CENTRAL---SAN FRANCISCO

• All Poets Welcome Reading Series presents featured readers and open mike, two minutes per reader, food and drink available, first Monday monthly, 7:00-8:30. Happy Hour until 7:00. Gallery Café, 1200 Mason at Washington, SF. For information, contact host Kit Kennedy, (415) 775-0261, kit.kennedy@yahoo.com.

• Bazaar Café Open Mic, every Thursday, 7:00. Bazaar Café, 5927 California Street, between 21st and 22nd Avenues, SF, Call to reserve a slot: (415) 831-5620, www.bazaarcafe.com.

• Bird & Beckett open reading, hosted by Jerry Feraz, usually first and third Mondays monthly, 7:30. Second Tuesday "Eminent Authors' Birthdays Open Reading" for favorite writers born in the month. Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 653 Chenery, between Diamond and Castro, SF, (415) 586-3733, www.birdbeckett.com.

• Bibliohead reading series presents an open mike and featured poets, hosted by Don Brennan, guest host for summer 2008: Carlos "The Voice" Ramirez, every third Thursday monthly, no readings November and December, cookies, 7:15. Bibliohead Bookstore, 334 Gough at Hayes, SF. For information: (415) 621-6772, brennan.don@gmail.com.

• Café International Open Mike, with featured readers, musicians, and open reading, every Friday, 7:00, free. Café International, 508 Haight, at Fillmore, SF. Information: (415) 552-7390.

• Club Deluxe presents Word Party Poetry & Jazz Tuesdays, open mike, read poetry or play some jazz, live music with Nova Jazz all night, hosted by Jennifer Barone, Ingrid Keir, and Daniel Heffez, every Tuesday, sign up at 8:30, jam open at 9:00, runs to midnight, $3-$5, poets and performers pay what you wish, twenty-one and up, one drink minimum. Club Deluxe, 1511 Haight Street, at Ashbury, SF, (415) 552-6949; www.thewordparty.com.

• Diamond Dave Whitaker hosts the Second Tuesday Poetry Open Reading, second Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00. Park Branch Library, 1833 Page Street, near Cole, SF, (415) 355-5656, sfpl.org.

• The Free Feature Salon presents an open mike, improv poets battles, dj, and laundry, hosted by Guinevere Q, every Monday at 8:00. Brainwash, 1122 Folsom Street, SF. Contact Guinevere, (650) 703-5289, or guinevernewman@yahoo.com.

• It's A Grind Coffee House presents Word Dancing, featured poets followed by an open mike, every second Monday of each month, 7:00-9:00, free. It's a Grind Coffee House, 1800 Polk Street, SF. Contact Jeanne Powell at (415) 928-8904.

• Mike-less Open Mic at 16th and Mission Open Mic, an open forum dedicated to reclaiming the space of the street, no sign up sheet or microphone, just free expression, facilitated by the Collaborative Arts Insurgency, every Thursday, 9:30-midnight, free; 16th and Mission BART Plaza, SF.

• Native American community open mike, for native readers, all may listen. Creamery, New College, Valencia at 19th Street, SF, 7:00; e-mail Kim Shuck, kshuck@tsoft.com.

• Poetry at the 3300 Club featured reading and open mike, last Tuesdays monthly, except December, sign up to read at 6:30, show 7:00, twenty-one and over, free, courtesy pub grub, Keane's 3300 Club, 3300 Mission, at 29th Street, SF, (415) 826-6886, www.3300club.com.

• Poetry Mission presents a featured reading and open mike with door prizes, hosted by Adam Wolf and Elz Cuya, second and fourth Thursdays monthly, 7:00-9:00, twenty-one and over, one drink minimum. The back room at DALVA, 3121 16th Street, near Valencia, SF, (415) 290-5048, poetrymission@gmail.com.

• Poetry & Pizza presents an all open reading to benefit the series, first Friday monthly, 7:30, $5, pizza is all-you-can-eat. Escape from New York Pizza, 333 Bush Street, at Montgomery, SF, popizza.white.prohosting.com.

