Upcoming Appearances
October 15th, 2010 (Friday), Lawrence
Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Suite A, Ferndale, MI 48220 (248-544-0394),
with Lea Jeffire
Hey You! Yeah, you! You need a poet, novelist, wrestler, ex-bartender for a reading? Contact me here e-mail and let's see if we can set something up. Go ahead, contact any of the venues where I have read for references--some might even say good things about me. And yes, like your local electrician or plumber, I prefer not to work for free, so please be kind.
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Hard at work in upper west side of Manhattan, '07. Photo by Lea Jeffire; treatment by Erich Focht. |
In the Books
2009
August 9th, 2010 (Monday)
Springfed Arts Contest Winners Reading. The Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit (behind the Detroit Institute of Arts) 6:30 p.m.
What a night of talent--some fantastic readers and a great time at the Bronx afterwards. A true honor to be amongst so many great writers.
August 3-5, National Writing Project Writer's Retreat, Oakland University
What a blast! I was guest instructor in fiction writing and got to share some of my favorite stuff: Raymond Carver, Bonnie Jo Campbell, John Edgar Wideman, Annie Proulx, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Tobias Wolff. To my utter delight, participants were lit up by flash fiction. Highlight? Strolling in late Wednesday evening and finding Kia, Maurya, and Cynthia lighting up the night with amazing three-part harmony renditions of Aretha, Patsy Cline, Billie, the Doors, you name it. Now that's what a damn retreat should be!
July 21st, 2010 (Wednesday)
Springfed Arts in the Park Reading with my
daughter Lea at Beatrice Buck Park (across from the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center in the Paradise Valley neighborhood),
311 E. Grand River, Detroit, MI 48226, (248-589-3913)
12 pm - 1:30 pm. Easy parking in the Opera House parking structure.
What can I say? This was one of the most fulfilling readings I've ever done. Why? Because I got to share the mic with my daughter, Lea, who was tremendous. Special thanks to Larry, Conflitti, Jim, Laurita, Jake, JoJo, Kelly, and Tracey for the support, and, as always, to ML and John D. for the invite.
May 16th, 2010 (Sunday)
“Stand Up for Veterans” event at
Karma Coffee Shop, 3015 Wayne Road
(next to the Dairy Queen) in
Thanks to John Juan for the hook-up, and thanks to Lea and Natalie for the support.
March 25th, 2010 (Thursday)
Schoolcraft College Pageturners Meet the Author Event, Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, Michigan, 48152. 6:30 p.m. Held in the VisTa Tech Center, Room 550. Contact Ela Rybicka at erybicka@schoolcraft.edu or 734-462-4400.
What can I say--this was the greatest experience I've had doing a reading. My greatest thanks to Ela Rybicka, Randy, and everyone at Schoolcraft for making this such a fantastic event--your courtesy and generosity are greatly appreciated. Motown Burning the Pageturners bookclub's selection for March of 2010, and I am grateful.
November 21st, 2009 (Saturday)
Maxell's Arts and Treasures, 32146 Industrial Road, Garden City MI 48135, 7 p.m.
If you missed this, well, you REALLY missed it. What a night: music, words, booze, laughs, good friends. The Renaissance City e-zine was launched in high style and we read and listened and partied into the wee hours. Too many people to thank, so one big THANK YOU to all.
October 23rd, 2009 (Friday)
Book Beat Bookstore, 26010 Greenfield, Oak Park, MI, 7:00 p.m. 248-968-1190
It was nice to read with award-winning poet Mark Nowak. Many thanks to Roland, Olga, Rhoda, Chico, Dan, and Tracey for weathering a bad night on the roads.
September 25th, 2009 (Friday)
Ambassador Poetry Project Kick-Off, Grosse Pointe Arts Center, 16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe, MI, 7:00 p.m.
Many thanks to Lori May of the Ambassador Poetry Project and Mariela Griffor for inviting me back. A fantastic night of poetry and music--well done by all.
August 15th, 2009 (Saturday)
Detroit "Battle of the Hoods" with Chico Hernandez and Tim Jeffrey, Maxwell's Arts & Treasures, 32146 Industrial Road, Garden City MI 48135, 7 p.m.
What a great night. My daughter Lea was there so it was special for me, and I must thank Chico for being such a great host and putting on such a great event. I love this venue--an awesome art house/antique shop, and rough industrial blues played by Los Batos. I am truly grateful for being able to perform in such an environment.
August 1st, 2009 (Saturday)
Detroit Local Authors Book Fair, Detroit Public Library on Woodward Avenue (back lawn on Cass Avenue), noon to 4 p.m.
Great to see my publisher Heather and to meet mayoral candidate Bob Allman, who took time to speak with me about the film industry in Detroit.
July 20th, 2009 (Monday)
Springfed Arts Metro Detroit Writers 2009 Contest Winners, The Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit (behind the Detroit Institute of Arts)
As always, a great time and a great crowd on hand. Thanks to my National Writing Project homies Mary and Kathleen and my wrestling brothers Big Ed, Eddie, Alberto, Naira, and Jake. Z's was a blast afterwards and we even made a pilgrimage to the hallowed Lafayette Coney Island afterwards. Thank you to all.
