OCTOBER 9, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

2nd Saturday Open Mic Poetry Reading

Located at:
Portland Brew East
1921 Eastland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206

Sign-up at 4:30pm
Reading starts at 5:00pm

Choose any spot on the list in the loft. Each person on the signup gets 5 minutes max on the open mic.

Please come masked and fully vaxxed (negative covid test within the past 48 hours will also suffice). We will have wipes for the mic. Respect physical distancing, and establish consent before contact.

Start time is an hour earlier than in previous years. Bring cash to tip Patrick and the Portland Brew East crew who stay open late for us.

October Feature C.I. Aki

C.I. Aki, the son of a Nigerian economist and a Nigerian-Jamaican horticulturalist, is a poet, essayist, filmmaker, and educator based in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his B.A. in Rhetoric and Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and his Masters in Theology and Philosophy at Vanderbilt Divinity School. In 2012, he published his first short story, “A Withering Scar, a Thin Pin-Striped Suit, and 1,000 Judgments,” in 34th Parallel Magazine. In 2014, he premiered his short film The Runner in the Capital City Black Film Festival. In 2015, he was a recipient of Vanderbilt’s Imagination Grant to carry out research in Spain for an on-going documentary on flamenco he is producing. He writes against the racialized misinterpretation of the achievement gap by education reform, and he currently leads a language arts program at an independent school in Nashville. When he is not writing or reading, he’s working in his garden with a constant eye out for snakes.

This April, Reader’s Digest included Aki in its list of 14 Amazing Black Poets to Know About Now. His debut collection of poems The World Black, Beautiful, and Beast (April Gloaming, 2021) is a witness to the constraints and restraints upon the beautiful freedom of the black soul. Don’t miss Kashif Andrew Graham’s review in the Nashville Scene, either: “Poet C.I. Aki’s Debut Collection Is a Picture of Black Persistence and Future.” You can follow C.I. Aki on Instagram @soul_lit_writer or his linktr.ee/C.I.Aki.

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Our September 25th online open mic was a triumphant return to the zoom room! You can view the video on our facebook page. Thanks to all who spoke on the mic: Phil Linz, Michael Sindler, Ray Zimmerman, Michael Wilson, Mel Bradley, Reese North, Terri Rose Jertson, Peter Brown, Hil H, Rishi P, Nina Adel, Bonnie Solloway, Phynne~Belle, Maggie Hall, Generalissimo Bryan Franco, Caroline Minter, Jo Collins, Jeff Cottrill, PropagandaPoet, Katie Thompson, Martin Parker (Parquillian), Carl Lowe, Richard Spisak, Doc Janning, Gregory Lannom, Michael Collins, Jamie McCormick, Julian Matthews, as well as Franchesa Kirkpatrick and Brad Evans who shared before the recording.

Thank you for supporting Poetry in the Brew! Pick up a copy of Sinew: 10 Years on Poetry in the Brew in our shop, or make a donation through Paypal @poetryinthebrew, Venmo @ChristineRaquel, or Cash App $PitBNash.

Email host Christine Hall with questions, requests, or suggestions: poetryinthebrew@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you at Portland Brew East Saturday, October 9, a Poetry Popup (Centennial Park on Oct. 10), or an online reading (next zoom open mic is Oct. 23).

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

We are back online this week! Our virtual open mic is now the 4th Saturday of every month, and we cannot wait to hear what poetry you have brewing.

Reading from 6-8 PM CDT this Sat. the 25th of Sept. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you have any preferences in list order:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading.

Our in-person event on the 11th was a spectacular, intimate affair. We welcomed 7 readers on the open mic⁠—Brandon Long, Tyler Friend, Lucy Schulz, Kelsey Mahaffey, Drew Sevel, Mourning Gypsy, and Alyssa⁠—then gawked at an incredible set delivered by feature poet Billy Henderson. Check out the photos below and catch the video on our facebook page here.

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

An Evening with Tracy K. Smith and Tiana Clark
Saturday 9/25, 7:30 PM Eastern

Award-winning poet, Nashville favorite and Sinew contributor Tiana Clark headlines the 2021 Tell It Slant Poetry Festival with former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith.

Registration for this virtual program is free:
my.eventcadence.com/events/tell-it-slant-poetry-festival

Poetry in the Boro Sunday 9/26 at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro

Sign up for the open mic here, and join us for a feature performance by Brew host Christine Hall. 6:30-8:30 PM (gather as early as 6:00)

More info: https://poetryintheboro.org/2021/08/september-2021-f2f-event/

October 9th we’ll return to Portland Brew East for a feature from C.I. Aki, author of The World Black, Beautiful, and Beast (2021, April Gloaming).

Look out for a Poetry Popup coming Sunday, October 10, and we’ll be looking forward to our next chance to see and hear you. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting Poetry in the Brew!

PayPal @poetryinthebrew

Cash App $PitBNash

Venmo @ChristineRaquel

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

2nd Saturday Open Mic Poetry Reading

Located at:
Portland Brew East
1921 Eastland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206

Sign-up at 4:30pm
Reading starts at 5:00pm

Choose any spot on the list in the loft. Each person on the signup gets 5 minutes max on the open mic.

Please come masked and fully vaxxed (negative covid test within the past 48 hours will also suffice). We will have wipes for the mic. Respect physical distancing, and establish consent before contact.

Start time is an hour earlier than in previous years. Bring cash to tip Patrick and the Portland Brew East crew who stay open late for us.

September Feature Billy Henderson

If you haven’t had the chance to bask in the rays that emanate from Billy H when he says his verse, you are in for enlightenment!

From the 1970s when he practiced as a Southern Baptist minister to the 80s when he was a staff writer for FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals, named an Alabama Music Hall of Fame Honoree for multiple chart records, Billy Henderson was barely beginning. In the 90s, Billy H wrote for multiple Nashville publishers, issuing forth a wealth of words and earning the 2 Million Performance Award with BMI. By the aughts, Billy’s creative well needed replenishing, but the 2010s saw his writing career resume in Louisiana, and his song “Acadiana” featured on Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Bicentennial CD.

Billy H first performed spoken word at Poetry in the Brew in 2017, and in 2018 he joined local tour de force Po’boys & Poets. The pandemic took him into his Word Cave, where Billy H stayed writing over 600 new pieces. This Saturday, we are sure to receive a bounty of his linguistic gifts. And oh, the sheer power of Billy H’s live performances, you must experience this!

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Sinew co-editors Jo Collins, Henry L. Jones, and Christine Hall delighted in an in-person reunion this weekend, joined by a fantastic cast of poets at Saturday’s Show & Sell Maker’s Bazaar and the Poetry Popup on Sunday (photos by Jo and Christine, with a shout out to Carl Lowe, Amy Hoskins, Drew Sevel, Andrea Pilot, and David Harris).

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We look forward to seeing you at Portland Brew East this Saturday, a Poetry Popup in the park (next is Oct. 10), or an online reading (coming Sept. 25).

Email host Christine Hall with questions, requests, or suggestions: poetryinthebrew@gmail.com

Thank you for supporting Poetry in the Brew!

PayPal @poetryinthebrew

Cash App $PitBNash

Venmo @ChristineRaquel

PACKAROO AND POETRY POPUP

We’re popping in with a late-in-the-week update for you! Perhaps you are looking for a poetry event over the holiday weekend? We have two!

Over at The Packing Plant, we’ll be participating in the Show & Sell Maker’s Bazaar. There is so much goodness to check out, so come see us and wander over to the Wedgewood Houston Art Crawl while you’re there!

4-8pm Sat. Sept. 4, 507 Hagan St **open air event**

Organized by the Free Nashville Poetry Library (thanks to Sinew co-editor Matt Johnstone doing all the jazzy things!)

On Sunday, we’re hosting another Poetry Popup in the park. Presented in collab with Amy Hoskins of Gestalt Poetry Open Mic and emcee Mo Christo of Po’boys & Poets, email poetrypopupnashville@gmail.com for more info.

We’ve been running to the post office all week, mailing out copies of Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew. Thanks to everyone who has ordered a book! If you don’t have yours yet, get one while they’re fresh off the press!

Order Sinew Now

If you’re enjoying your copy of Sinew, please consider giving it a review. If you missed our launch parties, they were a blast, and we have videos for you here:

Watch the Online Sinew Launch Party

Watch the Sinew Release Party at Portland Brew East

Next Thurs. Sept. 9, check out Under 1 Roof, organized by Christopher Williams and hosted by Nick Bush, featuring musicians, poets, and comedians on one stage.

Brew host Christine Hall will perform a 10 minute set at this 21+ event celebrating and supporting the diversity of live art. Join us for an evening of great vibes and entertainment!

Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/under-1-roof-tickets-166933722257

Write your hearts out, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for supporting Poetry in the Brew!

PayPal @poetryinthebrew

Cash App $PitBNash

Venmo @ChristineRaquel

ONLINE + IN-PERSON PARTY TIME

It’s our book release week and we have chances for you to win a free copy!

Finally, after a year of preparation, a year and a half of weekly online readings, a decade of Poetry in the Brew, Sinew arrives! We all have bodies, and our bodies have lots to say. Body language can be pure poetry, when we’re open to it. Sometimes brutal, sometimes delicate, always poignant when universal truths resonate on an individual level.

This collaboration from 76 Brew poets the world over is filled with everything we would tell you face-to-face, in the most intimate ways, or shout from mountaintops, scream into a pillow, whisper to ourselves in the mirror after a bath. Sinew is the connection to what moves us, collectively and in private.

