayette, IN, now living and working in Chicago, IL. A participant in the Next Objectivist workshop out of the Mess Hall in Rodgers Park, Chicago, his interests lie in writing hard and soft poetry
Lyra Vega is an indie folk band from Milwaukee. With Emily Hall on the lyre (a classical harp-like instrument) and Monica Stone on acoustic guitar, their music has been described as ethereal, whimsical, and poetic. Their style evokes a thoughtful lyricism, as they sing of lost kings, gypsies, and rain storms. Staying within the local community, they have played at Milwaukee's Woodland Pattern, Art Bar, and the Brew Haus.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, Power Audio, the Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
National Library Week Events: Racine Public Library Celebrates with a Week of Events for the Whole Family!
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a number of programs and events to celebrate National Library Week, April 11- 17. Take a moment during the week to check out all the free entertainment and educational workshops available at your public library.
On Tuesday, April 13 from 6:30-7:30 pm the library presents an evening concert with the Anderson Nordmark Classical Guitar Duo. Doug Anderson and Gary Nordmark combine their technical and expressive skills in playing, composing and arranging music to create an evening of romantic classical music. Admission is free and seating is available on a first come/first served basis.
EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS
Reverse mortgage consultant, Dan Scerpella, will be on hand Wednesday, April 14 from 10:30am-12pm to assist homeowners age 62 and older in understanding Reverse Mortgage planning. Reverse mortgages are a relatively new financial planning tool enabling homeowners to convert home equity into tax-free proceeds. These proceeds can be used to eliminate existing mortgages, meet daily or monthly expenses, remodel or repair your home, among others. This educational talk will answer many common questions and will allow people an opportunity to meet with a qualified consultant. The workshop is free; advance registration is appreciated.
Marcie Eanes is a journalist and poet who holds a BA is Journalism from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She has written for numerous publications including the Milwaukee Journal and Grand Rapids Press newspapers. Her work has also appeared in Essence and Seventeen Magazines. Another accomplishment was serving on the volunteer development team for the inaugural edition of Chicken Soup for the African American Soul book series.
Eanes has shared her poetry in a variety of venues across the nation. In August 2007 she was one of the nine finalists featured at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists, one of the largest and most influential organizations for journalists of color. She has also read at the Austin International Poetry Festival, a prestigious event held yearly in Austin, Texas which highlights poets around the world.
Eanes holds memberships in several organizations including the National Writers Union, the National Association of Black Journalists and the Academy of American Poets.
LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
The Racine Public Library will host an open house to celebrate National Library Week, on Saturday, April 17 from 11am-4pm. The free event will feature a community partnership fair, behind-the-scenes library tours, a grand prize scavenger hunt, children's storytime, and other family activities. There will also be special guest appearances by local writers, poets and musicians. The event is free and open to all.
KIDS COLORING CONTEST
The library will once again join the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation and Culver's Restaurants in the "COMMUNITIES THRIVE @ Your Library" coloring campaign for children 11 and under. This is the fourteenth consecutive year local Culver's restaurants in Wisconsin have sponsored this event, encouraging children to read and celebrate their favorite book characters.
Children can enter the coloring event by picking up drawing sheets from the Racine Public Library's Youth Services Department or from the Mobile Library, or by downloading and printing a copy from the library's website at racinelibrary.info beginning April 12. Children are encouraged to draw characters from a book that they would like to meet at the library. Every child who completes a drawing will receive a "Be Our Guest" coupon for a free single scoop of frozen custard from Culver's and will be entered into a random drawing to win an additional prize of a free Team Scoopie Kids meal coupon. Drawings will be displayed at the Racine Public Library through the month of May. Coloring sheet entries should be turned in to the Racine Public Library or Mobile Library by Friday, April 30. Final drawing will be announced Monday, May 3.
On Tuesday, April 13 from 6:30-7:30 pm the library presents an evening concert with the Anderson Nordmark Classical Guitar Duo. Doug Anderson and Gary Nordmark combine their technical and expressive skills in playing, composing and arranging music to create an evening of romantic classical music. Admission is free and seating is available on a first come/first served basis.
EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS
Reverse mortgage consultant, Dan Scerpella, will be on hand Wednesday, April 14 from 10:30am-12pm to assist homeowners age 62 and older in understanding Reverse Mortgage planning. Reverse mortgages are a relatively new financial planning tool enabling homeowners to convert home equity into tax-free proceeds. These proceeds can be used to eliminate existing mortgages, meet daily or monthly expenses, remodel or repair your home, among others. This educational talk will answer many common questions and will allow people an opportunity to meet with a qualified consultant. The workshop is free; advance registration is appreciated.
The second workshop in the library's four-part Job Skills series will be held on Thursday, April 15 from 6:30-7:30pm. This class will focus on resume writing. Learn to make a great first impression and discover what information to include in your resume, when to use it and how to use formatting to best showcase your qualities. These skill-building workshops are developed and taught by volunteer members of the Racine and Kenosha Area Chapter (SRKA) of the national Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Other workshops in the series include "Employer Expectations" (April 22) and "Interviewing for Success" (April 29). Each workshop is limited to 15 participants and registration is required. Call the main library at 262.636.9217 to register.
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to check out the library's new Job Search Lab on the second floor. Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8pm, the lab offers internet access for employment-related tasks and one-on-one assistance with highly qualified volunteer counselors. The Job Lab operates on a first come/first served basis and is open to all for free use.
POET READING AND BOOK SIGNING
Local Poet Marcie Eanes has selected the Racine Public Library to celebrate the release of her first book of poetry, Sensual Sounds, on Saturday, April 17 from 1-2pm in the East Performance Area. Sensual Sounds is a thought provoking poetry collection designed to encourage and inspire readers to cherish intimate relationships. The collection contains something for everyone. Eanes' upbeat poetry, which has been presented in a variety of settings, resonates with audiences everywhere. Her unique poetry voice is nourishment for the soul. The author will celebrate the release with readings from her body of work. Copies of Sensual Sounds will be available for purchase and the author will be present for book signings.
Marcie Eanes is a journalist and poet who holds a BA is Journalism from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. She has written for numerous publications including the Milwaukee Journal and Grand Rapids Press newspapers. Her work has also appeared in Essence and Seventeen Magazines. Another accomplishment was serving on the volunteer development team for the inaugural edition of Chicken Soup for the African American Soul book series.
Eanes has shared her poetry in a variety of venues across the nation. In August 2007 she was one of the nine finalists featured at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists, one of the largest and most influential organizations for journalists of color. She has also read at the Austin International Poetry Festival, a prestigious event held yearly in Austin, Texas which highlights poets around the world.
Eanes holds memberships in several organizations including the National Writers Union, the National Association of Black Journalists and the Academy of American Poets.
LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE
The Racine Public Library will host an open house to celebrate National Library Week, on Saturday, April 17 from 11am-4pm. The free event will feature a community partnership fair, behind-the-scenes library tours, a grand prize scavenger hunt, children's storytime, and other family activities. There will also be special guest appearances by local writers, poets and musicians. The event is free and open to all.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, March 27: BONK!
Saturday, March 27 from 6-8pm, the Racine Public Library will once again host "BONK!", the free monthly performance series that has quickly become an established entertainment event in downtown Racine. Now being held at the Racine Arts Council, 316 Sixth St., the series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. Each BONK! event features a short question and answer session with the artists. Gracing the stage this month will be a unique group of poets and musicians. Join us for performances by poet JULIE STRAND, poet MAURICE KILWEIN GUEVARA, and musician WORTH HAWES.
Julie Strand, Education Coordinator at Woodland Pattern Book Center and editorial assistant for the innovative poetry publisher Tarpaulin Sky, is a resident of Milwaukee, WI. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in the literary journals Caffeine Destiny, FOURSQUARE Editions, Wicked Alice, Arsenic Lobster, WOMB Poetry, BOO: A Journal of Terrific Things, Cant Journal and others. Julie's second chapbook, The Mae West Defense was published by Dancing Girl Press in 2009. In 2008, her poem "Neon Yellow" was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Maurice Kilwein Guevara was born in Belencito, Colombia in 1961 and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, where he teaches in the MA and PhD Programs in Creative Writing as well as in the Latino Studies Program. His first book of poetry, Postmortem (U. of GA Press), won the National Contemporary Poetry Series Competition and was published in 1994. He has also written three other collections: Poems of the River Spirit (Pitt Poetry Series, 1996), Autobiography of So-and-so: Poems in Prose (New Issues Press, 2001), and POEMA, (University of Arizona Press, 2009). A dynamic presenter of his own work, Kilwein Guevara has given poetry performances and workshops in Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, Cuba, Ecuador, and throughout the United States. His work has appeared in a number of poetry journals including in Poetry, Ploughshares, Exquisite Corpse, Kenyon Review, among others. His poetry has been anthologized in Touching the Fire: Fifteen Poets of Today's Latino Renaissance (Anchor/Doubleday), American Poetry: the Next Generation (Carnegie Mellon University Press), The New American Poets: a Bread Loaf Anthology (U. Press of New England), and No Boundaries: Prose Poems by 24 American Poets (Tupelo Press), among others.
