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Poetry Flash Reading Series
Denise Low and Lucille Lang Day
12/1, Berkeley
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7 APRIL 2023 — friday

  • San Diego Poetry Annual, along with San Diego Writers Festival and Library Foundation San Diego, presents the Kowit Awards, a celebration of San Diego's poetry community and remembrance of the late seminal poet Steve Kowit, with an evening of readings by California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo Perez, and San Diego area poets Julia Levine, winner of the 2023 Kowit Award, Ron Salisbury, Jeff Walt, Gill Sotu, and more, with an open mic reading hosted by Poets Underground, come enjoy street foods, drinks, and a mini-book fair, bringing together the diverse literary arts of San Diego, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Boulevard, San Diego, free, 6:30-9:30 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-poetry-celebration-and-kowit-awards-tickets-551667621707)
  • Books Inc. presents Suzanne Park reading from her new novel The Do-Over, a rom-com about a young Korean-American woman returning to college and discovering her new TA is her ex-boyfriend, Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real #74, Palo Alto, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.booksinc.net/event/suzanne-park-books-inc-palo-alto).

8 APRIL 2023 — saturday

  • Medicine for Nightmares presents the "Day Dreamer's Poetry Showcase," a spoken word event highlighting voices that are often silenced or overlooked, featuring Ashia Ajani, Heirloom, forthcoming from Write Bloody Publishing, Dez Hatter, and Katie Aliféris, fool[ishly optimistic], Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore & Gallery, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco, $20, 4:00-6:30 pm PDT (More information here: medicinefornightmares.com/events)
  • Beyond Baroque presents a reading by contributors of the Santa Monica Review's Spring 2023 issue, featuring short story writers Kristen Leigh Schwartz and Gregory Tower, poet and novelist Kareem Tayyar, and writer and critic Yxta Maya Murray, emceed by Santa Monica Review editor Andrew Tonkovich, copies of the journal are included with admission, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, doors open 2:30 pm, reading at 3:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
  • UpSurge! jazz poetry ensemble presents an afternoon of poetry and jazz to celebrate National Poetry Month and Jazz Appreciation Month, as well as the 125th birthday of Paul Robeson (1898-1976), the great bass-baritone artist and social justice activist, with readings by Zigi Lowenberg and Raymond Nat Turner, and musical performances by Richard Howell, Ron Belcher, and Larry Van, Plymouth Church of Jazz & Justice, 424 Monte Vista Avenue, Oakland, $20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds, 3:00 pm PDT
  • Beyond Baroque presents a reading featuring California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, Scar and Flower, joined by poets F. Douglas Brown, Zero to Three, winner of the 2013 Cave Canem Poetry Prize; Amy Uyematsu, That Blue Trickster Time; and Michelle Brittan Rosado, Why Can't It Be Tenderness, Felix Pollak Prize-winner in Poetry, reception before and after the readings, with a book signing by the authors, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, 7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
  • Red Hen Press presents "Voices at the Center of American Literature," a reading and conversation with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors, featuring poets Afaa M. Weaver, The Government of Nature, winner of the 2014 Kingsley Tufts Award, and Douglas Manuel, Testify, winner of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award, joined by jazz musician Dr. Ray Briggs, moderated by Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, Beg No Pardon, Red Hen Literary House, 1540 Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena, proof of vaccination required to attend in person, free, 4:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.eventbrite.com/e/voices-at-the-center-of-american-literature-tickets-590269089737)
  • Beyond Baroque presents "Poems Are Where I Tell the Truth: Be Honest," a poetry workshop led by bridgette bianca, be/trouble, attendees will practice honesty and say things they never thought they would say through poetry, no matter how silly or serious, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, $65 for members, $75 general admission, 11:00 am-2:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/poems-are-where-i-tell-the-truth-being-honest-with-bridgette-bianca-tickets-577735621797?aff=ebdsoporgprofile)