10 Reasons for Sinew to be on the Best Seller List

1. Poetry is having a moment. Amanda Gorman’s ineffable presence, poet Brandon Leake winning America‘s Got Talent, all those articles about people turning to poetry in the pandemic—we’ve been in the dark ages and we need a renaissance.
   
2. Fresh off its turn as It City, Nashville is reeling from a perturbance of outsized growth. Long a creative mecca, this awakening has been coming, and our once sleepy town is throbbing with expressions of reckoning. This seat of the civil rights movement is still central to protests for social change.
   
3. This poetry open mic that kicked off and came of age in time with Nashville’s boom was part of the global shift to online meetings during the pandemic. Midnight Poets visited us from the UK, we had people coming over from the next day in Australia, voices from scattered continents joined us and contributed to this book.
   
4. The body needs our attention.
   
5. The authors: well respected, educated literary voices mingle with writers from outside the institutions of poetry, indeed poets from the very literal streets.
   
6. The editors: activist and artist Henry L. Jones, the Black inaugural poet laureate of Hendersonville, TN. Jo Collins, a performer who moonlights as a government lawyer. Cult figure and community organizer Christine Hall. Matt Johnstone of the Nashville Free Poetry Library and Independent Poetry Festival.
   
7. The publisher: local nonprofit April Gloaming, helmed by Lance Umenhofer and Robyn Leigh Lear in fervent testimony to the peculiar import of scrying for art in spilled guts.
   
8. The magnificent cover and illustrations from Drew Holden. This heady display will look cool on your shelf, your bedside or coffee table, and in your hands.
   
9. The poems. What’s inside counts most, and these poems are dressed up for stripping down to the soul, in a precise repertoire of climactic revelation.
   
10. Magic. The dazzle of the senses, the key to existence, the secret to success in this experiment of life on earth. The science of fact together with that glimmer of wonderment, the je ne sais quoi that is the joie de vivre and raison d’etre—that can only be expressed in poetry. Ideally read aloud, discussed with effusive vehemence, and digested in silent repose, punctuated with an “ahh.”

When was the last time you read a book this good? You’ll never know until you do.

Order Sinew Now

Caroline Burrows‘ video for “The Body of Water in the Bath,” a pantoum poem from Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew.

Caroline Burrows is currently on her Turning Pedals into Poems bicycle tour of the UK. We’ll miss her at the release party and look forward to Caroline gracing our shores with more of her enchanting poetry. We’re smitten with this preview Caroline made of “The Body of Water in the Bath” from Sinew.

A Discussion of SMOKEY THE BEAR SUTRA by Gary Snyder

Sinew contributor Ray Zimmerman is starting a nature lit conversation and you can hop on with your two cents, or as many senses as you’re willing to devote to natural wonder. From Ray: “I am open to suggested works, but I believe I will begin with a discussion of a classic work by Gary Snyder. I hope anyone joining us will be prepared for discussion, but just in case, I have some background on the school of poetry Snyder started, and on the symbolism of bears.”

Join Ray on zoom, Mon. Aug. 30, 2021, 6PM CDT.

Check out Ray Zimmerman performing his poem “Reincarnation“

Now, here’s your chance to win a free copy of Sinew!

Join our Online Launch Party August 24th at 6PM CDT with this Bingo card in hand. Fill it out as you listen and send it in to enter the contest!

Email poetryinthebrew@gmail.com for the zoom link or watch the livestream on our Facebook page.

At our in-person Book Release Party August 28th at 4:30PM in the loft of Portland Brew East, we’re hosting a contest for Grooviest Mask. Don your most dapper and hygienic face covering and you might take the prize, in addition to doing your part as a conscientious citizen.

Please come masked and fully vaxxed (negative covid test within the past 48 hours will also suffice). Bring cash to tip Patrick and the Portland Brew East crew who stay open late for us.

Reserve a copy of Sinew with code LOCALPICKUP to have one waiting for you at the party.

In the way of competition for gorgeous masks, we’ll leave you with this parting glance at the crowd from our Aug. 14 return to Portland Brew East. Sinew contributor and feature poet Hil Hoover wowed us with their sensational set and a mask that displayed emotional range, too, in the cutest rainbows and clouds.

Thank you for supporting Poetry in the Brew!

PayPal @poetryinthebrew

Cash App $PitBNash

Venmo @ChristineRaquel

SINEW BOOK LAUNCH PARTIES

We’ve been quiet these past few days, getting ready for big things happening next week!

August 24th Online Launch Party 6PM CDT

It’s our pub day and we’re celebrating with readers from all over the world! Join the virtual book launch party as contributors share poems from Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew. We’ll gather on zoom and livestream the reading on our Facebook page. Email poetryinthebrew@gmail.com for the zoom link.

August 28th Book Release Party 4:30PM at Portland Brew East

We’re hosting a live in-person celebratory reading in the loft. Please come masked and fully vaxxed (negative covid test within the past 48 hours will also suffice). Bring cash to tip Patrick and the Portland Brew East crew who stay open late for us.

Reserve a copy with code LOCALPICKUP to have one waiting for you at the party:

Pre-order Sinew

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Saturday the 14th was our first time back at Portland Brew East since February 2020. We livestreamed the reading, and were enthralled by 14 poets on the open mic and a feature set from Hil Hoover.

Also last Saturday, the Tomato Art Fest was in full swing in East Nashville. Winners of the 2021 Haiku Contest are posted on the Tomato Fest website. We had a joyful time reviewing this year’s inspired entries.

As Luca Whitson, age 8, so succinctly wrote in his winning Greenhouse haiku:

Tomatoes are red
But they are more than just red
They are works of art

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Thanks to Henry L. Jones, Sinew co-editor and 2019-2020 Art Wire Fellow, for the heads up on the 2021-22 Art Wire Fellowship. Applications are open to Nashville area poets, with a deadline of Sun. Sept. 12. “Adult and teen writers of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. The OZ Arts 2021-22 season will offer Art Wire Fellows a diverse array of high-quality performance experiences across many artistic disciplines and genres. Once selected, Art Wire Fellows will work closely with The Porch mentors assigned to their cohort. Group discussions and feedback sessions throughout the season will help shape individual pieces of writing-in-process. OZ Arts and The Porch are committed to amplifying a diverse range of voices in arts and writing spaces. We strongly encourage writers from underrepresented groups and/or identities to apply.”

Sun. Sept. 5, Poetry in the Brew cohosts another Poetry Popup in a public park with Amy Hoskins of Gestalt Poetry Open Mic and emcee Mo Christo of Po’boys & Poets. Email poetrypopupnashville@gmail.com for the secret location.

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Coming Thurs. Sept. 9: Under 1 Roof at The Notes Lounge in Murfreesboro.

This 21+ event celebrates and supports the diversity of live art. Bringing together singers, poets, and comedians to one stage, featured artists include Jessica Carter, J. McNutt, Cian Pedersen, Brew host Christine Hall, C.A. Williams, Mei, Sommer Jade, Josh Lewis, and Zhaklina. Host is Nick Bush and visual artist is Jacques Hunter. Tickets are available on eventbrite.

We’ll be back with info on how to win a copy of Sinew next week. Wishing you creative bliss and transmutation of all otherwise!

Thank you for supporting Poetry in the Brew!

PayPal @poetryinthebrew

Cash App $PitBNash

Venmo @ChristineRaquel

AUGUST 14, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

We’re back in the loft for the first time since Feb. 2020! Hil Hoover is our feature! Yay!!! They are an incredible poet who has graced our virtual stage, and we’re excited to hear a full set from them.

We’ve missed being in person with you so much, but the only way we get to do this is if we play it safe SO, we are following the CDC recommendations. Please come masked and fully vaxxed (negative covid test within the past 48 hours will also suffice). We will have wipes for the mic. Respect physical distancing, and establish consent before contact.

Start time is an hour earlier than in previous years. Bring cash to tip Patrick and the Portland Brew East crew who stay open late for us. We will also have Poetry in the Brew mugs available, and accept pre-orders for Sinew, our 10th anniversary anthology coming Aug. 24.

August’s 2nd Saturday Open Mic Poetry Reading

Located at:
Portland Brew East
1921 Eastland Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206

Sign-up at 4:30pm
Reading starts at 5:00pm

Choose any spot on the list in the loft. Each person on the signup list gets 5 minutes max on the open mic.

August Feature Hil Hoover

Hil Hoover writes poetry, flash fiction, love letters to strangers, tabletop character sheets, and clumsy bootprints all over Middle Tennessee. Bios, not so much. They are nonbinary, geeky, and in love with words, trees, and chili chocolate.

The Cup Poem
Hil Hoover

Sometimes my hands wish for a smaller cup.

Easier to wrap around, grasp, tilt, fill.

Some mornings the latte mug is just too much
Unwieldy, excessive, awkward to touch.

My belly always remembers
The boiling water that bubbled my skin
Even if the scars are long since
Lost in stretch marks and time.

My fingertips remember
The owl mug
That was my favorite for precisely one day
Before nerve damage I nickname “clumsy”
Made it ceramic feather floor covering.

Unfortunately opting for less
Yawning gaping heart-space to fill
Is not so simple as opening the cabinet door
Rummaging around
Reaching.

My heart can hold everything

But sometimes, the morning after an oh-so-gentle rejection
My hands just wish for a smaller cup
Easier to fill.

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Here’s the video from our Aug. 7 online reading.