• Queer Open Mic presents featured readers and spoken word open mike five minutes, one poem, or three pages of prose limit, hosted by Cindy Emch and Mollena Williams, second and fourth Fridays monthly, sign up 7:30, show 8:00, $1-$5, all ages, queers and allies welcome. Three Dollar Bill Café, 1800 Market Street, at Octavia, SF, www.threedollarbill.com.

• Red Light Open Mic, read for seven minutes max at this lively beer bar, Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00. Amnesia Bar, 853 Valencia Street, between 19th and 20th Streets, Mission district, SF, (415) 970-8336. Hosted by Phillip T. Nails, thomasnails@yahoo.com.

• Sacred Grounds Café has presented featured readers followed by an open reading since 1974, every Wednesday, sign up 7:00, reading 7:30. Sacred Grounds Café, 2095 Hayes, at Cole, SF, (415) 387-3859, www.sacredgroundscafe.com.

• Smack Dab open mike welcomes all ages and genders to perform five minutes or less, writing, music, comedy, or performance. Hosted by Kirk Read and Larry-bob Roberts, third Wednesdays, sign up 7:30, show 8:00, free. Magnet, queer neighborhood health center, 4122 18th Street between Castro and Collingwood, SF, www.magnetsf.org

CENTRAL---BERKELEY, ALBANY,OAKLAND, ALAMEDA, HAYWARD

• Albany Public Library open poetry mike after a featured reader, first Thursdays, every month except July, 7:00-9:00, free, refreshments. Edith Stone Room, Albany Public Library, 1247 Marin Avenue, Albany, (510) 526-3720.

• Bay Area Poets Coalition (BAPC) open reading, everyone welcome, three to five minutes per person, first Saturday monthly, 3:00-5:00. Strawberry Creek Lodge, Fourth Floor Movie Room (senior housing complex), 1320 Addison Street, Berkeley. Park on the street. www.bayareapoetscoalition.org.

• Bay Area Writing Project's Writing Teachers Write presents featured readers and open reading, fourth Wednesdays, January 23, February 27, March 26, 5:00-6:30, one drink minimum. Café Nomad, 6500 Shattuck, at 65th Street, Oakland, (510) 845-5430. Contact host: Judy Bebelaar at jbebelaar@pacbell.net.

• Berkeley/Cal Slam, second and fourth Tuesdays monthly, $3 students/$5, all ages, 8:00. Three-minute time limit for poets. ASUC sponsored and wheelchair accessible. Student Union, Gelateria Naia Lounge, in back, near Telegraph and Bancroft, Berkeley. Information: www.myspace.com/calpoetryslam.

• Berzerkeley Poetry Slam, ongoing, performance poets compete for $150 cash prizes judged by the audience, home of the 2007 West Coast Champions, with featured poets, live music with 3 Blind Mice and DJ Agana, pizza and beer, hosted by Charles Ellik, Betsy Roll and friends, every Wednesday, sign up at 7:30 to perform, event at 8:30, $7/$5 students with ID, all ages before 9:00. The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Avenue, (510) 841-2082, www.berkeleypoetryslam.com.

• Café Poetry, spoken word open mike, second and third Wednesdays, occasional schedule deviations, 7:30, donation. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 849-2568, www.lapena.org.

• Last Word Poetry Series open reading follows featured poets, hosted by Diana Q, Dale Jensen, and Ralph Dranow, every second Friday, 7:00-9:00. Wine, beer, food. Nefeli Caffé, 1854 Euclid Avenue, at Hearst, Berkeley, (510) 841-6374.

• Poetry Express, open mike series with featured readers, hosts: Mark States, Jim Barnard, Nance Wogan, Mondays, 7:00. Special all-open theme nights: November 26: Annual Between the Holidays Erotic Poetry Night. No reading December 24 and 31. Mention the reading for a ten percent meal discount. Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Avenue, near University Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 644-3977, e-mail: poetryexpress@gmail.com.

