Below is our comprehensive list of poetry events in and around Santa Cruz.  We are happy to list any poetry events in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. You may notify us via email.  We also list selected events in Santa Clara County.  You may also subscribe to the Poetry Santa Cruz Events Email by request via email.  We only send out this email for events presented or co-sponsored by or which are benefits for Poetry Santa Cruz.  We typically send one email for each of our events, about two or three per month.  We do not send emails for other organizations or individuals.  We do not sell or lend our distribution list to other organizations or individuals. Readers in our Tuesday series are often interviewed and read more of their poetry on The Poetry Show on KUSP 88.9 FM, Sundays 9:00 to 10:00 pm. (webcast and podcast archives available.) Current Poetry Santa Cruz events  Current events co-sponsored by Poetry Santa Cruz  Other poetry events during the next month  Bookstore Events and Media  Workshops  Looking Ahead at future events, both PSC and others    Poetry Santa Cruz events and interviews Archive Poetry Santa Cruz events Video Archive Photo Gallery from Al Young Day Photo Gallery from the Robert Bly reading Poetry Santa Cruz Poet/Speak Open Reading with featured readers For a poetry calendar covering the Greater Bay Area, consult the Poetry Flash calendar and open reading listings. For a calendar of arts events in Santa Cruz County supported by grants from the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, see the Cultural Council Events Calendar.

CURRENT POETRY SANTA CRUZ EVENTS
Sunday, May 19 2:00 to 4:00 PM	Poet/Speak Open Reading with featured reader Teetle Clawson. Teetle Clawson received a BFA from California College of Arts and Crafts and a MA in Education from St. Mary’s College in Orinda. She was a visual artist and art educator with at-risk kids before co-founding BC Tech, a medical product design company in Santa Cruz. Several years ago she began studying extensively with Ellen Bass and attends resident workshops with other accomplished poets including Jane Hirshfield, Joseph Millar and Dorianne Laux. Her poetry has appeared the San Pedro River Review and is forthcoming in the 2014 Women Artists Datebook and The SUN Magazine. Open reading signup at 2:00 sharp. All ages welcome. Read your own or a favorite poem. 3-to-5-minute limit. Hosted by Jim Russo. Main Library upstairs Meeting Room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz. [ map ]  Free.
Monday, May 20 7:00 PM	20th Annual Santa Cruz County High School Poetry Competition Reading, Awards Ceremony and Celebration of the Publication of the Annual Anthology.  Festivities begin from 6:30 to 7:00 PM as the poets sign in and we gather and see the visual art by local high school students on the walls.  Admission is Free.  Contributing poets will receive a free copy of the competition anthology.  Additional copies will be available for purchase at $5 each. Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 400 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060  [ map ]  Free.  Presented by Poetry Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
Tuesday, June 11 7:30 PM	James Arthur, Natalie Diaz, and Tomás Q. Morin. Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. [ map ]  $3 donation suggested. Presented by Poetry Santa Cruz.
CURRENT EVENTS CO-SPONSORED BY POETRY SANTA CRUZ
Saturday, May 18 7:30 PM	Jennifer Firestone, Dana Teen Lomax, and Sarah Rosenthal reading from their work, including Femshi, a multimedia Neo-Benshi event! Felix Kulpa Gallery, 107 Elm St., Santa Cruz (Behind Streetlight Records).  [ map ]  Free.  Presented by A New Cadence Poetry Series. See the A New Cadence blog for details.

For future events see the Looking Ahead listing. These events are supported, in part, by a grant from the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County.  Some events are supported by matching grants to our readers from Poets & Writers, Inc.  Poetry Santa Cruz is also grateful for the support of its members and donors, In Celebration of the Muse, and those who donated in memory of Maude Meehan and Kathleen Flowers.  The William James Association acted as our fiscal sponsor for our first four years.  Our readings are supported by Bookshop Santa Cruz, Capitola Book Café, The Attic, Casablanca Inn, The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Cabrillo College, KUSP and the National Writers Union Chapter 7.  Membership premiums have been donated by Graywolf Press, the University of Pittsburgh Press, Robert Sward, Coffee House Press, Copper Canyon Press, and Farrar, Straus and Giroux.  A voluntary donation of $3 may be requested at venues where collection of donations is permitted.

[return to top] OTHER POETRY EVENTS DURING THE NEXT MONTH (See also Weekly Events, below)
Th 5/2 11:30 AM, Sa 5/4 3:30 PM Tu 5/7 8:30 PM, We 5/8 10:00 AM Tu 5/14 10:30 AM, Tu 5/14 8:30 PM Mo 5/20 11:00 AM, Tu 5/21 8:30 PM Su 5/26 12:00 AM, Tu 5/28 8:30 PM	Poetry Box, a half-hour TV poetry show on Community Television of Santa Cruz County, on Comcast cable channel 27 and Charter (Watsonville) channel 73. Alta Ifland & Tsering Wangmo Dhompa. At Capitola Book Café 1/8/13.  Producer: Joanna Martin.  Co-sponsored by Poetry Santa Cruz.
Every Monday Monday, May 13, 20, 27 6:00 PM to 8:00	Open Reading. Rebecca’s Café #112 at the Tannery Arts Center, 1050 River Street, Santa Cruz.
Every Wednesday Wed., May 15, 22, 29 7:30 PM Signup, 8:00 Show	The Rubber Chicken Poetry Slam & Open Mic.  East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington St., Monterey.