Worth Hawes has been playing guitar for over 25 years, generally as a hobbyist, and occasionally as a performer. A native of the many places in the southeastern United States, he moved with his wife and two children to Racine nearly five years ago. While the most obvious reason for moving to town was for his wife's job at SC Johnson, secretly, his primary goal was to move to the mecca of fingerstyle guitar that is southeastern Wisconsin. Worth's music has many influences, but his original acoustic compositions probably owe most to his upbringing amidst the sounds of Appalachia and his long-running appreciation for the music of Leo Kottke. Worth is a proud graduate of Lake Forest College in nearby Lake Forest, IL and has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Vanderbilt University. For the past 11 years he's worked in a variety of roles in higher education publishing.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, The Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.
Julie Strand, Education Coordinator at Woodland Pattern Book Center and editorial assistant for the innovative poetry publisher Tarpaulin Sky, is a resident of Milwaukee, WI. Her poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in the literary journals Caffeine Destiny, FOURSQUARE Editions, Wicked Alice, Arsenic Lobster, WOMB Poetry, BOO: A Journal of Terrific Things, Cant Journal and others. Julie's second chapbook, The Mae West Defense was published by Dancing Girl Press in 2009. In 2008, her poem "Neon Yellow" was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Maurice Kilwein Guevara was born in Belencito, Colombia in 1961 and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, where he teaches in the MA and PhD Programs in Creative Writing as well as in the Latino Studies Program. His first book of poetry, Postmortem (U. of GA Press), won the National Contemporary Poetry Series Competition and was published in 1994. He has also written three other collections: Poems of the River Spirit (Pitt Poetry Series, 1996), Autobiography of So-and-so: Poems in Prose (New Issues Press, 2001), and POEMA, (University of Arizona Press, 2009). A dynamic presenter of his own work, Kilwein Guevara has given poetry performances and workshops in Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, Cuba, Ecuador, and throughout the United States. His work has appeared in a number of poetry journals including in Poetry, Ploughshares, Exquisite Corpse, Kenyon Review, among others. His poetry has been anthologized in Touching the Fire: Fifteen Poets of Today's Latino Renaissance (Anchor/Doubleday), American Poetry: the Next Generation (Carnegie Mellon University Press), The New American Poets: a Bread Loaf Anthology (U. Press of New England), and No Boundaries: Prose Poems by 24 American Poets (Tupelo Press), among others.
Worth Hawes has been playing guitar for over 25 years, generally as a hobbyist, and occasionally as a performer. A native of the many places in the southeastern United States, he moved with his wife and two children to Racine nearly five years ago. While the most obvious reason for moving to town was for his wife's job at SC Johnson, secretly, his primary goal was to move to the mecca of fingerstyle guitar that is southeastern Wisconsin. Worth's music has many influences, but his original acoustic compositions probably owe most to his upbringing amidst the sounds of Appalachia and his long-running appreciation for the music of Leo Kottke. Worth is a proud graduate of Lake Forest College in nearby Lake Forest, IL and has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Vanderbilt University. For the past 11 years he's worked in a variety of roles in higher education publishing.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
BONK! is sponsored by Gary's Music World, The Racine Arts Council, and the Racine Public Library.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Poetry Lovers Gather for Monthly Roundtable
Teen and adult poetry enthusiasts are invited to attend the Racine Public Library's Poetry Roundtable to enjoy a lively discussion of some of today's most intriguing poets. The group generally meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. at Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St. These free events focus on contemporary American poetry, highlighting a different poet at each meeting. As a group, participants will read poetry excerpts, analyze them and discuss their significance in today's society. Individuals with varying levels of poetry experience are welcome.
