The Mad Poets Blog

There’s some wet weather in the forecast, but the Mad Poets Bonfire this weekend is definitely on!

The Bonfire event officially starts Saturday afternoon/evening, lets say dusk-ish, though there will be folks out there as early as 3 p.m. setting up and picnicing.

You may have heard that a few Mad Poets were planning to head out Friday night for some pre-bonfire camping action… unfortunately, that’s OFF!  With the weather people calling for thunderstorms tonight, we’re not setting up camp until tomorrow afternoon.  But we will definitely be there, with drums & treats & fire & poems, poems, poems. You can go to the Bonfire page on the website for more info & directions.

We hope you’ll come out and play!

There are still a few hours of Monday left (depending on where you are in the world, there me be alot of hours of Monday left)… besides, it doesn’t *really* have to be Monday for you to shamelessly self promote.  So bring it on:  Where are you reading? Where are your poems, stories, essays, etc. published??  Post it in the comments & will do our best to spread & respread the word.

And what about us… HOLY POETRY, BATMAN! We’ve got one busy week!

*Week of Oct. 5*

• Tues., Oct. 6, 7p.m.: Open Mic Poetry at Steel City Coffeehouse in Phoenixville, hosted by Mary Kathryn Morgeneier.
• Wed., Oct. 7, 7p.m.: Mad Poets Critique Circle facilitated by Amy Laub at the Media-Upper Providence Free Library.
• Wed., Oct. 7, 6p.m. – 7:30p.m.: The continuation of Leonard Gontarek’s Self & Place in Poetry workshop. It’s too late to join this workshop, but keep an eye out for future workshops with Leonard. Or if you really need some feedback, like now, head on out to the Critique Circle (details above).
• Thurs. Oct. 8, 7p.m.: Milkboy Acoustic Cafe Series, hosted by Autumn Konopka, featuring poets Quincy Scott Jones, Pat Goodrich & Elizabeth Raby, followed by an open mic.
• Sat., Oct. 10, 1p.m. – 3p.m.: The Business of Words Poetry Workshop, facilitated by Tamara Oakman, at the Univ. of Pennsylvania Bookstore.
• Sat., Oct. 10, 7p.m.: Otherwise – Poetry at Churchill’s, hosted by Glenn McLaughlin, featuring Sean Webb & Autumn Konopka, followed by an open mic.
• Sat.-Sun., Oct. 10-11, 7p.m. – 3p.m.: Mad Poets Bonfire at Ridley Creek State Park.

It’s one thing to talk about starving artists… but there are some way too many people who are seriously starving.  So, this weekend, the Mad Poets are asking anyone reading or dropping by our Annual Festival to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to CityTeam Ministries.

The Festival is scheduled for this Sunday, from 12p-5p, in the Mansion Parlor at the Media Borough Hall, at 3rd & Jackson Streets in Media, Pa. (Get directions)

The Festival features about 40 locally & nationally known poets reading their original work. Some of the featured poets include Alison Hicks, Leonard Gontarek, Amy Laub, Steve Delia, Missy Grotz, and Ed Krizek, among many other talented writers.

The Mad Poets Festival is held in conjunction with the Media Food & Crafts Festival, which takes place on State Street. It is a great opportunity to hear a multiplicity of eclectic poetic voices in a casual, friendly environment. Grab some great snacks on State Street, come hear some poetry, go back for more grub, come back for more poems. Or just hang out, nosh on our light refreshments, listen to the amazing poetry, and chat with the local poets.

Admission is free, but this year, we’re asking all the poets and attendees to bring a canned or non-perishable item to be donated to CityTeam Ministries.  Based in Chester, Pa., CityTeam helps the poor and disadvantaged throughout the Delaware Valley by providing hot meals, safe shelter, decent clothing, and recovery programs.  In addition to the food drive, a representative from CityTeam will be dishing up warm & delicious chicken chili for a $1.00/cup donation.

It’s going to be a great afternoon with of good food and “food for thought.”