Raised Glasses, Nearly Bared Asses, and the Poetic Masses
First of all, they had beer (as well as an assortment of other icy beverages, alcoholic and non) - reason(s) enough for many folks to declare the Literary Cafe "the most refreshing poetry venue since Sappho recited her poems nude on the steps of the Parthenon while drinking fermented Greek grape juice." That's not totally fair, though. Lots of other fine venues serve liquor. But booze and butts aside, no venue I know of possesses the unique, multi-dimensional allure of Cleveland's "Lit" (as the joint is affectionately known).
For one thing, none but the Lit has emcee Nick "Give it the fuck up" Traenkner:
Poetry magazine was there to pic Nick - but I got my shot in first
Secondly, no other venue has ornery organizer Steve "the black beret" Goldberg playing jolly earnest smart fun foil to Nick's beautiful bullshit brilliance. Forget Abbott and Costello. Nick and Steve are the top-shelf comedic dynamic duo of the 21st century. They also write some sensational poetry.
Nick and Steve star in Duelling Poetry, seeing who can push who off stage
Another great thing about Steve Goldberg is that he scours cool poetry spots across the universe and finds the best talent possible to feature at the Literary Cafe. On the second Thursday of every month, this place has two featured readers you MUST hear if you give a damn about poetry - and July was no exception.
First came the stunning, wise-beyond-her-years supernova of the Cleveland poetry scene known as T.M. Göttl.
T.M. in contemplation before the show
I'd seen her at a couple of open mics before and was struck by the honesty, sensitivity and passion in her poetry and performances. So I was very much looking forward to this featured reading and the chance to hear more than just two or three of her pieces. To me, the Literary Cafe is not a venue for either the faint of heart or the faint of art - and T.M. delivered both heart and art mightily. My favorite piece was probably her second "Confessions."
T.M. Göttl channels the spirit of pure poetry to a packed Lit crowd
One of the many reasons it's taken me so long to write this blog: I've been caught up reading her recent book Stretching the Window (available at www.buffalozef.net, where you can also read her superb "Searching for the Big Skies"). I could write a whole lotta fine words (all totally true) about her book - but if I go there, I'll never finish this blog... lol. So please buy it and find out for yourself.
I was also very much looking forward to meeting and hearing the night's second featured reader, David Smith. As most of my longtime readers know, last year I several times achieved the dubious distinction of having a number one blog on MySpace (before deciding to create my own website here). It's quite a bit easier to reach those heights if you regularly visit a wide variety of other people's blogs (because those folks tend to reciprocate). Out of the hundreds of very good blogs I've subscribed to on MySpace and elsewhere, one of my very favorites is written by California's Handsome Duke Deal (a.k.a. David Smith). His poetic blogs are as bright and bold as they come, and you really oughta check them out.
David deftly blends weighty and worldly wordscapes with existential wit
He started his Lit reading with an evocative new poem inspired by this visit, "Cleveland Nocturne" (which you can read by clicking here). David brought a very good poet from Toledo named John Dorsey on stage for an intense piece. Then he took us on a captivating journey around the world by way of Auschwitz (with his "tongue in the orifice of your choice") through his powerful and profound "Genocide Sutra: A Love Poem." Whoa!... (A signed broadside of David's "Sutra" with magnificent artwork by S.A. Griffin is available for $3.00 from Rose of Sharon Press, POB 29171, Los Angeles, CA 90029-0171. It's a must-read.)
David Smith prepares to toast our city with his "Cleveland Nocturne"
After the two fine features, we were treated to an amazing ménage of more than twenty open mic poets, including some of the cream of the Cleveland literary crop. Many of them I'd heard before and was excited to see again; but I found it particularly thrilling to see several poets whose works I've loved on the printed page though I'd never experienced their poetry read live. These included Loren Weiss, Russ Vidrick, Sara Holbrook, and Michael Salinger. I'd just read Salinger's Stingray and Neon collections a month or so ago and let me tell you - he's one of the best you'll find anywhere. But as fantastic as his poems are on the printed page, his vivid performances make them even better. Of course they waited until I went into the other room to get my wife and myself a refill before calling Salinger to the stage - so I had to watch him with my head twisted around the corner of the doorway. But wow....
