For the last couple of years, there has been a surge in local writers putting out books and getting published, building upon Buffalo’s already stellar literary legacy—but now, a couple poets are determined to make Buffalo a major destination for touring poets from all corners of the country.
Ben Brindise and Bee Walsh are ambitious in their plans to make Buffalo a hot stop for word slingers. As Brindise puts it, “Buffalo has BABEL and the Silo City Reading Series as examples of what is possible when it comes to making Buffalo a poetry destination. If we want more poets and writers to think of Buffalo as a place they want to come and tour, there has to be more opportunities for them to do so.”
Brindise and Walsh are coordinating a new reading series at Resurgence Brewing Co. The first reading of the series is Thursday, September 13 from 6 PM-7:30 PM and features Los Angeles poet, actor, and teacher Jeremy Radin. As an actor, Radin has appeared on several TV shows including ER, CSI, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
This new series will be paired with Caffe Aroma’s bimonthly open mic, giving the touring poet two nights of shows.
Opening for Radin at Resurgence are local poets Rachelle Toarmino, Skyler Jaye and Justin Karcher. The open mic at Caffe Aroma is Wednesday, September 12 from 8 PM-10 PM and will be hosted by Brindise and Karcher. With drink specials all night and some of the best poetry you’ll find anywhere in the city, Caffe Aroma’s open mic is the perfect place to show touring poets