SOCIALIZING @ The SOCIAL JUSTICE

FACEBOOK (FB) is a world unto itself, as you may know, and being as such, it is a playground for those out-of-this-world events to which one would not be, otherwise, privy. Nothing "crazy", mind you, but something different and wonderful in its autonomous nature to share the lost, the found and, on occasion, the downright sublime.

II received a public invite (via FB) from Dan Wilcox - poet/writer extraordinaire - to attend The Third Thursday Open Mic at The ALBANY SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER this past week, the 15th of July (a day after my birthday, just so you know :-). Since ii had never been to that location, prior, and was running a little late for the 7:00 start time, ii took a cab and paid $6 for a ride that was only seven blocks away from my own studio (yes, it was a waste but it happens). The best thing about the cab ride is that it was air-conditioned and, even though it was a mighty quick jaunt, spoiled me and heightened my sense of my right to be cooled on a hot, muggy day. Of course, that "right" was quickly dispelled upon entering the center at 33 Central Avenue in downtown Albany for the air/fan/circulation-less dwelling was beyond sweltering. II was greeted by the man, himself, and ushered into an open, office-like setting that neither technology or time remembered. Their byline, "Promoting social justice and welfare since 1981", lived up to being founded that year because the decor, itself, had not been updated since.

Now, do not think ii was disenchanted because ii was, actually, quite charmed by the place and its, obvious, steadfast passion to fight wars for people unable to fight their own - ii understood there was no passion left for decorating (although, ii must admit, ii couldn't shake images of the HGTV & the DIY Networks' various decorating and how-to shows that could help those update any decor lost in a time-warp).

Alan CatlinEd BlochBob SharkeyBrian ListonDon LevyW. D. ClarkeTom CorradoNow on to the festivities: there was a sign-up sheet for anyone who wanted to share their words and about sixteen writers wanted to do just that (only criteria: one poem & a 2-page limit per reader); and the Featured Guest for the evening was Poet Jason Crane of THE POETS JAZZ TRIO (including Dan Wilcox - yes, the same one - on Alto Sax + Percussion and Tom Corrado on Bass).

Alan CaslineMoses Kash, IIIJulie LomoeMalcolm WillisonAveryEd RinaldiD. Alexander HolidayTerry Bat-Sonja

II was creatively inspired by many readings, tickled by a few and was called to action by a couple. II look forward to catching more of these open mic events in the coming months and, perhaps, on one of those occasions, ii'll be inspired to read something of my own (but don't hold your breath ( :-D).

photos/text (c) kvkhai 2010

MAKING MERRY & MAYHEM at the MIC

Emceed by Mary Panza, the ALBANY POETS did not disappoint when they sponsored another Open Mic at the UAG a couple nights ago. Anyone, whether a member or not, could sign up to read their poetry, songs, thoughts, ideas, short stories, etc and perform them for an eager audience.



Three of my favorites: Dan Wilcox, read a few pieces which encompassed "The Beach" and "Zombie Gourd" (a nod to Halloween, no doubt); Cynthia Solywoda (below) performed an original song (a cappella) and read excerpts from a piece that included a language she created (and its translation); and Don Levy's "Getting Older by the Minute" struck a cord in everyone above the age of ten.


Other people at the mic were Thom Francis & Keith Spencer (better known as "Murrow"), Michael Purcell, Chris Borzek, and Bob Sharkey.

All were simply brilliant!!!