Poetry Roundtable for March will feature the work of contemporary poet Douglas Kearney. Douglas Kearney's work as a poet, performer and librettist has been featured in many fine publications and venues in print, in-the-flesh and in digital code. His first full-length collection of poems, Fear, Some, was published in 2006 (Red Hen Press). His second manuscript, The Black Automaton, was chosen by Catherine Wagner for the National Poetry Series and was published by Fence Books in November 2009. In 2008, he was honored with a Whiting Writers' Award.
Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a nationally recognized poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info to find more information about each month's selected poet, including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more. Poetry Roundtable events are free and open to the public; drop-ins are welcome.
Poetry Roundtable for March will feature the work of contemporary poet Douglas Kearney. Douglas Kearney's work as a poet, performer and librettist has been featured in many fine publications and venues in print, in-the-flesh and in digital code. His first full-length collection of poems, Fear, Some, was published in 2006 (Red Hen Press). His second manuscript, The Black Automaton, was chosen by Catherine Wagner for the National Poetry Series and was published by Fence Books in November 2009. In 2008, he was honored with a Whiting Writers' Award.
Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a nationally recognized poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info to find more information about each month's selected poet, including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more. Poetry Roundtable events are free and open to the public; drop-ins are welcome.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Saturday, February 27: BONK! Plays On
Saturday, February 27 from 6-8pm, the Racine Public Library will once again host "BONK!", the free monthly performance series that has quickly become an established entertainment event in downtown Racine. Now being held at the Racine Arts Council, 316 Sixth St., the series was created to expose the public to both local and nationally-recognized artistic talents. Each event showcases poets, writers, musicians, film makers and other talented artists. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with seating available on a first come/first served basis. Each BONK! event features a short question and answer session with the artists. Gracing the stage this month will be a unique group of poets, musicians and writers. Join us for performances by musician Christina Colon, poet Richard Meier, and writer Katie O'Shaughnessy.
Christina Colon currently lives in Kenosha, WI, but works in Vernon Hills, IL as a massage therapist. Writing her own songs since the age of 12, music has been a part of her life since childhood. Colon has played a variety of shows from Milwaukee to Chicago.
Richard Meier is the author of two books of poems, Terrain Vague, selected by Tomaž Šalamun for the Verse Prize in 2000 and published by Verse Press, and Shelley Gave Jane a Guitar, published by Wave Books in 2006. His poems have appeared recently or are forthcoming in: Calaveras, 1913: A Journal of Forms, Letterbox, Conjunctions, and others. He is currently writer-in-residence at Carthage College. He lives in Madison and Chicago.
Katie O'Shaughnessy graduated from Carthage College in May and is now living in Cary, Illinois. She is currently applying for graduate programs in Creative Writing while working at the Elgin Community College as a tutor, and at the Crystal Lake Health Food Store. Katie's short story "Dust" won the 2008 Chapin-Tague Award for Fiction.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
Christina Colon currently lives in Kenosha, WI, but works in Vernon Hills, IL as a massage therapist. Writing her own songs since the age of 12, music has been a part of her life since childhood. Colon has played a variety of shows from Milwaukee to Chicago.
Richard Meier is the author of two books of poems, Terrain Vague, selected by Tomaž Šalamun for the Verse Prize in 2000 and published by Verse Press, and Shelley Gave Jane a Guitar, published by Wave Books in 2006. His poems have appeared recently or are forthcoming in: Calaveras, 1913: A Journal of Forms, Letterbox, Conjunctions, and others. He is currently writer-in-residence at Carthage College. He lives in Madison and Chicago.
Katie O'Shaughnessy graduated from Carthage College in May and is now living in Cary, Illinois. She is currently applying for graduate programs in Creative Writing while working at the Elgin Community College as a tutor, and at the Crystal Lake Health Food Store. Katie's short story "Dust" won the 2008 Chapin-Tague Award for Fiction.
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com. You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Poetry Lovers Gather for Monthly Roundtable
Teen and adult poetry enthusiasts are invited to attend the Racine Public Library's Poetry Roundtable, to enjoy a lively discussion of some of today's most intriguing poets. The group generally meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 12-2 p.m. at Cup of Hope, 507 Sixth St. These free events focus on contemporary American poetry, highlighting a different poet at each meeting. As a group, participants will read poetry excerpts, analyze them and discuss their significance in today's society. Individuals with varying levels of poetry experience are welcome.
