Since February, I’ve been attending the Open Mics at the Hudson Valley Writers’ Center.
Open Mics are notoriously hit or miss. I’ve been to events that were lively and slammin’, literally and literature-ly slammin,’ with powerful words that knocked me off of my chair or inspired me to be a better poet. I’ve been to readings that were quiet, slow, and introspective, and I’ve left these feeling equally high on art. Truth be told, I’ve also attended some Open Mics that were bad, really bad. I write this last sentence not as a reflection on the work, because obviously art is subjective, and of course ,we all connect with some words or styles more than others. I am talking about behavior and social awareness. What makes a gathering bad is a writer’s blown up ego, her or his unwillingness to play by the rules—like respecting the time limit, having a sense of the audience, and contributing to the mood rather than unsettling it with their own agenda.
Hosting these babies is tough too. You have to be like a Catholic school teacher- firm, fair, and consistent. You have to tell poets warmly that, yes, you will ring a bell if they go over time. After each reader, it’s nice to note something that resonated, to offer supportive feedback, and to thank people for getting up there in the first place.
I’m happy to say that the hostess of the Hudson Valley Writer’s Center is all of the above and more, and for the most part, the writers play nicely together too.
Lorraine is lovely. She’s a kind, witty host and a talented writer. She’s got this Dorothy Parker thing going on in her work, an ability to form couplets with original rhyme, and a style where she spices up topics like love and dating with honest humor. She’s not afraid to show her vulnerability, and she consistently offers positive comments to each reader after they step down from the podium. She’s introducing themes for each month, which I love, because this challenges us to write new material. Best of all, she hopes that writers will gather after the readings to sip and chat at diners or pubs. I love it!
I’ve met some great writers at this event, and I’ve heard poetry and stories that have echoed and stayed with me. The list of good stuff and good people is too long to post here, so I’ll simply close by saying that it’s good to go to an old train station each month, and read in the company of fellow scribblers.