Wednesday, May 15 7:00 PM	The Well-Red Poetry Reading Series presents Henry Leung reading from his new collection of poems, Paradise Hunger, follwed by open reading. Works/San Jose, 365 South Market Street, Downtown San Jose. Admission: $2 Suggested Donation; No one turned away. Sponsored by Poetry Center San Jose.
3rd Thursday of each month Thurs., May 16 5:30 to 7:30 PM	Writers Open Mike with featured reader Don Monkerud, author journalist and photographer. He is the author of Free Land: Free Love; Tales of a Wilderness Commune, and three travelogues: Italy Uncensored: A Travelogue with Politics and Religion (2003), A Garden of Earthly Delights: Spain in the Springtime (2008), and Turkey Odyssey (2011), soon to be published as an eBook. An avid photographer he has been in over 30 local art shows, several single exhibitions, and published in several magazines including 2011 Porter Gulch Review. He will read from a manuscript in process: Stories in Search of a Biography, stories from the 1960’s told in different voices. See www.DonMonkerud.com. Come early to sign up for 5 to 7 minutes open mike. Free. Interested listeners always welcome. Questions: Pat Hanson, 831-601-9195 East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington St., Monterey.
3rd Thursday of each month Thursday, May 16 7:00 PM	Poetry Reading @ Willow Glen Library with featured reader David Denny, Cupertino Poet Laureate.  Note: If you read and wish your poem to be posted in the Willow Glen Poetry Project Blog, bring a hard copy of your poem and email it to willowglenpoetry@gmail.com. Willow Glen Library, 1157 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose.  Free.  Sponsored by Poetry Center San Jose.
Friday, May 17 7:00 PM	Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts reads from the works of Joseph Campbell and Robinson Jeffers. Tor House, Carmel.
Friday, May 17 6:00 to 7:30 PM	Hollister Open Mic. Bring poetry or prose to share in a friendly supportive atmosphere. Any style or language welcome. Free community event. Free Admission Always. Co-Sponsored by the San Benito County Arts Council, Blak Sage Gallery of Fine Art and Joe Navarro. Blak Sage Gallery of Fine Art, 727 San Benito St., Hollister. 831-636-9100.
First and Third Saturdays Saturday, May 18 2:30 PM	Lost Poets’ Salon Open Reading and Discussion. The Bagelry, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz.
Sunday, May 19 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM	Writing to Explore the Heart in Spring a workshop with Angie Boissevain. Much of poetic writing can be seen as a love letter, not necessarily to a lover, but often as a response to the joy and mystery of lived life. This workshop will offer writing practice as intimate appreciation of our response to beauty and as encouragement to be surprised by what takes shape on the page. After a period of zazen there will be time for warmup writing followed by discussion of prose and poetry. After this we will spend much of our time outside, enjoying Spring by cultivating close and loving attention to what appears before us, and allowing words to come forth to express what's in our heart. There will be time for sharing, both morning and afternoon, and we invite you to bring a bag lunch. Bring lots of paper and something to write with and prepare to be surprised. This year we will gather at a rustic retreat location in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Directions will be provided upon registration. Sponsored by Santa Cruz Zen Center. $55 (Sustaining members), $65 (others). Contact Sally Aguirre at sallyaguirre@gmail.com
Sunday, May 19 1:00 to 4:00 PM	Poets @ Play. Please bring a poem that you are working on to share with the group. You’ll have an opportunity to ask for comments or feedback if desired. We will also be providing some unique writing prompts for new poem creations or for revisions. Come early (between 11 am at 1 pm) to enjoy ÒSempervirens DayÓ at History Park, a celebration of the marvelous heritage of California Redwoods and Sequoias and the efforts to preserve them. See exhibits and tour the Andrew Hill House, next door to Markham. Andrew Hill was one of the main driving forces behind saving the remaining old growth redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. RSVP recommended but not required poetsatplay@pcsj.org. Convenient parking is available at the Staff/Volunteer parking lot on Phelan Avenue. Questions? Call 408-368-0353 Firehouse in History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose CA 95112. Sponsored by Poetry Center San Jose.
Wednesday, May 22 4:00 PM	Santa Clara Review celebrates its 100th issue with a reading by Robert Hass. Locatelli Activity Center, next to the Malley Sports Center, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053.
Thursday, May 23 6:00 to 8:00 PM	The Poets’ Circle Monthly Poetry Reading Series with featured reader Adela Najarro, followed by an open poetry reading. Free and open to the public. Presented by Magdalena Montagne.  Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St., Suite 100, Watsonville, CA 95076.
Thursday, May 23 6:00 PM	Miraculous Children, the Spring 2013 Living Writers Series at UCSC presents Lauren Shufran, Tsering Wangmo, and Juliana Leslie. For more on the series and the readers, see the Living Writers web page. Humanities Lecture Hall, Room 206, UCSC.
Saturday, May 25 2:00–4:00 PM	The Community Reading Series presents an open reading for poetry and prose, with featured reader David Sullivan.  Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel 95073.  Hosted by Jean Walton Wolff.  Fourth Saturday of the month: September to November, February to June.
Saturday, May 25 Time TBA	Point Sur Lighthouse Tour and Poetry Reading with Kim Bui-Burton, Simon Hunt, and George Lober. Tor House, Carmel.
