As a recent returnee to the 716, I never would have expected the amount of poetry, art and theater going on around Buffalo and its surrounding towns. In the past few months, I have attended readings, open mics and performances and have to say that I am impressed by the depth and breadth of art and culture at my fingertips. As a writer, I also wanted a piece of the action.
Ready to step into the scene, I decided to attend my first open mic poetry reading event. My heart raced as I pulled up to Cabernet’s on North Ellicott Street in Williamsville for their first poetry reading (readings are second Tuesday of every month at 7pm). I had read about it on Facebook and decided to show up and check it out—all by myself. I rationalized that If I got too overwhelmed, I didn’t actually have to read anything. I could just listen to the other poets, gauge the event and decide if I wanted to read the next time.
As snow drifted from the March sky, I parked and slowly made my way to the front door, peering awkwardly into the windows to make sure I was in the right place. I was met by poet and event organizer, Sinead Tyrone, who welcomed me with open arms despite it being my first time at a live poetry reading. Noticing the fear and apprehension in my eyes, she explained how the evening would transpire and pointed to the sign-up sheet, asking if I had brought something to read.
“I did,” I replied hesitantly, “but it’s prose. Is that okay?”
“Of course,” she said, “and don’t be afraid. Everyone here is kind.”
I wrote my name down on the list and then took a seat. I was much too nervous to eat, but there was a bar full of snacks: cheese and crackers and homemade shortbread. Wine was flowing. The space was cozy and warm. Sinead opened the event with one of her own lovely poems. I listened to several poets before my turn came up. I nervously made my way to the front of the group to read, briefly introducing myself and smiling, then clearing my throat and diving in head first.
What a rush.
Afterwards, everyone clapped and Sinead even hugged me and told me how brave I had been for showing up and sharing my work. I have to say, I kind of loved it.
And she was right: everyone was incredibly kind.
Of course, “Tuesdays at Cabernet,” (second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM), is not the only place to get your dose of poetry. Caffé Aroma on Elmwood Avenue now hosts “Poetry Night at Caffé Aroma,” led by local poets Justin Karcher and Ben Brindise. This reading takes place every other Wednesday at 8:00 PM, with the next installments on April 19th and May 3rd. At 7:30, the sign-up sheet is passed around for anyone wanting to share. Reading time is limited to about five minutes to allow as many poets to share as possible.
When I decided to go for it and read again at Caffé Aroma on March 22nd, I put my name on the sign-up sheet and grabbed myself an Italian soda, nervously taking a seat along the windows. As I listened to all the brilliant readers, I thought to myself: “what am I doing here!? They are all so much better than me,” which then segued into: “actually we’re all so different that I cannot compare myself to anyone.” I was positively surprised at the amount of talent, ranging from beginners who simply wanted to read something they’d found lying in a desk drawer, to Buffalo State College students, to those with their own chapbooks and publications, to experienced slam poets and their jaw-dropping social commentary.
After a half an hour, it was my turn.
GULP.
I sweated and trembled as I read my two pieces, sort of blacking out, but was once again met with applause and support when I finished.
Again: what a rush.
Afterwards, poets and listeners chatted about what they heard or liked and had thought-provoking discussions until Caffè Aroma closed. I came into conversation with people I would not have otherwise met. For me, it was an excellent event to connect with the talented individuals present. Poet Bianca L. McGraw shared this sentiment: “I see open mics as poetic communal readings, but also as a source of networking.” I even returned a second time two weeks later with a bit more confidence.
In life, the first time doing anything is uncomfortable and packed with expectations and unknowns. What I personally didn’t expect at these poetry readings was the outpouring of feedback, support and sense of community. I had entered as an extremely vulnerable, insecure newbie and left with increased confidence, connections and awe at the breadth and depth of art surrounding me. I felt a rush of gratitude and humility. As one observer, Rick Lattimer, commented: “these poetry nights make me feel alive and connected with the city. We walk past dozens of people/strangers each day, and yet, we don’t realize the magic or artistry or insight we each carry. Hearing poems makes me feel connected with the community.”
There are authors and poets lurking everywhere, writing about all sorts of topics, spilling their guts and trying to make sense of the world around them. They rhyme, they shock, they create images—there is so much incredible talent in Western New York as well as visiting poets like Chibbi Orduña, who I had the honor of listening to this past Tuesday at The Gypsy Parlor.
Other upcoming events include “Second Stage Writers – April Edition” on April 15, 7 – 9 PM at the American Repertory Theater of WNY, “The Screening Room Poetry Series” on April 19 at 7:30 PM at The Screening Room in Amherst, “Lyrics and Verse Poetry Slam Event” on April 22 at 6:00 PM at the Reuben-Santiago Hudson Fines Arts Center. For those in search of further information, Robert D. Pohl creates weekly updates of poetry events happening in the area. There is always something going on, especially because April is National Poetry Month.
I’ll end with the wise words of Sinead Tyrone: “…we use poetry as a way of expressing things we feel deeply about, in hopes that something we write will draw a response from the reader/listener, connect with a feeling of memory, inspire the reader/listener to see some aspect of the world in a new light.” For anyone unsure about whether or not one of these events is for them – I say just go for it. If I could muster the courage to read aloud in front of strangers, you certainly can as well. The hosts and participants are warm, welcoming and supportive—and remember: they, too, were once beginners. Give it a try. Come and raise your voice. Connect. Or, just sit in and listen with a beverage. I will be there as well, cheering you on as you step into the brave and vulnerable undertaking of sharing your art.