• Rhythm & Muse poetry and music series, piano and two mikes are available for the open mike, December 15, meets monthly, sign up at 6:30, show 7:00, free/donations. Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut Street, Berkeley. BAC: (510) 644-6893. For information, (510) 527-9753, sheflerium@earthlink.net.

• Frank Bette Center for the Arts Second Saturday Prose & Poetry with featured readers and open mike, every second Saturday monthly, 7:00, donation/free. Storytelling Swap, short stories or folk tales open mike, hosted by Cathy Dana, every third Monday, 7:00-9:00. Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru at Lincoln, Alameda, (510) 523-6957, www.frankbettecenter.org.

• The Eastside Cultural Center presents Holla' Back! Poetry Open Mic, every Thursday, 8:00-10:00; 2277 International Blvd., Oakland, (510) 533-6629, myspace.com/hollabackesa.

• Music of the Word/La Palabra Musical Open Mic Poetry/Music Series in English, Spanish, Spanglish y Lo Que Sea, hosted by Eric Aviles and poet/percussionist Avotcja. First and third Sunday, no cover, 3:00-4:30. Sofrito, 3451 International Blvd. at 35th Avenue, Oakland, (510) 533-3840. Free parking in rear. Information: ericaviles@yahoo.com, www.Avotcja.com.

• Oakland "BrOakland" Open Mike & Poetry Slam, hosted by Nazelah Jamison and Dahled, last Thursday monthly, sign up 8:00, show 8:15, $6/$4 Oakland students/teachers, all ages, full bar with ID. The Oakland Metro Theater, 201 Broadway, at 2nd Street, Oakland, www.myspace.com/oaklandslam. For information: djefreez@yahoo.com.

• Poetry Diversified open mike, hosted by Tres Santos poetry ensemble, first and third Tuesdays, sign up at 7:15, readings 7:30-9:00, free/donations. Piano available, wheelchair accessible. World Ground Café, 3726 MacArthur Blvd., at 35th Avenue, Oakland, (510) 482-2933, www.worldgrounds.com.

• Poetry Saloon, second Friday monthly, 7:30. December 14 (with workshop party), January 11. Hosted by Kayla Sussell, conceived by Gail Ford. Dessert, coffee and tea provided; 472 44th Street, Oakland. Information: Clive Matson, (510) 654-6495.

• Tourettes Without Regrets, a wild open mike and slam, with hosts Jamie DeWolf, Christian Drake, and a DJ, first Thursdays monthly, sign up 8:00, slam 8:30, $8, all ages, full bar. Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 3rd Street, Oakland, near Jack London Square, (510) 763-1146, tongueartillery@hotmail.com.

• Walden Pond hosts poetry open reading. Bring a poem of your own or a favorite by someone else, first and third Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30, free. Walden Pond Books, 3316 Grand Avenue, Oakland, (510) 832-4438. Host Mickey Frykdahl, (510) 530-9599.

• Works in Progress Women's Open Mic, with poets and musicians, five to eight minute slots, hosted by poet, writer, and editor Linda Zeiser. Every second Friday monthly; potluck at 6:30, reading at 7:20; potluck and beverage included in admission $7. The Home of Truth, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda. Information: (510) 276-0379, sign up via e-mail: ZeiserpoetMC@aol.com.

CENTRAL---ORINDA, PLEASANTON, DUBLIN, WALNUT CREEK, LIVERMORE

• The Ina Coolbrith Circle meets monthly, meetings include featured speakers, open reading, social hour, Sundays, November 18, December 30, January 27, February 24, March 30, April 27, and May 18, at 2:00. Orinda Community Church, Fellowship Hall, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda, www.coolpoetry.org.

• Pagan's Place Open Poetry Salon hosted by Debralee Pagan, editor of Strictly East, bring three pieces or more to read, meets every third Sunday monthly, 2:00-4:00; except for September 2008, which meets on September 28, 2008. Walnut Creek Coffee Company, 1550 Newell Avenue, Walnut Creek, (925) 256-9319, walnutcreekcoffeecompany.net, debralee@astound.net.