4th Tuesday of each month Tuesday, May 28 7:00–9:00 PM	The Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series presents John Dotson, and John Laue.  East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington St., Monterey.  $5.
Saturday, June 1 1:00 to 3:00 PM	A Reading and Art Show to Celebrate the launch of Porter Gulch Review 2013 Cabrillo Horticulture Center at the top of the campus, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003. [ map ]
First and Third Saturdays Saturday, June 1 2:30 PM	Lost Poets’ Salon Open Reading and Discussion. The Bagelry, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz.
Tuesday, June 4 7:30 PM	Literary Salon at Gabriella Café. Enjoy a meal with poet, translator, novelist, and essayist Stephen Kessler. Dinner at 7:30 pm. Reading and discussion follow at 8:30 pm over desserts and beverages. Join us for this truly special event. Reservations required. Gabriella Café, 910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz.
Thursday, June 6 6:00 PM	Miraculous Children, the Spring 2013 Living Writers Series at UCSC presents the Student Reading. For more on the series and the readers, see the Living Writers web page. Humanities Lecture Hall, Room 206, UCSC.

[return to top] BOOKSTORE EVENTS AND MEDIA
Every day 9:01 AM and 8:01 PM	The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor on KAZU 90.3 FM.
Every Sunday 9:00 to 10:00 PM	The Poetry Show on KUSP 88.9 FM. Hosted by Dennis Morton.  Live interviews, poems read by the host, taped readings or interviews.  Archived shows are podcast for listening from the website.  See also The Poetry Show Blog.
Various days	Bookshop Santa Cruz and Capitola Book Café host many author events, with local and visiting authors. Visit their websites for up-to-date information.
Various	Check the literary events page for Monterey County.
Every Sunday 6:30 to 7:30 PM	Story Time on KZSC 88.1 FM. Hosted by Jesy Odio.
Every Wednesday 3:00 to 3:30 PM	Cover to Cover on KPFA 94.1 FM. Hosted by Jack Foley.
Every Wednesday 8:00 to 9:00 PM	Out Of Our Minds on KKUP 91.5 FM. Hosted by J.P. Dancing Bear. Live interviews, poems read by the host, taped readings or interviews.

[return to top] WORKSHOPS
Sally Ashton	Sally Ashton, MFA, is a Bay Area poet, teacher, editor of the DMQ Review, an online journal featuring poetry and art, and current Santa Clara County Poet Laureate.  She is the author of a collection, These Metallic Days, and her prose poem collection, Her Name is Juanita, was recently released from Kore Press.  Ashton is the recipient of an Artist Fellowship, Poetry, from Arts Council Silicon Valley.  She offers writing workshops in Santa Clara County.
Ellen Bass	Ellen Bass offers the following writing workshops.  See Ellen’s website for more details and recent updates. • Ongoing Weekly groups in Santa Cruz: Writing For Our Lives. • Wednesdays 1:00-4:00 pm  (all genres, emphasis on poetry) • Thursdays 3:00-6:00 pm  (all genres emphasis on fiction and memoir) In addition, she offers the following writing retreats: • February 8-10, 2013: The Writing Life with Ellen Bass at the Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA. This workshop will help keep the channels open. It will be an inspiring environment in which to write, share our work, and receive supportive feedback. We'll help each other to become clearer, go deeper, express our feelings and ideas more powerfully. For more information see Ellen’s website page and to register, visit Ellen’s page or www.esalen.org or call 831-667-3005. • May 28-June 2, 2013: Truth and Beauty taught by Dorianne Laux, Marie Howe, and Ellen Bass at Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos, NM For more information about this workshop, visit the page here. To learn more about Mabel Dodge Luhan House, visit their website at www.mabeldodgeluhan.com. To register, email Jen Petras at jpeachtree@yahoo.com • August 4-9, 2013: 9th Annual Writing and Knowing Poetry Workshop with Ellen Bass, Dorianne Laux, and Joseph Millar at the Esalen Institute, Big Sur. There is a world inside each of us that we know better than anything else, and a world outside of us that calls for our attention. Our subject matter is always right with us. The trick is to find out what we know, challenge what we know, own what we know, and then give it away in language. We will write poems, share our writing, and hear what our work touches in others. Mainly this will be a writing retreat—time to explore and create in a supportive community. Though we’ll focus on poetry, prose writers who want to enrich their language will find it a fertile environment.  For more information, you may see Ellen’s website page and email Ellen. To register, visit www.esalen.org or call 831-667-3005 • September 28-October 5, 2013: Writing For Our Lives at La Serrania, Mallorca, Spain.  For more information about the workshop, visit Ellen’s website page.  For information about La Serrania, visit www.laserrania.com To register, email La Serrania or call +34 639-306-432.
