Update on Beatlick Poet Joe Speer, Fixed and Free reading

Billy Brown writes to update us on Joe Speer and plans for Thursday's (1/27/11) Fixed and Free poetry reading

Poets and Poetry Lovers,

 

Yesterday I learned that our beloved fellow poet Beatlick Joe Speer is now writing poetry on another level of being. Apparently he was quite comfortable and peaceful in his last hours. I understand that, with the assistance of several close friends as well as his life partner, Beatlick Pamela Hirst, Beatlick Joe completed editing his book of poems! I imagine that he felt a deep sense of satisfaction at this accomplishment!

 

I have decided that the first 30 minutes (7:00 - 7:30 pm) of Thursday night's Fixed and Free reading will be given to a group of Beatlick Joe's closest friends to read some of Joe's poems, read poems they have written in his honor, and otherwise remember Beatlick Joe Speer. It is my understanding that our poetic brother Gary Brower will emcee this half-hour.

 

At approximately 7:30 we will return to the customary open mic format. At approximately 7:45 we will welcome our marvelous featured poet, Lauren Camp. After Lauren's set, there will be a short break, followed by open mic until approximately 9:00 pm, possibly later. Because of the special circumstances of this particular reading, I fully anticipate that we may well significantly go somewhat past our usual 9 pm ending.

 

Anyone who is not now eligible to submit poems for the Fixed and Free Poetry Anthology will have to read at either the January 27 reading or the February 24 reading. Thus, I will not end either of these readings until everyone has read who wishes to do so. If you need to leave the venue before the reading is over please feel free to leave quietly.

One of the things I have said about our forthcoming Fixed and Free Poetry Anthology is that it will celebrate the wonderful poetic community we have built together over the last couple of years. I hope that you agree with me that one of the precious qualities of our community is that we create opportunities to acknowledge, honor and celebrate our own.

 

Please join me at Thursday's Fixed and Free to honor Beatlick Poet Joe Speer, to honor our Featured Poet Lauren Camp, and to honor each member of our community.

 

Yours for powerful poetry

With love, Billy Brown

401-8139