NSW & Sydney Poetry Events - February 2017
A regular feature from Norm Neill, to encourage the sense of community among poets and the poetry-appreciation community. We would love to have a comprehensive bulletin for Australia-wide, so if you have any feedback, readings, performances, launches, etc. please send an email to kristy@redroomcompany.org.
Tuesday 31 January, 8.00 pm (performers arrive 7.30 pm) – Desire Books will present Bonfire at Desire, the monthly open mic night People share their poems, stories, songs, performance art, wisecracks and hearts with total abandon at Desire Books, 3/3 Whistler St, Manly. The open mic night is scheduled to run on the last Tuesday of each month through to November. Entry by donation.
Thursday 2 February–Thursday 30 March, 6.30 pm–9.30 pm – Philip Porter will present Finding Your Muse, a nine-session workshop on avoiding writers’ block by exploring your inner and outer worlds through the writing of poetry. Workshop Arts Centre, 33 Laurel Street, Willoughby. Cost $300. Further information at www.northshorepoetryproject.com or contact Philip on 0404 006 009.
Thursday 2 February - 7.45pm (Doors open 7pm) - Lou Steer presents the first Caravan Slam of 2017. Featuring Marguerite Montes and feature poet Troy Wong, launching his new chapbook. Book performance spots (3 min original work) here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1825691791012600/ Django Bar, Camelot Lounge, Cnr Marrickville Rd & Railway Pde, Marrickville. Entry $5. Performers free.
Saturday 4 February, 9.55–4.45 pm – Professional editor Deb Doyle will present Get a Grip on Grammar, a one-day course covering the nine parts of speech (including nouns, verbs, adjectives and prepositions) and ways to solve common problems. WEA House, 72 Bathurst Street, Sydney. Details and enrolment at www.weasydney.com.au or on (02) 9264 2781 (business hours). $119/$107 (conc).
Monday 6 February, 6.30 pm – Gabe Journey Jones and Garry McDougall will present Poetry and Song, an open mic event (in which Gabe and Garry will perform) at Franks Wild Years record shop, 3/2 Raymond Road, Thirroul. Entry $5 (includes a little refreshment).
Tuesday 7 February, 6.30 pm9.30 pm – The first 2017 North Shore Poetry Project reading will take place to give local poets a chance to read their completed poems to other poets and friends. This is a casual group, but registration is advised as numberw will be limited. Workshop Arts Centre, 33 Laurel Street, Willoughby. Further information at www.northshorepoetryproject.com or contact Philip on 0404 006 009. The cost will be shared at $5 per participant.
Tuesday 7 February, 7.00 pm (doors open and sign-up) – Candy Royalle will present the first Word in Hand for 2017, featuring Marc Nair, Sister Zai, Alex Skovron and Samia Sayed (AKA Browneyes). Plus open mic (10x5-minute spots) and door prizes. The Friend in Hand Hotel, 58 Cowper Street, Glebe. $15/$10 (unwaged).
Saturday 11 February, 2.00–4.00 pm – Bush poetry afternoon at the Bush Music Club’s hut in the Addison rod Centre, Addison Road, Marrickville. Includes open reading. Info: Karen Fong on (02) 9716 9660 or at fongs@bigpond.net.au
Sunday 12 February, 3.00–5.00 pm – Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group will hold its next regular monthly meeting. Members will read their own poems, with each poem being followed by a discussion in a supportive environment. All styles and forms supported. First floor, Waverley Library, 32 Denison Street, Bondi Junction. Enquiriesycalder@hotmail.com or neumannc@ozemail.com.au.
Tuesday 14 February, 7.00 pm–9.30pm – The first poetry night at Sappho for 2017 will feature poets Fiona Wright, Aden Rolfe, Elizabeth Allen and Stacey Teague, plus an open section (sign up on the night from 7.00pm). Sappho Books Cafe & Bar, 51 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. Drinks and tapas at the bar. Open late. Free entry.
Tuesday 21 February, 5.00–8.00 pm (poetry starts at 6.00) – The annual Double Bay Poets Picnic, featuring Eileen Chong, Elizabeth Allen, Geoff Page, John Tranter, Paolo Totaro, Erin Martine Sessions, and slam performer Marie McMillan. Plus live jazz, a children’s chalk poetry workshop, and roving circus performers. Blackburn Gardens, 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay. Will move into Woollahra Council Chambers if raining. Gourmet Picnic Hampers available for pre-order from Pop Up Picnic: http://popuppicnic.com.au/picnic-hampers/special-event-hampers/. Free entry.
Tuesday 21 February, from 6.30 pm – Poets at the Petersham Bowlo, hosted by Mark Marusic and Barry Sargent. Open mic format (mainly poems, but also short stories, anecdotes, jokes, acoustic music). Bar and bistro open. 77 Brighton St Petersham. Info: Mark 0410 054 756.
Sunday 26 February–Wednesday 5 July – Martin Langford, poetry reviewer for Meanjin, will present Poetry Feedback Intensive, an online course and workshop. Each participant will submit a poem each month and will receive detailed feedback the following week. Participants will also be able to read and comment on each other’s work. NSW Writers’ Centre, Callan Park, Balmain Road, Lilyfield. Information and bookings at www.nswwc.org.au or on (02) 9555 9757. $285/$235/$225 (conc member).
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