All Sorts of Literary Phenomena
Over the past few weeks, I have encountered various literary extravaganza, some of which were unexpectedly fabulous, and others that contained exactly what I expected.
1. K'vetch was the sunday before last. It was lacking a certain energy that sometimes fills the occasion. A few regulars showed up and read their usual sorts of pieces. I can't remember much of the work, as nothing was particularly original. A few more well-known writers who are apparently above reading at an open mic, though they might stoop to the level of attending one, sulked around, taking frequent cigarette breaks.
2. A week ago, I went to a LitPac reading benefiting progressive politics. I am not accustomed to paying to go to a reading, at least not more than a suggested donation in the lower single digits. This reading was expensive. But it was worth it. I was exposed to the literary delights of surrealist writer Aimee Bender, the evocative descriptions of Pam Huston, and the erotic hilarity of Steve Almond who read excerpts from How to Love a Republican.
3. The very next evening, I attended RADAR at the San Francisco Public Library, a monthy reading hosted by Michelle Tea. It too was full of unexpected delights. Ariel Gore read from her fantastical heretical (this term is relative) work about a traveling Catholic themed side show. Devora Major read weighty political poetry about love and tragedy. A few students from a local arts high school read their work, some of which was surprisingly well crafted. Most of all, they were full of an energy that is more common in the very young, than those who have lived a bit longer.
4. Like K'vetch, Queer Open Mic at the 3 Dollar Bill Cafe also lacked energy last week. A few new faces happened upon the event and performed songs, played harmonicas, and recited rambling poetry.
5. I happened upon the release party for Instant City #3 last Saturday. The usual writers who haunt The Mission were in attendance, reading stories in their characteristic styles.
1. K'vetch was the sunday before last. It was lacking a certain energy that sometimes fills the occasion. A few regulars showed up and read their usual sorts of pieces. I can't remember much of the work, as nothing was particularly original. A few more well-known writers who are apparently above reading at an open mic, though they might stoop to the level of attending one, sulked around, taking frequent cigarette breaks.
2. A week ago, I went to a LitPac reading benefiting progressive politics. I am not accustomed to paying to go to a reading, at least not more than a suggested donation in the lower single digits. This reading was expensive. But it was worth it. I was exposed to the literary delights of surrealist writer Aimee Bender, the evocative descriptions of Pam Huston, and the erotic hilarity of Steve Almond who read excerpts from How to Love a Republican.
3. The very next evening, I attended RADAR at the San Francisco Public Library, a monthy reading hosted by Michelle Tea. It too was full of unexpected delights. Ariel Gore read from her fantastical heretical (this term is relative) work about a traveling Catholic themed side show. Devora Major read weighty political poetry about love and tragedy. A few students from a local arts high school read their work, some of which was surprisingly well crafted. Most of all, they were full of an energy that is more common in the very young, than those who have lived a bit longer.
4. Like K'vetch, Queer Open Mic at the 3 Dollar Bill Cafe also lacked energy last week. A few new faces happened upon the event and performed songs, played harmonicas, and recited rambling poetry.
5. I happened upon the release party for Instant City #3 last Saturday. The usual writers who haunt The Mission were in attendance, reading stories in their characteristic styles.
posted by sf blog at 11:18 AM
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