Kearns & Catalano, Words & Music, December 29,

Kearns & Catalano, Words & Music, December 29, Midtown Scholar Bookstore

Rick Kearns and Johnny Catalano, Two Hussars, blending poems and music with flamenco, gypsy jazz and blues themes, return to Poetry Thursdays at the Midtown Scholar bookstore to spread their wings, to expand their unique sonic collaboration.

Rick Kearns is a poet, freelance writer and musician based in Harrisburg, Pa. His poems have appeared in over 70 literary journals including The Massachusetts Review, The Painted Bride Quarterly and Chicago Review. Kearns’ poems are in national anthologies, chapbooks, and books. He has given readings throughout the US since 1992. Kearns was named Poet Laureate of Harrisburg, Pa in January 2014.

Johnny Catalano is a professional guitarist whose influences include gypsy jazz, flamenco, classical, blues and rock. Catalano has a great passion for collecting musical instruments. He is a music teacher - with students from ages 5 to 88 years old. Many of his lessons and performances can be viewed on Youtube. For lessons or bookings call: (717) 623-7166 or johncatalanomusic@gmail.com.

The Two Hussars are both veteran artists and part of the Flamenco Kitchen family.

The Midtown Scholar is located at 1302 N. Third Street. For more information, (717) 236-1680. Hosted by the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel.

http://poetrycartel.blogspot.com/2016/05/kearns-catalno-words-music-may-26.html

Poet Deanna Nikaido will be featured December 8, at Midtown Scholar's Poetry Thursdays

Deanna Nikaido will be the featured poet December 8, at the Midtown Scholar's Poetry Thursdays

Poet Deanna Nikaido will perform at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 N. Third Street in Harrisburg, right across from the historic Broad Street Market House, still fringed with bunting from a festive Clinton visit to the burg earlier this year.

Nikaido is also a visual artist, a graduate of Art Center College of Design Pasadena, CA with a degree in Illustration and the author of two collections of poetry, "Voice Like Water" and "Vibrating With Silence." Voice Like Water was selected in the Small Press Bookwatch July 2009 by Midwest Book Review. Her poems have appeared in several anthologies and journals She admires the Persian poet Rumi and was a guest poet at the Visionary Art Museums 800th Birthday Celebration. She likes the mystery of linking the inner world with the outer and looks for ways to throw paint on the invisible.

For Nikaido, the visual and literary arts are both listening processes, unplanned certainties where pen point or brush intersect the page and conversation begins.

Le Hinton, editor of Fledgling Rag, says of her poems, "I want to hold them gently, like a child, and simultaneously sit at their feet and absorb their wisdom. You can provide your own adjectives after reading her work.” Nikaido's performing style has been called "enchanting!" It'll change your life.

One night only! Seating is limited. Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Phone: 717.236.1680. All Poetry Cartel Thursday Events are from 7-9 pm.

http://www.deannanikaido.com/about.html

www.midtownscholar.com/

Jessica Flynn featured at Midtown Scholar Bookstore, November 10

Jessica Flynn is a visual artist, craft-maker, co-owner of the fine arts space in downtown york called The Rooted, author of "Through the Cracks", a 2015 International Poetry Festival representative of the USA in Macedonia, and a performing spoken word artist.

She plays a huge role within her community along with her other Rooted Gallery co-owners, Carrie Peck and Dustin Nispel. Together they host open-mics, comedy shows, and music events. Flynn specialties are Visual Art (Painting and Ink Sketches), writing and performing poetry and Craft-Making Dream Catchers and jewelry. Winner Of the 19th Annual International Poetry Festival Of 2015.

Jessica Flynn won an international award for best poem and performance along with her fiance, Dustin Nispel. They represented the USA at the Macedonia competition, participating with over 30 performers from 20 other countries.

Flynn released her book "Through the Cracks" for the first time at this festival before releasing it in the USA. Her first ten copies "reside in Russia, Israel, Japan, Italy, Macedonia, Slovenia, Albania, Spain and France."

She's been writing poetry for 15 years. Flynn has performed at numerous open-mics" and slam competitions, as well as hosting open-Mics at The Rooted Gallery.

