Lunch Poems series presents a student reading, of the year's liveliest events, featuring student winners of the following prizes: Academy of American Poets, Cook, Rosenberg, and Yang, as well as students nominated by UC Berkeley's Creative Writing faculty, Lunch Poems volunteers, and representatives from student publications, Morrison Library, 101 Doe Library, University of California campus, Berkeley, free, 12:10-12:50 (lunchpoems.berkeley.edu)
Poetry Connection reading series presents Ken Haas and Janet Jennings, hosted by Terry Lucas, Marin County Poet Laureate, open mic to follow, light refreshments, The Fireside Room, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael, free, 7:00-9:00 (www.terrylucas.com/schedule.html)
Saturday Night Special, An East Bay Open Mic, monthly literary reading series, bring on/off theme poems, stories, comedy sketches, songs, or dances, three-minute maximum, theme announced at end of previous month's open mic, readings by two featured writers, hosted by Hollie Hardy and Tomas Moniz, last Saturday of every month, Nick's Lounge, 3218 Adeline Street, Berkeley, 21+, free but one drink minimum, cash only, sign up 7:00, show 7:00-9:30 (510/652-NICK, www.nickslounge.com)