Wednesday 4/8: Beloved elder David Meltzer, a Beat Generation poet described by Lawrence Ferlinghetti as “one of the greats,” will read from his City Lights publication, a new edition of Two-Way Mirror: A Poetry Notebook (first released in 1977). Free, 7 p.m., City Lights.
The Holloway Series at UC Berkeley features the very celebrated poet and novelist Fanny Howe, a National Book Award finalist in Poetry for 2014 for Second Childhood. Free, 6:30 p.m., Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall, UC Berkeley.
Thursday 4/9: Another UC Berkeley series, “Story Hour In The Library,” welcomes Joyce Carol Oates, who needs no introduction. Admirers will appreciate this opportunity to encounter the celebrated novelist in an intimate setting. Free, 5 p.m., Morrison Library, UC Berkeley.
One of Marin County’s most popular reading series, “Why There Are Words,” presents George Higgins, Alexandra Kostoulas, Eve Pell, Connie Post, Mindela Ruby, and Jon Sindell. The title of the evening is “Sure”, described as “an evening of “readings free of doubt.” Who couldn’t use a bit of certainty in our uncertain world?
Saturday 4/11: When the likes of Kevin Killian and Neeli Cherkovski tell us to pay attention to a writer, we should listen. They will be reading from I Am Going To Fly Through Glass: Selected Poems of Harold Norse. William Carlos Williams called Norse, “the best poet of his generation.” The recent selection of work was edited by Todd Swindell, who will also participate. Free, 7 p.m., Alley Cat Books.
Sunday 4/12: Last August, Quiet Lightning and Name Drop Swamp Records combined their considerable force to create the bi-monthly series “Chemical Wedding,” in which poets are matched with musicians. The fifth edition will feature readings by San Francisco’s poet laureate, Alejandro Murguia, along with Ingrid Rojas Contreras, Jason Morris, and Clara Hsu with David Wong. Live music will be from San Diego’s Second Cousins and Garrett Pierce. $5, 7 p.m., The Emerald Tablet.
The Octopus Literary Salon celebrates the publication of a new book by Michael N. Thompson, A Murder of Crows, from University of Hell Press. The event will include readings by Mk Chavez, Cassandra Dallett, Joe Clifford, and Greg Gerding. Free, 7 p.m., The Octopus Literary Salon.
Monday 4/13: Anyone with an appreciation for the YPL list (young people’s literature), and just plain good writing, will appreciate the chance to encounter prolific novelist, poet, and essayist Gary Soto. There is likely no secondary English teacher in America who has not taught at least one of Soto’s books with pleasure. He’ll be reading from his new book, Why I Don’t Write Children’s Literature. Free, 7:30 p.m., Mrs. Dalloway’s Bookstore.
Tuesday 4/14: The Radar Reading Series, curated by Michelle Tea, features Roberto Santiago, Kelli Dunham, Amber Dawn, and Vivek Shraya. As usual, you’ll get a home baked cookie. Free, 6 p.m., San Francisco Public Library.
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This week’s theatre recommendation is The Braggart Soldier or Major Blowhard by Plautus, adapted and directed by Evren Odcikin from a translation by Deena Berg, at Custom Made Theatre. In this case, many cooks do not spoil the broth. Last week, we recommended classical Greek tragedy; this week it is classical Roman comedy—the perfect compliment. Fall out of your seat funny. Go and enjoy yourself. To read a review, click here. For further information, click here.
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This week’s featured local author is Elaine Kahn (click here to read an interview):
