Poetry Corner 2015 got off to a wonderful start on Wednesday night when host W. Joe Hoppe introduced us to the fascinating François Pointeau (pictured below).
François was born in Rennes, France, but moved to the States with his family as a child. He first self-published his poetry collection, Beer Songs for the Lonely, in 2006, and then completely rewrote it in 2013-14. As well as writing poetry, he talks about it on the radio—he’s the producer and host of KOOP Radio’s Writing on the Air, where he interviews poets, writers, and storytellers of all types. (Have a listen: Wednesdays, 6pm, at 91.7FM.)
Check out the footage below to hear “Vacuum Dance,” learn about how the act of (secret) translation can be invaluable to poets, and find out why Baudelaire beats Rimbaud! And be sure to keep an eye on our events calendar for details of W. Joe’s upcoming guests.
We’ve been a very spoiled bookstore over the past few nights, with our lovely stage playing host to two trios of poetic perfection. On Friday night we welcomed poets Katy Chrisler, Stephanie Goehring, and Paula Cisewski. Katy’s poetry was greeted with a hearty howl from a young member of the audience (a howl of delight and anticipation, one assumes); Stephanie improved dramatically upon Craigslist Missed Connections during her reading; and Paula’s “The Clouds” gave us the best type of chills…
And this month’s Raw Paw reading was a little different… the Raw Paw crew are busy preparing a few new Mind Maze titles to release over the months ahead, so last night, rather than introducing a new chapbook, hosts Wade Martin and A.R Rogers introduced us to three wonderful poets instead: Carie Juettner, Tina Posner, and Jack Brannon… check out their brilliant readings below. And if you’re a fan of all things Paw, please note that from next month our Raw Paw events will be held on a Wednesday night.
We’re excited to introduce you to a brand-new reading series in the Malvern calendar: Novel Night. Held on the second Thursday of each month, Novel Night shines a spotlight on all things prose—because, as our curmudgeon-in-chief Dr. Joe says in his introductory remarks, writing a novel is hard work and all that dedication deserves to be celebrated (he may also have noted that, ahem, “anybody can write a poem…”).
Here’s how it works: two published novelists read from their books and take questions from the audience, followed by “Book Talk,” in which an intrepid Malvern staff member introduces us to one of their favorite prose titles. And we finish up with an open mic for writers who’d like to read for 4-5 minutes from their unpublished short stories or novels (sign up on the night if you’re interested). Also worth noting: there are snacks!
We kicked things off in fine style last Thursday with two talented novelists: B. Alan Bourgeois (above right) read from his spiritual thriller Extinguishing the Light and Joe Milazzo (above left) read from his fiercely imaginative debut novel, Crepuscule w/ Nellie. Malvern’s manager Becky Garcia then introduced us to the brilliant and challenging Vacation by Deb Olin Unferth and explained why reading Unferth is a lot like watching an episode of Seinfeld. And last but not least, the entertaining Ron Jaeger became our very first Novel Night open mic-er!
Check out the footage below, and be sure to join us on February 12th for the second installment of Malvern Books’ Novel Night…
We wanted to say farewell to a fantastic year of events with something rather special, and on Sunday afternoon we were able to do just that, thanks to two wonderful visitors: Mong-Lan and Abe Louise Young (below, left and right).
Our first reader was Abe Louise, who immediately won us over by referring to our stage as “a little wooden cabin.” I love that image—what better place for creative endeavors than a little wooden cabin? Abe Louise shared a beautiful poem by Lucille Clifton, and then read some of her own extraordinary work, including “Forget Making Your Bed,” a poetic shot in the arm for all of us epic procrastinators. It begins:
Forget making your bed. Make your desk instead. Let your bed sheets lie rumpled on the floor with pillows underneath them like elephants in the bellies of snakes.
If you’re a writer who tidies when you should be typing, you need to listen to this poem!
Next up, we welcomed the multi-talented Mong-Lan, an artist whose areas of interest and expertise require a daunting number of slashes: poet / writer / painter / singer / musician / photographer / dancer / tango teacher! She read from two of her eight books (including the bilingual English/Spanish collection Tango, Tangueando: Poemas y Dibujo), and shared some exquisite poetry, including a love poem to tofu and a tribute to the late, great Marcel Marceau.
And finally, Mong-Lan and her dance partner Stephen Shortnacy treated us to a rousing demonstration of the Argentine tango… check out the footage below, and I guarantee you’ll be swaying a little in your seat! Our heartiest thanks to Mong-Lan and Abe Louise, and to everyone who stopped by to help make our final ’14 event such a fun and festive occasion. Here’s to many more to come in 2015…
On Saturday afternoon we were thrilled to once again team up with VSA Texas and Pen2Paper for a suitably merry installment of The Lion & The Pirate Unplugged. Our December open mic got off to a sweet start with a bounty of Christmas cookies and a reading from newcomer Kevin Thornton, who shared an intriguing novel excerpt with us.
Next up we had a wonderful performance from another talented first-timer, Carrington MacDuffie, who played a song of her own devising on her “little guitar” and had us all spellbound with her beautiful voice.
Carrington was a tough act to follow, but familiar faces Shaniqua Esparza and Christopher “Bear” Beam were up for the challenge! Shaniqua recounted a childhood Christmas memory, and Bear shared some of his moving hymns to Kwan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion.
Logan Perkes, winner of the 2012 Pen2Paper creative writing contest, read two brilliant poems.
And last but certainly not least, the Bingham Creek Sisters (Cathy Welch [Hull] and Joyce T. Snodgrass) shared a couple of their Austin-themed Yuletide songs, including an ode to Mexican food that was hilariously titled (with apologies to the Eagles) “Too-Full, Queasy Feeling”!
Thanks to everyone for making it such a festive afternoon of open mic magic. We’ll look forward to hearing more from y’all in 2015!
Last night we hosted our second annual birthday party in honor of the late, great poet laureate of Hyde Park, Albert Huffstickler (December 17, 1927 – February 25, 2002).
Huff was a brave and insightful poet who wasn’t afraid to confront “the simple mystery of ineffable existence” (as Ric Williams said in his eulogy). He was also a passionate supporter of local literature, and a friend and inspiration to many—so it was hardly surprising that so many lovely people came by Malvern Books yesterday to celebrate this great man’s life with readings, reminiscing, and… cake!
And, as always, we had our video camera at the ready to capture some of the action for you. Alas, in our Huffy excitement we lost a little focus, footage-wise—but the audio is crystal clear, so have a listen and enjoy the assorted personal anecdotes and a wonderful selection of poetry, some of it by Huff, and some of it for him. Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to share their memories of the mighty Huff… long live Huff, indeed, and we hope to see you again this time next year!