9 APRIL 2023 — sunday

10 APRIL 2023 — monday

  • Sausalito Books by the Bay presents New York Times best-selling author Brenda Novak launching her sseventy-fifth book titled The Seaside Library, a story about three friends who begin to discover the truth about a missing person's case and their own history, in conversation with Catherine Coulter, author of the FBI Thriller series, Sausalito Books by the Bay, 100 Bay Street, Sausalito, free, 6:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sausalitobooksbythebay.com/2023-events/brenda-novak-in-conversation-with-catherine-coulter).
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a fund-raiser benefit at Northridge Restaurant in Nevada City, ten percent of dinnertime proceeds will benefit the Sierra Poetry Festival, dine in or take out, Northridge Restaurant, 733 Nevada Street, Nevada City, free, 5:00-9:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)
  • Maker, Mentor, Muse presents "Prose: Healing Your Relationship to the Work," a workshop led by Mary Volmer, Crown of Dust; attendees will combine craft and workshop elements, and address spirituality with art making in a flexible interfaith framework, second and fourth Mondays, April 10-May 22, online via Zoom, $450, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm PDT (Enroll here: www.eventbrite.com/e/prose-healing-your-relationship-to-the-work-class-salons-consultation-tickets-557552212677)

11 APRIL 2023 — tuesday

  • City Lights Books presents poet and novelist adrienne maree brown, discussing her new book, Maroons: A Grievers Novel, in conversation with filmmaker and writer dream hampton, executive producer of the documentary series Surviving R. Kelly, online via Zoom, free, Noon PDT (Register to attend: citylights.com/events)
  • Bookshop West Portal presents a poetry reading with Ben Gucciardi, West Portal, finalist for the Northern California Book Award, Brian Tierney, Rise and Float, winner of the Jake Adam York Prize, and Shelley Wong, As She Appears, winner of the Pamet River Prize, Bookshop West Portal, 80 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.bookshopwestportal.com)
  • City Lights Books presents Meredith Broussard, Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World, discussing her new book, More than a Glitch: Confronting Race, Gender, and Ability Bias in Tech, online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: citylights.com/events).

12 APRIL 2023 — wednesday

  • The Mechanics' Institute presents "No Poetry No Peace," a biannual reading series celebrating human expression and peace, featuring multidisciplinary writer Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte, Betrayal on the Bayou, poet and essayist Dr. Jeanne Powell, and poet Karla Brundage, Swallowing Watermelons, the title of this reading series comes from the collection No Poetry No Peace, co-written by Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte and her daughter, Dr. Angela Boutte, online via Zoom, free, 6:00-7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.milibrary.org/events/events-activities)
  • Sausalito Books by the Bay presents a poetry and prose reading featuring Creative Writing students and faculty at the Dominican University of California, with Bonnie Carasso, Britta Stromeyer Esmail, Judy Halebsky, Matthew Kline, Abby Laporte, Reneé Marie, Margaret Neville, Nichole Turnbloom, and Marianne Vernacchia, Sausalito Books by the Bay, 100 Bay Street, Sausalito, free, 6:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sausalitobooksbythebay.com/2023-events/dominican-mfa-reading).
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a pop-event, "Five Nevada County Women Poets at the Stone House," a reading by poets Kirsten Casey, Judy Crowe, Molly Fisk, Ingrid Keriotis, and Judie Rae, The Stone House, 107 Sacramento Street, Nevada City, donation, 6:00-7:30 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)

