MK Chavez wasn't kidding when she said there would be a lot of pornography. It wasn't just any kind of porno, either. This was quality, back-up on your hard drive, send to your friends and join the mailing list porno.
I'm talking about Cherry Bleeds, of course, and their third Literary Happy Hour, which took place this past Friday, November 6 at The Knockout.
Chavez and Tony DuShane hosted the event, which honestly was one of the better readings I've been to. Below are the videos of each reading with details and commentary.
When Missy Church-Barrow started the night off with a selection of her poems she made history. Missy is the first pregnant Cherry Bleeds reader. Of all time and space. She's also author of 9 self-published books, some of which you can find here. Missy's email is also there, so send her a shout for more info, or just congratulate her and send sweet wishes. This first poem is called "Six," followed by "Stolen Lines," "Poem in 3 Parts," and my favorite, "Urban Hunting," which includes the line "Your private life rattles my loins." Indeed, something has =)
Next up was Tony DuShane, Cherry Bleeds founder, editor, SFGate bay area music blogger, host of Drinks with Tony, author of the new book Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk, and just plain lovable guy. Here Tony reads an excerpt from the book, which seems to be a tender and comic account of a confused boy in flux. This is Tony's first novel, you guys, and I'm sure we'll be hearing much more about it soon. Available in February from Soft Skull Press, you can preorder by clicking here; it's a great price (only $10) and I'm sure if you send him a line Tony would be glad to sign it, chat for a minute, and send you away with a blessing. When it comes out, that is. Tony's around town, you know, and fairly easy to spot.
Next was an incredible - though allegedly true story callede Zombie Gang-bang, written and read by Raina Bird. This was our first taste of porn for the evening, and a delicious, juicy taste it was. Green latex flesh, strap-ons, and a group of friends ... all engaging in an orgiastic favor. That's what friends are for. (Should I have linked that last sentence to Diane Warwick, anyone?) This reading was special for Raina because Tony was the first one to publish her work, which has now appeared in Zygote in My Coffee, Instant City, and Morbid Curiosity. She has also appeared on Pirate Cat Radio. Join the gang now!
To close out the first set of readings, accomplished Joe Loya read an excerpt from his jailhouse masterpiece The Man Who Grew Out of His Prison Cell: Confessions of a Bank Robber. You can read an excerpt from the book and purchase it here. Joe is currently writing The 7 Things I learned in Prison: A Memoir of the Day I Tried to Live and, based on his readings, I'd say it's worth seeking out. He is organized, insightful, and deft at the craft. Stay tuned!
Now that you've had some more drinks, are well-lubed and think you're ready for even more hot action, prepare to be stunned. Because Meg Day walked onto the stage holding only a drink. No paper. I noticed this immediately as she looked for a place to set her drink and shed her coat. She was comfortable and personable, greeting us with familiarity, and then her face changed, as tho she swiped it with her hand clean of expression, and then launched into a six minute, completely memorized recitation of a piece I believe is called HIV. I think this is probably the most inspiring "reading" I've ever seen.
Meg is a nationally awarded spoken word artist, published poet & badass arts educator who hails from San Diego but is currently earning her MFA at Mills College in Oakland & teaching young poets to hold their own at the mic with Youth Speaks in San Francisco. In 2006 she became San Diego's first queer Spoken Word Grand Champion, a title she held for three years running, and was named by OUT-ART Magazine as one of the nation's "Top 30 Under 30" up-and-coming artists in 2008.
Alright, now you're ready for more porn. In promotion of their new joint flipbook, Karl Koweski and Melissa Hansen read a story each by the other. An o-so fitting duo for you-o, my virginal readers. Melissa read Karl's story "Clown Sex" first - a brilliant account of, well, [title], that includes some really great metaphors and, I thought, a very satisfying portrait of autonomy and need, complete with empathy, lust, acceptance, and sadness that not only clowns keep. Real, honest, impressive.
Karl claims to be the 232nd resident of Alabama to ever read a book, a feat he's accomplished 40x - I don't trust this claim, however, without some form of proof from the other 231. Karl more than proves his end in the monthly column Observations of a Dumb Polack at Zygote in My Coffee, which he co-edits.
Below you will see him read "The Doctor is In," a suspenseful, sensual, downright dialogue between body and doc. Melissa Hansen is quite the writer. She knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat and will shock you with her fierce combination of technique and smut. Yes, fierce combination. The cherry bleeds and the blood will bubble! Click here to read an amazing interview between Karl and Melissa.
Melissa's chapbook Little Beasts has been sold out, so chances are if you want a copy your'e going to have to stay in touch and find her at a reading. She doesn't hide, though, and despite being ever-busy with new projects, will no doubt be reading soon. Read a good review of Melissa's work by MK Chavez here.
So that was the show, folks. I hope we haven't offended anyone with this modest collection of porno. After all, this was just a little happy hour reading. If you think that's amazing, you're fn right. Join the Cherry Bleeds mailing list and keep up with these artists and more.
And, of course, keep checking here for an organized list of my articles, and here for the latest.
Comments
Evan
Thanks for such a great write up! You are one thorough boy.
I hope your days in the city are getting better and better.
Missy
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!