Poetry Roundtable will feature these contemporary poets in upcoming months:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20; 12-2 P.M. - Douglas Kearney
"1. it ain't from here; it is here. mud slurred through water. mud made here to a here it is. So if there it goes, here is gone, too and it will still be from nowhere but here." - Douglas Kearney
Douglas Kearney's work as a poet, performer and librettist has been featured in many fine publications and venues in print, in-the-flesh and in digital code. His first full-length collection of poems, Fear, Some, was published in 2006 (Red Hen Press). His second manuscript, The Black Automaton, was chosen by Catherine Wagner for the National Poetry Series and will be published by Fence Books in November 2009. In 2008, he was honored with a Whiting Writers' Award.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20; 12-2 P.M. - Lara Glenum
"A dangerous toy. Not for use by ballerinas shot in the face. Clean clogged orifices with chainsaw/feather dipped in lye."
Lara Glenum is a poet, scholar, and translator. Author of two books of poetry: The Hounds of No and Maximum Gaga as well as co-editor of Gurlesque, an anthology of contemporary women's poetry and visual art, she has collaborated with sound, visual, and digital media artists on Meat Out of the Eater, a multimedia installation. The previous recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship to Prague, Lara translates 20th and 21st century Czech poetry.
Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a local poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info for information about each month's selected poet, including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more. Poetry Roundtable events are free and open to the public; drop-ins are welcome.
Poetry Roundtable will feature these contemporary poets in upcoming months:
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20; 12-2 P.M. - Douglas Kearney
"1. it ain't from here; it is here. mud slurred through water. mud made here to a here it is. So if there it goes, here is gone, too and it will still be from nowhere but here." - Douglas Kearney
Douglas Kearney's work as a poet, performer and librettist has been featured in many fine publications and venues in print, in-the-flesh and in digital code. His first full-length collection of poems, Fear, Some, was published in 2006 (Red Hen Press). His second manuscript, The Black Automaton, was chosen by Catherine Wagner for the National Poetry Series and will be published by Fence Books in November 2009. In 2008, he was honored with a Whiting Writers' Award.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20; 12-2 P.M. - Lara Glenum
"A dangerous toy. Not for use by ballerinas shot in the face. Clean clogged orifices with chainsaw/feather dipped in lye."
Lara Glenum is a poet, scholar, and translator. Author of two books of poetry: The Hounds of No and Maximum Gaga as well as co-editor of Gurlesque, an anthology of contemporary women's poetry and visual art, she has collaborated with sound, visual, and digital media artists on Meat Out of the Eater, a multimedia installation. The previous recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship to Prague, Lara translates 20th and 21st century Czech poetry.
Poetry Roundtable is facilitated by Nick Demske, a local poet and employee of the Racine Public Library. Contact Nick at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info for information about each month's selected poet, including interviews, criticisms, poetry and more. Poetry Roundtable events are free and open to the public; drop-ins are welcome.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Saturday, January 23: BONK! Plays On
Carly-Anne is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where she was the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Award, the Case Bank Student Leadership Scholarship, the Z-Chi National Scholarship, an Academic Achievement Award, and the Teresa Peck Award. Her poetry has appeared in The Bathroom, Monkey Puzzle, Outhouse, Straylight, and Boo; her visual art has been featured in Outhouse and the Racine Arts Council's Truth, Trust, and Transition exhibition, and her micro play, "Bo(a)r(e)d," was produced by the UW-Parkside Original New Play Festival. She lives in Racine with her partner-in-crime, Nicholas, and two cats.
Mike Hauser is the author of crets crets crets (Rust Buckle Books), Psychic Headset ( Mitzvah Chaps), and There You Are (self published on demand) among other publications. His works also appeared in Sprung Formal, Abraham Lincoln, The Hat, and Dusie, among other fine publications. He co-curates the Salacious Banter Reading Series in Milwaukee, where he lives.
ONCE NOW ENSEMBLE is an improvisational group founded in January 2009 when its members (Carl Raven - drums, Craig Berg - percussion, Frank Marquardt - reeds, Linda Binder - violin, Mark Truesdell - percussion, melodica, and Rick Ollman - guitar, reeds) met at Milwaukee's Woodland Pattern Book Center participating in an event entitled Creating an Ensemble Voice: A Workshop in Collective Musical Improvisation led by Hal Rammel. Two of its members, Carl Raven and Frank Marquardt, had previously performed together in Collective Neurosis. The eclectic group of musicians hit instant rapport and were determined to continue playing when the workshop sessions ended. The newly formed ensemble played a Grand Finale and were well-received at a public performance at Woodland Pattern. As the band has remarked, "Our musical influences include everything from all continents, all eras, all species!"
