POETRY NEWS: September 2009 Listings of readings and performances in the Poetry News only include events in the greater DC area (covering roughly the same area that the METRO public transit system covers), although we include a larger geographic region for listings of Competitions, Grants, Calls for Entries, Workshops, and Special Events (covering all of DC, MD, VA, WV, and DE). To get listed in the Beltway Poetry News, please send an email with full information (including a phone number) any time during the month prior for readings and new releases, and up to two months prior for Calls for Entries and Special Events. We try to be as complete and accurate as possible; listing here does not constitute an endorsement, nor can we be responsible for changes and additions made after the first of the month. Please check with sponsors to confirm the accuracy of listings. Send your news to beltway.poetry@juno.com.     NEW RELEASES R. Dwayne Betts, A Question of Freedom: A Memoir of Survival, Learning, and Coming of Age in Prison (autobiography, Avery) Elizabeth Rees, Now That We're Here (chapbook, Spire Press) It's Your Mug Tuesday Night Reading Series 15th Anniversary Commemorative Anthology, ed. Toni Asante Lightfoot, forward by Holly Bass. Contributors include: Eric Antonio, Holly Bass, Toni Blackman, Jane Alberdeston Coralin, Joel Dias-Porter, Twain Dooley, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Brian Gilmore, Monica A. Hand, Reuben Jackson, Brandon D. Johnson, A. Van Jordan, Carolyn Joyner, Dehejia Maat, Ernesto Mercer, Lisa Pegram, Venus Thrash, Patrick Washington, Toni Asante Lightfoot (chapbook anthology, self-published) Broadkill Review, July 2009, Vol. 3, Issue 4. Edited by Jamie Brown. Contributors include: Fleda Brown, Lyn Lifshin, Franetta McMillan, Gary Hanna. the_broadkill_review@earthlink.net. COMPETITIONS, GRANTS and CALLS FOR ENTRY DC Commission on the Arts, grant deadlines: Hip Hop Community Arts on September 10, Capitol Region Touring Program on September 10, Young Artist Program on September 16, Elders Learning Through the Arts on September 16, Small Projects Program on September 30. Guidelines and applications: http://dcarts.dc.gov. The Third Thursday Poetry Series, sponsored by the Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Commission, seeks readers for the upcoming season. Open to any poets from the region. Submit 3 to 5 poems to ahc@takomagov.org. Deadline: Sept. 7. Questions can be directed to Sara Anne Daines at (301) 891-7224. 7th Annual Dogfish Head Poetry Prize, for a chapbook length poetry manuscript by a poet residing on the Delmarva peninsula. Publication, $200, and two cases of beer, plus a reading at the 11th annual John Milton Poetry Festival in Milton DE in December. Mail 10 copies of a ms. 34 pages or less, with two cover sheets (one with title and contact info, and one with just title). No mss. returned. Include one page with dedication and acknowledgments, one page with table of contents; include SAS postcard for acknowledgement of receipt, and $15 if you want to receive the winning book when published (checks payable to John Milton and Company Books). Deadline: Sept. 7. Mail to: Dogfish Head Poetry Prize, c/o John Milton & Co., 104 Federal St., Milton, DE 19968. Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, now accepting applications for residencies of 2 weeks to 2 months to take place between February and May 2010. Provides separate living and working quarters as well as all meals. Located in Amherst, VA, on a 450-acre estate at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns. Accommodates up to 23 artists at a time, a combination of writers, visual artists, and composers. Residents asked to contribute from $45 to $90 per day. Submit 3 copies of 6 to 10 poems (or 2 short stories or essays, or the first chapter or 20 pages of a novel or book of creative nonfiction) with resume, $25 application fee. Deadline: Sept. 15. http://www.vcca.com. CityLit Project sponsors the first annual Clarinda Harriss Poetry Prize and Chapbook Competition. Winner receives publication, $100, and 25 copies. $15 entry fee. Mss. must be 16 to 25 pages of