Angie Boissevain	Writing In Freedom with Angie Boissevain Saturday July 7, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Santa Cruz Zen Center, 113 School St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060. This class will combine meditation, and free writing practices in order to cultivate our inspiration, natural intuition, and delight in the music and nonsense of words. There will be walks in the park, discussions, and blocks of time for free writing to liberate what's under our ordinary talk, and encourage trust in the music and truth to be found in our own personal language...including the nonsensical. Nothing we write needs to be shared, though the pleasure of sharing will be encouraged. Please bring pencils/pens, and lots of paper. Angie Boissevain is a Soto Zen roshi and Dharma heir of Vanja Palmers. For over thirty years of her practice she served as a teacher and director at Jikoji in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which was founded by her main teacher Kobun Chino Otogawa in 1983. She studied with him while she was raising three sons, being a wife and writing poetry. She is the inspiration and guiding teacher of Floating Zendo in San Jose. She also leads sesshins at Jikoji and abroad to areas such as Arcata, Hokoj (near Toas, NM) and even Austria and Switzerland. “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” –Albert Einstein
Patria Brown	The Way of the Spiral with Patria Brown: In the fast-paced world of the twenty-first century, there is little allowance of time for artistic pursuit or reflection. Patria’s approach to poetry and the creative arts opens the deep spiral path to inner knowing and joyful and lively manifestation. Weekly writing and poetry sessions meet at 320 River Street in Santa Cruz. Ongoing sessions are limited to eight participants and are offered first-come, first-serve.  Initial session is free.  Suggested donation thereafter is $20. Reserve your place now by calling 831-425-5332 or emailing patria@outinthewoods.com. Bring a notebook, a pen, and an open heart. Be prepared to change your life! Saturday Mornings With the Muse Meets most Saturday mornings from 10 to 12. Together we shall write and read based on collaboratively chosen pieces of poetry. Women and Poetry Meets Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.  Together we study and write women's poetry. Women read, study, and write poetry in community. Mothers and Poetry Meets Saturdays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 pm Mothers of growing children often feel there is never a moment for intellectual or creative pursuit. We read short pieces (not more than one hour per week), come together, discuss, and write in community about issues surrounding the experience of mothering in all its facets. Patria Brown also teaches Soul Collage, leads a Thursday Morning Crones group and is working on other projects.  Contact her if you are interested at 831-425-5332 or email patria@outinthewoods.com
Cabrillo College	English 12B (Creative Writing: Poetry) and 14B (Advanced Poetry Workshop) See the Schedule of classes for the current offering. Fall 2012: English 12B Creative Writing: Poetry (Section 76788), taught by Adela Najarro will be held Thursdays 6:00 to 9:05 PM, Room 312, 3 units.
Capitola Book Café	Capitola Book Café offers workshops for writers of fiction, poetry and more.  For details, see the Events page on their website: www.capitolabookcafe.com. Drop-In Poetry Writing Group with Magdalena Montagne. 7-9 pm on Friday, February 22. With over ten years experience leading poetry writing groups, Magdalena Montagne can help you bring out the poet within. We’ll write new works in a supportive and creative environment. This on-going group welcomes newcomers and drop-ins. All levels and ages are encouraged. Call Magdalena at (831) 252-5776 for more information or e-mail her at magdarose@hughes.net. To participate, $5 to Capitola Book Café, $5 to Magdalena.  See more of Magdalena Montagna’s workshops below and at http://www.poetrycircle-magdalena.com/ The Way of Creativity, Finding Your Way: Saturday, February 23, 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Capitola Book Café 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola. $25. Register online at www.CapitolaBookCafe.com, in the store or call (831) 464-4415.
Andy Couturier, The Opening	The Opening is a place for writing that emphasizes the intuitive mind of the writer.  By prioritizing play and open-ended exploration, and by using innovative techniques to access our innate human capacities for improvisation, we find ourselves coming upon the unexpected in ourselves — and in the world.  When we combine these techniques with new ways to develop the sensitivity of our perception, both the writer and the writing grow naturally, of their own accord.  Classes offered in Santa Cruz and Oakland.  See Andy Couturier’s bio.  Sign up for the Mailing List on the website.  Telephone 831-728-9983 or 510-594-1905. • Book Completion Groups:    - Wednesday afternoons 1:30-5:30 PM starting Feb. 20 in Santa Cruz,      [Note: no class meeting on March 27] The last class of series 0n April 17.    - Thursday nights 6-10 pm, starting February 28 in Santa Cruz,      [Note: no class meeting on March 28.] The last class of series on April 25.      $475 with $195 deposit. Register online. • Life Story / Creative Nonfiction:    - Tuesday nights 6 to 9 pm, starting April 9 in Santa Cruz, $390,      $195 deposit (Note: no class meeting in May, last session June 25.) Resgister online. • Writing from the Subconscious:    - Four weeks, Thursdays 1:00 to 4 pm, starting February 7 in Santa Cruz. $390.      [note: no class meeting on Feb 14 or Mar 28] Register Register online. • “Writing Open the Mind” Six-month Teaching Certificate Course:    - Starts weekend February 22-24 2013 through July 2013      [6 weekends (weekends only) : non-residential].      See full information on The Opening website.      Registration required to hold your place. Register online. or by mail with the      deposit to: The Opening, PO Box 881, Santa Cruz, CA, 95061      but send an email first to hold your place.      Call 831-728-9983 for more info, or to ask about the installment payment plan.      Not sure which course is right for you? Call for a free 15 minute consultation:      831-728-9983 or email Andy
Laura Davis	Laura Davis offers a variety of writing workshops.  See the Laura Davis website for details and for more classes and retreats. • Ongoing Writing Practice Classes:    - Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 9:30 pm    - Wednesday mornings, 10 am to 1 pm, women only Special Introductory Rate for New Students: $175 for 4 Weeks of Writing Practice Class. More info: (831) 464-9517 • Ongoing Feedback Classes for Students Looking for Feedback, Critique and Revision Toward Finished Pieces:    - Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 9:30 pm    - Friday mornings, 9 am to 12 noon In addition, Laura is offering the following special events and retreats (click on links for more information): • Memory to Memoir Yearlong Intensive: One Saturday a Month for Year: New Series Begins January 2013. • How to Write About What You Can’t Remember: Weekend at Esalen, January 18-20, 2013 • The Writer’s Retreat of Your Dreams Goes to Bali: Writing, Yoga, & Adventure in Paradise, June 21-July 5, 2013 • The 8th Annual Writer’s Journey Retreat: in Bolinas, July 17-23, 2013 If you'd like to receive a free inspirational quote and writing prompt in your inbox each Monday, you can sign up here: http://www.lauradavis.net/prompts
Esalen Institute	The following poetry workshops are offered at Esalen Institute, 55000 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920, (831) 667-3005, info@esalen.org. • January 18-20, 2013: How to Write About What You Can’t Remember taught by Laura Davis.