13 APRIL 2023 — thursday

  • Bookshop West Portal presents a Blue Light Press poetry reading featuring Stewart Florsheim, Amusing the Angels, winner of the 2022 Blue Light Books Award, Diane Frank, Canon for Bears and Ponderosa Pines, and Marianne Betterly, The Return of the Bees, Bookshop West Portal, 80 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.bookshopwestportal.com)
  • Sausalito Books by the Bay presents Joel Richard Paul discussing his book Indivisible: Daniel Webster and the Birth of American Nationalism, a story of how Daniel Webster popularized American nationalism that would then inspire Abraham Lincoln to preserve the Union, Sausalito Books by the Bay, 100 Bay Street, Sausalito, free, 6:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sausalitobooksbythebay.com/2023-events/author-event-joel-richard-paul).
  • Maker, Mentor, Muse presents "Poetry in Process: Creating Together," a workshop led by Maw Shein Win, Storage Unit for the Spirit House and first Poet Laureate of El Cerrito, California; attendees will work on craft with prompts, generative writing exercises, and non-traditional workshops to emphasize listening and responding, second and fourth Thursdays, April 13-May 25, online via Zoom, $450, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm PDT (Enroll here: www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-in-process-creating-together-workshop-salons-consultation-tickets-557525572997)
  • Skylight Books presents poet Elizabeth Metzger, The Spirit Papers, winner of the Juniper Prize for Poetry, reading from her new book, Lying In, joined by poets Julia Anna Morrison and Austen Leah Rose, Once, This Forest Belonged to a Storm, winner of the 2022 Juniper Prize, Skylight Books, 1818 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.skylightbooks.com/event/skylight-elizabeth-metzger-presents-lying-w-julia-anna-morrison-austen-leah-rose)
  • You're Going to Die presents the open mic Poetry, Prose, and Everything Goes…, a community offering to explore conversations of death and dying, five-minutes per performance, open mic can be poetry, prose, music, dance, happy, sad, and everything in between, The Lost Church, 988 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, tickets are $15-$100, all proceeds support YG2D, doors open 7:30 pm, show begins 8:15 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: thelostchurch.org/san-francisco)
  • Poem Jam monthly poetry reading features writers from the new anthology, This Wandering State: Poems from Alta, poems on San Francisco, with readings by Lisbit Bailey, Jennifer Barone, Paul Corman-Roberts, Charlie Getter, Clara Hsu, Lauren Ito, and EK Keith, hosted by San Francisco Poet Laureate emerita Kim Shuck, San Francisco Public Library, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, free, 6:00-7:15 pm PDT (More information here: sfpl.org/events/2023/04/13/kim-shucks-poem-jam-wandering-state)
  • Village Well presents a reading with featured poet Amy Shimshon-Santo, Catastrophic Molting, with open mic to follow, all media welcome, open mic performances must be family-friendly, part of a monthly reading series every second Friday of the month, Village Well Books and Coffee, 9900 Culver Blvd., Culver City, free, 7:00 pm PDT
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a pop-up event, "The Poetry Crashers," a "poetry variety show" with Julie Valin, Chris Olander, Rhi Winders, Shawn Odyssey, Shellee Sepko, Alex Henderson, and Clarity, The Chambers Project, 627 E. Main Street, Grass Valley, $10, 6:00-8:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)

14 APRIL 2023 — friday

  • El Gigante presents a poetry reading from Simple Machines literary magazine, featuring contributors Kimberly Blaeser, Semaj Brown, Dominic W. Holt, Joanne Mackowski, Artemisio Romero y Carver, and editor M. Bartley Seigel, followed by an open mic reading, online via Zoom, free, 6:30-8:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: cccconfer.zoom.us/j/9348057923)
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a pre-festival pop-up event, interviews and wine with the festival participants, Nevada City Winery, 321 Spring Street, Nevada City, no-host bar, 5:00-6:30 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)

15 APRIL 2023 — saturday

  • Clarion Performing Arts Center presents a reading featuring poets Jennifer Barone, Saporoso: Poems of Italian Food and Love, and Sally Love Saunders, Fresh Bread, with an open mic before and after the featured poets, sign up at the event, Clarion Performing Arts Center, 2 Waverly Place, San Francisco, free, 1:00-3:00 pm PDT (RSVP to attend: www.theclarionsf.org/events/3rd-saturday-poetry-in-chinatown-3)
  • The seventh annual Sierra Poetry Festival is an international festival marking National Poetry Month from the foothills of California's Gold Country to the High Sierra, celebrating the spoken word with readings, workshops, an activity fair for all ages, and youth performances, preceded by a month of pre-festival pop-up poetry events throughout the community; the Festival mainstage features readings by California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, and poets Dorianne Laux, Joseph Millar, Jamaica Baldwin, Judith Nangala Crispin, Doc Dachtler, Gail Rudd Entrekin, Rita Hosking, singer songwriter Rita Hosking, Australian poet Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello, Rooja Mohassessy, Indigo Moor, storyteller Petronella Petander, Australian poet Mark Tredinnick, Maw Shein Win, with Poetry Place, a selection of literary organizations exhibiting, Poetry Flash will be there; the all-day event concludes with a Community Open Mic hosted by Michael Clarity, The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, a full pass for workshops and readings is $45, Nevada County Arts Council members $35, general admission featured readings only $25, Nevada County Arts Council members, students with ID, and military discounts apply, 8:30 am-5:30 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)