• Century House Poetry Readings, hosted by Pleasanton Poet Laureate Martha Meltzer, presents a featured reader followed by an open mike, limit of one poem per reader, forty lines or less, original or other favorite poem, first Sunday of even numbered months, December 2, February 3, 2:00-4:00, $5. Century House, 2401 Santa Rita Road, between Stoneridge and Mohr, Pleasanton. Michelle Russo, Civic Arts Poetry: (925) 931-5350.

• Poetic Medley presents themed and open readings of poetry read in the original language and in translation, second Thursdays, 7:45. Barnes & Noble, 4972 Dublin Blvd., Hacienda Crossings, Dublin. (925) 560-1495.

• People Who Write and Tell Stories, bring something to read after featured writers and refreshments to share, meets every third Saturday monthly, 7:30. 4th Street Studio, 2235 4th Street, Livermore, (925) 456-3100.

NORTH---MARIN COUNTY

• Sausalito Poetry Night featured poets, discussion, open mike, first Wednesday monthly, 7:30, free. Sausalito Presbyterian Church, 112 Bulkley, across from Alta Mira Hotel, Sausalito. Rev. Jim Burklo: (415) 332-3790.

• Sunset Poetry by the Sea presents an open mike with a featured reader, hosted by Martin Hickel, every first and third Wednesday monthly, 7:00-9:00, no cover. Northpoint Coffee House next to the Paradise Bay Restaurant, 1250 Bridgeway, Sausalito, www.northpointcoffee.com.

• Marin Poetry Center open mike/workshop, bring ten copies of one poem, fourth or last Thursdays monthly (confirm meeting in November and December), 7:00. Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Street, at C Street, San Rafael, (415) 454-7644, shabels@msn.com, www.marinpoetrycenter.com.

• Rebound Bookstore presents Hand to Mouth: Words Spoken Out, featured poets, ten-minute open mike spots. Last Saturday monthly, 4:00-6:00. Rebound Bookstore, 1541 4th Street, San Rafael. To read in the open mike, call before the event: (415) 482-0550, reboundbookstore@aol.com, www.reboundbookstore.com.

NORTH---CROCKETT, BENICIA, VALLEJO

• Poetry at Benicia Library open reading, first Tuesdays monthly, 7:00, coffee and cookies. Benicia Public Library, 150 East L Street, Benicia, (707) 746-4355. Host Joel Fallon, e-mail: joelfallon@aol.com, http://poetrymatters.150m.com.

• Second Saturday Open Reading with feature and open reading hosted by John Prey, second Saturday monthly, 2:00, free. Lee Lounge, Veteran's Home, 180 California Drive, Yountville. Contact Sandy: (707) 557-7520.

• Second Tuesday Poetry Open Mic, 7:00-9:00. Café Voltaire in Benicia's historic Tannery at 129 A First Street, Benicia, www.cafevoltairebenicia.com.

• Valona Deli featured poetry reading and open mike, with host David Alpaugh. Terry Henry Trio jazz after the poetry. Second Sundays, 4:00-6:00. Valona Deli, 1323 Pomona, Crockett, (510) 787-2022. Series host David Alpaugh: (925) 682-0457.

NORTH---SONOMA COUNTY

• Center of the Universe Cafe features poets, musicians, and storytellers during the organic dinner. Poetry open mike, sign up at door, five minute limit, food served before the open. First Saturday monthly, doors open 6:15, dinner 6:30, open mike 7:30, $12 dinner and show, $6 show only. Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma. Ken: (707) 938-4626x2, or e-mail cc-ken@vom.com.

• Sonoma County Library Poetry Slam series hosts an open mike followed by a competitive slam on Friday nights: November 16 (Cloverdale), January 18 (Petaluma), February 15 (Rohnert Park-Cotati), March 21 (Sonoma Valley), April 18 (Rincon Valley), Grand Slam May 16, no slams in December, the first slam and the finale are at the Central Library, Third and E Streets, Santa Rosa, 7:00. You must choose between reading in the open or participating in the slam. For branch library locations, and slam participation guidelines, see Daily Calendar, call (707) 545-0831, or visit www.sonomalibrary.org/programs/PoetrySlams.html.