Michael Salinger gives it the fuck up (as Nick would say)
There were also quite a few good poets with whose work I'd been unacquainted. And some good poets I had heard and read before were there that night to watch and listen but chose not to read. I really want to talk about everyone, because to not do so means leaving out some incredibly cool stuff. But I also have almost a hundred pictures of the night - and I don't want to make this blog so long that people are deterred from reading the whole thing. And like I said (and you thought I was bullshitting), this was one of those events that no amount of words, however eloquent, can ever do justice.
Perhaps I should mention what I did at the open mic - since somebody's bound to ask.
I performed a medley of two Gas Hike Coup, my poem Rapists, and my Mary Cheney rap.
And now, without further ado, let me end this blog with some photos from the event. I'm not positive about every name, so feel free to correct me if I screw something up.
I couldn't wait for the show to begin [photo by Geri]
Jack McGuane talks up the crowd
Geri Crisis (my Mrs.) at the table with me
Claire McMahon, co-editor of MoonLit
Christopher Franke, author of =5
Steve Goldberg, cross-legged on the floor
Miles Budimir
Kathy and Steve Smith enjoy David Smith's performance
John Dorsey feelin' the vibe
Ray McNiece has instrument, will travel
Loren Weiss
Jesus Crisis borrows Loren's shirt (not really) and takes a deep breath [photo by Geri]
Me waxing televangelistic with the hair [photo by Geri]
Dianne Borsenik
Christopher Franke
Kathy Ireland Smith of www.thecitypoetry.com
Steven B. Smith, mastermind behind ArtCrimes
Kimberley Diamond Bones
Steve reads his daughter Milana's poem wearing an agentofchaos.com art shirt
C. Randolph C. (at least that's I wrote down when he was introduced!)
Sara Holbrook and Ray McNiece serve up a tasty poetic duet
Billy Nardi
Michael Salinger
Nick's neck
Carmen Tracey, poetic tsunami
Dominique, who performed a stunning operatic aria
Kathy Smith and Danilee Eichhorn
Russ Vidrick
Steve Thomas
Dianne Borsenik and Chris Franke
Nick and Steve drop their pants and show off their assets
marking the hind end of the open mic and the start of a poetic free-for-all
Matthew McNamara, before he was tackle-hugged by Steve Goldberg
Mrs. Crisis and Dianne Borsenik
John Dorsey
Matthew McNamara and Steve Goldberg
Keisha Davenport and Neve Black didn't end up reading
(note Lit proprietor Andy working his magic behind the scenes)
T.M. Göttl
Jack McGuane
Steven B. Smith
Kathy Smith and Kimberley Diamond Bones
Nick Traenkner says sayonara from the Literary Cafe
To view ALL my photos from that night, check out my "Cleveland Poetry" Photobucket album here: http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/insightoutside/Cleveland%20Poetry/
Proprietor Andy Timithy takes photos (and video) of these events as well (and you might say does a far better job than I). Please check out his flickr album from July tenth's festivities here: http://flickr.com/photos/literarycafe/sets/72157606039385744/
And his video recordings of the night's highlights are available on the Literary Cafe's blog:
T.M. Göttl's featured reading: http://literarycafe.net/blog/?p=642
David Smith's featured reading: http://literarycafe.net/blog/?p=644
Other assorted short clips: http://literarycafe.net/blog/?p=646
Now go buy T.M. Göttl's and David Smith's poetry! I mentioned how to do so somewhere up there.
* * *
And books by some of the other poets I've mentioned are available through Amazon.com.
Gotta pimp 'em because they're good and because a percentage of every purchase helps me afford to maintain this website....
