Frank Andrick Benefit | Jan. 14th, 2007

Frank Andrick has devoted his life to helping other people, from teaching poetry to troubled teenagers to promoting the arts across our community. Now, Frank needs our help. He was diagnosed with a range of serious health conditions in August, and at the same time learned that a paperwork error had wiped out his Medi-Cal benefits. A group of us is working to restore his health care coverage, but in the meantime we urgently need to form a safety net for Frank. Please join this community of Frank's friends, and friends of those friends, and anyone who believes in supporting a man who has always been a voice for the arts.

There are two things you can do.

Your support and presence at a poetry reading on January 14th would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are $10, and sold at the door or online at www.poems-for-all.com (click on the "frank andrick" button.) If you can't make it, donations are gratefully accepted at the same website or at The Book Collector. Donations can be sent or dropped off to the bookstore (checks made payable to Frank Andrick): 1008 24th St., Sacramento,CA, 95816.

On behalf of Frank, we thank you.

Edie Lambert,
Gene Bloom,
Richard Hansen

MENDOCINO POETS Dec. 11, 2006

Theresa Whitehill



Midway through Theresa Whitehill’s reading, the first set of the group of 3 Mendocino poets, the rain began to applaud. The three Mendocino poets brought the rain with them, but nobody was admitting to this.

Still many gathered around the table set up by Rebecca Morrison offering hot cider, coffee and tea. For the hard core, they could take their sugar straight from the packet.

Whitehill read a number of poems that reflected her life and the sense of place she has developed in Mendocino.

One group of poems was created in collaboration with a chef in Petaluma. the poem was to be read between courses of food prepared by this chef, an interesting intersection of the literary and culinary arts.

One of these pieces, Estranha Forma de Vida featured a dedication to Amália Rodrigues, the great Portuguese fado singer.

Her final piece was “Eating you” At first she invoked bread . It became toast—a little dab on your lips.Then she says I have to figure out what I will do with your ears , if I will hang around in your brain. “Your eyes are photos of an African childhood.” The speaker then was to make a meal of the organ that loves me. Going the speaker says, “I leisurely eat a Spanish tomato left in your breast pocket . . . Marry me. I’m sorry. I want to eat you.”

Devreaux Baker read “Bloodlines” from California Sutras. She also read some poems about her relatives from Mexico, how in Oaxaca right now there are hard times. She told a story of her daughter, coming back from a visit had brought with her a little bag of red seeds as a talisman. This little bag of red seeds was the germ for the poem “Red Seeds”

Devreaux also told a story of how she wrote a poem for friend who was a painter and upon receiving the poem, the friend made a painting that corresponded to the poem called “Dogs of Mexico.” Broadsides were made of the collaboration.

What was it about the dust that carved its way into my heart . . . The dogs of Mexico, this endless roaming pack that stampedes my heart.



Linda Noel. [ pronounced like Knoll] is the former poet laureate of the city of Ukiah. She is a Maidu poet from the band of Kiyungkowi [KonKow] Maidu. Kiyungkowi means “people from the meadow,” she pointed out. She read “Potter Valley Poem.”

“What kind of War” posited a litany of actors and agents in war, pitted against each other, with the last line establishing “boy against boy.”

Then she read “Moon Worshipper”

Thank you for always being there . . . Cleanse me in the pond of your bloated self . . . Moon could never be my lover . . . Such intimacy would undress marrow skin and bone . . . Pocked granite.

In “Red Lace” Noel stated, “Redwood is a heart soaking up heavy rain.” Later she read,”Unlace the red blood of my heart to let you in.”

In “Anniversary,” Noel talks about the day that Elvis died. She got the news on the way to getting wisdom teeth removed, but the extraction was difficult. The dentist only got half the job done in the allotted two hours. But she got a bottle of percodan . . . which was not enough for Elvis.

CELTIC WOMEN—DEC. 3

With the images from her trip to Ireland projected behind her, Rebecca Morrison read a long poem that covered many of the points political and historical on her trip. These ranged from a family that was historically the mediator between the early clashes of Protestants and Catholics in Belfast to a meditation on the mummified peat bog man.



Brigit Truex [seen with the mummified peat bog man in the background] read a number of small lyrics that were inspired by late fall and winter as well as a number of pieces (some that can be read in the December issue of POETRY NOW that made direct reference to Ireland, including her finalé that made use of the Irish myth of the selkie — a half-seal, half-woman entity found in the Orkneys and featured in the film The Secret of Roan Inish



Jeanine Stevens read a number of pieces that spoke of archaeological Ireland, including some ancient Druidic poems. She also read one piece that referred to Woodhenge, the precursor to Stonehenge. She recalled her trip to study in the British Isles in the 1980’s.



Then it was time for a changing of the guard. Charlene Ungstad read several of her own pieces, some that related to the Irish side of her family and some that referred to other sides of the family. One of these pieces meditated on whther it was one of her kinfolk near Oroville who might have been responsible for stealing the the last artifacts of the Yahi, Ishi’s tribe, which resulted in their untimely deaths over a harsh winter.