June 19th, 2009 (Friday)
Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Avenue, Suite A, Ferndale, MI 48220, http://lawrencestreetgallery.com/
A new venue for me but a lot of fun. And thanks to the lovely Tonja Bagwell and her daughter for going out afterwards and offering all the free therapy--you are awesome! And Chris and Yo-Yo, my former students, I appreciate the support.
May 29th, 2009 (Friday)
WORK/6 Roadshow, Grosse Pointe Arts Center, 16900 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe, MI, 7:00 p.m. with Mariela Griffor, James Semark, Wardell Montgomery, Brita Brookes, and Donna Vinstra, 586-469-8666 or visit www.detroitartistworkshop.com
Another nice time in GP. Thanks as always to my mentor Jabiya Dragonsun for assisting me (and helping me get ready with several Blue Moon before the show!). And thanks to former students Brian and Brandon for coming out and meeting at Marge's afterwards. You people are all sensational--thank you.
May 21st, 2009 (Thursday)
Grosse Pointe Marick Press Poet Follies. Ewald Branch Library in Grosse Pointe Park, 15175 East Jefferson, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230, 313-343-2071
Thank you to Matthew and Jabiya on the musical assist and greatest thanks to ML, Mary, Dawn, Show Biz, and all my students current and former for supporting me. And how 'bout them burgers at Marge's?!?
2008
Nov. 6th, 2008
Essence of Motown Literary Jam, Vanguard Center, 2785 E. Grand, Detroit, call 313-872-7831, 6-9 p.m.
Kind of a weird deal here. I was able to read, but I wasn't allowed to put my books on an empty table for people to purchase. Why? Hmmmm.
Oct. 22nd, 2008
Mt. Clemens Public Library (on Cass Ave. across from the High School), 7 p.m.
Many thanks to Elaine Winkler, whom I met at the Walloon Writers' Retreat, for the invite, and many thanks to my students for showing up to support me.
Sept. 20-21, 2008
2008 Clinton Township Festival of the Senses, Clinton-Macomb Public Library (corner of Romeo-Plank and Canal in Clinton Township), all day
We began inauspiciously, as I was given a vending space that was already taken when I arrived. The solution? Move the J out to the nether regions (affectionately known as the "8 Mile" of the festival) and then, when my peeps showed up, tell them I was in the old spot I was supposed to be in before being kicked out. Despite the confusion, a fine weekend, sunburn-inducing weather and plenty of familiar faces. And why don't the festival organizers listen? For two years I've asked for a little stage time to read some poetry, and for two straight years I've received absolutely no response. Just three minutes between the off-key Elvis impersonators and the balding Huey Lewis tribute bands, let the people, God forbid, hear some poetry. Might the senses respond to verse a little more favorably than they do to one more tone-deaf version of "It's Hip to Be Square?" C'mon, organizers, use some g-damn common sense at a festival supposedly dedicated to the senses.
Sept 13, 2008
5th Annual Motown Writers' Literary Meet and Greet, Wayne State University Barnes and Noble Bookstore, 82 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48202, begins at 10:30 a.m.
Nicely done by MWN guru Sylvia Hubbard. I had a chance to put faces with familiar names from the Motor City literary community and see Slam Nation star Jessica Care Moore share some words.
Aug. 2nd, 2008
Arise Literary Series at the Detroit Public Library, 2:30 p.m.
This all came about very quickly and I didn't even get to post a notice before I actually read. A nice day in Detroit and good to see my publisher Heather Buchanan again. Supposedly I will be doing a gig at the Jazz and Java Series, so I'll keep you posted.
June 11th, 2008
"Detroit Today" with host Craig Fahle on WDET/National Public Radio, 101.9 FM, Detroit. 10 a.m. - 12 noon (I have about a 15 interview sometime in the two hour slot).
True story: I was spelunking at the sacred Grande Ballroom with my daughter, and this guy comes up to us in the alley and says, "I was here the night Janis Joplin tore down the house." We immediately engaged in a fantastic conversation, and then introduced ourselves. I mentioned that I had written a book, Motown Burning, that makes numerous references to the Grande, and he said, "You were just on NPR, weren't you? I heard your interview." Well, I have no idea what date the segment actually aired, but apparently it did, and many thanks to that kindly man in the alley for being so cordial.
June 8th, 2008
2008 Detroit Lit Fest, Sunday, June 8, Noon on the Bank of America Literary & Music Lounge Stage (located on Cass at Putnam between State & Science Halls and across from the Detroit Public library).
As always, a fun afternoon with a bit of Motor City ale thrown in for good measure.
May 1st, 2008
First Thursday at the Jazz Cafe, Detroit Music Hall, 350 Madison, Detroit. 7 p.m. With Steven and the Reelers, Fluent, and Aran.
