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Poetry night project
September 12, 2016 at 2:41 pm
The last one I went to in my community was in February, and it allowed all kinds of others artists to participate. They had singers, comedians, dancers, and even a girl who simply read a long story that she only read to herself the night before.
I took matters into my own hands and posted on fb that I wanted to plan a poetry night with all poetry (no other art forms), except for one local guitarist whom I deeply admire, and all poetry must be original. The post was shared by three friends who know a lot of people. Hours later I had two venue offers (free of charge), six local writers signed up to participate, and the amazing guitarist offered to contribute the music free of charge. He offered. I picked the venue that included sound system (my cousin owns a music school and offered it for the event and also included all the sound system we may need). Also, the walls were offered in case any painter artists wanted to show case their work. I thought that was neat, and I know a few who might be interested. So, now I have enough to set a date and allow for more writers to sign up.
Anywho...
Have you ever attended to one of these? What do you suggest, open mic, or scheduled? I can't decide. I'm breaking my head, but I'm stuck.
This will take place mid November. I'll necro-post this thread, so I can update you with a video of my poetry 
Am I banned under attempted necro-postage?
"Hipster is what happens when young hot people do what old ladies do." -Exian
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RE: Poetry night project
September 12, 2016 at 3:03 pm
(This post was last modified: September 12, 2016 at 3:03 pm by Excited Penguin.)
Try and do both, somehow. Have a plan as to how the evening should proceed, like a general idea of which artists should go when, what should happen when, and so on, but also be ready to be flexible about it, move things around and even let things happen on their own if possible. That way you can provide a degree of freedom to the whole thing, making it flow naturally, but also have something to fall back on in case it goes wrong.
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RE: Poetry night project
September 12, 2016 at 3:34 pm
(This post was last modified: September 12, 2016 at 3:39 pm by Alex K.)
First of all congrats for the successful organization and recruitment, that's really awesome. Most people don't bother or dare to try launch something like that from scratch, and those are the things that make communities worth living in..
I'd do predominantly scheduled at first to make sure it runs smoothly. You can try to influence the order in which various types and lengths of contributions are presented and so influence the overall atmosphere. (as in: something quick and funny at the end, something cool to start off, longer or more reflective and melancholic stuff not at the end, avoid extreme overruns etc.)
Maybe I'm too much of a control freak bc I'm used to being able to control the flow of the entire time when I am on stage giving a presentation, but for the audience, having it at least somewhat structured in a thoughtful way is rewarding.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: Poetry night project
September 12, 2016 at 4:09 pm
I'd go open mic with a sign-up sheet and a time limit.
I like the idea of multimedia presentations, grab some art to go with the music and poetry -- that way audience members not enthralled by the poet onstage will still have something to keep them there, and maybe the synergy will kick in.
I wish I lived in that area, I'd drag a guitar and a notebook down myself.
Knock 'em dead, love.
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RE: Poetry night project
September 12, 2016 at 5:22 pm
Thank you soooooo much for your responses. This really did give me ideas. I mean it. 
"Hipster is what happens when young hot people do what old ladies do." -Exian
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RE: Poetry night project
September 12, 2016 at 5:32 pm
Also, one of the writers has a published poetry (says it's social protest content). Is it tacky if I let her bring copies of her book and set up a table after the event to sell? Of course, all earnings would be for herself to keep.
She hasn't asked, but I see it coming.
"Hipster is what happens when young hot people do what old ladies do." -Exian
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RE: Poetry night project
September 13, 2016 at 2:03 am
Speaking as a musician -- selling product after a gig isn't "tacky", but I think that depends on the vibe you're aiming for, too.
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RE: Poetry night project
September 13, 2016 at 2:16 am
At metal concerts at small venues, all the bands that play that night (often three) usually sell their merch, CDs and Demos, I don't see anything wrong with doing it for poetry unless as Thump says it goes against the improptu or anticapitalist  vibe you would like to create. It would look better if more than one participant had something in any case.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: Poetry night project
September 13, 2016 at 2:20 am
Indeed, if you have multiple wares from multiple performers, you'll be supporting local arts, not selling, ahem, swag. :X
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RE: Poetry night project
September 13, 2016 at 2:36 am
Right! Yeah. This makes sense. Thanks, guys. This is great.
"Hipster is what happens when young hot people do what old ladies do." -Exian
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