Pat’s in the Flats, found-neon assemblage by Chiplis – foto Smith
Sold nine copies of the memoir at a reading. It was a strange sensation, exceeding expectation. We have three copies left to sell and five more readings scheduled . . . better buy another box of books.
I was off inwardly as emcee for yesterday’s Poetry at Pat’s in the Flats reading. My previous two MC gigs this year were both new, fresh, off the cuff, exciting — which sparked my inner light. Yesterday was my first attempt at duplicating a previous gig and I wasn’t ready. When you have a regular gig, spontaneity flies out the door and spontaneity is what drives me behind the mic, so preparation’s needed next time.
Maybe having to hawk the book also added to my unease . . . I hate hawking. Before October’s Poetry at Pat’s in the Flats I’ll have to probe my psyche, practice my patter, maybe pull out a performance — but then my whole *performance* is about not having a *performance*, so that wouldn’t work very well.
I even read badly from my own book. I’m not used to reading badly these days . . . usually so-so is as low as I go.
But machts nichts because bottom line I had a great time; the featured poets were top-notch, the open mic readers each worthy of featuring, and the music by Malphonia was so sweet, poignant, evocative of another time and place . . . even old-fashioned in the best way of the word. One of the open mic poets (Mikel) even pulled out a bassoon and played a short number . . . what a beautiful looking and sounding instrument (although you don’t really pull out a bassoon, you take it out piece by piece by piece by piece by piece and assemble it).
So, seiza ya sometime in late October when we have the Fall Session, Poetry at Pat’s in the Flats #3 . . . it might be held outside on the back patio under the autumn sky, and they’ll likely let me emcee. Gotta get better at this public persona stuff, especially if the memoir makes it.
Some bands that’ve played at Pat’s in the Flats past 30 years – fotos Smith
Pat’s in the Flats – fotos Smith
Shelly Chernin on ukulele – foto Smith
Malphonia (1st foto is more accurate) – fotos Smith
Door to men’s room – foto Smith
Lady listening – foto Smith
Ambience at Pat’s in the Flats – foto Smith
A great afternoon all around. Looking forward to the October edition!
Prepared or not, you seem to attract top-notch poets (and musicians!) and are able to create an environment that’s fun and friendly, so kudos!
May the Pat’s Poetry series live long and prosper!
Wish I was there Steve. I’m sure your genuineness and heart came through. I would love to play some music at one of the future readings if there is any intrest. I’m coming up for the september artwalk. Maybe I’ll run into you and your lady. It would be a joy. It will be my first time in Cleveland since Robert died so you might catch me in the park with a tear in my eye.