• Third Sunday Salon of the Healdsburg Literary Guild, now in its seventh year, open mike for short works of literary intent, followed by featured writer, third Sundays monthly, 2:00-4:00. Healdsburg City Hall, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, (707) 836-9586.

• The Center Literary Café, open mike with featured reader, first Tuesday monthly, 7:00-9:00, free/$5 donation. Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson, Healdsburg, (707) 431-0319, www.mcrory.com/litcafe/index.php.

• Writers Read, open reading with featured readers and musicians, six-minute limit, last Thursday monthly, 7:00-9:30, $5 donation, refreshments available. Colored Horse Studio, 780 Waugh Lane, Ukiah, (707) 463-6989, coloredhorse.com.

NORTH---MENDOCINO & HUMBOLDT COUNTIES, UKIAH

• Cafe Vienna Poetry Reading with an open mike and occasional featured speaker, every first Friday, 6:30, free. Cafe Vienna in the Long's Drugs Shopping Center, 120 South Main Street, Fort Bragg. Melody Ulrich: frogkisser90@yahoo.com.

• Crave Coffee Open Mike, with poetry and music, every third Friday, 7:00, free. Crave Coffee, 21037 Calistoga Street, Suite 9, Middletown, (707) 987-7303.

• Java Express Open Mike, spoken word intermingled with acoustic music, every second Friday, espresso bar opens at 6:00 and closes during performances, 7:00-9:00, free. Java Express, 14624 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, (707) 995-1065.

• The More Than Open reading welcomes all forms of spoken word, poetry, dance, long poems encouraged, every second Saturday, drumming at 6:30, open at 7:00. Willits Public Library Meeting Room, 390 East Commercial Street, Willits. Bill Bruneau: (707) 459-3390, bbruneau@mcn.org.

• Third Thursday Poetry Reading, open mike with a featured poet, every third Thursday, 7:30, free, everyone welcome. CityArt Gallery, 284 Main Street, Point Arena, (707) 882-3114, www.cityart.ws.

• Poets on the Plaza open mike, second Monday monthly, no reading in December, 8:00, $1. Plaza View Room, Second Floor, in Jacoby Storehouse, 791 8th Street, Arcata, rvaughn@hotmail.com.

• Wild About Books Open Mike every fourth Friday, 14290 Olympic Drive, Suite A, Clearlake, (707) 994-9453.

EAST---CENTRAL VALLEY: DAVIS, STOCKTON, MODESTO

• The Other Voice poetry reading series featured reader and open mike, monthly dates to be announced, through May 2008, 7:30, wine served. Library, Unitarian Universalist Church, 27074 Patwin Road, Davis, (530) 750-3514, www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org.

• Poetry Night at Bistro 33, features and open mike, second and fourth Tuesdays monthly, 8:00. Bistro 33, 226 F Street, at Third, Davis, (530) 756-4556.

• Poet's Corner featured poets, open reading, monthly, 7:00. Barnes & Noble, Weberstown Mall, 4950 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, (209) 951-7014. Contact host David Humphreys: david324h@netscape.net, or david324h@yahoo.com; www.poetscornerpress.com.

• Modesto Poetry Slam, with cash prizes, hosted by Sam Pierstorff, second Wednesday monthly, sign up 6:45, show 7:00, $3/$5 poet's fee. Prospect Theater, 520 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Directions: (209) 549-9341. Information: (209) 575-6183, e-mail: pierstorffs@mail.yosemite.cc.ca.us, www.slamonrye.com.

EAST---CENTRAL VALLEY: PARADISE, CHICO

• Poets on the Ridge presents a monthly, all ages, poetry open mike on the second Sunday monthly, 2:30 -4:30. Juice & Java, 7067 Skyway, Paradise, call to confirm: (530) 872-9633.