This reading, hosted by the Poetry Cartel, begins with an open mic, after a short break, the feature presentation begins. Midtown Scholar Bookstore is located at1302 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, Call 717.236.1680.

www.almostuptown.com

October 13, Philip Wheeler at Midtown Scholar Bookstore

Philip Wheeler, October 13 at Midtown Scholar

The featured performer October 13 at Midtown Scholar Bookstore's Poetry Thursdays is Philip Wheeler, poet, and actor from Harrisburg.

Wheeler initially appeared as Harrisburg, PA's public art piece, "Human, Being." in 2005. He followed that in 2006 with the one-man show "Being, In Harrisburg" discussing the year's experiences. Wheeler began acting with the Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival in their Fall 2007 production of Titus Andronicus and continued in the ensuing years with roles in HSF's mainstage productions (

Philip Wheeler's work with HSF led him to meet most of the ADK Shakes Board; he first appeared with the company in 2008, joyous in the intensity and end result of the Shakespeare IN THE RAW experience.

A philosopher and writer, actor, restaurant employee, theatrical stagehand, percussionist, sound engineer, and avid air guitar competitor, he's presented poetry in Central Pennsylvania at previous Poetry Thursdays traveling venues.

His verse was part of A Poet's Tour of Harrisbug, the performance, and a book from GoodSport Press, 2007. This reading, hosted by the Poetry Cartel, begins with an open mic, after a short break, Wheeler's presentation begins. Midtown Scholar Bookstore is located at1302 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, Call 717.236.1680.

www.almostuptown.com

Autumn Poetry in PA, Midtown Scholar, Little Buffalo, and More...

Two Poetry Events, Midtown Scholar, Little Buffalo Open poetry reading, September 29, Poetry Thursdays at Midtown Scholar, just across the street from the Market House on Third, and a postal box and some trees on Verbeke. This event, 7--9pm, is hosted by the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel.

A theme is often suggested for events, this weeks’ theme is Where the Buffalo Roam. But, hey-- the theme isn't mandatory, just a suggestion. Read what you like. Sit and just listen, if you like.

The poetry’s pretty good, and if you’re inspired, jump in. No sign-up sheet, it's all Quaker style. Everything’s waiting for you.

The Scholar is sitting pretty, with a marquee that says MIDTOWN, at 1301 North Third Street, There will be a two-hour open reading with a Eight minute, 47 second break around 7:55pm.. Doors open at 6:45pm. Seating is limited. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

Other Autumn Scholar Events: October 6-- Open poetry reading/ October 13-- Philip Wheeler/ October 20-- open mic/ October 27—- Stina Nousianen/ ----------------------------- November 3—- open reading/ November 10-- Jessica Flynn/ November 17-- Staged reading, a play by Randy Gross/ November 24-- Thanksgiving

www.almostuptown.com

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October 1— The Little Buffalo Festival, October 1, Newport, PA. It’s an Arts festival with a range of happenings and activities for all ages. Musical events-- like Shawan and the Wontons, for instance, face painting, etc., and... a serving of poetry too. Yep. Lynne Reeder, Tony Bosak, and Marty Esworthy.

http://littlebuffalofestival.com/

Dana Kinsey featured September 15 at Poetry Thursdays, Midtown Scholar.

Dana Kinsey, SEPTEMBER 15 at Poetry Thursdays

Our featured performer, this week, at Poetry Thursdays continuing verse series, will be Lancaster’s Dana Kinsey.

Dana Kinsey, writer, teacher, and actor from Lancaster, PA, is a faculty member in the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Lancaster Catholic High. Kinsey directs theater, and teaches British Literature, Acting Technique, Dramaturgy, and Playwriting.

Her work has been published in 717, Harrisburg Magazine, Teaching Theatre, and the Broadkill Review. Kinsey’s play WaterRise, based on a poem of the same title, was featured in the Radioactive Festival at the Gene Frankel Theatre in Greenwich Village. Sagesse Productions filmed the screenplay version which premiered recently.

We hope you’ll stop by and share some poetry with us. Or, just kick back and listen to some fine versification. Doors open at 6:50pm. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

Kinsey’s website: (http://www.wordsbydk.com/about.html ).

Dana Kinsey featured September 15 at Poetry Thursdays, Midtown Scholar.

Dana Kinsey, SEPTEMBER 15 at Poetry Thursdays

Our featured performer, this week, at Poetry Thursdays continuing verse series, will be Lancaster’s Dana Kinsey.

