WEALTH OF IDEAS

Joanna Biggar at North Natomas Library SACRAMENTO, CALIF.: The North Natomas Library & Sacramento Poetry Center's International Poetry Tour featured novelist Joanna Biggar reading excerpts from her debut novel, "That Paris Year". This installation of the reading series was in celebration of Bastille Day, which is done worldwide in honor of French culture. Biggar's appearance, therefore, was perfect for the occasion. Jennifer Pickering, reading her poem "Juggler of Fire". She wrote this poem in France last year, when she travelled there with her husband. The reading started with an open mic, which featured Jennifer Pickering and Andrea Roberge. I also got to read Comrade Fatso's "Dambudzo", since I happened to be carrying 'Moving Spirit: The Legacy of Dambudzo Marechera in the 21st Century'. Jennifer and Andrea read a bilingual poem (English & French) entitled 'Juggler of Fire/Jongleur de Feu'. Andrea Robe...

Last Saturday, June 23, I hosted poet Samuel Iniguez at the North Natomas Library. This was the first in a series of events to be held at the library until the end of July, co-hosted by Frank Graham and I. Sam Iniguez treated the audience to some of his best poems dating back to his graduate schools days in San Francisco. He was joined in the performance by two of his friends who are musicians. Samuel Iniguez and his wife arriving at the North Natomas Library for the inaugural reading of the 2012 International Poetry Tour. Iniguez's poetry deals with issues ranging from history, agency, self-determination, especially of his (Chicano) people, social justice, and they are search as well as a form of identitarian validation. As a teacher, Iniguez has been able to embrace for his poetry the unique experiences of his students, and he writes with a compassionate voice. Iniguez in action More information about the Series A set of five summer Saturday SPC literary eve...