Listings For June, 2017

Listings After June

About the Poetry Menu

How to Submit Events

Donation Info

The Lincoln Arts Council

The Nebraska Arts Council

Nebraska Center for the Book

Humanities Nebraska

the Nebraska Writers Collective

Nebraska Writers Guild

Nebraskans For The Arts

Poetry Resources

American Life in Poetry: A column by Ted Kooser

The Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, Nebraska City

The Nebraska Center for Writers

The Nebraska Library Commission

Nebraska Shakespeare Festival

The Neihardt State Historic Site

Omaha Public Library

Series and Festivals

The Clean Part Reading Series

The (downtown) omaha lit fest

Feeback at KANEKO

John H. Ames Reading Series

Louder Than a Bomb: Great Plains

The Nebraska Book Festival

the no name reading series

The Plains Writers Series

Tuesdays With Writers

Wayne State College Poetry Slams

Presses

The Backwaters Press

Bradypress

Logan House Press

University of Nebraska Press

Nebraska Territory Review

WSC Press and WSC Press Facebook

Independent Bookstores

A Novel Idea Bookstore

The Bookworm bookstore

Indigo Bridge Books

Blogs/Artist Info

The Heartland Voice blog

The H.U.N. Poets

Blog of the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors

MidVerse.com

The Plains Song Review blog

Prairie Moon Reading & Music News (Lincoln-area readings)

Pseudo Poseur Productions

The Wordsmiths

National Poetry Resources

For US and worldwide poetry listings, go to The Poetry Kit

Poetryslam.com

May

• 5/27, Sa-- 7:30pm, World Premiere, Stranger from Paradise: An opera drawn from the lives and work of William and Catherine Blake at Metropolitan Community College South Omaha Campus (2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave, ITC Building, Room 120, Omaha). Music by Nevada Jones, Libretto by Kevin Lawler. A co-production of Opera Omaha and the Great Plains Theatre Conference, the show is an exploration of the love, life and work of the prophetic artist William Blake and his wife and collaborator, Catherine. Free. See more at: http://www.gptcplays.com

• 5/28, Sa-- 7-9:30pm, Gratitude Café Writer's Night at the Gratitude Café & Bakery (1551 N. Cotner, Lincoln). The only prime time weekend writer's night in town, with a featured reading, open mic and discussion for poets, novelists, and short story writers. (4th Saturday).

• 5/30, M-- 7pm, Open Mic at the Moon, at Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N 8th St #10 Lower Level, Lincoln). For more information, contact crescentmoon@inebraska.com and check www.crescentmooncoffee.com/. (every Monday)

June

• 6/1, Th-- 5:30pm Sheldon Museum of Art (12 & R, Lincoln) presents "Envisioning the Heartland" featuring Wright Morris photo exhibit with Gallery Talk reading/discussion by Nebraska State Poet Twyla Hansen and UNL Professor of Art Dana Fritz. Reception will follow. Free and open to the public.

• 6/1, Th-- 6-8pm, a June Evening at Mo Java (48th and St Paul, Lincoln). This month features poets Bill Trowbridge, Tom Franti and Kirk Brown along with musician Dr. John Walker. See more at the Facebook Event page.

• 6/1, Th-- 7-9pm, Spoken Word Nerd Slam with Salt Lake City poets RJ Walker and Jose Soto at OutrSpaces (528 S. 24th Street, Omaha). Poetry and short-form storytelling are both welcome. Each round will see performers face off head-to-head for the audience and a judging panel within the crowd. Performers can earn additional points by answering trivia questions on their chosen area of expertise from the Council before they perform. Sign-up is limited to eight performers. $5+ suggested donation. Community partners: Grainolia Bakery, Spielbound Game Board Cafe, and Archetype Coffee. Presented by OutrSpaces in collaboration with poet, Greg Harries.See more at the Facebook Event page.

• 6/3, Sa-- 1-3pm, Omaha Writers Group at Petshop Gallery (2725 N 62nd St, Omaha). A weekly writing workshop open to the public. Bring your work and bring your friends. Every week, Gen provides coffee, snacks, and writing exercises. (every Saturday)

• 6/3, Sa-- 7pm, Red Path Readers at Red Path Gallery (514 Seward St, Seward).