16 APRIL 2023 — sunday

  • "Speaking of Survival," a poetry reading and fundraiser hosted by Olney Magazine, features poets Madeleine Barnes, You Do Not Have to Be Good; Avery Guess, The Truth Is; Raegen Pietrucha, Head of a Goron, finalist in the 2022 American Book Fest Awards. Sage Ravenwood, Everything That Hurt Us Becomes a Ghost; Meggie Royer; Lannie Stabile, Good Morning to Everyone Except Men Who Name Their Dogs Zeus; Zoë Fay-Stindt, Bird Body, winner of the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Prize from Cordella Press; and Qiana Towns, all proceeds will benefit Resilience, a nonprofit supporting survivors of sexual assault, online via Zoom, free admission, 1:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: resilience.salsalabs.org/SpeakingofSurvivalAPoetryReadingandFundraiser/index.html)
  • The San Francisco Public Library presents California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, Scar and Flower, joined in a reading with guest poets Ayodele Nzinga, Oakland Poet Laureate; Linda Noel, James Siegel, How Ghosts Travel; San Francisco Poet Laureate emerita Kim Shuck, What Unseen Thing Blows Wishes Across My Surface?; and current San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin, Blood on the Fog, San Francisco Public Library, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, free, 1:00-2:30 pm PDT (More information here: sfpl.org/events/2023/04/16/performance-lee-herrick-and-poets-basement)

17 APRIL 2023 — monday

  • "The Life of Poetry," a workshop led by poets Ellen Bass, Indigo, and Frank X. Gaspar, A Field Guide to the Heavens, winner of the Brittingham Prize for Poetry, attendees will focus on generating new writing, workshop in small groups, and will share their work in a poetry reading on the final night; this workshop is appropriate for both beginning and experienced poets, online via Zoom, maximum twenty-eight participants, $1750; there are two full scholarships available to Black poets, runs April 17-21 (Enroll here: www.ellenbass.com/events/the-life-of-poetry/?mc_cid=f3ce913629&mc_eid=65eb098795)
  • The Mechanics' Institute presents novelist Thomas Brussig, Helden wie wir [Heroes Like Us], discussing his book, The Short End of the Sonnenallee, the first English translation of the novel, joined in conversation by translator and novelist Jonathan Franzen, Crossroads, Mechanic's Institute, 57 Post Street, San Francisco, $10 for members, $15 general admission, 6:30 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.milibrary.org/events/german-writer-thomas-brussig-jonathan-franzen-apr-17-2023)
  • Green Apple Books presents Yuri Herrera, Signs Preceding the End of the World, celebrating his latest work, Ten Planets, a collection of fanciful and philosophical science fiction stories by one of Mexico's finest novelists, in conversation with poet and translator Román Luján; the new collection is translated by Lisa Dillman, co-presented by the Center for the Art of Translation, Green Apple Books on the Park, 1231 9th Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-yuri-herrera-rom%C3%A1n-luj%C3%A1n)
  • City Lights Books presents novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Robert Greenfield discussing his new book True West: Sam Shepard's Life, Work, and Times, a biography about American icon, playwright and actor Sam Shepard, City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, and online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: citylights.com/events).

18 APRIL 2023 — tuesday

  • Cobalt Poets presents a reading with featured poet Shawna + The Light, followed by an open mic, online via Zoom, free, 7:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt/calendar.html)
  • Small Press Traffic presents "Anti-Narrative Arcs," an experimental fiction workshop led by writer and editor Angie Sijun Lou, attendees will explore short stories and novel excerpts that deviate from the traditional conflict-resolution model often found in contemporary American fiction, runs four-Tuesdays, April 18-May 9, sliding scale $80-$200, Et al etc./Et al. books, 2831 Mission Street, San Francisco, 6:30-8:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.smallpresstraffic.org/event/experimental-fiction-workshop-with-angie-sijun-lou)
  • Women's National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter, celebrates National Poetry Month with a reading by Connie Post, Poet Laureate emeritus of Livermore and author of Between Twilight, her new collection of poems, followed by an open mic, three-minutes per reader, online via Zoom, free, 4:00-5:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: wnba-sfchapter.org/snap-clap-and-feel-the-poetry-april-18)

