2008 Woodie Awards
Passionate poetry
Brynna Geisler-Locke
Issue date: 3/11/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
Often times, the mention of a poetry reading conjures up images of stuffy, smoke filled rooms jam packed full of people. This poetry reading, however, promises to be anything but that, offering a relaxing and intimate setting that allows people the opportunity to mingle with the featured poets.
"This is not just a poetry reading, it's a performance of poetry," said Sonoma State University professor Jonah Raskin.
He is enthusiastic about the cozy setting, provided by Dierk's Parkside Café in downtown Santa Rosa, which will make the most of interaction between the poets and the audience on Mar. 14., at 7 p.m. The evening will feature Raskin, Jennie Orvino and Steve Kessler, each reading selections from their original poetry.
The reading and performances themselves will last approximately one hour followed by a meet and greet with the authors afterwards.
The spotlight will be on Kessler, who is celebrating the release of his eighth, and latest book, "Burning Daylight." The subjects explored in his work range from childhood memories to musings on the meaning of life.
Kessler has done readings from "Burning Daylight" across California, where his peers have happily embraced it. The other performers, Raskin and Orvino, are not only friends of Kessler's but fans as well.
The two of them met through poetry readings, and decided to help Kessler spread the word about his new book.
And although the night is in celebration of Kessler, Raskin will also get a good amount of stage time. He considers the pieces he will be reading, "mini-stories."
Raskin enjoys writing not only poetry, but biographies and pieces for newspapers as well. He began writing as a teenager as a sports reporter for a local newspaper. His experience in writing has helped hone and refine his craft as well as given him a great local reputation.
Raskin is the chair of the Communications Department at SSU and teaches classes in media marketing, media law and reporting. He also wrote book reviews for the Press Democrat in addition to publishing four books, and has another one in the works.
A majority of the poems that Raskin will perform are slated for his new book, and reflect on couples and coupling. His inspiration for his latest material came from the interesting stories that he has heard, over the years about couples.
Orvino, is a well established poet herself, nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and winner of the Don L. Emblen Literary Award and for her poetry in "The Dickens." Her poems are sensual, rhythmical and passionate. Critics are enamored with how Orvino faces her subject head on, instead of sidestepping the issues and glossing over their realities.
And with such rich personalities present, these poetry performances promise to be quite an engaging experience.
For more information on this poetry performance contact Dierk's Parkside Café at (707) 573-5955. Admission is $5.
"This is not just a poetry reading, it's a performance of poetry," said Sonoma State University professor Jonah Raskin.
He is enthusiastic about the cozy setting, provided by Dierk's Parkside Café in downtown Santa Rosa, which will make the most of interaction between the poets and the audience on Mar. 14., at 7 p.m. The evening will feature Raskin, Jennie Orvino and Steve Kessler, each reading selections from their original poetry.
The reading and performances themselves will last approximately one hour followed by a meet and greet with the authors afterwards.
The spotlight will be on Kessler, who is celebrating the release of his eighth, and latest book, "Burning Daylight." The subjects explored in his work range from childhood memories to musings on the meaning of life.
Kessler has done readings from "Burning Daylight" across California, where his peers have happily embraced it. The other performers, Raskin and Orvino, are not only friends of Kessler's but fans as well.
The two of them met through poetry readings, and decided to help Kessler spread the word about his new book.
And although the night is in celebration of Kessler, Raskin will also get a good amount of stage time. He considers the pieces he will be reading, "mini-stories."
Raskin enjoys writing not only poetry, but biographies and pieces for newspapers as well. He began writing as a teenager as a sports reporter for a local newspaper. His experience in writing has helped hone and refine his craft as well as given him a great local reputation.
Raskin is the chair of the Communications Department at SSU and teaches classes in media marketing, media law and reporting. He also wrote book reviews for the Press Democrat in addition to publishing four books, and has another one in the works.
A majority of the poems that Raskin will perform are slated for his new book, and reflect on couples and coupling. His inspiration for his latest material came from the interesting stories that he has heard, over the years about couples.
Orvino, is a well established poet herself, nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and winner of the Don L. Emblen Literary Award and for her poetry in "The Dickens." Her poems are sensual, rhythmical and passionate. Critics are enamored with how Orvino faces her subject head on, instead of sidestepping the issues and glossing over their realities.
And with such rich personalities present, these poetry performances promise to be quite an engaging experience.
For more information on this poetry performance contact Dierk's Parkside Café at (707) 573-5955. Admission is $5.
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