Carolyn Brigit Flynn	Carolyn offers regular writing groups, called Writing to Feed the Soul.  Carolyn’s teaching themes include an imaginative mix of poetry and prose, evoking dreams, the elements, ancestors, the earth and nature, animals, spirit guides, sacred geometry, tarot and myth—all with the intention to allow archetypal and mythic themes to provide seed and sacred ground for new and enlivened writing.  Writers often find that a new voice emerges, and that their work goes deeper, exploring vital themes and profound hidden stories. • Bi-Monthly Groups meet twice a month, the first two weeks of the month (except for October, when they will meet the last two weeks). During teaching weeks, there will be three writing groups meeting regularly:    - Tuesday, 2:00-5:30 pm    - Wednesday, 6:00-9:30 pm    - Thursday, 2:00-5:30 pm • Monthly Group.  One group meets monthly the second Saturday of the month (except for October, when they will meet on Oct 24) More information at her website www.carolynbrigitflynn.com For questions or to sign up, please email carolynflynn@cruzio.com
Joyce Keller	Creative Writing for Fun. Louden Nelson classes for Downtown Seniors. Learn how to make creative writing easy and enjoyable in the friendly and supportive class. Stories, poetry, journalism, memoirs. Suggested donation: $4 for Santa Cruz city residents, $4.25 non-city residents.  Taught by Joyce Keller, M.S.  Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. Mondays 1:00 to 2:30 pm.
Danusha Laméris	Danusha Laméris offers Poetry classes in Santa Cruz. Danusha Laméris’s work has been published in Lyric, Poetry Northwest, Alaska Quarterly Review, The Sun and The Crab Orchard Review as well as in a variety of other journals.  Her poems have also appeared in the anthologies In a Fine Frenzy: Poets Respond to Shakespeare, A Bird as Black as the Sun: California Poets on Crows and Ravens, and Intimate Kisses.  Last year she was a finalist for the 2010 New Letters Prize in poetry. Danusha teaches an ongoing workshop for poets on Thursday evenings from 6-9. The cost is $80 for four weeks. Craft talk followed by sharing writing and constructive feedback. She can be reached at 427-9733 or lameris@yahoo.com
Ron Lampi	Ron Lampi offers a workshop on creativity in various Santa Cruz County venues. Drawing from his own well spring of creativity, local writer and poet Ron Lampi brings an introduction to his creative process in a two hour workshop. “Creativity is a birthright of us all. To live in the flow of creativity is a wonderful way to be. This is a workshop for artists of all genres and for all creative persons who really want to jump-start or develop their ability to be creative. We will address the various blocks to creativity and come to understand more consciously the creative process.” In the workshop, not only will Ron share from his experience and creating background, but there will be plenty of time for discussion and hands-on involvement. Everyone will have an opportunity to share. Two of the books that will be referenced in the workshop are The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and Creating by Robert Fritz. Please provide your own writing material. The Way of Creativity, Finding Your Way: Saturday, February 23, 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Capitola Book Café 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola. $25. Register online at www.CapitolaBookCafe.com, in the store or call (831) 464-4415.