Stay safe and well! We wish you a week filled with creative flow and hope to see you soon at Portland Brew East, a Poetry Popup in the park, or an online reading.

Email host Christine Hall with questions, requests, or suggestions: poetryinthebrew@gmail.com

Thank you for supporting Poetry in the Brew!

PayPal @poetryinthebrew

Cash App $PitBNash

Venmo @ChristineRaquel

AUGUST 7, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Reading from 6-8 PM CDT Saturday, August 7. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you have any preferences in list order:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew is coming August 24th! This is a book about the body, written by and for people with bodies. It is an instruction manual for having a body, in the poetic sense. If you have a body, you need one of these. This is a book to hold in your hands and read, and feel feelings.

We’re having two celebratory readings the week of the release:

• Tuesday, August 24 6:00 PM CDT: online launch party

• Saturday, August 28 4:30 PM: book release party at Portland Brew East

If you want a book waiting for you at the party, reserve yours now and use the code LOCALPICKUP for a shipping credit.

Pre-Order Sinew $14.99

We welcome donations to help send copies to our 76 contributors all over the world: Cash App $PitBNash, Paypal @poetryinthebrew, or Venmo @ChristineRaquel. Thank you for supporting our community!

CONTESTS:

Tomato Art Fest Haiku Contest—The annual Tomato Art Fest returns to East Nashville August 13-14. Haiku Contest submissions deadline is August 9. Details on entering here: https://www.tomatoartfest.com/events/tomatohaiku

Vultures and Doves: Social Issues of Our Time—”Valiant Scribe calls for submissions that focus on war and peace, despair and hope. In a world filled with war, poverty, natural disasters, human rights violations, and other ills, we seek poetry that evokes thoughts of hope, telling us there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” Sinew contributor Des Mannay is a judge, and info on submitting is here: https://www.valiantscribe.com/submit

SPECIAL EVENT:

Phynnecabulary Presents: MAGIC MIC, A Sensual Poetry Showcase Sun. Aug. 15, 8-10 PM CDT

Hosted by the magnificent VERSUS, Her Pearl Majesty, with a cameo by QING, The Blue Mermaid. Be enthralled and drawn in by masterful performances by Advocate of Wordz, Andy Markert, Ed Foreman, Elemen2al The Poet, Lawin Bulatao, LKN, Mr. Speaker, Paul Con Queso, and The Withdrawn.

This free event benefits The Butterfly Project, started in 2014 to provide caring homes for girls in the Philippines who have survived sexual abuse or child trafficking.

This coming Saturday will be our last weekly online reading. On the 14th, we look forward to reading at Portland Brew East, fully vaxxed, masked, wipes on hand, grateful to gather in person and hoping everyone does their part so we can do that safely!

Starting in September, we’re planning two open mics each month, 2nd Saturdays in person and 4th Saturdays online. We’re dreaming up more Poetry Popups, as well:

Here’s the video of our July 31st open mic:

featuring Marjorie Kanter, Phil Linz, Brad Evans, Michael Sindler, Markey Mark Symmonds, Generalissimo Bryan Franco, Mel Bradley, Jon Wesick, Nina Adel, Bonnie Solloway, Caroline Minter, Maggie Hall, Terri Rose Jertson, Chanson Byrd, Jamie McCormick, Gary Huskisson, Katie Thompson, Jeff Cottrill, Greg Slade, Jo Collins, Clive Oseman, Michael Collins, PropagandaPoet, Julian Matthews, Carl Lowe, Martin Parker, and Prasanna Kkumar

JULY 31, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Saturday, July 31. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you have any preferences in list order:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

We’ll be placing the order for the first batch of books from our publisher, the spectacular local nonprofit April Gloaming, this week, including 76 copies to send our contributors all over the world. If you’d like to be one of the first to receive yours, pre-order Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew here. Our online launch party is August 24th, and we’ll have a celebratory reading at Portland Brew East on Saturday August 28th. Use the code LOCALPICKUP for a shipping credit if you want to pick yours up at the reading!

Pre-Order Sinew $14.99

Massive thanks to everybody who has already reserved their copies! If you’d like to donate and help cover the cost of shipping to our amazing contributors, we appreciate your support: Cash App $PitBNash, Paypal @poetryinthebrew, or Venmo @ChristineRaquel.

Listen to Ray Bassett of WUTC, Chattanooga’s NPR station, interview Brew host and Sinew co-editor Christine Hall about the making of our 10th anniversary anthology.

Sinew co-editor and Hendersonville Poet Laureate Henry L. Jones has poetry and art featured at Zeitgeist Gallery for “In the Gallery, Looking at the Past, Present and Future.” The exhibit is a dedication to the life and contributions of photographer Carlton Wilkinson, owner of North Nashville’s In the Gallery art space from 1987 to 2007. Jones recited poetry during the exhibit reception, including work from the “African Male Museum” series in which Wilkinson and Jones collaborated.

Sunday, August 1, if you’re in the Nashville area, come to our Poetry Popup, a flash mob-style gathering in a public space where we meet, each share a short poem on the theme of rebirth, and vanish. The location is secret, so email poetrypopupnashville@gmail.com to get on the list.

Local folks also please hearken to the call for tomato haiku and other tomato-related short poems. Details on the 2021 Tomato Art Fest contest here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tomato Art Fest (@tomatoartfest)

Here’s the video of our July 24th open mic:

featuring Brad Evans, Michael Sindler, Terri Rose Jertson, Rhoda Thomas, Markey Mark Symmonds, Clive Oseman, Bryan Franco (Happy Birthday!), Franchesa Kirkpatrick, Maggie Hall, Jon Wesick, Jo Collins, Greg Slade, Jeff Cottrill, Ray Zimmerman, Katie Thompson, Bonnie Solloway, Julian Matthews, Lil Gary, Carl Lowe, Michael Collins, Martin Parker, and Christine Hall

JULY 24, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. July 24. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you have any preferences in list order:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you’ll receive a confirmation on this page. We’ll follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video from our July 17th reading:

featuring Christine Hall, Gary Huskisson, Hil, Clive Oseman, Franchesa Kirkpatrick, Fin Hall, Brad Evans, Jamie McCormick, Jeff Cottrill, Bryan Franco, Julian Matthews, Jon Wesick, Greg Slade, Carl Lowe, Maggie Hall, Bonnie Solloway, Martin Parker, Katie Thompson, Michael Collins, Ray Zimmerman, Serge Ray Rodrigo, Caroline Minter, Gary Huskisson encore, and Cynthia Winfield

JULY 17, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Hi all, Poetry in the Brew host Christine Hall here. I didn’t start the Brew. The original organizers asked me to steward the event in November 2014, and I’ve been organizing it ever since.

Yesterday, my family took a day trip to Chattanooga so I could do a 10-minute interview with their local NPR affiliate about our 10th anniversary anthology. Thanks to Sinew contributor Christian Collier for the referral!

We arrived on the UTC campus an hour early and grabbed lunch at The Yellow Deli. I recommend their veggie burger and coleslaw, but not losing track of time exploring their space, as that led to leaving my lunch and running in the rain to make it to the radio station. Of course, I had 15 more minutes to compose myself and dry off as another interview ran late. I’m as nervous as I am excited to hear the program, since I don’t have much experience in this aspect.

Then, time slipped away again and I didn’t get the blog posted yesterday. It’s my first time missing the self-imposed Monday night deadline since we went weekly in May 2020. Every week I make a flyer, post a blog, do the sign-up list, reply to emails, share on social media, and host the Brew. This week, I’ll be moderating the zoom also, as Jo Collins takes a richly deserved night away from the computer. We did a test run this past Saturday and don’t anticipate any funny business, but if we hit any snags, I appreciate your grace as I stumble through this role. We’ll all miss Jo and thank the stars it’s only for one night!

I’ve been a freelance artist since the birth of my second child, and the Brew has become a full-time job, volunteer as it may be. They say if you love what you do, you’d do it for free, and this is true. Jo loves the Brew so much she donates her zoom account and hours to us, and Henry L. Jones showed his love by collaborating with Jo and I to put together Sinew. We are grateful for the love the community shows in gathering to speak vulnerable truths and profound insights.

Each presale of the book gives us reason to cheer, for these poetic connections which are rewarding in themselves, and the desire to keep it sustainable. Reserve your copy of Sinew and we’ll have it waiting for you at the launch party, or mail it as soon as we have them in hand.

We’ll also be sending 76 copies to our contributors all over the world. We welcome your gifts if you’d like to help with the expense: Cash App $PitBNash, Paypal @poetryinthebrew, or Venmo @ChristineRaquel.

That brings us to the news! We’re back in person at Portland Brew East on August 14! This will be our first time in the loft since February 2020. Come September, we’ll be meeting in person on the 2nd Saturday of every month and online on the 4th Saturday of the month. Here’s our new schedule, and please note the earlier time for in person events:

Sat Aug 7: online reading opens 5:45pm CDT, starts at 6

Sat Aug 14: open mic at Portland Brew East, 4:30pm signup, reading at 5

Tues Aug 24: online book launch party for Sinew, 6pm CDT

Sat Aug 28: in person Sinew launch party at Portland Brew East, 4:30pm

Sat Sept 11: open mic at Portland Brew East, 4:30pm signup, reading at 5 (2nd Saturday from here forward)

Sat Sept 25: online reading opens 5:45pm CDT, starts at 6 (4th Saturday from here forward)

July 29th, catch Christian Collier performing a feature set for South Bound at Sculpture Fields Park in Chattanooga.
Register here: https://www.southernlitalliance.org/christian-collier

Sun Aug 1 at 11am, we host our first collaborative Poetry Popup event with Gestalt Poetry Open Mic and Po’boys & Poets.
The location is a secret and you can email poetrypopupnashville@gmail.com to get on the list.