• 6/4, Su-- 12:30-5pm, Six Corners of Nebraska - Southwest event at McCook Public Library (McCook). Readings, Author Tables, and two special presenters: Lorraine J. Duggin (Folktales, Folksongs, and Folk Dances of 1867 Nebraska); Karen Wyatt Drevo (Maria Rodaway: Prairie Pioneer). Writers Workshop 1-5pm by Sarah Buhrman, "Throwing Rocks: Creating Obstacles in Story," registration $50.00 at nebraskawriters.org. Authors 13-25 years old from Riverton north to Wolbach south to Heartwell and south of Highways 6 and 23 west to the Colorado border are invited to submit up to 1000 words to the "Future Great Writers of Nebraska" contest for this location by May 1, 2017. 1st Prize: $350, 2nd Prize: $200, 3rd Prize, $100. One entry per person, first thirty entries will be judged. Email to wayne.anson@gmail.com. (1st Sunday in different cities through August).

• 6/4, Su-- 2-3pm, The Barada Hills of Nebraska Poetry and Pickin' event at Gallery 1516 (1516 Leavenworth, Omaha). As part of the ongoing exhibition the art & poetry of "The Barada Hills of Nebraska" Gallery 1516 invites you to enjoy an afternoon performance which merges the poetry of Jan Chism Wright and the music of Jeff and Mary Barker against the backdrop of landscape watercolors by John Frederick Lokke.

• 6/4, Su-- 5-7pm, free performance poetry/storytelling writing workshop at Spielbound (3229 Harney St, Omaha). Join Greg Harries and April Follmer to share and generate writing intended for performance. There will be time for feedback on written work, performance development, and writing prompts, with drinks and conversation on the side. (1st and 3rd Sunday)

• 6/5, M-- 7pm, Open Mic at the Moon, at Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N 8th St #10 Lower Level, Lincoln). For more information, contact crescentmoon@inebraska.com and check www.crescentmooncoffee.com/. (every Monday)

• 6/7, W-- 5:30-9pm, Nebraska Writers Workshop at the Ralston Baright Public Library Meeting Room (5555 S 77th St, Ralston). Free! 5:30pm Teens ONLY, 6pm Poetry, 6:30pm Scripting (Stage & Film), 7pm Fiction & Readings for feedback. Facilitated by Sally J. Walker. See full details at: www.nebraskawritersworkshop.info. (every Wednesday)

• 6/7, W-- 8pm-1:30am, Aly Peeler Open Mic at the Down Under (3530 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Open to poets, musicians, and more. Free!

• 6/9, F-- 7pm, Open Mic Poetry Night at Espresso Shoppe (419 North Dewey St, North Platte). It's a fun, funny, widely varied group. Poems can be short or long, funny or touching, rhymed or free verse. Musicians too. George Lauby of The North Platte Bulletin emcees and makes you feel comfortable. (2nd and 4th Friday).

• 6/10, Sa-- 11am-1pm, Backwaters Press presents The Unblocked Workshop at Gallery 1516 (1516 Leavenworth St, Omaha). A new monthly workshop series with a session on common mistakes and how to avoid them. This free event series will offer information and insight on writing from experienced members of the community. Ranging from elements of craft and style, to feedback and critique of attendees' work, and anywhere in between, The Unblocked Workshop aims to help writers do what they do: write. We will provide notepads, bottled water, and donuts. No matter your skill or experience, please join us and fellow writers create a network where everyone can grow. RSVP by 5/31! Reserve your spot at: EventBrite.com. For more information, see the Facebook Event page.