Robin Lysne	Robin Lysne offers a class on Understanding Contemporary Poetry with a Writing Workshop. • Explore what all the fuss is about with “Language Poets” • Discover New Forms of Writing Poetry • How do Buddhism and Meditation influence poets today • What is being left out of poems that was so essential 50 years ago? • What is Ecopoetry and how is it influential? These questions and many others will be explored in this class. We will discuss and write poetry inspired by our explorations. Location: Private Home in Pasatiempo between Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley. Tuesdays, March 19th, 26th, April 2nd, 9th, 2013 1-4 pm. Fee: $35 per class or $140 for four classes. $5 discount if paid in advance for all four classes. Limit 10 participants. Commitment is required to attend all classes. Call: Robin Lysne, (831) 457-2483 or email rhlysne@cruzio.com to register. Robin Lysne received her MFA from Mills College in 2012 and will receive her PhD in Energy Medicine in 2013. She is the author of three books of nonfiction and her poems have been published in North American Review, Samizdat Literary Journal, Porcupine Literary Arts Magazine, Awaken Consciousness Magazine, Santa Cruz Weekly, and other periodicals, and in Harvest from the Emerald Orchard and other anthologies. She has been featured reader at Poetry Express in Berkeley, Writing without Walls and the Samizdat Literary Journal release reading in San Francisco, and Poet/Speak. Her poem “First Step” was selected for reading by survivors at the Virginia Tech Memorial Bench Dedication. Her art work has been shown widely in the Midwest and on the East Coast. She is a professional Psychic/Medium and Energy Medicine Practitioner through East/West Bookstore in Mt. View, in Santa Cruz, and across the country by phone. Websites: www.thecenterforthesoul.com / www.robinlysne.com / www.bluebonebooks.com
Magdalena Montagne	The Community Poetry Circle takes place monthly in three library branches through June 2013: • On the 1st Saturday, 10 am to 12 noon at the Santa Cruz Central Branch Library. • On the 2nd Saturday, 1 to 3 pm at the Aptos Branch Library, 7695 Soquel Drive. • On the 3rd Saturday, 2 to 4 pm at the Scotts Valley Branch Library, 230-D Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. • Bi-monthly beginning Thursday, May 30, 6 to 7 pm, at the Watsonville Library, 275 Main St., Watsonville, CA 95076. • At the Campbell Public Library, 77 Harrison Avenue, Campbell, 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesdays May 1, July 3, September 4, November 6, 2013. For more information, call Magdalena at (831) 252-5776, e-mail her at magdarose@hughes.net, or see her website http://www.poetrycircle-magdalena.com/ Muse Poetry Writing Group at Capitola Book Café, 7-9 pm, Friday, May 10.  With over ten years experience leading poetry writing groups, Magdalena Montagne can help you bring out the poet within.  Join this drop-in group for a fun and creative evening of poetry writing and discussion.  All levels and ages are encouraged. Cost: $5 to Capitola Book Café and $5 to Magdalena to participate, please. For more information, call Magdalena at (831) 252-5776, e-mail her at magdarose@hughes.net, or see her website http://www.poetrycircle-magdalena.com/ The Poets’ Circle Monthly Poetry Reading Series is held at the Watsonville Public Library from 6:00-8:00 pm on the second Thursday of the month through April 2013. Each month the series will feature one distinguished poet and an open mic for emerging poets. Adela Najarro is the featured reader May 23, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St., Suite 100, Watsonville, CA 95076. Free and open to the public. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, and produced by Magdalena Montagne.
Poetry Center San Jose	Poets @ Play. Have you ever wanted a quiet place to write? Or an informal gathering for collaborating with fellow poets about works in progress? That’s what Poets@Play is all about. We alternate between writing and sharing our works in progress. This is not a workshop, but rather a playhouse—some starter ideas and a comfortable place to play with words. Registration is encouraged, but not required, at poetsatplay@pcsj.org (we can also provide you with information on how to avoid a parking fee). Date TBA at the Edwin Markham House, History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, California 95112.  www.pcsj.org.
Sarah Rabkin	Sarah Rabkin teaches writing, nature writing, nature journals and nature sketching in various settings. Learn more at www.sarahrabkin.com • Two Half-Day Workshops and a Discussion Panel with Sarah Rabkin at the 12th Annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua, Mono Lake, Lee Vining, & the Eastern Slope. Half-day Workshop—The Writer’s Flight. Friday, June 14, 1:30-5:00 When we wingless animals yearn to fly, birds offer inspiration and vicarious delight. Flight is release, escape, transcendence, chase, play—and writing can animate the avian metaphors that give human lives meaning and solace. Whether you’re a new or seasoned writer, come join this outdoor writing workshop and learn new ways to take flight on the page. If you can, please bring paper, pen or pencil, and a writing surface (book, clipboard). Supplies will be provided for those who need them. Half-day Workshop—Writing at the Edge. Saturday, June 15, 9-12:30 All vibrant, worthy writing is writing “at the edge“—the edge of consciousness or propriety, decision or discovery. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, come write outdoors with us here at the edge of Mono Lake, the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada. We’ll tap the place’s power to inspire both new insight and the language to express it. If you can, please bring paper, pen or pencil, and a writing surface (book, clipboard). Supplies will be provided for those who need them. Panel Discussion (Moderator & Participant) Saturday, June 15, 3:00-4:00 Artful Inquiry: Creative Vision in the Practice of Natural History How do creativity and imagination help us know and honor the larger-than-human world? What insights do poets, painters, and storytellers bring to our relationships with flora and fauna, landscapes and ecosystems? What wisdom blooms when we honor art and science equally as ways of knowing? Join an ardent discussion about these and related questions with poet Tom Crawford, artist-naturalist John Muir Laws, artist-storyteller Ane Carla Rovetta, and writer-artist Sarah Juniper Rabkin. • High Country Writing Retreat taught by Sarah Rabkin at the San Francisco State University Sierra Nevada Field Campus, North Yuba River, 35400 Highway 49, Sattley, CA. June 23-28, 2013, Sunday-Friday. This is a great opportunity for both new and experienced writers to take inspiration from the spiced air and rushing waters of the northern Sierra. Group