Sign up for the July 17 open mic here:

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When you send the form, you’ll receive a confirmation on this page. We’ll follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. The zoom session begins Sat. July 17 at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Join us here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon! Til then, check out the video from our July 10 reading:

Poetry in the Brew 10th Anniversary Show featuring Maria, Hil, Rishi, Michael Sindler, Ian Preznansky, Caroline Burrows, Brad Evans, Fatima Lisbeth, Phynne~Belle, K H A O S, Jamie McCormick, Henry L. Jones, Nina Adel, Bryan Franco, Jeff Cottrill, Gary Huskisson, Maggie Hall, Jo Collins, Doc Janning, Katie Thompson, Carl Lowe, PropagandaPoet, Jon Wesick, Martin Parker, Michael Collins, Julian Matthews, and Greg Slade

JULY 10, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

It’s our 10th Anniversary this week! A group of poets first convened in the loft of Portland Brew East on the 2nd Saturday of July 2011. For a full decade now we have been gathering in the name of poetry, and these photos highlight some momentous memories from the meetings of our minds and persons:

If you have enjoyed your times at the Brew, and the poetry we’ve brought you, please consider pre-ordering our 10th anniversary anthology Sinew. It would mean so much to our little volunteer-run local organization that has grown up into a global community. And, it means you’ll be among the first to hold our sacred volume of body-inspired poetry by 76 phenomenal writers from all over the world.

Pre-Order $14.99

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. July 10. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here:

Name(required)

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Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you have any preferences in list order:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our July 3rd open mic:

featuring Michael Sindler, Jeff Cottrill, Hil, Phynne~Belle, Reese North, Brad, Clive Oseman, Des Mannay, Rhoda Thomas, Markey Mark Symmonds, Nina Adel, Doc Janning, Greg Slade, Jon Wesick, Maggie Hall, Jo Collins, Donna Whitney, Bonnie Solloway, Martin Parker, Katie Thompson, Bryan Franco, Carl Lowe, Michael Collins, Julian Matthews, Tim Evans, Gary H, Terri Rose Jertson, Gregory Lannom, Chanson Byrd , and Christine Hall

JULY 3, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. July 3. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you have any preferences in list order:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Our 10th Anniversary anthology—featuring 76 poets from all over the world—is coming August 24th. Pre-order Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew now to reserve your copy!

Pre-Order $14.99

Here’s the video of our June 26th open mic:

featuring Michael Sindler, Dee Allen, Clive Oseman, Bryan Franco, Henry L. Jones, Reese North, Andrew Shillam, Phynne~Belle, Hil, Mel Bradley, Margaret O’Regan, Carl Lowe, Katie Thompson, Jon Wesick, Jeff Cottrill, Susanna, Jo Collins, Greg Slade, Ray Zimmerman, Doc Janning, Martin Parker, Terri Rose Jertson, Chanson Byrd, Cynthia Winfield, Serge Ray Rodrigo, Julian Matthews, and Christine Hall

JUNE 26, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. June 26. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you have any preferences in list order:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Upcoming Events:

Tues. June 22 at 7pm CDT, Generalissimo Bryan Franco features at the Port Veritas Open Mic. Signup and zoom info is on the event page.

Before the Brew this Sat. June 26, 8 – 10 AM CDT, join feature poets Jeff Cottrill, Christine Hall, and Pauline Seawards at the Jackanory open mic organized by Halima Mayat.

Our 10th Anniversary anthology is coming August 24th. Pre-order Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew now to reserve your copy!

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Pre-Order Sinew

JUNE 19, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

In our hometown Nashville, there is a citywide Juneteenth celebration taking place. Locals can find 20+ celebrations with art, spoken word, music, and food listed on this dedicated event page. For our online community, there’s Juneteenth Food Freedom Family, 12 – 4 PM CDT on Facebook live.

The Poetry Society of Tennessee is hosting its 65th Annual Poetry Contest, with submissions due (postmarked by) August 6, 2021. Full brochure with rules and eligibility available on the PST website.

On Sat. June 26, bright and early Nashville time (8 – 10 AM CDT!), plan to check out Jackanory. This zoom event organized by Halima Mayat features Jeff Cottrill, Christine Hall, Pauline Seawards, and an open mic.

As our 10th anniversary approaches and we look back on past anniversaries (6th, 7th, and 8th pictured here), we’re looking forward to gathering at Portland Brew East again soon. We’re planning in person and online book launch parties around Sinew’s August 24th release date with details to come. Reserve your copy of our anthology here.

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Pre-Order Sinew

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. June 19. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our June 12th open mic:

Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew

It’s our 10th anniversary and we’re having a book about it!

We’re elated to announce our first poetry collection coming August 24th. Sinew explores the theme of the body through the viewpoints of 76 poets who delve into inner realms to expose tender, brazen truths. Henry L. Jones, Jo Collins, and Christine Hall edited Sinew with the invaluable insights of Matt Johnstone and Lance Umenhofer at publisher April Gloaming. This stunning cover is by AG graphic artist Drew Holden.

Pre-Order Now

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. June 12. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our June 5th open mic:

Upcoming Events

Juneteenth Food Freedom Family Sat. June 19th 12 – 4 PM CDT on Facebook live, presented by Eyepublishewe: Please come share stories and poetry on Juneteenth with special guest host Kimberly Johnson and Tish Camp. Join special guests Bryan Franco, Candy Smallwood, Catrice Greer, Dee Allen, Ed Foreman, Elemental The Poet, Gary Huskisson, Henry L. Jones, James Mr. Speaker Sears, Karen Scott, K H A O S, Kimberly Shaw, Lantern Carrier, Michael Sindler, Raye Jane, Special K, The Withdrawn, Thomas Connor, and Vicki Acquah.

Come into The Forest with Jamie McCormick and Guests Sun. June 20th 3 – 5 PM CDT: Follow your pansexual Pied Piper into a world of twisted fairy tales, beguiling bewitchment of musical, spoken word and acrobatic artistry.

Jamie McCormick is a transmasc singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His eclectic catalogue of original music offers us exquisite vocals and instrumental artistry. He has an immense three and a half octave operatic range and is an exciting and electric performer not to be missed. A powerful, soulful, ethereal meditation in music with a rich seam of humour. Rock meets Ruben – an artist with a rainbow vocal palate. Join Jamie and his ever so special guests in an enchanted evening of enticing sensual delights.

JUNE 5, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. June 5. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please mind the time so everyone gets a turn.

Our community is committed to creating a safe space for coming together and sharing our work in honest vulnerability with mutual support. It’s imperative we recognize and maintain healthy boundaries no matter how close a connection we feel with another person.

We encourage you to add your pronouns to your display name on zoom. Familiarize yourself with other participants’ pronouns, and practice correct usage to show respect. If you make a mistake, apologize and take steps to do better. We benefit individually and collectively from the active effort to grow as artists and people.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our May 29th open mic:

featuring Michael Sindler, Hil, Markey Mark Symmonds, Gary Huskisson, Nina Adel, Reese North, Andrew Shillam, Jamie McCormick, Cynthia Winfield, Mel Bradley, Scott Coe, Jeff Cottrill, Bryan Franco, Phillip Henry Christopher, Michael Collins, Jo Collins, Jon Wesick, Ray Zimmerman, Carl Lowe, Doc Janning, Phynne~Belle, Martin Parker, and Franchesa Kirkpatrick

MAY 29, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. May 29. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our May 22nd open mic:

featuring Michael Sindler, Tim Evans, Rhoda Thomas, Jamie McCormick, Reese North, Clive Oseman, Hil, Markey Mark Symmonds, Greg Slade, Caroline Minter, Erin Gannon, Jo Collins, Maggie Hall, Bryan Franco, Jeff Cottrill, Jon Wesick, Carl Lowe, Sara Minges, Franchesa Kirkpatrick, Mo Christo, Tony Lydia “The Prodigy Truth”, Katie Thompson, Martin Parker, Ray Zimmerman, Doc Janning, Margaret O’Regan, Gary Huskisson, and Lou

Thanks to the Still-at-Home! Fringe LitFest for including us on their program these past couple weeks. We loved meeting new poetry friends and sampling the outpour of offerings. Check out Choose Poetry Choose Life for more literary goodness with the warmest of welcomes.

We’ll part with a few more snap poems from our Instagram, and a reminder to send us one of yours to share. Our next collaborative project is coming up soon, so watch this space for some exciting news!

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MAY 22, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. May 22. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our May 15th open mic:

featuring Avrina Prabala-Joslin, Hil, Marjorie Kanter, Willie Gowans, Jamie McCormick, Margaret O’Regan, Sergio Ramon Rodriguez, Gary Huskisson, C. A. Williams, Clive Oseman, Lesley Constable, Vee, Michael Sindler, Erin Gannon, Nina Adel, Jo Collins, Bryan Franco, Pamela O. Brown, Jeff Cottrill, Doc Janning, Ray Zimmerman, Jon Wesick, Bonnie Solloway, Kathy Casey, Carl Lowe, and Martin Parker

The Still-at-Home! Fringe LitFest continues this week, and we’re on the program again. Visit their website or Instagram for more happenings. The Still-at-Home! Fringe LitFest is the punk-brat little sister of the award-winning Stay-at-Home Literary Festival. Our thanks to Erin Gannon of Choose Poetry Choose Life for tuning us in on this fest of free workshops, readings, poets in conversation, open mics and multiple performances from writers and artists all over Scotland, the UK, and beyond.