• 6/10, Sa-- 1-3pm, Omaha Writers Group at Petshop Gallery (2725 N 62nd St, Omaha). A weekly writing workshop open to the public. Bring your work and bring your friends. Every week, Gen provides coffee, snacks, and writing exercises. (every Saturday)

• 6/10, Sa-- 7pm, the Omaha Poetry Slam and open mic at the Apollon (1801 Vinton St, Omaha). It's the longest-running slam in Omaha, often featuring some of the best performance poets in the nation. Open mic starts at 7 followed by the slam. Hosted by Colleen O'Doherty. $5, $3 for students. (2nd Saturday of every month)

• 6/12, M-- 7pm, Open Mic at the Moon, at Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N 8th St #10 Lower Level, Lincoln). For more information, contact crescentmoon@inebraska.com and check www.crescentmooncoffee.com/. (every Monday)

• 6/14, W-- 5:30-9pm, Nebraska Writers Workshop at the Ralston Baright Public Library Meeting Room (5555 S 77th St, Ralston). Free! 5:30pm Teens ONLY, 6pm Poetry, 6:30pm Scripting (Stage & Film), 7pm Fiction & Readings for feedback. Facilitated by Sally J. Walker. See full details at: www.nebraskawritersworkshop.info. (every Wednesday)

• 6/14, W-- 8pm-1:30am, Aly Peeler Open Mic at the Down Under (3530 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Open to poets, musicians, and more. Free!

• 6/15, Th-- 7-11pm, Verbal Gumbo with Withlove,Felicia and Michelle Troxclair at Omaha Rockets Kanteen (24th and Lake Sts, Omaha). $7. Crabby about the political climate? Want some okra change? Just want to discuss your relationshrimps--or the andouille sausage in your life? Well, Verbal Gumbo is here with some hot, spicey flava with a side o' rice and rhythm. This is the Spoken Word event that promotes our rich diversity of culture and style. Soul session immediately following by Dj Foxy Troxy. (3rd Thursday)

• 6/17, Sa-- 1-3pm, Omaha Writers Group at Petshop Gallery (2725 N 62nd St, Omaha). A weekly writing workshop open to the public. Bring your work and bring your friends. Every week, Gen provides coffee, snacks, and writing exercises. (every Saturday)

• 6/18, Su-- 5-7pm, free performance poetry/storytelling writing workshop at Spielbound (3229 Harney St, Omaha). Join Greg Harries and April Follmer to share and generate writing intended for performance. There will be time for feedback on written work, performance development, and writing prompts, with drinks and conversation on the side. (1st and 3rd Sunday)

• 6/19, M-- 7pm, Open Mic at the Moon, at Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N 8th St #10 Lower Level, Lincoln). For more information, contact crescentmoon@inebraska.com and check www.crescentmooncoffee.com/. (every Monday)

• 6/20, Tu-- 7pm, Imaginary Gardens Reading at Mr. Toad (1002 Howard St, Omaha) featuring poets from the new Backwaters Press 20th anniversary anthology Watching The Perseids. Readers tonight include Jeanne Emmons, Richard Robbins, Twyla Hansen, Rodger Gerberding, Barb Schmitz, Marge Saiser and Matt Mason. This monthly series by Michael Skau features talented local poets. Find more information at the Facebook Event page.

• 6/21, W-- 5:30-9pm, Nebraska Writers Workshop at the Ralston Baright Public Library Meeting Room (5555 S 77th St, Ralston). Free! 5:30pm Teens ONLY, 6pm Poetry, 6:30pm Scripting (Stage & Film), 7pm Fiction & Readings for feedback. Facilitated by Sally J. Walker. See full details at: www.nebraskawritersworkshop.info. (every Wednesday)

• 6/21, W-- 8pm-1:30am, Aly Peeler Open Mic at the Down Under (3530 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Open to poets, musicians, and more. Free!

• 6/22-25, 7/5, 6, 8-- 8pm, Shakespeare on The Green presents King Lear at Young Park (Elmwood Park by UNO, Omaha). See full details at: Nebraskashakespeare.com.

• 6/23, F-- 7pm, Open Mic Poetry Night at Espresso Shoppe (419 North Dewey St, North Platte). It's a fun, funny, widely varied group. Poems can be short or long, funny or touching, rhymed or free verse. Musicians too. George Lauby of The North Platte Bulletin emcees and makes you feel comfortable. (2nd and 4th Friday).

• 6/24, Sa-- 1-3pm, Omaha Writers Group at Petshop Gallery (2725 N 62nd St, Omaha). A weekly writing workshop open to the public. Bring your work and bring your friends. Every week, Gen provides coffee, snacks, and writing exercises. (every Saturday)

• 6/24, Sa-- 7-9:30pm, Gratitude Café Writer's Night at the Gratitude Café & Bakery (1551 N. Cotner, Lincoln). The only prime time weekend writer's night in town, with a featured reading, open mic and discussion for poets, novelists, and short story writers. (4th Saturday).

• 6/26, M-- 7pm, Open Mic at the Moon, at Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N 8th St #10 Lower Level, Lincoln). For more information, contact crescentmoon@inebraska.com and check www.crescentmooncoffee.com/. (every Monday)

• 6/28, W-- 5:30-9pm, Nebraska Writers Workshop at the Ralston Baright Public Library Meeting Room (5555 S 77th St, Ralston). Free! 5:30pm Teens ONLY, 6pm Poetry, 6:30pm Scripting (Stage & Film), 7pm Fiction & Readings for feedback. Facilitated by Sally J. Walker. See full details at: www.nebraskawritersworkshop.info. (every Wednesday)

• 6/28, W-- 8pm-1:30am, Aly Peeler Open Mic at the Down Under (3530 Leavenworth St, Omaha). Open to poets, musicians, and more. Free!

• 6/29-30, 7/1-2, 7, 9-- 8pm, Shakespeare on The Green presents Merry Wives of Windsor at Young Park (Elmwood Park by UNO, Omaha). See full details at: Nebraskashakespeare.com.

Coming Up:

• 7/2, Su-- 12:30-5pm, Six Corners of Nebraska - Big Springs Corner event at Lincoln County Historical Museum (North Platte). Readings, Author Tables, and two special presenters: Lucy Adkins (Poetry of Women on the Land); Terry Lane (Meet Buffalo Bill). Writers Workshop 1-5pm by Twyla Hansen, Nebraska's State Poet, "Playing Around with Words: Poems, Stories, and the Creative Process," registration $50.00 at nebraskawriters.org. Authors 13-25 years old from Kearney south to Highways 6 and 23, west to the Colorado Border, north to Arthur, and east to Broken Bow are invited to submit up to 1000 words to the "Future Great Writers of Nebraska" contest for this location by June 1, 2017. 1st Prize: $350, 2nd Prize: $200, 3rd Prize, $100. One entry per person, first thirty entries will be judged. Email to wayne.anson@gmail.com. (1st Sunday in different cities through August).

• 7/14-15, F-Sa, the Nebraska Book Festival at Constellation Studios (2055 O St, Lincoln) and Union Plaza (Antelope Valley neighborhood, Lincoln). See details at the Facebook Page and at the website for the Book Festival.

• 7/26, W-- 7-8:30pm, Backwaters Press July reading at Gallery 1516 (1516 Leavenworth St, Omaha) featuring Liz Kay, Greg Kosmicki and David Wyatt. For more information, see the Facebook Event page.

• 8/6, Su, 12:30-5pm, Six Corners of Nebraska - Panhandle Southwest event at Kimball Public Library (Kimball). Readings, Author Tables, and two special presenters: Darrel Draper (Nebraska History as Told by Peter Sarpy); Cheryl Paden (Meet Bess Streeter Aldrich). Writers Workshop 1-5pm by N.L. Sharp, "The Rim of the Prairie: A Writing Practice Marathon," registration $50.00 at nebraskawriters.org. Authors 13-25 years old from Henry east to Arthur south to Ogallala and west to the Colorado and Wyoming borders are invited to submit up to 1000 words to the "Future Great Writers of Nebraska" contest for this location by July 1, 2017. 1st Prize: $350, 2nd Prize: $200, 3rd Prize, $100. One entry per person, first thirty entries will be judged. Email to wayne.anson@gmail.com. (1st Sunday in different cities through August).