19 APRIL 2023 — wednesday

  • City Lights Books presents David Mas Masumoto celebrating the publication of his new book Secret Harvests: A Hidden Story of Separation and the Resilience of a Family Farm, a memoir following the journey of Masumoto's discovery of his "lost" aunt, who was separated from his family due to racism and ableism, online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: citylights.com/events).
  • Sausalito Books by the Bay presents Native American poet Kurt Schweigman (Oglala/Sicangu Lakota) reading from his new book, Confluences of Solitude, a collection on topics that range from comedy to tragedy, family to solitude, taking us from South Dakota, California, and Mexico; Kurt Schweigman formerly published as Luke Warm Water; Sausalito Books by the Bay, 100 Bay Street, Sausalito, free, 6:00 pm PDT (More information here: 415/887-9967, www.sausalitobooksbythebay.com/2023-events/kurt-schweigman-poetry).

20 APRIL 2023 — thursday

  • Beyond Baroque presents an evening of prose, with readings by short story writer Peter Cherches, Things, Dennis Callaci, founder of the record label Shrimper and author of the experimental prose collection 100 Cassettes, and memoirist Juanita Mantz, Portrait of a Deputy Public Defender, or how I became a punk rock lawyer, winner of a gold medal at the International Latino Book Awards, book signing to follow the reading, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, free, 8:00-11:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.beyondbaroque.org/calendar.html)
  • The Mechanics' Institute presents a reading by two award-winning poets, Henri Cole, Pierce the Skin, Los Angeles Times Book Prize-winner, and Brenda Hillman, In a Few Minutes Before Later and Extra Hidden Life Among the Days, winner of the 2019 Northern California Book Award, both reading from their latest books, Gravity and Center: Selected Sonnets, 1994-2022 and In a Few Minutes Before Later, with special guest Robert Hass, Time and Materials, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, U.S. Poet Laureate 1995-97, Mechanics' Institute, 57 Post Street, San Francisco, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.milibrary.org/events/celebrate-national-poetry-month-apr-20-2023)
  • Books Inc. presents Irena Smith discussing and reading from her new memoir, The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admission Essays, an entertaining yet heartbreaking true story told in the form of college admissions essays, Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real #74, Palo Alto, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.booksinc.net/event/irena-smith-books-inc-palo-alto).
  • City Lights Books presents poet Matthew Zapruder, Father's Day, readingfrom and discussing his new memoir, Story of a Poem, Kerouac Alley, between Broadway and Grant Avenues, next to City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, 6:00 pm PDT (More information here: citylights.com/events)
  • The California Institute of Integral Studies presents scholar and author Samira Mehta, Beyond Chrismukkah: The Christian-Jewish Blended Family in America, finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, discussing her latest book, The Racism of People Who Love You: Essays on Mixed Race Belonging, online, pay what you can, suggested price $10, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.ciis.edu/public-programs/event-calendar/mehta-samira-april-20-2023)
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a pop-up event featuring Nevada County Poet Laureate Kirsten Casey hosting a Poetry Happy Hour, treats, poems, prizes, Communal Cafe, 233 Broad Street, Nevada City, free, 5:00-6:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)