sessions provide guidance, inspiration, and time to write and share work without judgment. Unstructured periods allow plenty of time for individual writing, recreation, and optional one-on-one instructor conferences. You are welcome to work in poetry and/or prose. Bring a writing project in progress, an empty notebook ready to be filled, or both. Meals and camping accommodations are available at the field campus. • The Writer’s Flight: A Point Reyes Retreat taught by Sarah Rabkin at Point Reyes. More information at www.ptreyes.org, 415-663-1200 ext 373. February 8 to 10, 6PM Friday to 2PM Sunday. $150 ($140 Members). Like flight, writing can mean escape or travel, transcendence or release. A Point Reyes sojourn invites it all: beaches and forests offer refuge; wild winds carry the imagination aloft. Come write from a comfortable perch at the edge of this extraordinary landscape, in the company of sea birds skimming surf, vultures riding updrafts, kestrels hovering before the drop. This weekend retreat is for new and experienced writers working in all forms. Whether you write primarily for growth and discovery or with an emphasis on profession and craft, prompts and exercises will nudge you into productive territory. The two days will include discussion, in-class and solo writing time, optional sharing of drafts, and optional instructor conferences. There will be time for individual exploring on the page and/or in the field. Bring a notebook waiting to be filled, a project in progress, or both. We’ll work, sleep and eat at the Lifeboat Station at Chimney Rock, where the view out every window is an invitation to flight. • Writing at the Edge taught by Sarah Rabkin at the Sitka Center for Art & Ecology, 56605 Sitka Drive, Otis, OR 97368. Saturday & Sunday, August 3–4, 2013. Contact: 541-994-5485 Whether at the lip of a continent or at the limits of propriety, edges are jumping-off places—both unsettling and exhilarating. Perched on the edge of the lava flow that forms Cascade Head, buoyed by the place and by each other, we will write poetry and prose inspired by edges of all kinds. Prompts and discussions will be specific but open-ended, connecting each writer with ideas that are poised to fly. The two days will include instruction, in-class and solo writing time, discussion, optional sharing of drafts, and optional instructor conferences. You will emerge with new work and new perspective. • Writing at the Edge taught by Sarah Rabkin at the Sitka Center for Art & Ecology, 556605 Sitka Drive, Otis, OR 97368. 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday, August 6–7, 2013. Contact: 541-994-5485 Art that’s gratifying to make and behold often jumps the fence between genres. In this two-day workshop we will paint images in language and draw pictures from words. Willy-nilly sketching and drafting will complement experiments with attractive page design. We will take short rambles on foot and spend time in the studio, creating illuminated notebook pages that vibrate with visual and verbal ideas. Work in whatever easily portable medium you choose to bring: graphite pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, markers, or a combination. • Writing at the Edge: A Point Reyes Retreat taught by Sarah Rabkin at Point Reyes. More information at www.ptreyes.org, 415-663-1200 ext 373. September 13-15, 2013, 6PM Friday to 2PM Sunday. On the lip of a continent or at the limits of propriety, edges are jumping-off placesÑunsettling and exhilarating. All writing that’s alive and meaningful is writing “at the edge”: writing to discover what we don’t quite know; writing at the junction of the human and larger-than-human worlds; writing on the brink of something new. This weekend retreat is for new and experienced writers working in all forms. Whether you write primarily for growth and discovery or with an emphasis on profession and craft, prompts and exercises will nudge you into productive territory. The two days will include discussion, in-class and solo writing time, optional sharing of drafts, and optional instructor conferences. There will be time for individual exploring on the page and/or in the field. Bring a notebook waiting to be filled, a project in progress, or both. We’ll work, sleep and eat at the Lifeboat Station at Chimney Rock, right at the edge where water meets land. • Writing on Fertile Ground: A Point Reyes Retreat taught by Sarah Rabkin at Point Reyes. More information at www.ptreyes.org, 415-663-1200 ext 373. February 7 to 9, 2014, 6PM Friday to 2PM Sunday. At Point Reyes, damp soils in winter and spring give rise to many forms of life—and so does a writer’s imagination. Come write amid meadows and forests, where mushrooms spring up after the rain and iris bulbs push green and purple declarations into the light. This weekend retreat is for new and experienced writers working in all forms. Whether you write primarily for growth and discovery or with an emphasis on profession and craft, prompts and exercises will nudge you into new and productive territory. The two days will include discussion, in-class and solo writing time, optional sharing of drafts, and optional instructor conferences. There will be time for individual exploring on the page and/or in the field. Bring a notebook waiting to be filled, a project in progress, or both. WeÕll work, sleep and eat at the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center, surrounded by unfurling life. For details about workshop content, call or email Sarah Rabkin at 831-475-7548 or srabkin@ucsc.edu.
Amber Coverdale Sumrall	Amber Coverdale Sumrall offers writing workshops.  See Amber’s website for more details.  Call 477-4375 or email Amber for her current schedule and to reserve a place. In addition, Amber offers Writing Retreats:   • December 7-10, 2012 at the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur. • March 8-11, 2013 at the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur. I have been leading weekend writing retreats at The Hermitage in Big Sur for twelve years. All of us who attend find the experience to be just what we need for our writing and inner process. There is time for reading, walking, napping, meditation, and simply being in a spectacularly beautiful and serene setting. The monastery is situated on a mountain high above the Big Sur Coastline with panoramic views in every direction. This is a silent retreat. • May 3-6, 2013 in St. Columbia, Inverness. • June 14-17, 2013 at the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur. • September, Ireland, Two-week Celtic Pilgrimage with Fr. Michael Fish. • November 2013, Villa Maria del Mar, Santa Cruz. Celtic Spirituality, with Fr Michael Fish. In this three-night retreat we will explore Celtic Spirituality. • December, 2013 at the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur. To sign up, call 831-477-4375 or email Amber.
