Poems in two voices

Last week's Words & Ears event in Bradford on Avon was a lovely evening. I'm very grateful to Dawn Gorman for the invite. Carrie Etter's reading of her own new poems and of work by Linda Lamus was very enjoyable, while I was also delighted to have the chance to give Tasting Notes a full run-out (albeit without the wines themselves).

On this occasion, Stephen Payne was my partner in crime for Tasting Notes. He did the blurbs and I did the monologues. Suffice to say, he was excellent. As a consequence, the two voices began to interact, and I was struck by how such poems come alive at readings perhaps more than on the page. Texture and variety are enhanced via aural and oral contrast and comparison. Implicit dialogue becomes explicit.

Reading with Carrie Etter at Words & Ears in Bradford on Avon

On Thursday 28th January, I'll be reading as guest poet alongside Carrie Etter at Words and Ears. The venue is the Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon. Words & Ears is a highly successful, monthly event, and I'm very grateful to the organiser, Dawn Gorman, for the invitation. If you're in the area, I do hope you'll come along: open-mic slots are available, while the entry fee is only three pounds.

Carrie will be reading from her friend and student Linda Lamus' book, A Crater the Size of Calcutta, which was published posthumously by Mulfran Press, while I'll be reading from both Inventing Truth and Tasting Notes, Stephen Payne having very kindly agreed to help me out with the second voice in the latter pamphlet. Of course, both chapbooks are officially sold, but I'll be bringing along a few of my last-remaining copies for sale on the night.

More details can be found on this poster for the event: