This ain’t your mama’s book club.
UofO’s Buzz coffee shop hosts an open-mic poetry read on Monday nights during the school year. The poetry ranges across styles, topics and abilities. It’s raucous but respectful. So far we haven’t been arrested, but I swear most nights we’re trying.
“It’s Shakespeare… with a strap-on!”
(Robin Williams, but not about the read. The line just seemed apt.)
I’ve been a regular there since 2001, and tonight will be my first night back for this year. According to one of my friends, there have been standing-room-only crowds the first couple of sessions since term started. The crowd is what makes The Buzz read stand out. It’s also the crowd that keeps it worthwhile and fresh for this snotty content monkey, and I’m saying that with 3 years worth of Buzz sessions under my belt.
People go to the Buzz to try their hand, to get something off their chest, to refine their craft. No matter who or what though, the audience is supportive. You might suck like crazy, but people will clap and give you props just for getting up there. And that’s as it should be — if they’re getting up there, respect that, regardless of your thoughts on the poem. You can chat about it with them later, and from there they can refine, practice and improve.
New year, new blood
Well, I have printouts and a need for caffeine — time to get buzzed. I’m curious to see the new crowd; many people once considered pillars of the scene have moved. New blood is a good, good thing, and I can’t wait to see how this year shapes up.
BTW, expect more, much more, to come on the poetry scene in Eugene. You’ll be surprised at how much is going on in this wee city shoved up in the out-there of the Northwest.
The skinny
- Where: The Buzz Coffee Shop, EMU, University of Oregon campus, Eugene, OR
- Signup: There’s a list in the Buzz (or also check the Break, next door). Sign up when you can.
- When: Monday nights during term, from 8:30-ish till the list is done. Or midnight. Ish.
- Who can read? Anyone who has something to offer and it’s poetry, preferably their own but interpretations are okay.
- Style? Genre? Any. Or none, depending on your muse.
- Rules? Don’t be a dick to the poet on the mic. While not a rule, most people read 3 poems or less. Otherwise, anything goes.
- Insider tip: About halfway through the read there’ll be a “smoke break” where all the nicotine-freaks pile outside. The read continues, and things get even crazier when there are no walls.