The highlight for me was being able to unveil my new book, Stone+Fist+Brick+Bone. to so many old friends (Mary Cox, Show Biz Liz, Kathleen Lawson, Sweet Jane Kowalski, and former students--James, Matt, Leah, Kathy, Joe, Jeremy, et al., and my daughter Lea). Throw in several Sam Adams, and it's a good night. As always, greatest thanks to the amazing M.L. Liebler.
April 26th, 2008
Macomb Intermediate School District, National Writing Project Side-by-Side Conference, Clinton Township, MI
I was able to present a unit I have developed on maintaining personal voice in research based writing, with an emphasis on readings related to the status of women in the world. A great honor to be amongst so many committed teachers of writing, and I never cease to learn about the craft and how to teach it when I am in such settings.
February 20th, 2008
Oakland University Poetry Jam, OU Honors College, Rochester, MI. With musical guests Steven and the Reelers. 3:30-5:00 p.m.
It was fun to headline a gig and read from a broader section of the arsenal. Also, Steven Kowalski was sensational, once again proving to me that the connection between word and music is eternal.
February 9th, 2008
Berkley Beanery. 28557 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, MI 48072. Call 248-336-9930. 2-4 p.m.
A good audience on a very slushy, bitter Michigan afternoon. Great to see the Godfather of Detroit poetry, M.L.Liebler, on hand to support local poets, and thanks to my student Biggie Smalls, Lyndsey, and the Old Shamrock for showing up.
2007
October 19
Resurrected Voices Exposition. Wayne County Community College's Ray Mix Auditorium. 7:30 p.m.
This was an incredible event featuring some immensely talented poets and musicians. I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to read and meet so many gifted artists. The cause was also extremely important: to commemorate the lives of the 7,000 plus men and women buried on the grounds of Eloise Hospital, the old mental institution. Without poets, these people and their stories would be forgotten and their graves paved over to make way for a shopping mall. My greatest thanks to those who so graciously invited me.
October 28
VOICES 2nd Annual Writers Harvest. Greater Flint Arts Council (downtown Flint). Flint, MI. 1-7 p.m.
The highlight was meeting novelist Jan Worth, who has written Night Blind. She is a very gifted writer. Her reading was full of wit and voice--she's good!
November 25
"Wordz In Motion." Host Sheri Brooks. WHPR TV Channel 33 (Comcast Channels 20 & 71). 8:30 p.m.
My special thanks to host Sheri Brooks for this great opportunity. Will Detroit support its artists? Let's see.
April 30th
Side-by-Side Teachers Conference, Keynote Speaker. Oakland University.
It was great to be back amongst fellow teacher-writers discussing the craft. My thanks to Mary Cox, Kathleen Reddy-Butkovich, and Ron Sudol for having me back and allowing me to share my ideas on composition.
June 10th
Lit Fest on the Lawn 2007, Sunday, June 10 at Noon. Detroit Festival of the Arts.
There's nothing like Downtown Detroit on a beautiful summer day...Paris ain't got nothing on the Motor City and Woodward Avenue! It was good to run into old friend Jabiya Dragonsun, who was sensational as always. The only downside was that I had to jet out early because of my son's high school graduation--hey, priorties!
June 22nd
Poet Follies. Grosse Pointe Artists Association (1005 Maryland, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230). 6:30 p.m.
Many thanks to Mariela Griffor for the invite and for all the support from friends. An axiom of the writer emerges: write your ass off, read your heart out, it will happen.
July 26th
Eyes on Fire, Commemorative Oral History of the '67 Detroit Riot. Wayne State University Adamany Library. 6-8 p.m. With Heather Buchanan-Gueringer of the Aquarius Press.
My thanks to Heather Buchanan-Gueringer for having me and the warm welcome of all those present. What could be more important to a Detroiter than remembering this catastrophic and transforming event? Those who forget the past.... (For photos of the event, visit http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/bartlessin).
August 13th
Poetry at the Opera House Series. Held at Detroit's historic Scarab Club. 217 Farnsworth at John R Avenue. With Carol Was, Karen Williams, and Mindy LePere. 7-9 p.m.
Is there anyone working harder for Detroit poetry than M.L. Liebler? My thanks to M.L. and Conflitti, Susan, Show Biz Liz, James, Jeremy, Danielle, my daughter Lea, and of course my wife Tracey for attending a reading on our 24th wedding anniversary (yeah, not a great move on my part--it's a guy thing) and everyone else for coming out to the historic Scarab Club. Reading outdoors was fun and the weather was fantastic.
August 24th
Plymouth Book Cellar & Cafe. 840 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, MI. 734-455-2704. Blushing Sky Writer's Playground Series. With Canadian author Daniel Kolos. 7-9 p.m.
The gods did not smile on this endeavor. After battling a torrential downpour and blockaded roads, the reading was delayed before a very small crowd was able to make it. Oh well. It was great to meet Canadian poet Daniel Kolos and to swap books with him.
September 22-23
THANK YOU CLINTON TOWNSHIP! It was a great weekend--beautiful weather, many friends stopping by, and plenty of book sales! As the esteemed Terminator once said, "I'll be bock!"