MAY 15, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. May 15. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our May 8th open mic:

featuring Michael Sindler, Atlas, Francis Golm, Generalissimo Bryan Franco, Cathy Carson, Sergio Ramon Rodriguez, Jamie McCormick, Maggie Hall, Jo Collins, Mel Bradley, John Stickney, Martin Parker, Greg Slade, Gabby White, Ray Zimmerman, Jeff Cottrill, Jon Wesick, Carl Lowe, Bonnie Solloway, Caroline Minter, Michael Collins, Katie Thompson, Christina Smith, Margaret O’Regan, and Jon Rizzo

Be on the lookout for the Still-at-Home! Fringe LitFest, which starts tomorrow the 11th of May and goes for over 2 weeks. The Still-at-Home! Fringe LitFest is the punk-brat little sister of the award-winning Stay-at-Home Literary Festival. Thanks to Erin Gannon of Choose Poetry Choose Life for the heads up on this festival of free workshops, readings, poets in conversation, open mics and multiple performances from writers and artists all over Scotland, the UK, and beyond.

MAY 8, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. May 8. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our May 1st open mic:

featuring Hil, Ian Preznansky, Caroline Burrows, Scott Coe, Markey Mark Symmonds, Finlay Hall, Jamie McCormick, Nina Adel, Mel Bradley, Caroline Minter, Andi Talbot, Generalissimo Bryan Franco, Greg Slade, Sharon Grayson, Martin Parker, Jeff Cottrill, Michael Sindler, Jo Collins, Phynne~Belle, Jon Wesick, Doc Janning, Henry L. Jones, Dane Ince, Franchesa Kirkpatrick, Carl Lowe, Atlas, Bonnie Solloway, Sara Minges, Maggie Hall, and Katie Thompson

Glenside Hospital Museum with Bristol Ideas: #BristolPoeticCity​, and Caroline Burrows @VerseCycle asked people to:
‘Write a ‘rhyming couplet’ which has two lines that rhyme,
About ‘Well-Being’ to cheer us towards springtime.’

Here is the video of these salutary vernal verses, including one from Brew host Christine Hall:

Glenside Hospital Museum explores the history of mental health treatment to change negative attitudes about mental illness, and to speak out. Silence is a cause of stigma. The museum displays artifacts, images, and data from the chapel which was part of Bristol’s Victorian asylum, the Stoke Park Colony of Hospitals, and Beaufort World War I Hospital.

Upcoming Events:

Join Special K and Skylar J Wynter on a poetic cinematic journey exploring Love In All Places. On Friday the 14th of May 2021, from 2:00 – 4:30 PM CDT, these two magnetic and mellifluent spoken word artists bring you their theatrical poetry debut.

Tickets and more info available here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/love-in-all-places-tickets-148765596905

Starting at 7 PM CDT on May 14, the Global Education Center’s Line Breaks Literary Reading Series presents poets Henry L. Jones and Kalai Mugilan in The Story of U. S.  The event will be livestreamed on Global Education Center’s Facebook Page.

The center is featuring these two dynamic poets, who are known for their words of exploration, growth and liberation, to inspire and uplift communities as they share their healing poetic journeys.

This Thursday, Phynnecabulary Presents: “Thank You, Mama,” an Online Open Mic, hosted by Phynne~Belle.

May 6, 9:00 – 11:30 PM CDT

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/phynnecabulary-presents-thank-you-mama-an-online-open-mic-tickets-152779829583

MAY 1, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. May 1. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s a video of our April 24th open mic:

featuring Scott Pleasants, Ashley Atz, Michael Sindler, Maggie Hall, Hil, Clive Oseman, Markey Mark Symmonds, Generalissimo Bryan Franco, Gary Huskisson, Jeff Cottrill, Doc Janning, Phynne~Belle, Jo Collins, Henry L. Jones, Nina Adel, Jon Wesick, Pamela O. Brown, Carl Lowe, Areelcampaign – Kevin Payne, Katie Thompson, Caroline Minter, Martin Parker, Ray Zimmerman, Greg Slade, and Margaret O’Regan

APRIL 24, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Top of the week to you! We’ve started a little project over on our Instagram and invite you to participate. Send us your snap poems via dm or email, and host Christine Hall will put them with an image to share on our page. (Snap poems are short pieces that can be read in a minute or less.) You’ll have a chance to review and give your blessings before we post. Here are a few from our first contributors:

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Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. April 24. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

An announcement from a poet beloved by the Brew and recognized for her efforts to extend the mental health benefits conferred through the arts: Caroline Burrows’ poem and video “The Death of Chatterton’s Romanticised Suicide” for Glenside Hospital Museum can now be read and seen on the Bristol Ideas website. The poem aims to challenge stereotypes associated with mental health. This filmed poem has been created in association with Glenside Hospital Museum as part of the Poetic City program. #APoeticCity #ChattertonRises

Special thanks to all who shared at our April 17th reading: JR Hammond, Vron McIntyre, Doc Janning, Jess Nolan, Reese North, Jamie McCormick, Markey Mark Symmonds, Martin Parker, Caroline Minter, Michael Sindler, Maggie Hall, Jeff Cottrill, Ray Zimmerman, Angela Florence, Greg Slade, Jo Collins, Henry L. Jones, Andrew Dillon, Michael Collins, Phynne~Belle, Carl Lowe, Bonnie Solloway, Phillip Henry Christopher, Dylan Deforge, Jon Wesick, and Dane Ince.

APRIL 17, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

We’re in the throes of springtime and the creative juices are flowing in Tennessee. Hendersonville Poet Laureate and regular at the Brew Henry L. Jones composed a lovely poem which he shares here:

The Chattanooga Writers’ Guild hosts many worthwhile workshops and events on zoom, with one of particular note coming up Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 AM. Friend of the Brew Ray Zimmerman will interview Finn Bille and Helga Kidder about their most recent books. This is an opportunity to hear great poetry with a discussion by its authors and support your fellow writers. Helga’s latest poetry collection, Loving the Dead, won the 2020 Blue Light Press Book Award. Fin’s most recent book, The King’s Coin, won accolades from the Danish American Heritage Society. Find out more on Facebook, and join the zoom meeting here.

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. April 17. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

For a bonus bit of viewing, here’s the video of our April 10th reading:

Featuring Michael Sindler, Clive Oseman, Randy Horton, Hil H, Richard Harries, Kelly Van Nelson, Jamie McCormick, Skylar J Wynter, Henry L. Jones, Greg Slade, Jo Collins, Ray Zimmerman, Bonnie Solloway, Doc Janning, Reese North, Caroline Minter, Katie Thompson, Jon Wesick, Michael Collins, Carl Lowe, Dylan Deforge, Sara Minges, Margaret O’Regan, David Stroud, Martin Parker, and Cynthia Winfield

APRIL 10, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. April 10. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Massive thanks to all 34 who shared on our open mic this past Saturday: Kevin Payne, Jeff Cottrill, Michael Sindler, Nina Adel, Fatima Lisbeth, Hil H, Vron McIntyre, Francis Golm, Rhoda Thomas, Tim Evans, Jamie McCormick, Markey Mark Symmonds, Clive Oseman, Jo Collins, Skylar J Wynter, Henry L. Jones, Generalissimo Bryan Franco, Franchesa Kirkpatrick, Jon Wesick, Christina Smith, Greg Slade, Katie Thompson, Bonnie Solloway, Phynne~Belle, Phillip Henry Christopher, Carl Lowe, Michael Collins, Nick Paleologos, Kayla Sue, Martin Parker, Richard Sanderell, Reese North, Cynthia Winfield, and Doc Janning. We love how your poetry expands and nourishes our minds.

APRIL 3, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. April 3. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our March 27th reading:

Featuring Caroline Burrows, Nina Adel, Vron McIntyre, Patti Dale, Rishi P, Hil H, Jo Collins, Clive Oseman, Skylar J Wynter, Jamie McCormick, Kevin Payne, Markey Mark Symmonds, Katie Thompson, Bryan Franco, Michael Sindler, Jeff Cottrill, Henry L. Jones, Greg Slade, Doc Janning, Carolyn Connolly, Gary Sedlacek, Carl Lowe, Jon Wesick, Phillip Henry Christopher, Dylan Deforge, Margaret O’Regan, Susanna Trifiletti, Caroline Minter, and Michael Collins

In a continuation of her important work addressing mental health care through poetry, we invite you to visit the new online home of Caroline Burrows’ poetry project ‘#PoetryHelps: Suicide Awareness and Prevention.’ The project and accompanying videos, developed with Glenside Hospital Museum as part of Bristol: A Poetic City, are now up on the newly rebranded Bristolideas website: #Poetry Helps: Suicide Awareness and Prevention – Bristol Ideas.