Dana Kinsey, writer, teacher, and actor from Lancaster, PA, is a faculty member in the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Lancaster Catholic High. Kinsey directs theater, and teaches British Literature, Acting Technique, Dramaturgy, and Playwriting.

Her work has been published in 717, Harrisburg Magazine, Teaching Theatre, and the Broadkill Review. Kinsey’s play WaterRise, based on a poem of the same title, was featured in the Radioactive Festival at the Gene Frankel Theatre in Greenwich Village. Sagesse Productions filmed the screenplay version which premiered recently.

We hope you’ll stop by and share some poetry with us. Or, just kick back and listen to some fine versification. Doors open at 6:50pm. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

Kinsey’s website: (http://www.wordsbydk.com/about.html ).

Almost Autumn, September Events

September Poetry Cartel Events at Midtown Scholar Bookstore

September 1-- Almost Autumn, open mic

September 8-- t/b/a

September 15-- Dana Kinsey ...published recently in Harrisburg Magazine, the Broadkill Review, 717, and Teaching Theatre.

September 22-- Open poetry reading

September 29—Where the Little Buffalo Roam, open mic

see http://littlebuffalofestival.com/

The Midtown Scholar is located at 1301 North Third Street, Harrisburg 17102. There will be an (Almost Autumn) open poetry reading on September 1.

We hope you’ll stop by and share some poetry with us. Or, just kick back and listen to some fine versification. Doors open at 6:50pm. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

"In a nation of one hundred fine, mob-hearted, lynching, relenting, repenting millions, There are plenty of sweeping, swinging, stinging, gorgeous things to shout about, And knock your old blue devils out. " --Vachel Lindsay, Bryan, Bryan, Bryan, Bryan

August 25-- Memorial reading, Life and poetry of Jack Veasey

On August 25 at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore the Poetry Cartel will convene a memorial reading-- a remembrance of the life and poetry of Jack Veasey. There will be both an open poetry reading and a featured presentation of Veasey's poems by Harrisburg poet laureate Rick Kearns. Other readers include Lauren Gross, Bill Fritz, Anna Jones, Carla Christopher, Randy Gross and more.

Philadelphia native and Hummelstown Poet Jack Veasey passed away July 15. Jack was a fine man and an excellent poet. In recent years there'd been a resurgence in interest and publication of his work, most recently with Veasey's The Dance That Begins And Begins and, also Selected Poems 1973-2013 released by Poet's Press.

This event hosted by the Poetry Cartel, will run from 7-9pm.

The Midtown Scholar is located at 1301 North Third Street, Harrisburg 17102. There will be a brief open poetry reading before to the feature presentation. Doors open at 6:45pm. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

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COMING SOON, FALL EVENTS, MIDTOWN SCHOLAR: September 1-- open mic September 8-- t/b/a September 15-- Dana Kinsey September 22-- Open poetry reading September 29—prelude to Little Buffalo Festival, October1, Newport, PA http://littlebuffalofestival.com/

Keith Snow, featured poet August 11 at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore

Keith Snow will be featured poet Thursday, August 11 at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore. This event is hosted by the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel. Snow has, for many years, acted as Harrisburg’s “Self-proclaimed Ambassador of Poetry.” He was born and raised in Harrisburg and wrote perhaps the ultimate Harrisburg poem, “I Am”, published in A Poet’s Tour of Harrisburg (GoodSport Press, 2006). Keith Snow has curated, hosted, competed in numerous poetry slams, and been featured in a plethora of venues through out the area. Publications include Fledgling Rag, Experimental Forest, Haggard and Halloo and other distinguished journals.

Snow's studied verse structure, and form and continues to work diligently at his craft, hoping to reconcile and distill the energies of “all of his many voices.” He is past editor of Megaera poetry review and has hosted several major poetry venues in the ‘burg. The Midtown Scholar is at 1301 North Third Street, 17102. There will be a short open poetry reading prior to the feature presentation. Anna Jane and Marty Esworthy are co-hosting. Doors open at 6:45pm. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

FEATURED POET MANNY CARTAGENA, JULY 28, at POETRY THURSDAYS

The featured reader/performer July 28 at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore’s Poetry Thursdays is the engaging Manny Cartagena, an up and coming author, artist, and poet from Berks County, PA. This event is hosted by the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel.

