Next Catalyst Poetry Open Mic

Lots of fun last night at Al's Bar for the Phantom Billstickers launch of their third series of poetry on posters, on the occasion of Janet Frame's birthday. A bit of an impromptu open mic occurred and Al's famous hospitality was enjoyed by a good crowd of poetry-heads. The Janet Frame literary trust also announced the 2009 winners of the Janet Frame Literary Award:

For Poetry: Geoff Cochrane (latest collection - Pocket Edition)
For Fiction: Alison Wong (her first novel As the Earth Turns Silver out now)

Phew! That's some link-heavy action up there. Let's see some of you down at Al's again this coming Wednesday for Catalyst's open mic.

Catalyst Poetry Open Mic
Wednesday 2nd September, 8pm
Al's Bar, 31 Dundas St (behind Pak n' Scab)
BYO poetry & a sense of adventure!

The Phantom of Janet Frame...

To mark the occasion of Janet Frame's Birthday tomorrow, Phantom Billstickers is launching it's third wave of "Poetry on Posters" which includes Catalyst fave Ben Brown. The winner of the Janet Frame Prize 2009 will also be announced.


“Poetry on the occasion of Janet Frame’s birthday”

Al’s Bar, 31 Dundas Street, Christchurch
Friday 28 August at 5.30pm

There’ll be refreshments and entry is free.
Presented by Phantom Billstickers

Art of Mixology

Ragamuffin Children & Ciaran Fox

Poetry meets Music. They have an affair and the result is beautiful children.
Ragamuffin Children.
As part of Fat Eddie's Art of Mixology series of performances, Ciaran Fox is once again joining the Ragamuffin Children for an evening of music, poetry and spoken word.

Thursday 27th August, 8pm
Fat Eddies
SOL Square
Christchurch

If you missed them in the Christchurch Arts Festival as part of Love Letters in the Margin, now's your chance to experience one of the most sublime pairings to take the stage at the Festival Club in 2009.

Book Launch: Frankie McMillan - Dressing for the Cannibals

Congratulations to local writer and Catalyst friend Frankie McMillan on the release of her first collection of poetry. Sudden Valley Press media release as follows:

Frankie McMillan: Dressing for the Cannibals

Sudden Valley Press

Frankie McMillan's first poetry collection, Dressing for the Cannibals (Sudden Valley Press), will be launched on Thursday 20 August, at 5.30 pm at the Christchurch Central Library, as part of the library's 150th celebrations.

In 2001, Frankie McMillan's short story collection The Bag Lady's Picnic (Shoal Bay Press), described as "dazzling" by the NZ Listener, received widespread critical acclaim. Now Dressing for the Cannibals—described by editor, Michael Harlow, as "full of those surprises that quicken the heart as well as the head"—promises to bring the same excitement to New Zealand poetry.

Described by the Christchurch Press's Poetry Editor, James Norcliffe, as "often surreal, faux-naif and dreamlike" the poems in Dressing for the Cannibals reflect the intriguing cover art by McMillan's daughter, NZ artist Rebecca Harris. As shown so often in her prose, McMillan has a keen, but nonetheless compassionate eye for the eccentricities of human life and nature, as well as a sly but also subversive wit.

Frankie McMillan holds a MA in Creative Writing (with Distinction) from the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University. She held the Creative New Zealand Todd Bursary in 2005 and her poem, My Father’s Balance, won the NZ Poetry Society International Poetry Competition 2009; birthday boy, was runner up in the same competition in 2008. McMillan's short stories have appeared in Best New Zealand Fiction 5 and 6 (Vintage: 2008; 2009) and Essential New Zealand Short Stories (Vintage 2009) and both her poetry and short fiction have been widely published and anthologised. She is currently a creative writing tutor at Hagley Writers' Institute and the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.

In addition to the launch of Dressing for the Cannibals on Thursday 20 August, Frankie McMillan and five guest poets (Bernadette Hall, Michael Harlow, Joanna Preston, David Gregory and Ross Brighton) will read at the Christchurch Central Library, from 12.30-1.30 pm on Friday 21 August, again as part of the library's 150th celebrations.

One-Day Short Story Competition

Writers around Christchurch will be digging out their pens and infusing their creativity as they are offered the chance to take part in the One-Day Short Story Competition next week.

Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch City Libraries, The Cultural Precinct and the NZ Society of Authors have come together to host the event, which is part of the 150th anniversary of public library service in Christchurch.

On Sunday 2 August, adults and youths are invited to Christchurch Art Gallery to collect their competition packs, containing a list of 12 exciting features in the cultural precinct, competition instructions, a map of the cultural precinct and a blank CD.