MARCH 27, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. March 27. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

UK poets please note, we moved our clocks one hour forward here for daylight savings, and the difference is 5 hours now until your time changes too, and then you will be Midnight Poets once again.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

Here’s the video of our March 20th reading:

Featuring Margaret O’Regan, Markey Mark Symmonds, Hil H, Generalissimo Bryan Franco, Franchesa Kirkpatrick, Doc Janning, Jo Collins, K.H.A.O.S, Jamie McCormick, Henry L. Jones, Skylar J Wynter, Jon Wesick, Gary Sedlacek, Kevin Payne, Jeff Cottrill, Greg Slade, Caroline Minter, Michael Sindler, Phillip Henry Christopher, John Fitzsimmoms, Phynne~Belle (Tricia De Jesus), Carl Lowe, Ray Zimmerman, Mark Davison, Darrell Sadler, Scott Pleasants, Martin Parker, Starchild, Gary Huskisson, and Fin Hall

MARCH 20, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Let’s see, what poetic entertainment do we have for you this week? We’ll start with a new film by Fin Hall, Poets in Therapy, featuring a glorious gaggle of globetrotting guests, including regulars to the Brew.

In a very important announcement, today is the birthday of our zoom moderator, poet and performer extraordinaire Jo Collins. It is also Pi Day. Oh happy day! Last night we enjoyed a special round of snap poems in an Ode to Jo, followed by the open mic. If you missed it or want to relive it, we have the video!

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CDT Sat. March 20. Join us on zoom (session opens 5:45 PM): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CDT with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

UK poets please note, we moved our clocks one hour forward here for daylight savings, and the difference is 5 hours now until your time changes too, and then you will be Midnight Poets once again.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

When you send the form, you will receive a confirmation on this page. We will follow up with an email of the list order at the end of the week, before the reading. Contact us with any questions, suggestions, or requests at poetryinthebrew@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing and hearing you soon!

MARCH 13, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Our first order of business this week is congratulations to Henry L. Jones, a cherished poet, artist, and activist in our community who was newly named Poet Laureate of Hendersonville, Tennessee. We are excited to see Henry recognized with this well-deserved honor, and for the extension of his wonderful work in this role. You can view the induction ceremony here, including Henry sharing poetry dedicated to Women’s History Month:

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. March 13.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

EDIT. Signup is full. Join the waitlist here:

Name(required)

Email(required)

Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

Send

Δ

We wish you many ripe creative fruits to pluck and enjoy this week! Here’s the video of our March 6 open mic:

MARCH 6, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. March 6.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Based in Nashville, hosted and organized by Christine Hall, with special thanks to our zoom moderator and benefactor Jo Collins.

The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

We’re going to skip the external link this week and try something new for the sign up list. Let’s give it a whirl!

EDIT. Sign up list is full! Join the waitlist:

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Let us know where in the world you're located, and if you prefer a specific spot in the lineup:

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We look forward to hearing from you, and please remember to email poetryinthebrew@gmail.com with your poetry events and news if you’d like us to share them.

Here’s a video of last Saturday’s open mic, till the next!

EMERGENCY PJ PARTY

Tonight is our open mic, and we’re having a slow week with signups. Only 16 spots spoken for so far on a list with 25 spaces, so it promises to be an intimate reading. It’s been nearly a year of hosting events online now. February 2020 was the last time we met in person, and we’re feeling the fatigue too, missing the hugs and the buzz of existing in proximity. Sometimes the pauses last a while now, as we breathe between repetitions. There are so many heavy challenges to face and lots to process. As we aim to make art of it, we must also take rest and make the space to give gentle care to ourselves. Seems an opportune moment to cozy into the quiet, and with that we want to make sure you know: it’s a pillow fort poetry pj party at the Brew this evening.

Grab some cushy accoutrements, don your comfiest duds (dress code optional of course) and join us:

Signup link is here if you would like on the list

Reading from 6 – 8:00 PM CST tonight, Sat. Feb. 27 (session opens 5:45 PM). Join us here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054. Thanks ever so much to our esteemed benefactor Jo Collins for running the zoom.

If you have any poetry-related news or events coming up, we’re happy to share here. Send your announcements to poetryinthebrew@gmail.com and we’ll help spread the word. Enduring appreciation for our community, and a renewed commitment to supporting one another as we move through all the world’s stages.

FEBRUARY 27, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

On Saturday the 20th, the Brew hosted a reading of The Pledge, an homage to MLK’s dream speech organized by Gary Huskisson of Say It Louder. Thanks to all who participated and all in attendance for sharing the space with us. Here is a link to the full length video of last week’s open mic featuring The Pledge, 50 lines by 50 contributors.

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Feb. 27.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor
Jo Collins for running the zoom.

FEBRUARY 20, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Feb. 20.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor
Jo Collins for running the zoom.

This past Saturday Jo Collins and Markey Mark Symmonds treated us to glorious feature sets with a special guest, a duet, and two rounds of open mic snap poems. You can watch the video here on our Facebook page.

Our St. Valentine’s Day Mascara co-production with Like a Blot from the Blue, Eye Publish Ewe, and 22 international performing artists is on YouTube:

FEBRUARY 13, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

We have a special format on the 2nd Saturday of the month: 2 feature performances and 2 rounds of open mic Snap Poetry. Snap Poems are under 1 minute each. Any short format works for Snap Poetry, including an excerpt of a longer poem. 

We’ll enjoy a feature set from Jo Collins, then an open mic Snap round, a feature by Markey Mark Symmonds, and a 2nd round of Snap Poems. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here.

Jo Collins, She/Her, is a Nashville poet who moonlights as a government attorney. Poetry has been brewing in her blood since she first took to the mic at Poetry in the Brew and delivered what was likely the world’s first erotic poem about Al Gore. Since that fateful night, she has been a frequent flyer at the Poetry in the Brew open mic (both in the flesh and in the dancefloor in space that is Zoom PitB).

Joanna has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctorate degree from Vanderbilt University Law School.  One day she will finish her Supreme Court musical, but probably not today because she is busy dreaming of brewin’ up magic with her Brew Buds.

Please contact her for collaborations and general merriment on Instagram or Facebook.  

Markey Mark Symmonds- Rhythm of the Ink is a writer and performer of poetry and flash fiction. He started making poems as a teenager from music lyrics. At the time he was heavily influenced by Two Tone, Ska, and reggae. He also listened to a lot of material done by Gary Numan.  Mark then came back to poetry when he met his wife 30 years ago when he would sit with her by a local lake and recite poetry which he made up on the spot.  

Mark never really made any more poetry until the age of 46 when he was diagnosed with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.  He then went back to college and retook his GCSE English language qualification which he passed at Level B.  Having not found reading easy at school and being put off writing due to his difficulties, passing his GCSE English was a new lease of life for him.

In 2017 he started writing poetry at a phenomenal rate and set up his own Blog Site to share his words with the world. He published numerous poems in the Facebook groups he belonged to. The poetry was received well and soon Mark wanted to read to a live audience and started performing his poetry at Run Your Tongue, an open mic night in Kettering in his home county of Northamptonshire. He was able to watch and listen to local and national poets perform, and found himself attending this and many other open mic events locally and in many other countries. Markey Mark has also had work published in online journals such as Hidden Constellation and Ariel Chart, along with several anthologies, including Fallen Angel, Scriptstuff and poetic vision. 

The pandemic of 2020 brought an abrupt halt to his and many other poets’ live performances. However, he took to zoom to perform his work across the country and the world with regular performances in Nashville, Perth in Australia, and Scotland.  Mark has taken part in Bradford Fringe festival and the Melbourne Fringe with his and other poet’s work being streamed into the digital festival.  

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, February 13.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo Collins for running the zoom.

Perhaps you’ve seen rumblings about the St. Valentine’s Day Mascara event we’re co-producing with Like a Blot from the Blue and Eye Publish Ewe. If you’re looking for something to do on Sunday the 14th, we invite you to tune into our variety show streaming live on Facebook 7pm GMT / 1pm CST / 11am PST. Poetry + music + performance art = a date for everybody

Emcee Ms. Noir aka Mel Bradley, music from KeepSweet (Erin Gannon with Ted Savarese) and Jamie McCormick, poetry from Fin Hall, Dane Ince, Christine Hall, Jo Collins, Jeff Cottrill, Tish Camp (The Poet Mouth), Catrice Greer, Michael Wilson, Xavier Panades, Hazel, Skylar J Wynter, Kelly Van Nelson, Gary Huskisson, Margaret O’Regan, Rohan Samuel, Rhian Brooke, and Edith Blackbird, performance art by Jeu Jeu la Foille, plus a Special Guest

Till then, we’ll close out this megapost with a video of this past Saturday’s reading in all its poetic glory:

FEBRUARY 6, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Feb. 6.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor
Jo Collins for running the zoom.

Watch a video of this past Saturday’s open mic in the meantime:

JANUARY 30, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Jan. 30.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor
Jo Collins for running the zoom.

If you missed it or would like to relive it, please enjoy a video of this past Saturday’s open mic:

This Wednesday we invite you to tune into Outrage Against Racism, a poetry, prose and testimonial event for unity, fighting against racism, and supporting inclusivity. It will be livestreamed on Facebook 27th Jan. 7pm GMT.

Invited panel members include professors, literary critics, lecturers, poets, poetry societies, and poetry promoters. The event is coproduced by Stroud Against Racism, Say it Louder, Tish Camp and Dane Ince.

JANUARY 23, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

As we reflect and refocus this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we aim for alignment in words and actions, intention and effect. 

Artists give language to ideas. Poets imagine and voice new possibilities for human expression, thoughts that become words upon which all action is built.

When we have the permission to bring what is inside out, to shed light on what might linger in the shadows, we can examine it. We can make informed choices. When we know better, we do better.

