Category Archives: Texas

Kat Copeland and Laurel Santiago’s- Permian Basin, Texas 2022

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Antoinette Franklin- San Antonio, Texas 2021

Hosted by Antoinette Franklin at the Carver Library, 1 to 3pm Flo Davis played piano and sang Connie Coleman Sandra Fergins Thomasine Johnson Edward Files Eduardo Garza Sor Juana Antoinette Franklin Joann Hangover sang

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Kat Copeland and Laurel Santiago-Midland, Texas and Monahans, Texas 2021

Kat Copeland and Laurel Santiago Two events in August: Midland College on 8/19 and Hill Park in Monahans, TX on 8/21.  Permian Basin Poetry Society, Midland, TX  

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Nicole M. Metts- Central Texas Writers Society-Copperas Cove, TX 2021

Nicole M. Metts- Copperas Cove, TX meeting Friday Sept. 24th 8pm-9:30pm at Lil Tex

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Philip Drexler-Read A Poem To A Child-Austin State Hospital 2019

Philip Drexler philip.drexler@gmail.com I will be reading from Louise Bogun’s Golden Treasury to the kids at Austin State Hospital on Sept 25th!

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John Sullivan- Shock Worker Poets Theater -Galveston, TX 2019

Organizer: John Sullivan Contact: tangomac90@gmail.com  Banned Books Reading (Poetry & Fiction) Unitarian Church is hosting Banned Books Reading / my personal group is Shock Worker Poets Theater   We have 5-7 minute excerpts from 15 banned books scheduled for reading … Continue reading

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Nicole M Metts Central Texas Writers Society, Copperas Cove, TX 2019

Nicole M Metts  Nicolemmetts@gmail.com Central Texas Writers Society  Sept. 27th 8-9:30 at our Lil Tex Restaurant, 502 S Main St, Copperas Cove, TX 76522

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Laurel Lee Chipp –September 14th, at Ginsler Auditorium in Wickett, Texas 2019

Laurel Lee Chipp –thesparklers100@gmail.com Monahans, Texas (also Odessa host), September 14th, at Ginsler Auditorium in Wickett, Texas.

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Donna J. Snyder-Tumblewords Project, El Paso, Texas 2019

Tumblewords Project wishes to continue our involvment with 100T Poets for Change, as we have since the beginning.  As always we will devote a workshop in our weekly workhop series to political writing.  This year will be presented by Rachel … Continue reading

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Laurel Lee Chipp and Kat Copeland 100,000 Poets for Positive Change Ward County 2019 Monahans, Texas

ORGANIZERS: Laurel Lee Chipp and Kat Copeland CONTACT: –thesparklers100@gmail.com        Anytime prior to MONDAYS broadcasts, you can READ A POEM TO A CHILD via VOICE MESSAGE https://anchor.fm/laurel-chipp/messageOr email poem to wtxtradeshow@gmail.com Thank you so much! If you click on … Continue reading

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Kat Copeland and Laurel Lee Chipp- Midland/ Odessa, Texas 2019

 Contact: Laurel Lee Chipp –thesparklers100@gmail.com     

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Daniel García Ordaz- Rio Grande Valley, Texas 2019

ORGANIZER: Daniel García Ordaz CONTACT: poetmariachi@hotmail.com Artists and writers from the Rio Grande Valley of deep S. Texas will once again be part of the global chain of events linking us together with compatriots across the world to shine the … Continue reading

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John Sullivan, Read A Poem To A Child and “Banned Books Reading” September 20th at the Unitarian Universalists Church Galveston, Texas 2018

ORGANIZER: John Sullivan CONTACT: tangomac90@gmail.com READ A POEM TO A CHILD: “The Owl and The Pussycat”   Banned Books Week in Galveston (a 100K Poets for Change Affiliated Event) September 17th – 22nd   2018   Celebrate Our Freedom to Read … Continue reading

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Donna Snyder- Tumblewords Project- El Paso, Texas 2018

ORGANIZER: Donna Snyder CONTACT: tumblewordsproject@yahoo.com Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM MDT 3200 Copper Ave, El Paso, TX 79930-4304, United States                 Tumblewords Project presents – 100 Thousand Poets … Continue reading

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Viktoria Valenzuela- San Antonio, Texas

ORGANIZER: Viktoria Valenzuela CONTACT: queenviktory@yahoo.com   Poster Art by Nicol Bowles Layout design by Viktoria Valenzuela and poem on the art is by Maria Sabina.