Two of the highlights during the open mic were:

Ms Wali picked up her bodhran and played a while to prove that she was authentic black Irish. Then she told a story of her uncle Seamus, the itinerant farmhand who serendipitously came upon a wild adventure within a well at a remote country home in the Irish countryside.

Theresa McCourt read one of her own poems and the title poem by the Irish poet Bernard O Donoghue from his book calledHere Nor There entitled “Westering Home.”


At the end of the night, Jeanine, Malgwyn Ungstad, Charlene, and Rebecca search for pennies at the bottom of the crock pot, thrown there by the despondent in order to improve their luck

CALENDAR OF LITERARY EVENTS—DECEMBER

Friday, December 1
Terry Moore opens for Brian McKnight at Memorial Auditorium. Also featured is LaToya London. 7 p.m. For ticket information: www.isoundtracks.net

Saturday, December 2
First Saturday Poetry Series, 7pm.
Sojourner Truth Art Center, 2251 Florin Rd.
Hosted by Noah Hayes and Felicia McGee. All ages / $5.00. Come early for workshop.
Info: www.malikspeaks.com

Escritores del Nuevo Sol’s writing workshop and potluck. 11am. at La Raza Galeria Posada,
1024 22nd Street, Sacramento. For info call Graciela Ramirez, 456-5323 or joannpen@comcast.net.

Sunday, December 3
PoemSpirits presents Albert Garcia at the
Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, 2425 Sierra Blvd. (2 blocks north of Fair Oaks Blvd, between Howe and Fulton), 6 PM.

Monday, December 4
Sacramento Poetry Center presents
Celtic Women: Brigit Truex, Jeanine Stevens, Charlene Ungstad and Rebecca Morrison. Serving up “some Celtic chic, dishes, libations, music, poetry, broadsides, and photos.” Bring
Celtic poetry-stories-goodies to share (anything from Northern Europe qualifies).
Hosted by Bob Stanley. SPC/HQ for the Arts, 1719-25th (25th and R) 451-5569. Free.
Special time 7:00 p.m

The Moody Blues Poetry Series
at “A Taste of Laguna” Southern Cuisine
9080 Laguna Main, Laguna
8:00PM OPEN MIC $5 cover
Hosted by Ms. LaRue, Music by DJ Barney B

Hannah Stein and Susan Kelly-DeWitt
read at The Other Voice (Unitarian Universalist Church, Patwin Road, Davis). 7:30 PM.

Tuesday, December 5
SPC Poetry Workshop, 7:30pm, Hart Senior Center, 27th & J. Bring 15 - 20 copies of your one-page poem. Info: Danyen, (530) 756-6228

Wednesday, December 6
*** Film event – 7pm at the Crest Theater –
Premiere Screening of “I Began to Speak”
The History of Poetry in Sacramento
by BL Kennedy and Linda Thorell.
Advance tickets available from the Crest!

Mics and Moods presents at Capitol Garage, 1500 K Street. 10pm-midnight. Features and Open Mic hosted by Khiry Malik. Info: 492-9336 or www.malikspeaks.com 21 and over/$5cover.

Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour, host Andy Jones, 5pm, KDVS-90.3 FM or subscribe to podcast at www.kdvs.org.

Thursday, December 7
!X – The Ethnic Theater Ensemble at Luna’s Poetry Unplugged. Open mic before/after.
Hosted by Mario Ellis Hill.
8pm at Luna’s Café, 1414 16th Street.
Info: 441-3931 or www.lunascafe.com. Free.

Vibe Sessions at Cobbler Inn, 3520 Stockton Blvd. (next to Colonial Theater) Hosted by Flo Real 8-11pm. $5.00 All ages. Open Mic.

Saturday, December 9
Patricity's Poetry "In Spirit & Truth Series"
features plus Open Mic. 3 to 5 p.m.
61 Yuence Smoked BBQ & Grill, 9657 Folsom Bl. Sacramento (0ff Bradshaw) 361-2014 Free.

Sunday, December 10
Poets from Manzanita, Vol. 5 will be reading at Barnes & Noble in Stockton 6pm. Pacific Avenue, across from Delta College.
Information: mrosemanza@jps.net

Monday, December 11
SPC Board of Directors meets at HQ for the Arts - 1719 25th Street – 5:45pm.

Sacramento Poetry Center presents a reading by Mendocino County poets Teresa Whitehall, Linda Noel and Devreaux Baker. Hosted by Bob Stanley. HQ for the Arts, 1719-25th Street (25th and R) 7:30pm 979-9706.

The Moody Blues Poetry Series presents
Hosted by Ms. LaRue. see Dec 4 for details

Tuesday, December 12
SPC Poetry Workshop, 7:30pm, See Dec 5.