This poetry community—this network we share of people interconnected by experience, sentiment, and common interests—affords us the opportunity to participate in free exchange and mutually benefit from the elevated discourse. Sometimes this involves an exploration of our basest instincts. We cover sensitive and raw areas in the course of poetry, and a range of emotions and perspectives.

Where specific advisories about content are appropriate, we encourage those. Hate speech is its own category. Slurs can only be reclaimed by people who these terms target. We recognize the importance of balancing our freedoms with responsibility, and the need for consideration in our efforts to connect. At our open mic, we value equity and inclusivity, and it is our imperative to create a welcoming environment for those whose voices might otherwise be marginalized. We invite contributions that deepen and progress this conversation, and shared celebration of our evolving selves, work, and relationships.

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Jan 23.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor
Jo Collins for running the zoom.

Here’s a video of this past Saturday’s open mic:

JANUARY 16, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

Mark your calendars! Perhaps you already know February 14th is Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you are eyeing the date with wonder as to what in this wide, weird world you might do, and with whom. Perhaps you are looking at that fated Sunday with dread, but do not despair. The Brew crew, with our friends at Like a Blot from the Blue and Eyepublishewe, have an invitation for you—a poetry proposal, if you will. St. Valentine’s Day Mascara will be streaming live on Facebook starting at 11AM PST / 1PM CST / 7PM GMT. Poetry + music + performance art = a date for everybody!

Our host for St. Valentine’s Day Mascara is the beguiling Ms. Noir aka Mel Bradley. Here’s a teaser for the show from Ms. Noir herself:

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Jan 16.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo
for running the zoom.

This past weekend we enjoyed fiery feature sets from Special K and Des Mannay, with two rounds of Snap Poetry on the open mic:

JANUARY 9, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

We have a special format on the 2nd Saturday of each month: 2 feature performances and 2 rounds of open mic Snap Poetry. Snap Poems are under 1 minute each. Any short format works for Snap Poetry, including an excerpt of a longer poem. 

We’ll enjoy a feature set from Special K, then an open mic Snap round, a feature by Des Mannay, and a 2nd round of Snap Poems. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up for the open mic here.

Special K shares her name with a well known cereal and the lesser known drug ketamine, and she’s okay with that because she knows her spoken words are healthy for the soul and addictive to the ear. You’ll know that too after one dose of what she offers up anytime she is on stage. Whether speaking to current societal situations or tantalizing your senses, Special K won’t soon be forgotten. When Special K grabs hold of the mic, she takes her audience on a roller coaster of emotion, ensuring each person feels the rawness of her words, as if they were being written specifically for that individual. Sit back, relax and get ready for the ride of a life time that will have you, too, coming back for more—it’s time to get addicted 2 spoken words.

Special K performs her poem “Black Woman”

Des Mannay is a Welsh writer of colour. His first poetry collection, Sod ’em – and tomorrow is published by Waterloo Press. He is co-editor of The Angry Manifesto poetry journal. An award-winning poet, Des has claimed top honors in the ‘rethinkyourmind’ (2015) and LIT-UP (2019) poetry competitions. In the Disability Arts Cymru Poetry Competition (2015), Des received 2nd/highly commended, and he earned the Gold Award at the Creative Future Literary Awards (2015). Shortlisted in 7 competitions, Des has performed at numerous venues/festivals. He is published in various poetry journals, with work in 20 poetry anthologies. Des is on facebook as “The stuff wot I wrote’ Des Mannay – hooligan Poet” and Twitter @hooliganpoet.

Des Mannay performs “They Call Me”

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, January 9.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo Collins for running the zoom.

Here’s the video of our Jan. 2 open mic:

JANUARY 2, 2021 POETRY IN THE BREW

We are almost there, and Saturday is our first reading of the New Year! Thank you everyone who bought a Brew Mug and posted pics. It’s not too late to get yours, and if you order by Thursday, you’ll get a free poem written for you by host Christine Hall.

Order Now

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Jan 2.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo
for running the zoom.

Check out the video of our last reading of 2020, a stunner:

DECEMBER 26, 2020 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from
6 – 8:00 PM CST
Sat. Dec. 26.

Join us on zoom
(session opens 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo for running the zoom.

Here’s a video of our spectacular Dec. 19th reading.:

DECEMBER 19, 2020 POETRY IN THE BREW

Hello! Please allow us to introduce ourselves: we’re Poetry in the Brew! Right now we’re an online community but we have roots in the physical world. Since 2011, we’ve hosted poetry readings based in Nashville, TN. This year, we moved to weekly international zoom open mics. We also produce special events, and next year, concurrent with our 10th anniversary, we’re expanding into print materials.

Organizer Christine Hall has volunteered to run the blog, signup list, social media, and host the readings since 2014. Even before we went online, we welcomed poets from all over the world. Our community makes it possible for us to continue this work connecting artists, fostering collaborations, and providing a creative platform. Moderator Jo Collins graciously donates her time and the zoom meeting space where we come together each week.

We are thankful to the poets, spoken word artists, and storytellers who gather and share with brave vulnerability, good humor, and deep insights every Saturday.

This season, we’re offering a Poetry in the Brew mug, which for a limited time comes with a custom poem composed by Christine on her century-old typewriter. Your purchase helps sustain our efforts. You can also make a gift directly via PayPal.

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Thank you and happy holidays from Poetry in the Brew!

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, December 19.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo for running the zoom.

Visit our Facebook page for a video of the Dec. 12 Poetry in the Brew, featuring Gary Huskisson, with tributes to Navita Gunter. Our love and prayers for Navita in the hospital as we wish her a smooth recovery to full health.

THREE POEMS BY NAVITA GUNTER

Today’s Brew: three bonus poem offerings from the Queen of Nashville Poetry Navita Gunter! Join us Saturday for feature performances from Navita and Gary Huskisson, along with two rounds of Snap Poetry on the open mic.

GETTING OLD IS HELL!

Listen up young people and listen well!
While the Golden years of aging has its perks
It can also be HELL!
Like when you began to have aches and pains that you never
Felt before!
And you have to think TWICE because of your back and knees
Before bending down to try and pick up something off
The floor!
Or when your eyes began to play tricks on you!
And you start to not see as far or near as you used too!
And your mind makes finding things more challenging like
an endless game of clue!
When you wake up from a really HARD night’s sleep and you find
That you seemed to have been beaten and bruised all black and blue!
Like someone had taken a stick and gone to town on you!
When you start to develop an intimate and ongoing relationships
With doctor’s that in your YOUTH you never knew existed!
Now, you have them on your phone’s speed dial like your closest
family and friends so you can immediately get drug and hospital care assistance!

Yes, children getting old can be HELL! That is true,
But, the alternative to NOT! Getting old!
Well, I think that I will pass on that for now
wouldn’t YOU!?

I Am A Dialysis Warrior!

Listen everyone and please don’t
Misunderstand the words that I am about
To say.
For I realize that Dialysis saves a lot people lives each
And every day.
But still in my mind some days I just have
To say.
How much I HATE dialysis and can’t always help
Feeling this way!
From the moment you walk through the
Stark white doors.
And your anxious eyes see all the machines
Waiting for you on that hard-cold floor.
You
Can’t help but feel a jolt in your
Stomach and start to feel a little blue.
But cheer up for you are not alone and
There are others that are going through

This ordeal too.
So, just tell yourself that this is really no
Big deal as the machine starts to click
And swirl
Just remember that there are worse things
You could go through in this world!
And yes, there will be cramps as well as other
Pain that comes along the way.
But your attentive nurse is there to help you and
To make them go away!
Just keep your hope up and remember that you are a dialysis
Warrior and that this too, will NOT
Defeat you!
Given all the other struggles in your life you
Have had to go through!
For you are not alone on this next
Journey of your life
For you are a warrior!

And you will Allways win
Your fights!

WILL YOU STILL WANT ME?

When the lights come on
And the make-up comes off
WILL YOU STILL WANT ME?!
When my weave turns into a shag
And my natural hair starts to recede
WILL YOU STILL WANT ME?!
When you discover that my feet are large STINK!
And I have hammer toes
WILL YOU STILL WANT ME?!
When the wrinkles start to show
And my steps grow slower
WILL YOU STILL WANT ME?!
When my HEALTH is less than perfect
And I grow tired much faster than I used to
WILL YOU STILL WANT ME?!
Something just HIT the door running
OHH OHH AND RUNNING! AND RUNNING!
And he told me that he had a broken ankle!
I guess I have my answer

Reading from 6-8 PM CST on Sat. Dec. 12.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo Collins for running the zoom.

DEC. 12, 2020 FEATURE: GARY HUSKISSON

GARY HUSKISSON: STORYTELLER, HOST, ACTIVIST, EVENT ORGANISER, FRIEND TO THE UNDERDOG & POET: A PURVEYOR OF THE UNSPOKEN WORD. LOVER OF APPLE CRUMBLE.

Stories and Poetry are everlasting gifts for the heart and soul, to be shared and given nutrition to grow. Gary Huskisson was born and bred in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (The Fens), his seed sown in St Vincent, West Indies. A poet, a storyteller, a son, a brother and a father, once upon a time a social worker, a radio DJ, an athlete, a coach, even a wedding planner. A misspent youth as a Jazz Dancer, filled with passion for family, apple crumble and the mighty blue army Chelsea.

Gary utilises his Art therapy, Play therapy, and Drama therapy as a way of making inroads into the cyclic nature of anti-social behaviour, thus making positive change for individuals and their communities. The work of Augusto Boal / mask theatre has remained an influence in his writing and performing as vehicle to initiate change.