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Kat Copeland Midland/Odessa (Permian Basin) Texas 2018

Organizer: Kat Copeland Contact: kopykat@grandecom.net Michael Guinn, Youth and Adult Poetry Slams www.mikeguinn.biz

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Nicole Metts-Central Texas Writers Society-Copperas Cove, Texas

ORGANIZER: Nicole Metts CONTACT: Themed “Unity in the Community”. We will be covering topics of peaceful , equality, change, unity and sustainability. Poets, writers, and artists will share their words with you and have fun activities planned for the whole … Continue reading

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Ace Theodore II and Leslie Council – South Texas/El Paso-Texas 2017

ORGANIZER: Ace Theodore II and Leslie Council CONTACT: info@virtuosoacts.com

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Tumblewords Project – Donna Snyder – El Paso, Texas

ORGANIZER: DONNA SNYDER CONTACT: tumblewordsproject@yahoo.com

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Rain Flowa – Causa Unidos, Houston, Texas 2017

ORGANIZER:Rain Flowa CONTACT: ladybinx@gmail.com   Underground Merger & P.P. Radio Presents 100,000 Poets for Change Friday, Sept 29 6-9 pm upstairs at the Midtown Bar and Grill 415 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019 Free event All ages …………. spoken … Continue reading

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Elizabeth Smyser – Abilene, Texas 2017

ORGANIZER: Elizabeth Smyser CONTACT:

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Viktoria Valenzuela- San Antonio, Texas 2017
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This gallery contains 41 photos.

Organizer: Viktoria Valenzuela Contact: queenviktory@yahoo.com        Video and Zine created by Viktoria Valenzuela Black and white photos by Dr. Octavio Quintanilla Color photos by Viktoria Valenzuela and audience members (More images uploaded as they come in).

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Tammy Melody Gomez – Fort Worth, Texas 2017

ORGANIZER: Tammy Melody Gomez CONTACT: sound_culture@hotmail.com  

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Joseph Machado, Billie Duncan and Robin Davidson- Houston, Texas 2017

ORGANIZER: Billie Duncan, Robin Davidson, Joseph Machado CONTACT: spinword@aol.com, DavidsonR@uhd.edu  

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Edward A. Vidaurre – McAllen, Texas 2017

ORGANIZER: Edward A. Vidaurre CONTACT: edwardvidaurre13@yahoo.com    

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Justin Booth- Austin, Texas 2017

ORGANIZER: Justin Booth CONTACT: djustinbooth@gmail.com    

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Kat Copeland- Midland/Odessa (Permian Basin), Texas 2017

Organizer: Kat Copeland

Contact: kopykat@grandecom.net

2017 – 100,000 Poets for Change and the Permian Basin Poetry Society
Midland/Odessa Texas

Kat Copeland, Reporting:

The Permian Basin Poetry Society sponsored the 100,000 Poets for Change (Global) event on September 30th, locally, in downtown Odessa, Texas from 7 pm – midnight. The house was packed. The positive support and sharing by the poets, musicians, visual artists, and audience was astounding. The feel was electric and enthusiast, an eclectic crowd. In spite of the constant rain all day – and flooding.
Dee’s is the perfect artsy venue, brick building from the 1940s, the former Ector County Library and Presidential Museum. It includes brick floors, decor of antiques and collectibles.

Our dual talented emcees, who are also musicians, were Ernesto Calderon and Kyle Youngblood. An additional singer and five bands of multiple genres performed.
Poetry/spoken word artists were: Shaobeny Chanprell, David Limer from Amarillo, Ashley Alley, Amanda Rudloff, Ann Swan, Lorrie Norris, Courtney Simpson, Martha Zulema Barraza, Kionne Lewis, Vince Angeles, Josh Weir, Isaiah Mata, Jared Madrigal, BoUdre Williams, Angel Sanchez, Kat Copeland, comics Adam Rhee and Lubbockite Jesus Herrera.

Fifteen visual artists, including multi-talented poets and other artists displayed in the gallery, including Jim Waddell from Denton, Texas.

Authors were welcomed to do book signings. Merchandise was available.
Also performing was Cynthia Ruby (Michelle Hall Pfalzgraf), published poet and visual artist, who arranged for Beth Atkins, reporter for UTPB’s “Mesa Journal” to interview the artists. Video was done by Isaiah Villafranco, Michelle Hall Pfalzgraf, and others. Our 100 tpc flyer on Facebook received 23,000 likes.
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Kat Copeland, organizer photo

 

 

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Mesa Journal article: Permian Basin Poetry Society Presents 100,000 Poets for Change

This is an article I wrote for UTPB’s online newspaper, The Mesa Journal. I am currently the Arts & Entertainment writer for the newspaper, but I wanted to have another place to share my articles where I can also share writings that I am not writing for The Mesa Journal. This is a review I wrote on my city’s 100 Thousand Poets for Change event which occurred on September 30, 2017. Please enjoy and come back for more writings. I hope to share movie reviews and some local arts & entertainment news here and possibly some of my creative writing. When my articles are published by my editor onto The Mesa Journal’s website, I will edit its respective entry here on my blog, and add the link to it. Anyway, enjoy this review of my city’s 100 Thousand Poets for Change event!