To take part, participants will need to follow their maps around the cultural precinct, visiting different highlighted features. They must then write a short story, to a maximum of 1500 words that incorporates at least four of the distinctive features visited. Entries must be submitted on CD, and returned to Christchurch Art Gallery by 4pm the same day.

The competition includes two entry groups, youth aged 13-18 years and adults aged 18 upwards. The winner of the youth category receives $250 and their winning story published in The Press, while the winning adult receives $750, their story in The Press, one night at Classic Villa, dinner for two at the Curator’s House and tickets for the Court Theatre.

The one-day short story competition will be judged by well-known authors Kate De Goldi (winner of the 2009 New Zealand Post Book of the Year Award), Gavin Bishop (renowned children's book author and illustrator, who recently set up the Storylines Gavin Bishop Award) and well-known author Sally Blundell.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday 19 August at the Philip Carter Family Auditorium, Christchurch Art Gallery, as part of the free Literary Shorts event.
The One-Day Short Story Competition takes place on Sunday 2 August from 9.30am – 4.30pm. For entry requirements, visit www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

For more information call Emily Davies, Communications Advisor on 03 941 8223

Love Letters in the Margin

The two posters, side by side.

Love Letters in the Margin
Saturday 25th July 5.30pm
Festival Club Tickets $15
Pre-sales available from 0800 TICKETEK

Love Letters in the Margin is a performance by 3 poets and 3 bands - poetry powered by songs powered by poetry. Featuring the poetic prowess of Ben Brown, Marissa Johnpillai and Ciaran Fox paired with the musical muscle of The Eastern, Le Mot Cafe and Ragamuffin Children. The show features on the opening weekend of the Christchurch Arts Festival as part of the Wintergarden programme.

Hear Ciaran talk about the show on Plains FM.

A limited edition CD and programme will be available for sale at the show featuring a recording of a live-to-air broadcast show from Lyttelton's Volcano Radio which includes live performances from the poets, and songs from the bands.

Christchurch Art Gallery One Day Short Story Competition

The Christchurch Art Gallery presents:

One-Day Short Story Competition - Sunday 2nd August
Judged by Kate De Goldi, Gavin Bishop and Sally Blundell, this story-writing competition is open to two age-groups. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 19 August

1 day to write a story based on a choice of the triggers provided by the Gallery.

Age groups
13–17yrs: 1500 words max.
First prize $250 and publication of short story in The Press.

18+yrs: 1500 words max.
First prize $750, publication of short story in The Press, one night at the Classic Villa, dinner for two at the Curator’s House and tickets for the Court Theatre.

9.30am: Register at the Gallery and get an information pack, which includes four of the twelve story triggers from within the Cultural Precinct to get your story started.

4.30pm: Entries handed in (late entries will not be accepted).

Foyer / free / for more information click here or tel: (03) 941 7342

Hymns for Her by Marissa Johnpillai

Book Launch! Hymns for Her by Marissa Johnpillai

Wednesday 22nd July, 5.30pm
Beat Street Cafe
cnr Barbadoes & Armagh Sts

Previous Poetry NZ feature poet and well-known Christchurch performance poet Marissa Johnpillai is launching her first collection of poetry next week at Beat St Cafe (a new venue for us poets so we'll see how it goes - it's in the old wooden bicycle shop building for those of you who know inner city Christchurch.)

With introductions on the night by this year's winner of the open section in the NZ Poetry Society International Competition, Frankie McMillan, who's launching her own latest collection next month and live music by flautist extraordinaire Tamara Smith (Mundi) plus some words by the author herself - should be fun times.

Hymns for Her was funded by Christchurch Creative Communities - staunch stalwarts of local poetry and funders of many an interesting underground literature project (we can't sing their praises enough!)

Marissa can also be seen in the upcoming, not-to-be missed live poetry/music salon Loveletters in the Margin as part of this year's Christchurch Arts Festival Wintergarden programme in the TelstraClear Club. Stay tuned for more info on this amazing one-night-only performance but if you can't wait check out the info here.

Next Catalyst Poetry Open Mic

Catalyst Poetry Open Mic
chasing away the winter gloom since 2003

Wednesday 1st July, 8pm
Al's Bar, 31 Dundas St

Come one, come all. Bring yer words, have fun be fun.

Catalyst Live Poetry - Weds 3rd June, 8pm!

Goodness me! It's time for another one!
Wednesday 3rd June 8pm
Al's Bar, 31 Dundas St
Christchurch

Book Launch: Snake Songs

Our very own Doc Drumheller is launching his latest book, a collection of haiku accompanied by original illustrations by Rua Pick.

The launch will feature live readings by the author and an exhibition of the original artwork by Rua. All welcome to attend.