21 APRIL 2023 — friday

  • The Mechanics' Institute presents "The Writers' Lunch: The Birth of a Poem," a discussion on the conception, maturation, and birth of a poem, with featuring poet and novelist Douglas Cole, The White Field, winner of the American Fiction Award, poet and essayist Dr. Jeanne Powell, and poet and translator Chun Yu, Little Green: Growing Up During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, moderated by multidisciplinary writer Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte, Betrayal on the Bayou, online via Zoom, free, Noon-1:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.milibrary.org/events/writers-lunch-birth-poem-apr-21-2023)
  • Litquake presents their annual celebration of National Poetry Month, held under the stained glass of San Francisco's historic Grace Cathedral, attendees can hear James Cagney, Henri Cole, Jewelle Gomez, Jacques Rancourt, and Rachel Zucker read from their latest poetry collections, Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco, register for free by clicking on the link below, 7:30 pm-9:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.eventbrite.com/e/grace-notes-tickets-579732183567)
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a pop-up event, "Mélange Poetry and Visual Art Collaboration," with Artists Liz Collins, Mira Clark, Susan Lobb-Porter, Mark Wilcox, and poets Kirsten Casey, Liz Collins, Maxima Kahn, and Ingrid Keriotis, exhibit runs April 6-May 14, Nevada City Winery Gallery, 321 Spring Street, Nevada City, free to attend, wine available for purchase, 5:00-7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)
  • Beyond Baroque presents a reading with poet Jacqueline Osherow, Divine Ratios, and Los Angeles Poet Laureate Lynne Thompson, Fretwork, winner of the 2019 Marsh Hawk Poetry Prize, hosted by David St. John, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, free, doors open 7:30 pm, reading starts 8:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.eventbrite.com/e/a-reading-with-jacqueline-osherow-and-lynne-thompson-tickets-591886728137)
  • Aurora Theatre Company presents BIPOC Poetry Night, a pre-show reception and reading featuring poets Rafael Jesús González, the inaugural Berkeley Poet Laureate,

22 APRIL 2023 — saturday

  • Sacramento Poetry Alliance presents a poetry reading by Tim Kahl, California Sijo, and Gene Berson, followed by an open mic, Sacramento Poetry Alliance, 1169 Perkins Way, Sacramento, free, 4:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.facebook.com/sacramentopoetryalliance)
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a pop-up event, "Poetic Crossings, Past & Present: San Juan Ridge Poets," honoring poets who either once called San Juan Ridge place home or helped to shape the culture during their time here; each poet will share a bit of history about the poet they are reading, a few poems by the featured poet, and a couple of their own; featured poets and the poets they are celebrating: Laura Pendell (Dale Pendell), Will Staple (Allen Ginsberg), Jacquie Bellon (her own work and history), Jamie Hunyor (Gary Snyder), Susan Suntree (her own work and history), Louis Bluecloud (Peter Bluecloud), Sarah Sparks (Steve Sanfield), Davis Reeves (Nanao Sakaki), and Bishop Randall (Lew Welch), North Columbia Schoolhouse, 17894 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, $15 benefits the Schoolhouse and Nevada County Arts Council, 7:00 pm PDT, doors open at 6:00 pm (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)
  • Fourth Saturdays presents a reading with featured poets Cynthia Tuell and Ron L. Dowell, Watts UpRise, finalist for the Press 53 Award for Poetry, books will be available for purchase at the event, Claremont Helen Renwick Library, 208 N. Harvard Avenue, Claremont, free, 2:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.facebook.com/fourthsaturdayspoetry)

23 APRIL 2023 — sunday

  • The San Francisco Public Library presents poet Chen Chen, When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities, winner of the Thom Gunn Award, discussing his new collection, Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency, in conversation with poet Sam Herschel Wein, Butt Stuff Flower Bush, forthcoming from Porkbelly Press, online, free, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: sfpl.org/events/2023/04/23/author-chen-chen-conversation-sam-herschel-wein)
  • Litquake Literary Festival presents a celebration of Alka Joshi's new novel, The Perfumist of Paris, a benefit for Litquake; she will discuss her work with Lit Camp founder Janis Cooke Newman, at the San Francisco residence of Karyn DiGiorgio and Steve Sattler, tickets are $125.00, include a signed copy of the book, and can be purchased by clicking the link below, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTc4OTY4)

24 APRIL 2023 — monday

  • Small Press Traffic presents a reading by poets Sara Nicholson, April, and Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, A Treatise on Stars, finalist for the National Book Award, The Lab, 2948 16th Street, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.smallpresstraffic.org)