You, too, can be part of the fun that happens every second Thursday at the Literary Cafe. Just show up! It's that simple.... No cover charge.... Cheap drinks.... Nice, interesting folks.... And lots of fun and fantastic poetry.
Thursday 14 August 2008 from 9:30 pm to 1:00 am, don't miss featured readers David Hassler and Michelle Krivanek. And if you have your own work to share during the open mic, bring it on.... The bar opens at 8:30.
The Literary Cafe
1031 Literary Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio
Here's a map: http://literarycafe.net/blog/?page_id=8
And if you're really feeling froggy, beg Steve to give Jesus Crisis a shot at doing a featured reading.
Peace, love and poetry,
John
a.k.a. Jesus Crisis
If I had been there I wouldn't have gotten so much taken home to remember. This is just incredibly insane for you to have done all of these pics and remembered every thing that went on. KUDOS I still say your calling is photo journalist.
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Thank you, Elena. It helped that I'd read a lot of these poets' work ahead of time.
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If ya keep writing about these events, it'll be like virtually visiting Cleveland's scene for us. Cool, dude. Enjoyed the photos & words mucho.
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Thanks, Lady! I appreciate you and Smith turning me on to the Literary Cafe in the first place.
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another fabulous blog john! i can't wait to have smith tee shirt, and the books that you mention that i don't already have.
we can all hear t.m. perform on her myspace profile http://www.myspace.com/tmgottl, and she's fabulous!
i am so amused that you did (ha) "mary cheney" and john... you're wearing jeans...
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i'm in shock! a place that serves alcohol and has a tiny tv and it's not turned on to a sports program. i did not know places like that still existed.
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i forgot something...
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x157/insightoutside/Cleveland%20Poetry/20080710LiteraryCafepoetryreadin-2.jpg
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Looks like it's not even plugged in!
Thanks, Meribeth, for your kind comment and for being a regular supporter of the Amazon store.
As well as noticing the tv...
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Fantastic blog, John! You took some great photos, and really bring back the memories of that magical evening at the Lit. There were so many great poets there, and so many great poems read-- and it was wonderful meeting everyone in such a relaxed (yet electric) atmosphere. I can't wait to go back again.
And for the record, allow me to say, as one of the spectators at the venue, that John Burroughs/Jesus Crisis was one of the most exciting readers at the venue, with his very entertaining ("boom shsh boom") rap performance. Everywhere he goes, they announce that "Jesus is in the house". It can be quite intimidating! LOL
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Thank you for the kind words, Dianne!
Better Jesus in the house than the Devil, some might say... lol
Others might not be so sure.
I always enjoy your reading thoroughly - and at the Lit was no exception.
Are you going to be at the Huron Boat Basin Sunday afternoon to see Mary Weems? Should be a goodie....
Anyone interested can find more information here: http://www.huronparks.org/poetry.htm
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Thank you, JC, and yes, I will be at the Huron reading Sunday... it will be a new venue for me, and I look forward to meeting new people and hearing new material. I even have a new one to read, myself. Hope to see you there; can't wait to see another "Jesus Crisis" performance!
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lol... cool!
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Looks like fun!
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Thanks, Terese! It was.
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J.C., I was very busy drinking martinis and solving world problems elsewhere with an old friend while you all were acting up and acting out and whatever else at The Lit...I'm sorry I missed it, but you're the next best thing to being there, thanks
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Thanks, Anita! We missed you there, but I'm glad you're here.
Maybe we'll catch you there next month.
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Wow!! What a night! No wonder everyone was so exhausted by the time I got there on Saturday.
This is something I'd like to go to one of these days when I'm all grow up poetry-wise... so I could just experience it... nothing like that here in Detroit. I'd be scared spitless to read for that kind of crowd...
The mild mannered Brandt Gallery crowd was right up my alley for now.
Glad you had such a great time.... Love the photos... You really should be a photo journalist.
