Treveling to see the Poetic Travelers

Diana, Patrick, and myself went out to fine Ferndale to listen to one of our very own Poetry Group members give a career retrospective of his poetic work. John Smolinski was asked to join the Poetic Travelers after an open mic at the Scarab Club in Detroit. The art was intriguing- i saw some great lithographs and even a book created out of only lithographs (which was pretty cool since this is a medium my wife works in). Things got started with an open mic and the Westland Poetry Group showed up strong with Patrick and myself giving the Ferndale art crowd a taste of just what it is we do out here. Then the main readers got started, with John starting off and a great, social Detroit poet, Nathaniel Scott bringing his musical eye to the stage.

John's work ranged from the list poem to the descriptive meal poem (we all got hungry hearing him talk about pork chops) to the ethereal and abstract work of his patouns and other form poems. It was funny that all the formality of those works actually gave John a chance to explore more expansive and less concrete themes- and was a perfect follow-up to the rich description he offered in his earlier poems. This man has lived and experienced so much- everyone who was there got a little sense of that.

If anybody ever gets a chance to see/hear Nathaniel Scott, you must make your way out. The man builds a great ear for rhythm with a great eye for detail to make some of the most engaging poems you've heard. Reading them is one thang- hearing them (and Nathaniel's uncompromisin, no nonsense attitude) are worth the venture out.

See you all next month (11/4 at 7 p.m.).

Cheryl's book signings at Border's

Hey everyone, I'm happy to announce that one of our group members, Cheryl Vatcher-Martin, will be signing her book at a number of different events throughout October. See below for more information or contact me for her email address and she will send you information directly (message below).

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Hi Andy,

I just thought I'd say hello..............I've written three novels over the past three years during NaNoWriMo. I've participated since 2004 and it is a great way to write!!

I'll be dropping off my artwork for my second solo art exhibit at the Flat Rock Library Wednesday evening, so I may not see you at the poetry group.

I do have an upcoming Borders Express book signing on Sunday Oct 18th at the Westland store from 1-3pm. On Sat. the 17th I'm at the Southgate Borders Express store in Southgate from 2-4pm. On the 31st I'll be at the Borders Express in Livonia, from 1-3pm.

For my complete schedule of events for Borders and Barnes & Noble, please send me an e-mail for dates.......

Best,

Cheryl