Author Archives: garylongden

Poetry Bites

Posted on May 28, 2011 by garylongden

Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath POETRY Bites is an event which “Behind the Arras” has been meaning to cover for some time. Finally that moment arrived. The venue itself I was familiar with and exudes Bohemian bonhomie. It hosts bands, … Continue reading →

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Spoken Worlds

Posted on May 28, 2011 by garylongden

The Old Cottage Tavern, Burton-on-Trent THE second event at The Old Cottage Tavern, “Spoken Worlds” is settling in now just fine at a venue to which it is well suited. “Behind the Arras” has covered individual performances quite closely in … Continue reading →

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Rhymes – Milton Keynes Invasion

Posted on May 28, 2011 by garylongden

Station Pub, Kings Heath BIRMINGHAM has had more than its fair share of national and international poetry talent in recent months. Lorna Meehan with Rhymes continued that trend by inviting the best of the poetry talent from Milton Keynes to … Continue reading →

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Hope – Benefit for Japan

Posted on May 28, 2011 by garylongden

The Public, West Bromwich THE Public has had a fairly rough ride since opening with criticism both of structure, and purpose. Fortunately, as time progresses, that identity is being found. The theatre and performance space is particularly impressive and was … Continue reading →

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Fizz 8 – The New Polewsorth Poets

Posted on May 19, 2011 by garylongden

This isn’t a review of the event. Bernadette O’Dwyer did a fine job of that for “Behind the Arras” (http://www.behindthearras.com/pubreviews.html). Instead it is a personal reflection on it , with no obligation to be comprehensive, complete, or objective. “Fizz 8” … Continue reading →

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J’Accuse

Posted on May 13, 2011 by garylongden

You fancied me once Fingering me lovingly Running your hands down my spine Stroking me You wanted me so much That you bought me Now I lie discarded Your interest has moved on Abandoned amongst the rest Your expressions of … Continue reading →

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Adelaide Crapsey

Posted on May 13, 2011 by garylongden

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of presenting a little of what I know about Adelaide Crapsey, commonly credited with inventing the Cinquain and being a founder of the Imagist movement to the Lichfield Poets. I post the keypoints, my … Continue reading →

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Parole Parlate

Posted on May 11, 2011 by garylongden

Little Venice, Worcester LAST month’s event was a resounding success with a strong contingent of imported Birmingham talent. This month, promoter Lisa Ventura focused on local talent, and produced a diverse and equally entertaining show. Parole Parlate prides itself on … Continue reading →

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“Hope” Benefit for Japan, The Public, West Bromwich

Posted on May 8, 2011 by garylongden

The Public has had a fairly rough ride since opening with criticism both of structure, and purpose. Fortunately, as time progresses , that identity is being found. The theatre and performance space is particularly impressive, and was a good venue … Continue reading →

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Hit the Ode

Posted on May 6, 2011 by garylongden

Victoria Pub, Birmingham The “Hit the Ode” soubriquet name-checks in parody a 1960’s hit made popular by Ray Charles. But maybe event impresario Bohdan Piasecki should think about re-branding it after Peter Frampton’s 1970’s hit “Something’s Happening” ? Because the … Continue reading →

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