Patrice Vecchione	One-Day Writing Workshop.  We’ll meet in a gorgeous Aptos home with views and room to spread out to delve into what we most need to say.  A mini-getaway to replenish your creativity and spirit. Monday, September 10. [ Learn more about this event. ]  For reservations and inquiries, please call 831-206-2475. • Weekly Autumn Writing Workshops in Monterey and Santa Cruz These are workshops where we spend time writing, gaining inspiration from each other and the material I bring. Monterey: Wednesday evenings, 6:00 - 9:00, October 17 to December 12. Santa Cruz: Monday afternoons, 1:00 - 4:00, October 15 to November 19. patrice@patricevecchione.com, or 831-206-2475. • Write the Morning Away, Monthly Saturday morning writing workshops through CSUMB’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Saturdays: 9/8, 10/13, 11/10, 12/18 Ñ 9:30 - 12:00 831-582-5500 or http://www.csumb.edu/olli • Free Monterey Public Library Poetry Circle writing workshop Saturday, October 27, 2:00 - 3:30 registration: McCombs@ci.monterey.ca.us COLLAGE • Collage: Dia de los Muertos Altar-Making Workshop Saturday, 10/20 Monterey’s Cooper Molera Adobe lbradford@parks.ca.gov Contact Patrice at patrice@patricevecchione.com, or 831-206-2475. For information on Patrice Vecchione, see her website, www.patricevecchione.com.

[return to top] LOOKING AHEAD
Sunday, June 16 2:00 PM	Poet/Speak Open Reading with featured reader Anna Citrino. Open reading signup at 2:00 sharp, with 5-minute limit.  Hosted by Jim Russo. Main Library upstairs Meeting Room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz. [ map ]  Free.
Saturday, June 22 2:00–4:00 PM	The Community Reading Series presents an open reading for poetry and prose, with featured reader Patricia Grube.  Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel 95073.  Hosted by Jean Walton Wolff.  Fourth Saturday of the month: September to November, February to June.
Sunday, June 23, 2013 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM	A Garden of Poetry and Music with poets Beth Benjamin, Michael Hannon, Danusha Laméris, Stephen Meadows, Zachiah Murray, and Lee Perron with music by Richard Somers (mandolin).  Alan Chadwick Garden (near Merrill College) at UC Santa Cruz.  Free event with free parking available at Merrill College parking lot.  [ Directions ]  Questions?  Call 831-459-3240 or email Amy Bolton at casfs@ucsc.edu.  Sponsored by Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems, UC Santa Cruz.
4th Tuesday of each month Tuesday, June 25 7:00–9:00 PM	The Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series presents Kathleen Conley, and Joanna Martin.  East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington St., Monterey.  $5.
Tuesday, July 9 7:30 PM	Susan Cohen and co-reader TBA. Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. [ map ]  $3 donation suggested. Presented by Poetry Santa Cruz.
Sunday, July 21 2:00 PM	Poet/Speak Open Reading with featured reader to be announced. Open reading signup at 2:00 sharp, with 5-minute limit.  Hosted by Jim Russo. Main Library upstairs Meeting Room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz. [ map ]  Free.
4th Tuesday of each month Tuesday, July 23 7:00–9:00 PM	The Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series presents Bill Minor/B>, and T. Mike Walker.  East Village Coffee Lounge, 498 Washington St., Monterey.  $5.
Tuesday, August 6 7:30 PM	Literary Salon at Gabriella Café. Enjoy a meal with poet, and therapist Brad Crenshaw. Dinner at 7:30 pm. Reading and discussion follow at 8:30 pm over desserts and beverages. Join us for this truly special event. Reservations required. Gabriella Café, 910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz.
Tuesday, August 13 7:30 PM	TBA Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. [ map ]  $3 donation suggested. Presented by Poetry Santa Cruz.
Sunday, August 18 2:00 PM	Poet/Speak Open Reading with featured reader to be announced. Open reading signup at 2:00 sharp, with 5-minute limit.  Hosted by Jim Russo. Main Library upstairs Meeting Room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz. [ map ]  Free.
Tuesday, September 3 7:30 PM	Literary Salon at Gabriella Café. Enjoy a meal with poet, novelist and teacher Robert Sward. Dinner at 7:30 pm. Reading and discussion follow at 8:30 pm over desserts and beverages. Join us for this truly special event. Reservations required. Gabriella Café, 910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz.
Tuesday, September 10 7:30 PM	Martina Evans and co-reader TBA. Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. [ map ]  $3 donation suggested. Presented by Poetry Santa Cruz.
Sunday, September 15 2:00 PM	Poet/Speak Open Reading with featured reader to be announced. Open reading signup at 2:00 sharp, with 5-minute limit.  Hosted by Jim Russo. Main Library upstairs Meeting Room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz. [ map ]  Free.
Thursday, September 19 7:30 PM	Literary Salon at Gabriella Café. Enjoy a meal with poet Emily Carr. Dinner at 7:30 pm. Reading and discussion follow at 8:30 pm over desserts and beverages. Join us for this truly special event. Reservations required. Gabriella Café, 910 Cedar St., Santa Cruz.
Saturday, September 28 2:00–4:00 PM	The Community Reading Series presents an open reading for poetry and prose, with featured reader Peggy Townsend.  Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel 95073.  Hosted by Jean Walton Wolff.  Fourth Saturday of the month: September to November, February to June.
Saturday, October 26 2:00–4:00 PM	The Community Reading Series presents an open reading for poetry and prose, with featured reader Jim Russo.  Porter Memorial Library, 3050 Porter St., Soquel 95073.  Hosted by Jean Walton Wolff.  Fourth Saturday of the month: September to November, February to June.
[return to top]