25 APRIL 2023 — tuesday

  • You're Going to Die presents "Meaning Out of Mortality," a writing workshop using writing prompts to examine mortality to create meaning in our day-to-day lives, facilitated by Ned Buskirk, founder and YG2D executive director, and Chelsea Coleman, singer songwriter and YG2D creative director, The Center SF, 548 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, sliding scale $40-120, 7:00 pm-10:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/541528996807)
  • Cobalt Poets presents a reading by VCP SoCal Poets, with featured poet to be announced, followed by an open mic, online via Zoom, free, 7:30 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt/calendar.html)

26 APRIL 2023 — wednesday

  • City Lights Books presents poet Evan Kennedy, Jerusalem Notebook, celebrating his new collection, Metamorphoses: City Lights Spotlight No. 22, joined in a reading with poet and editor Sophia Dahlin, moderated by Garrett Caples, City Lights poetry editor and curator of the Spotlight Poetry Series, Poetry Room at City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, and online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: citylights.com/events)
  • Dominican University of California presents a reading by poets Barbara Tomash, PRE-, Joan Baranow, In the Next Life, and Christina Lopez, all reading from new work, Dominican University, Edgehill Mansion, 75 Magnolia Avenue, San Rafael, free, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: www.eventbrite.com/e/new-works-from-barbara-tomash-joan-baranow-and-christina-lopez-tickets-588959071437)

27 APRIL 2023 — thursday

  • Poetry Flash presents "An Evening of Poetry & Memoir," reading and discussion with poet Rose Black, Green Field, and memorist Hannah Sward, Strip, both writers work with Right to Write Press, a nonprofit that supports emerging writers who are incarcerated in California prisons; in-person, Art House Gallery & Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, two blocks north of Ashby BART, refreshments, free, 7:00 pm PDT (poetryflash.org).
  • City Lights Books presents poet and translator Katie Farris, A Net to Catch My Body in its Weaving, winner of the 2020 Chad Walsh Poetry Award from Beloit Poetry Journal, reading from her new collection, Standing in the Forest of Being Alive, in conversation with poet Ilya Kaminsky, Deaf Republic, online via Zoom, free, 6:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: citylights.com/events)
  • Writers Read presents featured poet Molly Fisk, former Poet Laureate of Nevada County, California, and author of The More Difficult Beauty, Naming Your Teeth: Even More Observations from a Working Poet, and more, followed by an open mic reading, free admission, suggested donation of $5, Grace Hudson Museum, 431 South Main Street, Ukiah, 7:00 pm PDT
  • Green Apple Books presents Eugenia Leigh, Blood, Sparrows and Sparrows, winner of the Debulitzer Prize in Poetry, reading from and discussing her new collection, Bianca, in conversation with poet Jennifer S. Cheng, MOON: Letters, Maps, Poems, Tarpaulin Sky Book Prize-winner, Green Apple Books on the Park, 1231 9th Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-eugenia-leigh-jennifer-s-cheng)
  • Celebrate the launch of poet and critic Dean Rader's new book, Before the Borderless: Dialogues with the Art of Cy Twombly, a collection of Rader's poems side-by-side with the artist Cy Twombly's work, in conversation with Marin Poet Laureate Francesca Bell, Bright Stain, finalist for the Washington State Book Award, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library, 375 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, free, 7:00-8:00 pm PDT (Register to attend: millvalleylibrary.libcal.com/event/9945180)
  • Mechanics' Institute presents nonfiction author Nino Strachey, Rooms of Their Own: Eddy Sackville-West, Virginia Woolf, Vita Sackville-West, discussing her latest book, Young Bloomsbury: The Generation that Redefined Love, Freedom, and Self-Expression in 1920s England, about the generation of writers and artists that followed the Bloomsbury Group, a collection of writers and artists that included Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, Lytton Strachey, among others, in conversation with San Francisco State University professor Loretta Stec, online via Zoom, members free, public sliding scale $5-$10, Noon PDT (Register to attend: www.milibrary.org/events/young-bloomsbury-generation-redefined-love-freedom-and-self-expression-1920s-england-apr-27)
  • University of San Francisco Reading Series presents a reading by award-winning poets Arisa White, Who's Your Daddy, and Derek Mong, The Identity Thief, Maraschi Room, Fromm Hall, 2497 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, free, 7:45 pm PST (More information here: usfca.edu/arts-sciences/programs/graduate/writing-mfa/reading-series)