poetry with contents, acknowledgements, and two cover sheets (one with title only). Deadline: Oct. 1. http://www.citylitproject.org. So To Speak annual poetry and nonfiction contests. Winners get $500 and publication; all entrants get free issue. Poetry submissions up to 5 poems (no more than 10 pages). Judge: Robyn Schiff. Nonfiction submissions up to 4,000 words. Judge: Richard Hoffman. For each, submit two copies of entry (one blind format) with SASE, cover letter with bio, and $15 reading fee. Deadline: Oct. 15. http://www.gmu.edu/org/sts/contests.php. Washington Writers' Publishing House, Call for Poetry Manuscripts. Poets living within 60 driving miles of the Capitol (including Baltimore) are eligible. Submit two copies of manuscript with $20 reading fee and small SASE (no mss. returned). Blind format: include cover page with contact information. Include acknowledgements page for previously published work. Winner receives $500 and 50 copies of their book. WWPH is a cooperative press, so all winners become members and should be prepared to participate actively in the work of the press. Deadline: Nov. 1. Mail to: Brandel France de Bravo, WWPH, 3541 S St. NW, DC 20007.     WORKSHOPS, EXHIBITIONS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS "The Washington Caravan," exhibit of poems and photographic portraits, curated by Abdul Ali and Mig Dooley. Features 22 poets whose work has been influenced by Washington DC. Participating writers include: Kim Roberts, E. Ethelbert Miller, Brandon Johnson, Belle Waring, Joel Diaz-Porter, Carolyn Joyner, Derrick Brown, Fred Joiner, Katy Richey, Brian Gilmore, Karren Alenier, Patrick Washington, and A.B. Spellman. Through mid-September. Free. American Poetry Museum, Anacostia Gallery, 1922 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, DC. (202) 249-0253. http://www.americanpoetrymuseum.org/ The Writer's Center Fall Workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, children's lit, stage and screen, and more. Fees charged. Instructors include: Deborah Ager, Charlie Jensen, Reuben Jackson, Luis Alberto Ambroggio, David Salner, Nan Fry, Martin Galvin, Miles David Moore, Judith Harris, Yvette Neisser Moreno. http://www.writer.org. Lyrical City Writing Workshops: Holly Bass leads "City as Soundscape" on Sunday, September 6th from 2:30 to 5:00 pm at the Washington Historical Society at 801 K Street NW, DC. Lyrical City is a series led by outstanding writers with strong DC connections. Workshops are open to all, and focus on the African American poetry tradition in DC and various cultural aspects of the city. To apply: send your name, a brief statement (50-150 words) explaining what you hope to get out of the workshop, a writing sample (one poem or short prose piece). Pre-registration required; limited to 12. Cost: $25 for each workshop; some scholarships available. Email: langstondays@gmail.com. Shakespeare Theater Company's "Free for All" production of "The Taming of the Shrew," August 27 through Sept. 12. Harmon Hall, 450 7th St. NW, Gallery Place neighborhood, DC. (Note new location--moved indoors from Carter Barron Amphitheatre.) Free Admission. http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/     FALL AND WINTER CONFERENCES AND FESTIVALS Fall for the Book, Sept. 21 - 26, Fairfax, VA. Readings, panels, book fair, family events. Participants include: Deborah Ager, Naomi Ayala, Carmen Calatayud, Cathy Eisenhower, David Gewanter, Charles Jensen, Reb Livingston, Yvette Neisser Moreno, Mel Nichols, Dan Vera. Free Admission. Sponsored by George Mason University, Fairfax County Public Library, and others. http://www.fallforthebook.org. Baltimore Book Festival, Baltimore, Sept. 25-27. Free admission. Readings, book fair, workshops, music, family events. Participants include: Amiri Baraka, David Salner, Ned Balbo, Judith McCombs, Michael Fallon, Greg Mosson, Alan Barysh, Mike Maggio, Piotr Gwiazda, Eileen Myles, Lia Purpura, Derrick Brown, Kyle Dargan, Deanna Nikaido, Kwame Alexander, Ralph Nader, Sam Schmidt, Virginia Crawford, James McBride, Venus Thrash, Reginald Harris, R. Dwayne Betts, Tony Medina, Kim Roberts, Hayes Davis, Katy Richey. Free Admission. http://www.baltimorebookfestival.com. National Book Festival, Saturday, September 26 from 10am to 5 pm (rain or shine). National Mall, between 7th and 14th Streets, DC. Approx. 