Bistro 33 Poetry Series
8:30 pm Open Mic after.
Bistro 33 in Historic Davis City Hall, 226 “F” Street, 3rd and “F” Streets in Davis.

Wednesday, December 13
Mics and Moods features Jamie Kilstein at Capitol Garage, 1500 K Street. 10pm to midnight. Features and Open Mic hosted by Khiry Malik.

Joseph and Susan Finkleman read at The Book Collector, presented by Rattlesnake Press
1008 24th St., Sacramento. 7:30-9 PM
Celebrate the release of their new spiralchap, Poems in Two Voices. Refreshments and a read-around will follow; bring your own poems or somebody else's. Info: kathykieth@hotmail.com

Moore time for Poetry: Terry Moore’s Access Television Show, 9pm, co-host Tyra Moore. Access Sacramento, Channel 17

Thursday, December 14
Vibe Sessions at Cobbler Inn, 3520 Stockton Blvd. (next to Colonial Theater) Hosted by Flo Real 8-11pm. $5.00 All ages. Open MIc.

Poetry Unplugged at Luna’s Café. 8pm
hosted by Geoffrey Neil. Free. See Dec 7.

Friday, December 15
Native American writer, Luke Warmwater, shares his poetry and perceptions at LA GALERÍA POSADA/LA RAZA BOOKSTORE 1024 -22nd Street (between K and J) Sacramento. Open Mic to follow. 7:30 pm Info contact: Graciela Ramirez, 916-456-5323. website: www.escritoresdelnuevosol.com

Saturday, December 16
Mario Ellis Hill, Jamie Kilstein (One of New York City's top slam poets) Born 2B Poets, and Bloom Beloved are featured at the
Underground Poetry Series plus open mic.
7-9pm, $3.00. Underground Books, 2814 35th Street (35th and Broadway).Hosted by La-Rue’

Monday, December 18
Sacramento Poetry Center: no reading

The Moody Blues Poetry Series in Laguna presents. Hosted by Ms. LaRue.
see Dec 4 for details

Tuesday, December 19
SPC Poetry Workshop, 7:30pm, (see November 7 for details)

Wednesday, December 20
Dr. Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour, 5pm, KDVS-90.3 FM or www.kdvs.org.

Mics and Moods at Capitol Garage, 1500 K Street. 10pm to midnight. Features and Open Mic hosted by Khiry Malik. Details: See Nov 1.

Thursday, December 21
Poetry Unplugged at Luna’s. See Dec. 7.

Mics and Moods at Capitol Garage
1500 K Street. 10pm to midnight.

Saturday. December 30
“The Show” Poetry Series features Rodzilla, Brigit Truex, Brittney Robinson and
Luke Breit. 7-9 pm at Wo'se Community Center (Off 35th and Broadway), 2863 35th Street, Sac; $5.00. Info: T.Mo at (916) 455-POET.

Inclusionist Book & Poetry Project | Dec. 9th

Celtic Women Poets | December 4th

Kaifi aur Main

Shabana Azmi was the amazing story teller in the theatrical and musical performance, Kaifi aur Main (Kaifi and Me.) The enchanting night began and concluded, but the soulful and well-executed performance by Azmi and Javed Akhtar along with vocalist, Jaswinder Singh lingered like the faint smell of lemon sitting cool on a soul’s tuft. The work was a snapshot of a time and place in Indian history, when two lovers courted, and a poet emerged through blood-written letters and betrothel. Shabana Azmi read the letters of her mother, voicing the enduring romance between her mother and father, Kaifi Azmi. Javed Akhtar acted as Kaifi and delivered the poet's written word succinctly and with reverence.

Born Akhtar Hussein Rizvi, Kaifi Azmi chose his nom de plume based on his place of birth Azamgarh, Utter Pradesh. The performance was complimented by instrumentals, and vocals by Jaswinder Singh, who won the hearts of the audience by his amazing range. It was a night filled with music, poetry and most of all, the union of poetry lovers.

SAMINA ALI at Sacramento City College

Samina Ali, pictured here with mesmerized host Jeff Knorr (or is he fighting off the effects of his medication?), appeared in Sacramento City College's auditorium for a reading and discussion of her book Madras on Rainy Days.

Samina Ali read an excerpt from her novel before a packed and attentive crowd.

She proceeded to field a number of questions from the assembled crowd. She talked about the reasons for Islam's divergence from its stated rules regarding women's choices and opportunites and the effect that the overlay of cultural practices in states that have adopted Islam has had on Muslim women's choices. She also touched on the nature of the novel with respect to her experience, emphasizing that there was a good deal of difference between her experience and the experience of her characters, particularly regarding Sameer (the husband of the female protagonist Layla) and her real husband. However, she did let on that much of the book was based on her experience.

Everyone left the auditorium a little more informed and enlightened except for your humble reporter whose offer to have Ali appear as "Ms. January" for an upcoming pin-up calendar of Muslim women of California was rebuked. Alas, if only my shame were a perishable fruit!