His Christian beliefs deepen his thirst to writing, performing and sharing. Proverbs 18:21—”Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it.” For death or life. He strongly believes if you see something that is not right, see what you can do to make it right. As a social worker he became frustrated of the attitude, “It is all always been that way.”

One of his personal objectives is to create places for artists to perform, bring people together, provide opportunities for new poets to perform and share with his city the amazing talent he witnesses. Gary likes to specialise in Jazz Poetry, which fuses his love for Jazz and poetry. He has a thirst for learning from all poets which he describes as Sponging.

In his role of secretary of Peterborough Racial Equality Council and as a Spoken word artist, as well as organising Spoken Word community events, he is now getting artists together from all over the globe to show the power of word in addressing racism in project called SAY IT LOUDER. Here it’s demonstrated the power of spoken word, that it can be a vehicle to change. It has already enabled positive change to take place and initiate positive change. He is currently completing his first book, How to Survive a Sheartk Attack, which is the story of his year in verse, after suffering an heart attack and suffering from depression.

Typically, Gary’s writing evokes emotion with a joyful irony, and to be shared by everyone.!!
Gary Huskisson
THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL

Join features Gary Huskisson and Navita Gunter for Poetry in the Brew’s 2nd Saturday Snap Edition. While you’re here, grab a Brew Mug and order yourself a custom poem. Thank you for your support of our weekly readings, special events, and growing community!

Order Now

DEC. 12, 2020 FEATURE: NAVITA GUNTER

Jesus Tears

I witness Jesus tears last night.
Tears for all his creation
Tears for His beautiful World
Tears for a World that
has loss its way.
Tears for love and compassion that seemed to have left the
Planet
Tears for Mankind being inhuman to Mankind.
Tears for children in cages.
Tears for innocence forever LOST

“Hello my name is Navita and I am a 20+ year cervical cancer survivor. I founded the first ever Tennessee cervical cancer coalition along with some amazing women such as Dr. Elizabeth Williams—then director of community outreach at the TSU Avon William’s campus in Nashville—and Dr. Dineo Khabele, head OBGYN at Meharry Medical college. I participated in several cervical cancer events where they would bring me in to speak on how you can survive this illness, as a lot of women of color did not. I received several awards, the most recent one being outstanding community leader from MTSU awards luncheon back in 2017.

I am also a poet and published author with my book called The Day My Vagina Tried to Kill Me, which concerned my journey with surviving cervical cancer. I have been in numerous newspapers such as The Nashville Scene, The Banner, and the Pride. I have gone on several radio stations such as 92Q, Fisk Radio, and WVOL. I also was asked by the Lance Armstrong people to add my voice to their cancer project and I helped the State of Tennessee health department plan and implement a statewide poster program on cervical cancer. I also had my own radio show as well as a community access TV program called V.I.T.A. Some of my shows can still be seen on YouTube.”

Navita will open the reading with a feature set of her poetry this Sat. Dec. 12. She is the Queen of Nashville Poetry and not to be missed! Tomorrow, we spotlight feature Gary Huskisson hailing from Peterborough, UK.

Do you look forward to Saturday? Do you long for something to carry through your week? Would you like a poem written just for you?

Did you know we have a Brew Mug and Custom Snap Poem deal going on this month? We only ordered 72 of these hefty 16 oz. beauties and when they’re gone, they’re gone!

$15 +shipping or use discount code LOCALPICKUP for contact-free pickup in the Nashville area.

Shop Now

DECEMBER 12, 2020 POETRY IN THE BREW

Do you know someone who’d like a poem written for them? Poetry in the Brew host Christine is composing custom poems on her century-old typewriter this month. Order a Brew Mug and get a bonus Snap Poem on the theme of your choosing. $15 +shipping or use discount code LOCALPICKUP for contact-free pickup in the Nashville area.

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We have a special format on the 2nd Saturday of each month: 2 feature performances and 2 rounds of open mic Snap Poetry. Snap Poems are under 1 minute each. Any short format works for Snap Poetry, including an excerpt of a longer poem. We’ll enjoy a feature set from Navita Gunter, then an open mic Snap round, a feature by Gary Huskisson, and a 2nd round of Snap Poems. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Sign up to read on the open mic.

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, December 12.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo for running the zoom.

Until then, watch a video of our Dec. 5 Poetry in the Brew. Tomorrow we’ll introduce you to Navita Gunter, and on Tuesday we’ll spotlight Gary Huskisson. Wishing you a steady flow of poetry through the week.

DECEMBER 5, 2020 POETRY IN THE BREW

We have big plans and a spiffy new logo going into our 10th anniversary—and oh what’s this—a mug with our name! 

Order Now

Grab our brand new Brew Mug in this limited edition super-exclusive special offer that includes a custom Snap Poem* on the theme of your choice! 

If you buy a mug in December, you’ll help keep the Brew flowing into the new year AND receive a personal Snap Poem fresh off host Christine’s century-old typewriter! 

Cozy up with some poetry and a mug of your favorite brew, knowing your support of the arts not only earns our everlasting appreciation, but fortifies the Brew into the future. 

Brew 16 oz. of your desired libation (coffee, tea, something stiffer) and some new memories with the Brew Crew. Post a pic and tag us!

*Snap Poems are a tradition started at the Brew—a poem that can be read in under a minute

If you are in the Nashville area, use LOCALPICKUP code to arrange a covid-safe pickup and get a shipping credit.

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, December 5.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo for running the zoom.

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Visit our Facebook page for a video of the Nov. 28 Poetry in the Brew.

NOVEMBER 28, 2020 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

We’re fixing to celebrate our 10th Anniversary at Poetry in the Brew in 2021! We have exciting projects in the works as we grow, including special events, and tangible offerings to hold you through the week as we look forward to our Saturdays. One of these items (ready in time for the holidays) is a keepsake mug featuring our new logo that we unveil today:

We’ll be opening orders soon, so watch for info on getting one for yourself and any poetry enthusiast friends. Enjoy sipping on the brew of your choice at your leisure, knowing you helped support our future ventures!

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, November 28.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo for running the zoom.

Here’s a video of our Nov. 21 online open mic:

NOVEMBER 21, 2020 POETRY IN THE BREW

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading
Saturdays at 6 PM Central on Zoom

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM CST with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM. Each poet has 4 minutes to share their words. Practice reading or reciting before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn.

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, November 21.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054
Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo for running the zoom.

Here’s a video of our Nov. 14 Snap Edition featuring Caroline Minter and Carl Lowe:

NOVEMBER 14, 2020 POETRY IN THE BREW—Pt. II

Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic Poetry Reading: 2nd Saturday Special Edition

This week is our first time out with a new format for the 2nd Saturday of each month. For these special editions of the Brew, we welcome two feature performances, along with a Snap Poetry open mic (plan for 3 rounds). Carl Lowe and Caroline Minter are the feature poets for November.

Carl Lowe’s show biz career started with an appearance in the Peanut Gallery on the Howdy Doody Show. Since then he has performed with the Yale Dramat, the Yale Symphony, the Whole Backstage in Guntersville, AL, and the Skits and Bits Comedy Troupe in Nashville. He also plays fiddle and guitar, has published about 20 books (all non-fiction) and shares his living space with two rambunctious dogs. As for his poetry, he last published a poem decades ago but has recently begun resurrecting and renovating the part of his brain focused on verse. The project is ongoing.

Basement Tape by Carl Lowe

For a moment, playing the melody
in Peter’s basement, on that electric guitar, 
Peter banging away on the drums, 
the bass reverberating in the walls
crazy old Steve chording on the keyboard. 
I had my fingers twisted around 
a reptile who raised
her head, looked around and fed off 
the energies in the air.
She looked around the room
with suspicion in her eyes, 
dissatisfied glances
tinged with 
a knowing confidence 
that she was ready for 
kaleidoscopic change. 

For a moment, the melody stayed 
in my hand on the neck of the instrument 
pressing against the prison of my fingers
spreading open its confinement to escape
not stopping to realize that escape
was an exit into the nothingness
of memory. 

But for a moment, those notes froze
into an unmoving point in that house 
in that year, in my life.

Later, upstairs I heard a noise outside,
looked through the window, saw my car 
being stolen. Ran down the block, wearing no shoes 
after it. 
My wife called me back. 
And she was right. It was 
a neighborhood of discordant melodies. 
Dead animals in the park across the street 
sacrificed to Gods I couldn’t identify. 
Somebody beaten to death around the corner
with a club. The grocer with the best vegetables
run out of town because of his accent 
and his skin color. 
I called the police. 
How do you know your car was stolen?
Asked the phone voice.
Because right now I can see it
being driven away. 

But in that town, back in the day, 
everyone was on the take. 
Even the Gods in the park
needed sacrifices to be on your side. 

By the time two bored policemen
showed up an hour later 
the music was over. 
Later I remembered the bag of
laundry in the car’s trunk. 
For months, every once in 
a while 
I would wonder where a certain 
shirt, pair of pants, pair of socks had gone. 
And I’d remember that melody. 

Reading from 6:00 – 8:00 PM CST on Saturday, November 14.
Join us on zoom (session opens at 5:45 PM):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87626762054

Sign up to read on the open mic. The zoom session begins at 5:45 PM with 15 minutes of free chat. Reading starts at 6:00 PM CST. Thanks to our esteemed benefactor Jo for running the zoom.