Local artists and performers are encouraged to consider sharing their talent/craft with the community via the BONK! series. For more information on how to participate or to view video of past performances please visit http://bonkperformanceseries.wordpress.com.
You may also contact the Racine Public Library at 262.619.2571, Becky Spika at becky.spika@racinelibrary.info , or Nick Demske at nick.demske@racinelibrary.info.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Racine Public Library Series Announcement: The Evolution and History of Hip Hop
The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting a series one-hour programs, taking a "live radio" format, entitled "Poetic Evolution: Where Hip Hop Has No Boundaries" on Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning January 4 and running every Monday through February 15. The programs will be held in the Library's Lee Room and will be free and open to the public. Seating is limited and registration, though not required, is recommended. Contact the Adult Services Dept. at 262.636.6217.
"Poetic Evolution" will feature the artists, music, lyrics and culture of the Hip Hop world, focusing on the creativity and substance of songs rarely heard on mainstream radio. The diversity and evolution of this genre will be explored through showcasing such artists as Rakim, Mos Def, Chace Infinite and Cormega, among others.
The series was created and will be hosted by Racine's own Sean Leon. A collector and connoisseur of the Hip Hop culture since the early 80's, Leon was a member of the rap group "Soul Food" from 1992-97 and "Rumorz of War" from 97-04. He comes with over 10 years of live performance experience from small coffee shops to large concert stages, having recorded several album projects and garnered much interest from music industry labels. He has studied at a variety of music seminars with professional artists and music executives and brings a vast knowledge of the history of rap music and its growth from perceived "fad" to the sound that changed the world of commercial radio today.
Questions about this program or others being hosted by the Racine Public Library may be directed to the Adult Information Services at 262.636.9217. A listing of upcoming programs may be found at the Library's website at racinelibrary.info or on the Library's blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com.
"Poetic Evolution" will feature the artists, music, lyrics and culture of the Hip Hop world, focusing on the creativity and substance of songs rarely heard on mainstream radio. The diversity and evolution of this genre will be explored through showcasing such artists as Rakim, Mos Def, Chace Infinite and Cormega, among others.
The series was created and will be hosted by Racine's own Sean Leon. A collector and connoisseur of the Hip Hop culture since the early 80's, Leon was a member of the rap group "Soul Food" from 1992-97 and "Rumorz of War" from 97-04. He comes with over 10 years of live performance experience from small coffee shops to large concert stages, having recorded several album projects and garnered much interest from music industry labels. He has studied at a variety of music seminars with professional artists and music executives and brings a vast knowledge of the history of rap music and its growth from perceived "fad" to the sound that changed the world of commercial radio today.
Questions about this program or others being hosted by the Racine Public Library may be directed to the Adult Information Services at 262.636.9217. A listing of upcoming programs may be found at the Library's website at racinelibrary.info or on the Library's blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Library Hosts Hip Hop "Live Radio" Program
The Racine Public Library will present a series of one-hour programs, taking the form of "live radio" shows, entitled "Poetic Evolution: Where Hip Hop Has No Boundaries" on Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning January 4 through February 15. The programs will be held in the library's Lee Room and will be free and open to the public. No registration is necessary; however, seating is limited and early arrival is recommended.
"Poetic Evolution" will feature the artists, music, lyrics and culture of the Hip Hop world, focusing on the creativity and substance of songs rarely heard on mainstream radio. The diversity and evolution of this genre will be explored through showcasing such artists as Rakim, Mos Def, Chace Infinite and Cormega, among others.
The series was created and will be hosted by Racine's own Sean Leon. A collector and connoisseur of the hip hop culture since the early 80's, Leon was a member of the rap group "Soul Food" from 1992-97 and "Rumorz of War" from 97-04. He comes with over 10 years of live performance experience from small coffee shops to large concert stages, having recorded several album projects and garnered much interest from music industry labels. He has studied at a variety of music seminars with professional artists and music executives and brings a vast knowledge of the history of rap music and it's growth from perceived "fad" to the sound that changed the world of commercial radio today.