EAST--- CENTRAL VALLEY: SACRAMENTO

• The Dose Coffee House celebrates Second Saturday Art Walk with an open mike and featured poetry reading, hosted by poets Vincent Kobelt and Michelle O, second Saturdays, 7:00-9:30. Dose Coffee House, 1825 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, Vincent Kobelt: (916) 686-3460.

• Poetry Unplugged open mike before and after the featured readers, hosted by B.L. Kennedy, frank andrick, Mario Ellis Hill, and Geoffrey Neil, every Thursday, 8:00, free. Luna's Café, 1414 16th Street, between N and O Street, mid-town Sacramento, (916) 441-3931, www.lunascafe.com.

• PoemSpirit, a small, friendly group, presents featured readers and open mike, read a favorite poem of your own or another's, co-hosted by Tom Goff and JoAnn Anglin, first Sundays monthly, 6:00. Unitarian Universalists Society of Sacramento, Room 11, 2425 Sierra Blvd., north of Fair Oaks Blvd., between Howe and Fulton Avenues, (916) 481-3312, or 451-1372.

• Sacramento Poetry Center hosts a weekly reading with featured poet and open mike, Mondays, 7:30, free. Headquarters for the Arts, 1719 25th Street, at R Street, Sacramento, (916) 451-5569, www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org.

• THE SHOW spoken word poets with open mike and a live band, hosted by Terry Moore, last Saturdays monthly, 7:00-9:00, $5, all ages, Wo'se Community Center, 2863 35th Street, off Broadway, Sacramento. T. Mo, (916) 208-POET, fromtheheart1@hotmail.com.

• The Underground Poetry Series presents featured readers and open mike, hosted by Terry Moore, third Saturdays monthly, 7:00, $3. Underground Books, 2814 35th Street, Sacramento, (916) 737-3333, www.mybmsf.com/terrymoore.

• Lincoln Poets Club monthly meetings, open mike, second Sundays monthly, 3:00-5:00. The Salt Mine, 590 G Street, corner of 6th Street and Highway 65, Lincoln. Contact: (916) 434-9226, sjclark@psyber.com.

• 3rd Eye Collective presents features and open slam, hosted by Lucky 7, $100 freestyle battle, third Saturday monthly, sign up 7:07, show 8:00, $10 includes one drink, twenty-one and over, cash prizes of $100 in the freestyle battle. Sol Collective, 2010 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento. For information: (707) 803-3393, ailive@tmail.com, Myspace.com/3rdeyecollective, Youtube.com/3rdeyecollective. (The slam airs on TV, Comcast channel 2 in Davis, Sacramento, Roseville, every Friday night at 1:00 a.m.)

• 3rd Eye Collective and UBO Magazine present Life Sentence, ten open mike spots, featured poet, slam with a $30 prize follows. Hosted by -GO, every Tuesday, 7:30, all ages, $5 for audience and slammers, free to open mike. Butch N Nellie's Coffee Co., I and 19th Streets, Sacramento. For information, contact: -Go, (707) 803-3393, or unclego@yahoo.com.

EAST---SIERRA FOOTHILLS: EL DORADO HILLS, GRASS VALLEY

• Our House featured poets and open mike, third Friday monthly, 7:00. Our House Defines Art Framing & Gallery, 4510 Post Street, El Dorado Hills Town Center, south of Highway 50, El Dorado Hills, (916) 933-4ART (4278), art@ourhousegallery.com.

• The Beat Open mike, every Thursday night, 8:00. The Rhythms Cafe, 114 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, (530) 274-2411.

SOUTH---SAN MATEO, SANTA CLARA, PALO ALTO

• Writers' Forum Open Mic Night, ten writers read for ten minutes each, hosted by Jim Hanna, third Wednesday of every month, 7:30, free. Borders Books, 2925 El Camino Real, San Mateo, across from Hillside Shopping Center. Information: www.sfpeninsulawriters.com. Advance sign up is required, e-mail: OpenMic@sfpeninsulawriters.com.