Snake Songs launch
Wednesday 22nd April 6.30pm
Toko Mata Gallery & Studio 82 Lichfield St

Catalyst: Supporting Brother/Sister Poets Since 2003

Poetry in Performance at the Madras Café Bookshop

Canterbury Poets present - Poetry in Performance Wednesdays at 6.30pm at the Madras Café Bookshop.

The evening will feature an open microphone and guest readers.

18 March: Tim Jones, Fiona Farrell, Victoria Broome
25 March: David Howard, Marissa Johnpillai, Helen Lowe
1 April: Frankie McMillan, Tusiata Avia, Ben Brown - followed by Catalyst 8pm at Al's Bar!!!
8 April: Ian Wedde, Charlotte Trevella, Helen Yong
15 April: Richard Reeve, Diana Deans, John O'Connor
22 April: Bernadette Hall, The Hagley Writers
29 April: Kevin Ireland, Joanna Preston, Koenraad Kuiper

All welcome. licensed and BYO.

cost:

$5 at the door.

dates:

Wed 18 Mar 09, 6:30pm

Wed 25 Mar 09, 6:30pm

Wed 01 Apr 09, 6:30pm

Wed 08 Apr 09, 6:30pm

Wed 15 Apr 09, 6:30pm

Wed 22 Apr 09, 6:30pm

Wed 29 Apr 09, 6:30pm

venue:

Madras Cafe Book Shop, 165 Madras Street, Christchurch

Next Poetry Open Mic

Struggling to find anyone to listen?

Come to Catalyst!
Live Poetry Open Mic
First Wednesday every month
Al's Bar, 31 Dundas St (behind Pak n' Save Moorhouse)

Next open mic:

Wednesday 1st April (no kidding!)
8pm the blackboard's open for bid'ness.

Catalyst: Not Participating in Recessions Since 2003

Well! You heeded the call to arms last month and we carried on in fine style from December. Looking forward to hearing new poetry and seeing new faces next week. Tell all your friends (and even your enemies) - we've got some solutions to the economic crisis of our own. It involves wine...


Literary journal Catalyst hosts the longest continuously running poetry/spoken word night in Christchurch. First WEDNESDAY of EVERY month, all welcome to read, perform or listen. Entry is FREE.

CAUTION! Open Minds Operating

Catalyst Poetry Open Mic Night

Wednesday 4th March, 8pm

Al's Bar, 31 Dundas St
Christchurch

Book Launch - Tusiata Avia

A special notice from our friend about her excellent new book - not to be missed!

Talofa

An open invitation to the book launch of “Bloodclot”, Tusiata Avia’s new book.

Nafanua, the Samoan goddess of war, leaves the underworld to wander the earth as a half-caste girl from Christchurch. “Bloodclot” is the astonishing new automythographical book by the author of “Wild Dogs Under My Skirt”.

Saturday 7 February, 5-8pm
Our City Otautahi, corner of Worcester St & Oxford Tce Christchurch
- part of Iva Pacific Arts Festival 09.

Catalyst: Keeping Our New Year's Resolutions Since 2003

Welcome to the '09!

Catalyst is back in business and raring to go - first open mic of the year - be the first to take the stage for 2009!

After the rip-roaring night we had to see off the year in December we can't wait to see what you've all been busy writing over the summer holidays. It better be GOOD. Anyway, come along, have a few wines - everything's good after that!

First Open Mic for 2009!
Weds 4th February, 8pm
Al's Bar, 31 Dundas St

Catalyst: Giving the gift of poetry since 2003.

Catalyst Christmas Extravaganza!

It’s the last open mic for 2008. Come send out the year in a poetic flourish!

It’s a special Xmas party this month with fabulous prizes (kindly donated by Helen Lowe) for the first ever
Catalyst Open Mic People’s Choice award.
Uncle Al’s putting on some wine specials and we’re discounting fantastic books of poetry at never-to-be repeated prices!

Come get merry with us at Al’s Bar, pick up some books for your family and friends and generally have yourself a time!

Catalyst Xmas Extravaganza
8pm, Al’s Bar 31 Dundas St
Wednesday 3rd December

Next Catalyst Open Mic

Wow! A whole month and no posts! Slap our collective wrist!

Anyway - the news is: The Open Mic this month only will happen on the second Wednesday of November. That is all. Goodnight and good luck.

Catalyst Open Mic
Wednesday 12th November, 8pm
Al's Bar 31 Dundas St
(behind Pak n' Save Our Souls)

Catalyst Poetry Open Mic

Yes! There is an open mic this week!!!

Wednesday 1st October 8pm sign up!
Al's Bar, 31 Dundas St (behind Pak n' Scab)

Be there or be Beached As!