28 APRIL 2023 — friday

  • Beyond Baroque presents the second annual International Poetry Film Festival, Los Angeles, a two-day festival showcasing filmmakers and poets who merge poetry and film, this opening night will host a screening of the documentary One More Step West is the Sea, directed by Thomas Antonic, about the legendary Beat poet ruth weiss, with poet K.R. Morrison reading ruth weiss's poetry accompanied by bassist Christian Camacho, followed by a Q&A with the director moderated by S.A. Griffin, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice Beach, Los Angeles, free for members, $10 early bird price, $20 for single day, $30 for both days, 7:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-film-festival-los-angeles-2023-tickets-596210390327?aff=ebdsoporgprofile)

29 APRIL 2023 — saturday

  • Beyond Baroque presents the second annual International Poetry Film Festival, Los Angeles, a two-day festival showcasing filmmakers and poets who merge poetry and film, this second day will screen forty-three international poem-based films, Official Selection of the Poetry Film Festival Los Angeles 2023, screened in the Experimental, Narrative, Animation, Documentary, and Original Score categories, with special guest speakers, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, 681 Venice Blvd, Venice Beach, Los Angeles, free for members, $10 early bird price, $20 for single day, $30 for both days, Noon PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-film-festival-los-angeles-2023-tickets-596210390327?aff=ebdsoporgprofile)
  • Sacramento Poetry Alliance presents a reading with featured poets Elizabeth Robinson, On Ghosts, finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award, Randy Prunty, Test Camp, and Alexandra Mattraw, Raw Anyone, followed by an open mic, Sacramento Poetry Alliance, 1169 Perkins Way, Sacramento, free, 4:00 pm PDT
  • Book Passage presents award-winning poet Maggie Smith, Good Bones, discussing her new memoir, You Could Make This Place Beautiful, in conversation with novelist Ingrid Rojas Contreras, Fruit of the Drunken Tree, California Book Awards silver medal winner in First Fiction, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, and online, $32, ticket includes a copy of the book, 4:00 pm PDT (Purchase tickets here: www.bookpassage.com/event/maggie-smith-ingrid-rojas-contreras-you-could-make-place-beautiful-corte-madera-person-and)
  • Sierra Poetry Festival presents a pop-up event, "Poetry in the Park," history, nature, and poetry in a culminating event for National Poetry Month, presented by California State Parks, Sierra Gold Parks Foundation, and Nevada County Arts Council, this celebration also honors California's Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, and features local students and poets reading poems that were inspired by the Empire Mine, Empire Mine Park, 10791 East Empire Street, Grass Valley, $5 entry fee to Park, 2:00-3:30 pm PDT (More information here: www.sierrapoetryfestival.org)

30 APRIL 2023 — sunday

  • American Book Award-winner and Pulitzer Prize-finalist Will Alexander, Divine Blue Light (for John Coltrane): Pocket Poets Series No. 63, and Andrew Joron, writer of experimental poetry and speculative fiction, are featured in a rare poetry reading and concert in the intimacy of a private home, both poets will read, followed by a free improvisation with Will Alexander on grand piano and Andrew Joron on the theremin; this reading/performance will take place in a private Berkeley home with limited seating, 4:00 pm PDT (To attend, email the event host at: Harry@fullplatemedia.com)
  • "The West Revisits Harlem," Black poets read, featuring Tshaka Campbell, Donté Clark, Meilani Clay, San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin, Blood on the Fog, A'aron Heard, LadiRev, and Landon Smith, San Francisco Public Library, Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, free, 4:00-5:30 pm PDT (More information here: sfpl.org/events/2023/04/30/performance-west-revisits-harlem)
  • Alibi Bookshop presents a reading with featured poets Laura Walker, psalmbook, Maw Shein Win, inaugural Poet Laureate of El Cerrito and author of Storage Unit for the Spirit House, and Katie Peterson, Life in a Field, hosted by musician and poet Jeffrey Kingman, On a Road, part of the Vallejo Poetry Festival and National Poetry Month, Alibi Bookshop, 624 Marin Street, Vallejo, free, 1:00 pm PDT (More information here: www.facebook.com/alibibookshop)

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