• Palo Alto Poetry Slam, next slam to be announced, all ages, sign up 7:30, show 8:00. Jungle Copy, 542 High Street, Palo Alto. For information: Melissa Rose, melissarose•knows@yahoo.com.

• Waverley Writers poetry readings and open mike, first Friday monthly, September through June, sign up at 7:15, 7:30-10:00, free. Friends Meeting House, 957 Colorado Avenue, near Greer Street, Palo Alto, (650) 424-9877.

SOUTH---SAN JOSE

• San Jose Slam, open mike poetry on fourth Tuesdays, hosted by Bundy, 8:15 sign up, 8:30 show, $6 cover; you must be over eighteen. The Britannia Arms, 173 W. Santa Clara, downtown San Jose. E-mail: kat0ninetales@aol.com.

• Poetry First! open mike with featured readers, each first Tuesday monthly, 7:30. Sponsored by Poetry Center San José. Works/San José, 451 South First Street, downtown San Jose, www.pcsj.org.

• Poetry Center San José sponsors featured poetry readings with open mike, third Monday of every month, November 19, December 17, free, 7:00. Willow Glen Books, 1330 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, (408) 298-8141.

SOUTH---SANTA CRUZ, MONTEREY BAY AREA, GILROY

• First Weekends invites poets to read their work and sell books in a visual art space, refreshments, Saturday of every first weekend (the Saturday after the first Friday of each month), sign up 1:00, reading 2:00-4:00. 17th Avenue Studios, 980 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, warehouse back of the drive, www.17thavenuestudios.org.

• Lost Poets Salon hosts open reading and discussion, first Saturdays monthly, 2:30 -5:00, free. Rumi Gardens at Downtown Bagelry, 320 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, (831) 425-0211.

• Poet/Speak Open Reading with featured reader, presented by Poetry Santa Cruz with host Joyce Keller, second Sunday monthly, 2:00, free. Santa Cruz Public Library, upstairs meeting room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz, (831) 464-8983, www.poetrysantacruz.org.

• Open Mic for musicians, poets, magicians and other artists of all ages to perform in front of a live audience, third Saturday monthly, sign up 7:30, perform 8:00, donations accepted, refreshments provided. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Santa Cruz County, 6401 Freedom Blvd., Aptos, (831) 477-7588, www.poetrysantacruz.org.

• Santa Cruz/UCSC Kinetic Poetics Slam, Thursday, Cowell Fireside Lounge, University of California, Santa Cruz. Sign up 8:30, show 9:00. For dates: kineticpoetics@gmail.com.

• Verbal Moonshine Open Reading, hosted by Phyllis Mayfield, third Fridays monthly, sign up and refreshments 7:30, reading 8:00, $3 donation, refreshments served. Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill Street, Ben Lomond, (831) 336-3513, www.poetrysantacruz.org.

• This open mike may move due to cafe closing, as of June 2008. Please check their web site or e-mai Brian Morrissey for location confirmation. Wired Poets open mike, hosted by Brian Morrissey, editor of Poesy Magazine, and Christopher Robin, editor of Zen Baby, every Friday, sign up 7:00, reading 7:30. Wired Wash Cafe, 135 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz, brian@poesy.org, or www.wiredpoets.com.

• Poetry Slam in Santa Cruz in on hiatus until a new venue is found (the E3 Playhouse closed). Contact: sccityslam@gmail.com, or www.santacruzslam.com.

• Rubber Chicken Poetry Slam & Open Mic, hosted by Garland Thompson, every Wednesday, 8:00-10:00, $3 donation. East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington Street, at Pearl, Monterey, www.westcoastslam.com. Booking: gtpoet@gmail.com.

• Garlicky Group of Poets open poetry reading, second Saturdays, 3:30-5:00, free. Gilroy Library Meeting Room, Rosana and Sixth Streets, Gilroy, host: (408) 779-4999.

For more event listings, SUBSCRIBE to Poetry Flash or request a SAMPLE COPY; then see the Calendar.