Poetry of great depth, and unexpected literary turns, Cartagena’s work is often contemplative, yet compelling. His verse has been published in numerous journals, such as Paper Planes, the Atlantean, TopHat Raven, New Plains Review, and PigeonBike Poetry.

He’s performed his verse extensively throughout the Middle–Atlantic states. TYhe artist Cartagena is currently compiling a book of drawings expected to be released in late Autumn, Against the Flow of the Grain.

This event is part of Poetry Thursdays, the long-running poetry poetry series (1999-2016), 7-9pm,.held weekly at the Midtown Scholar. 1302 N. 3rd Street. Just cross the street from Harrisburg's famed Broad Street Market House. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

K-BAM! Poetry Thursdays: Bastille Day open reading

July 14, Poetry Thursdays-- Special Bastille Day open reading. Poetry and verbal fireworks every Thursday, hosted by the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel at the Midtown Scholar bookstore.

Bastille Day open reading. The French National Day commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, an important event in Paris in a violent revolution.

The open reading will begin at seven pm. Doors open at six-thirty, seating is limited.

July 14-- Bastille day open poetry reading

July 21—no reading. (the Scholar will be closed.)

July 28-- Featuring Manny Cartagena

Midtown Scholar.Bookstore. 1302 N. 3rd Street, 17102..(717) 236-1680

The Bastille Day feature event is part of Poetry Thursdays, a continuing poetry series (1999-2016), 7-9pm,.held weekly at the Midtown Scholar. 1302 N. 3rd Street. For more information, (717) 236-1680.

Poetry Thursdays, June 30-- Jeff Rath is featured, one night only!

On June 3o, artist, poet and author Jeff Rath will be the featured reader at Poetry Thursdays' poetry series at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore.

Rath has done four outstanding collections of poetry beginning with The Waiting Room at the End of the World (2007), In the Shooting Gallery of the Heart (2009) and Film Noir (2011), and, most recently, The Old Utopia Hotel (2015), all published by Iris G. Press. His works have been published in a numerous journals including Everyday Genius, Delmarva Review, and Fledgling Rag. He is the 2007 R.E. Foundation Award winner and a Pushcart Prize nominee.7-9pm.

Iris G. Press editor Le Hinton says, in his introduction to The Waiting Room at the End of the World, "If you are one who prefers to experience life and savor its moments, sacred, painful, and true, I promise that you will find several of your own favorites that you will return to for sustenance, for pleasure, and for wisdom, and you will never be disappointed."

This event is part of Poetry Thursdays, a continuing poetry series, which began in 1999, now held weekly at the Midtown Scholar. 1302 N. 3rd Street. 7-9pm. For more information, (717) 236-1680. Hosted by the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel.

Kearns & Catalano, Words & Music, December 29 , Poetry Thursdays

Coming soon, creative duo working in two volatile dimensions, poetry and music-- not easily tamed-- at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore’s Poetry Thursdays. On December 29, Rick Kearns and John Catalano will bring their own compelling magic, and the spirit of Lorca, and Tolstoy too!

Music and poetry, one night only--Rick Kearns will recite some of his flamenco poetry, and more, while accompanied by the talented John Catalano on guitar.

Both men have been jamming together in the storied “flamenco kitchen” and in various group situations for over 10 years. John Vincent Catalano (c. 1955) is an American musician, teacher and performer whose areas of interest include prepared and improvised music, flamenco, folk, blues, experimental classical and Gypsy jazz. Catalano is widely sought for performances, workshops and private music instruction.

Rick Kearns is the current Poet Laureate of Harrisburg and Northern Bressler. For many years he edited the poetry journal Blue Guitar. His work now appears regularly in numerous reviews and anthologies. He’s done four verse collections (another: imminent), and has been sowing poetic mayhem along the Eastern seaboard for 30 years. For this performance, these artists have been working rigorously to complete a bold lyric adaptation of the Soviet march song Polyushka Polye into “regimentally exacting” couplets in time to mark their second major collaboration on a free-form literary/music plane.

It’s all goes down December 29. 7-9pm. This special event is part of Poetry Thursdays, since 1999, a continuing poetry series, now held weekly at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore. 1302 N. Third Street. For more information, (717) 236-1680. Hosted by the Almost Uptown Poetry Cartel.