It’s a new year, and the snow is finally starting to fall. We have another great lineup of literary events in the region this week to keep everyone warm and cozy. Here’s a quick look at the book discussions, readings, open mics, and workshops coming up.
Thursday, January 4
6:00 PM – Utica Poets Society Spoken Word Open Mic @ Tramontane Cafe
Spoken Word Open Mic – Poetry, Comedy, Storytelling, Monologue. This week’s writing prompt/theme: IT’S A NEW YEAR? This is an all-ages friendly environment, please be conscious of your material should there be young children in attendance.
6:00 PM – Open Mic Night @ Castleton Public Library
Musicians & poets – come share your talents! If your instrument requires an amplifier, please bring one with you. All ages welcome to perform and to watch.
6:30 PM – Fiction Book Club: Strangers on a Train @ Battenkill Books
Please join Battenkill Books for a discussion of Patricia Highsmith’s classic thriller, Strangers on a Train.
7:00 PM – Poetry Night @ Noble Coffee Roasters
Monthly poetry open mic with guest host Hayden Wayne. This month’s featured reader is Jess Ptak.
Friday, January 5
6:30 PM – Calling All Poets Series
CAPS is monthly poetry series with featured poets reading new and selected works. A two poem open mic follows. This month’s featured poets are Jeff Santosuosso, Lisa St.John, and Lenny Dellarocca.
7:30 PM – Open Mic & Slam @ Cafe Euphoria
A laid-back open mic and fun slam at a cafe founded and run by trans and gender non-conforming folks.
Saturday, January 6
1:00 PM – Benjamin Perry – “Cry, Baby: Why Our Tears Matter” @ The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza
Author Benjamin Perry will sign and discuss his new book, “Cry, Baby: Why Our Tears Matter.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
1:00 PM – The Hudson River Poets @ The Bank
Monthly poetry open mic hosted by Hayden Wayne at The Bank Art Space in Newburgh.
Monday, January 8
6:30 PM – Poetry Circle Open Mic @ Moon and River Cafe
Poetry Circle is an intimate, interactive poetry and spoken-word open mic evening in which participants are invited to reflect on readings.
8:00 PM – Invocation @ Lark Hall
Albany NY’s open mic for poetry and the spoken word returns to The Eleven at Lark Hall. All forms and styles are welcome. Hosted by R.M. Engelhardt & Sam Maurice and sponsored by Dead Man’s Press Ink.
Tuesday, January 9
6:00 PM – Bruce Dorsey – “Murder in a Mill Town”
Author and historian Bruce Dorsey will join Northshire Bookstore on Zoom to discuss his riveting chronicle of the nation’s first “trial of the century.” In December 1832 a farmer found the body of a young, pregnant woman hanging near a haystack outside a New England mill town. When news spread, the case gave the public everything they found irresistible: sexually charged violence, adultery, and the hypocrisy of a church leader.
6:00 PM – Writers Night Out @ Forbes Library
No registration required. If you want to participate in Open Mic and read, please sign up by 5:50pm. Ten names will be randomly selected. Each reader will have five minutes. The second half of the evening showcases our featured reader Cherryl Jensen.
7:00 PM – 2nd Tuesday Open Mic
All-genre open mic out of Bennington hosted by Charlie Rossiter. One poem, song, or page of prose, and then, if we like, we do it again in a 2nd round.
Wednesday, January 10
12:30 PM – Midday Write Ins @ Mochalisa’s Caffe
Midday Write Ins are a free, shared space to write. No fee, no minimum, no programming. Just a free space to write alongside other writers. Join poet and writer Rhonda Roseneheck at Mochalisa’s Caffe every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
7:00 PM – Straw Dog Writes Weekly Writers Meet Up
Straw Dog Writers Guild members who would like to spend some time writing together can join a Zoom session. We will spend 15 minutes on introductions, a 45 minute writing session, have a 15 minute discussion, then write for a second 45 minute period of time. Afterwards, the Zoom room will remain open for a half hour for discussion and chat. To register and receive the zoom link, contact Steven D. Brewer at sdbrewer@stevendbrewer.com
7:30 PM – Writers Mic
Writers near and far are welcome to join host Jackie Craven for a lively monthly open mic.
Did we miss anything? Let us know at info@hvwg.org, and be sure to check out https://hvwg.org to learn more about our vibrant literary and arts community.
FYI–WRITERS READING SEROIES AT BENNINGTON COLLEGE–https://www.bennington.edu/event-calendar