70 authors and illustrators in outdoor pavilions. Readers include Edward Hirsch, Jane Hirshfield, Kay Ryan, Julia Alvarez, Junot Diaz, and John Irving. Free admission. http://www.loc.gov. Capital BookFest, Saturday, October 3. Presented by Parks & Recreation, Prince George's County. Readings, panels, book fair, family events. Participating authors include: Marita Golden, Le Hinton, Lucille Clifton, Charisse Carney Nunes. http://www.capitalbookfest.org. 7th Annual James River Writers Conference, Richmond, VA, October 9 & 10. Faculty includes Thomas Lux, Michael Knight, Phyllis Theroux. Fees charged. http://www.jamesriverwriters.com. 5th Annual Sotto Voce Poetry Festival, Shepherdstown, WV, Oct. 16-18. Workshops, panel, readings. Presenters include Rick Campbell, Alice Friman, Stanley Plumly, Peggy Shumaker, Peter Stitt. Fees charged for some events; others free. http://www.somondocopress.com/sottovoce/ F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference, Rockville, MD, October 17. Faculty includes: Kim Roberts, Henry Allen, Susan Muaddi-Darrah, Julia Alvarez, Azar Nafisi. Workshops, panels, awards. Fees charged. http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/potomacreview/fscott/ Baltimore Writers' Conference, Towson, MD, November 14. Faculty includes Jane Satterfield, Joanne Cavanaugh Simpson, Michael Downs. Fees charged. http://www.towson.edu/writersconference. 17th Annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway, Cape May, NJ, Jan. 15-18. Faculty includes Stephen Dunn and Mark Doty. Fees charged. http://www.wintergetaway.com.     AREA READINGS and PERFORMANCES September 2 "It's Your Mug" Anniversary Reading, featuring Toni Asante Lightfoot, Holly Bass, and others TBA. Presented in conjunction with Beltway Poetry Quarterly. Wednesday, 9:00 pm $3 Admission. Busboys and Poets, 1025 5th Street NW, DC. (202) 789-2227. September 4 Artists' Bloc: Performances by Regie Cabico, Melissa-Leigh Bustamonte, Sylvana Sandoz and Kate Jordan Friday, 8:00 pm Donations accepted. Woolly Mammoth Theater, Melton Rehearsal Hall, 641 D Street NW, DC. (202) 393-3939. September 5 Artists' Bloc: Performances by Natalie Illum, Alex Vaughan, and Colin Hovde Saturday, 8:00 pm Donations accepted. Woolly Mammoth Theater, Melton Rehearsal Hall, 641 D Street NW, DC. (202) 393-3939. September 5 Urban Campfire Lecture: "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword: Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman," sponsored by the National Park Service Saturday, 8:30 pm Free. Sylvan Theater, 15th Street and Independence Ave. SW, National Mall, DC.(202) 426-6841. September 9 Nine on the Ninth Series: featured reader Derrick Weston Brown. Tuesday, 9:00 pm $3 Admission. Busboys and Poets, 14th & V Streets NW, DC. (202) 387-POET. September 9 Brookland Reading Series: Annual Sterling A. Brown Brookland Invitational Poetry Reading Wednesday, 7:00 pm Free. Brookland Visitors Center, 3420 9th St. NE, DC. (202) 526-1632. September 11 11th Hour Poetry Slam: 2 rounds, audience chooses winner, prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Friday, 11:00 pm (doors open at 10:00) $5 Admission. Busboys and Poets, 14th and V Streets NW, historic U Street neighborhood, DC. (202) 387-POET. September 13 Open Door Reading Series: Jamie Brown, Neva Herrington, and Elizabeth Rees Sunday, 2:00 pm Free. The Writer's Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, MD (301) 654-8664. September 13 Iota Series: 15th Anniversary Celebration, featuring readers from the past year. Hosted by Miles David Moore. Sunday, 6:00 pm Free. Iota Club and Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Clarendon neighborhood, Arlington, VA. (703) 256-9275. September 16 "Captive Voices: Celebrating the Poetry of Eleanor Ross Taylor," featuring Dave Smith and Jean Valentine Wednesday, 7:00 pm Free. The Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St. NW, DC. (703) 994-3166. September 16 Poesis Seris: Anne Harding