Questions about this program or others being hosted by the Racine Public Library may be directed to the Adult Information Services at 262.636.9217. A listing of upcoming programs may be found at the Library's website at racinelibrary.info, or on the Library's blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com.
"Poetic Evolution" will feature the artists, music, lyrics and culture of the Hip Hop world, focusing on the creativity and substance of songs rarely heard on mainstream radio. The diversity and evolution of this genre will be explored through showcasing such artists as Rakim, Mos Def, Chace Infinite and Cormega, among others.
The series was created and will be hosted by Racine's own Sean Leon. A collector and connoisseur of the hip hop culture since the early 80's, Leon was a member of the rap group "Soul Food" from 1992-97 and "Rumorz of War" from 97-04. He comes with over 10 years of live performance experience from small coffee shops to large concert stages, having recorded several album projects and garnered much interest from music industry labels. He has studied at a variety of music seminars with professional artists and music executives and brings a vast knowledge of the history of rap music and it's growth from perceived "fad" to the sound that changed the world of commercial radio today.
Questions about this program or others being hosted by the Racine Public Library may be directed to the Adult Information Services at 262.636.9217. A listing of upcoming programs may be found at the Library's website at racinelibrary.info, or on the Library's blog at rplinfo.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, November 6: Library Hosts Poetry Performance Workshop and Showcase
The Racine Public Library, with assistance from a grant awarded by the Wisconsin Center for the Book, has invited one of contemporary poetry's most innovative and dynamic performance artists for a poetry workshop and performance on Friday, November 6. High school students are invited to participate in an exclusive master poetry workshop with contemporary poet/performance artist, Abraham Smith. Smith, known for his cutting edge experimental poetry and unforgettable performance style, will share his knowledge and expertise with creative writing students in grades 9-12 from 10am-2pm at the Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St. Master workshop participants will have a unique opportunity to explore their own poetic voice and performance techniques with a professional and highly-acclaimed artist. The workshop is free and lunch will be served, but is limited to 20 participants. Those interested should contact Becky Spika at 262.619.2571 or becky.spika@racinelibrary.info to reserve a spot as soon as possible.
The Racine Public Library will then host an evening of exciting poetry performance by Abraham Smith and friends at 7 pm on Friday, Nov. 6. All workshop participants are invited to share their artistic voice in the evening's open mic performance.
Abraham Smith originally hails from Ladysmith, Wisconsin. His first book of poems, Whim Man Mammon, was recently published by Action Books and has met with critical acclaim. His journal credits include American Poetry Review, jubilat, Northwest Review, Denver Quarterly, Typo, and Ninth Letter, among others. He was a 2004-05 Writing Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center, Provincetown, MA. Presently, he teaches literature and creative writing at the University of Alabama.
This project is sponsored by the Racine Public Library and the Wisconsin Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Woodland Pattern Book Center in Milwaukee, WI.
Woodland Pattern Book Center is dedicated to the discovery, cultivation and presentation of contemporary literature and the arts. Their goals are to promote a lifetime practice of reading and writing, to provide a forum and resource center for writers/artists in our region, and to increase and diversify the audience for contemporary literature through innovative approaches to multi-arts programming. Woodland Pattern is the only Milwaukee, Wisconsin arts organization presenting contemporary literature to the general public on a continuous basis.
The Racine Public Library will then host an evening of exciting poetry performance by Abraham Smith and friends at 7 pm on Friday, Nov. 6. All workshop participants are invited to share their artistic voice in the evening's open mic performance.
Abraham Smith originally hails from Ladysmith, Wisconsin. His first book of poems, Whim Man Mammon, was recently published by Action Books and has met with critical acclaim. His journal credits include American Poetry Review, jubilat, Northwest Review, Denver Quarterly, Typo, and Ninth Letter, among others. He was a 2004-05 Writing Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center, Provincetown, MA. Presently, he teaches literature and creative writing at the University of Alabama.
This project is sponsored by the Racine Public Library and the Wisconsin Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Woodland Pattern Book Center in Milwaukee, WI.
Woodland Pattern Book Center is dedicated to the discovery, cultivation and presentation of contemporary literature and the arts. Their goals are to promote a lifetime practice of reading and writing, to provide a forum and resource center for writers/artists in our region, and to increase and diversify the audience for contemporary literature through innovative approaches to multi-arts programming. Woodland Pattern is the only Milwaukee, Wisconsin arts organization presenting contemporary literature to the general public on a continuous basis.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)