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Thanks, Chris! Wish you (and everyone else who's commented) could have been there. Maybe next month... or September 11th? You're welcome back anytime. I'd like to hit a reading in Detroit sometime as well.
I very much appreciate your kind comments.
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Depending when you all come up for Dream Cruise that might be possible... They have readings every Friday at the Java Exchange downtown.... so bring your stuff...
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LOL.. that was not meant to be anonymous... some how I didn't see that my name wasn't on there till I sent it sorry...
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It's okay... someone below this comment did the same thing. But the Krakow remark gives him away.
Have poetry, will travel.... When I mentioned going to a poetry reading while in Detroit, Geri rolled her eyes... lol. But she had a faint smile on her face when she did it, so maybe that's a good sign.
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The original Lit (The Literary Cafe) is the coolest place we've found to read poetry anywhere - and that includes London and Krakow.
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And that's saying more than a mouthful... wow!
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Nice pimping. Thanks!!!!!!!
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My pleasure! Thank you!
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Thank you so much for this lovely review! It was definitely one of the best readings I've ever done. And Steve would do well to have you among his star-studded cast of featured readers. (I'm gonna borrow those pictures you took of me--hope you don't mind
Take care!
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Thank you very much, T.M.!
And you are welcome to borrow away!
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Cool pix. Thanks for posting them.
-yeah, the LIt Cafe is a great reading series. I've always loved it when I've gone there (although, since it runs late, and it's on a work night, I tend to be more than a little erratic as an attendee)
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Thanks, Geoff! This was my first time at the Lit - largely because I'm no longer much of a late night person, and I've tended to opt for earlier events. But now that I've experienced it, I'm eager to return when I can.
I liked your photos that Josh Gage posted on the clevelandpoetics blog - I plan to provide a link to that page when I post my blog about Strongsville's reading last Friday.
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J.C.! Bring ye olde camera to the next Deep Cleveland Poetry Hour and snap some pics of those folks! I need more photos for the clevelandpoetics blog! Keep up the good work!
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Cool... will do! And thanks for the kind words. Sometimes I feel as though I might distract the poets if I photograph them - but that didn't seem to be a problem anyone minded at the Lit, so I will do that at Deep Cleveland next time, too! Thanks again, Josh!
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I love these blogs because I have never been to a poetry reading before. I'm sure there must be something going on where I live, but I've never thought to check it out. But I will now. I envy you and Geri having a "date." My dates include children's menus and happy meals.
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LOL... thanks, Tara!
With seven grandchildren, our "dates" often include those items more often than not. Nice to have a not, though, once in a while.
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I noticed from your picture that you give quite a total performance. I wish I could see that. You are one of the few that can make a moment come to life with just words and pictures. You have a powerful voice. It must be incredible to watch you in action.
Seven happy meals! Oh my gosh! Between me and my two friends we can't handle four kids at McD's. They slide through the gate at the PlayPlace, lots of diverted disasters.
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Sorry for being so late to the party in making further comments on this blog... I have not been feeling myself the last few days ..so have read all the comments but wasn't up to commenting more till now.
First off BRAVO.. what a blog.... People really enjoy your play by play on these things...and so do I... so now your committed to be the roving report at all the readings you go to... LOL...
Second.. and something I didn't say before.. when are you going to be the featured reader at the LIt Cafe? I'm putting my vote in with Steve now that he should have you on the calendar.. And when that happens I want a front row seat... LOL...
Because how long does a featured speaker read.. a half hour.... cool...!! A half hour of non-stop Crisis...
Anyway.. I just wanted to register my vote for that before it was too late and got lost in the old blog dustbin.
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Thank you so much, Chris!
If anyone wants to add Steve on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/baggeroh
I did get invited last night to do my first-ever featured reading (which will also be podcast) on 23 August in South Euclid! Will be posting more info on my blog soon....
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I’m impressed, you know what you’re talking about
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Hi, I appreciate the information that you have provided in the post. It is worth noting and I really liked the presentation as well. I will surely come back for more of interesting posts.
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