Woodworth and Michael Gushue, with Shep Williams on keyboards and Curly Robinson on drums. Open mike follows. Wednesday, 7:00 pm Free. Pentagon City Borders, 1201 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA (703) 418-0166. September 16 On the Rock Wednesdays: Rasheed K. Copeland, Drew "Droopy" Anderson, and Patrick "Black Picasso" Washington, followed by open mic. Hosted by Pages and Element. Wednesday, 8:00 pm $5 Admission. Topaz Hotel Restaurant Bar & Lounge, lower level, 1733 N St. NW, Dupont Circle neighborhood, DC. (202) 393-3000. September 17 "Langston & U": celebrating the legacy of Langston Hughes, with actors Ruby Dee and Andre De Shields, and performances by the Gay Men's Chorus and Edgeworks Dance Company. Thursday, 7:00 pm $25 Admission ($30 at door). The Lincoln Theater, 1215 U St. NW, DC. (202) 328-6000. September 17 Intersections: Carlos Parada Thursday, 7:00 pm Free. Charles Sumner School, 1201 17th St. NW, DC. (202) 249-0253. September 18 HOME Series: Kyle Dargan Friday, 7:00 pm (sign-up for poets opens at 6:00 pm) $5 Admission. Hillyer Art Space, 9 Hillyer Court NW, DC. (202) 338-0680. September 18 Suzanne Frischkorn and Neil Smith, with musical guest The Roofwalkers Friday, 7:30 pm Free. The Writer's Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, MD (301) 654-8664. September 20 Reading from the anthology My Diva: 65 Gay Men and the Women Who Inspire Them, by editor Michael Montlack, and contributors David Bergman, R.J. Gibson, John Dimes, Allen Smith, and Bill Fogle Sunday, 2:00 pm Free. The Writer's Center, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, MD (301) 654-8664. September 20 Sunday Kind of Love: reading from the anthology Mourning Katrina: A Poetic Response to Tragedy, featuring editor Joanne Gabbin and contributors Sunday, 4:00 pm Free, but donations collected. Busboys and Poets, Langston Room, 14th & V Streets NW, DC. (202) 387-POET. September 21 Cafe Muse: Deborah Ager and Deborah Bogen, plus refreshments, classical guitar by Michael Davis and open mic. Hosted by Adele Steiner and Laura Goldberg. Monday, 7:00 pm Free. Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase, MD. (301) 581-9439. September 22 Poetry at Noon on the theme "Life is Beautiful": featuring Sue Ellen Thompson, Barbara Crooker, and Joseph Ross Tuesday, Noon Free. Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, Whittall Pavilion, 10 First St. SE, DC. (202) 707-5394. September 23 Sparkle Series: featured reader TBA, followed by open mic. Hosted by Regie Cabico and Natalie Illum Wednesday, 8:00 pm $3 Admission. Busboys and Poets, 5th & K Streets NW, DC. (202) 315-1320. September 24 Haki R. Madhubuti, author of Liberation Narratives: Collected Poems 1966-2009 Thursday, 6:30 pm Free. Busboys and Poets, 14th & V Streets NW, historic U Street neighborhood, DC. (202) 387-POET. September 25 "North American Authors Translating Hispanic Poets" featuring Lori Marie Carlson, C.M. Mayo, Yvette Neisser Moreno, and Steven F. White. Moderated by Luis Alberto Ambroggio. Followed by a reception Friday, 12:00 pm Free. Library of Congress, Pickford Theater, Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE, 3rd floor, DC. RSVP to Cynthia Acosta: (202) 707-2013 September 26 The Poetics of Labor Reading Series: Diana García and Quique Avilés Saturday, 11:00 am and 2:00 pm Free. Smithsonian Museum of American History, National Mall, 14th and Constitution Ave. NW, in the exhibit space for "Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program," 2nd floor West, DC. (202) 633-1000. September 27 The Poetics of Labor Reading Series: Diana García and Quique Avilés Sunday, 12:00 and 3:00 pm Free. Smithsonian Museum of American History, National Mall, 14th and Constitution Ave. NW, in the exhibit space for "Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program," 2nd floor West, DC. (202) 633-1000. September 30 Brandel France de Bravo and Bruce MacKinnon Wednesday, 7:00 pm Free. Kensington Row Bookshop, 3786 Howard Ave., Kensington, MD (301) 949-9416.   PLEASE NOTE: Open mic events are not listed on this page. Please see our full listing of Reading Series for more information.