Permian Basin Poetry Society Presents 100,000 Poets for Change

Written by Beth Atkins.

The Permian Basin Poetry Society held its annual 100 Thousand Poets for Change event at Dee’s Bistro in downtown Odessa on Saturday, September 30, 2017. 100 Thousand Poets for Change is a non-profit organization, started in 2011, which reaches out to communities all over the world to hold poetry, music, and art gatherings in their own areas. The organization advocates reconnection among community members through the arts; by fostering solidarity, their goal is to promote political, social, and environmental change that would lead to peace and sustainability around the world. Kat Copeland of the Permian Basin Poetry Society organized our local event, and collected food and monetary donations for the West Texas Food Bank.

Odessa’s 100 Thousand Poets for Change 2017 event included diverse artists from all over Texas and some other states, including Oklahoma. Performers, artists, and patrons of all different ethnicities and backgrounds gathered to share in the celebration of free expression and creativity. There was a visual arts exhibit featuring paintings and photography, as well as an open mic event which featured poetry and prose readings, musical performances, comedic acts, and even couture and kinetic art.

 

 
Figure 1. “Suicide,” by David Limer.

I spoke briefly with two visual artists whose work was on display at the event. David Limer of Amarillo, Texas had four acrylic paintings at the exhibit; one entitled “Suicide” is pictured here in Figure 1. Limer is also a poet, with two published books entitled “My Blood, My Tears” and “Real Thought in Real Time,” and I was lucky enough to hear him read some of his poetry at the open mic event. From his poetry reading and the small discussion I had with him about his paintings, I gathered that a theme common to both his art and poetry was the recognition and condemnation of cruel behaviors in our society which can alienate people, and lead some to depression and suicide. Other published writers who read at the open mic event included local poet Cynthia Ruby and novelist Ann Swann.

 
Figure 2. “Within Yourself” (Top Left), “Out of the Darkness” (Bottom Left), and “Waking Up,” by Emma Lee.

Emma Lee, an Odessa native, was another visual artist who I spoke to briefly. Her painting “Waking Up,” pictured here on the right side of Figure 2, explores the idea of people becoming “faceless silhouettes” as a result of being too wrapped up in the turmoil of modern life to stop and witness the beauty around them. Her other featured paintings, also pictured here, promote reliance on “the light within” oneself as a faithful resource for creativity and personal development.

Among the musical performances were two local bands, The Corbell Blues Band and a group of youngsters called the king of infinite space and the indifferent children of the earth (yes, you read it right, and, yes, the lack of capitalization is intentional). The Corbell Blues Band put out a lot of fun energy and had frequent crowd interaction. Brian Corbell, one of the guitarists and vocalists, had a very unique voice which I enjoyed and found thoroughly bluesy. For their finale, Brian introduced a new instrument to the show: a shovel (yes, as in the tool you use to dig holes) which had been converted into a 3-string guitar! It was a surprising and amusing addition to their set, and the shovel sounded great (that’s certainly a sentence you don’t hear every day!).

The next band, the king of infinite space and the indifferent children of the earth, was a band of very young musicians: three of them are still juniors at Midland High School, while one, the percussionist, is a freshman at West Texas A&M. Two of the members, Harrison and Christopher, switch between bass and guitar, while Hadn is the vocalist and Balin, the percussionist.

 
Figure 3. Indie band the king of infinite space and the indifferent children of the earth performing at Odessa’s 100 Thousand Poets for Change, 2017.

All of the songs performed by the king of infinite space… were original compositions, except for one: a spot-on cover of the Violent Femmes song “Blister in the Sun.” The band exhibited expert command of their instruments, rhythm, and on-stage communication, often switching from faster tempos to slower ones in an instant, with just a glance exchanged between them. Their songs featured complex rhythms and endearing melodies. The singer’s voice had a timbre which I would describe as a wonderful combination of Robert Plant and Gordon Gano. This band was captivating, and their sound as a whole had a grungy, folk punk quality. I hope very much to see more performances by them, or a demo release in the future.

I am including at the end of this article a list of all the performers who appeared on the printed program; I am doing this because I could not get to everyone who participated in the event, and I think they all deserve recognition for such a wonderful showcase of talent and creativity. It was encouraging to see so many people in attendance to show support for the local art community.

Please check out the Permian Basin Poetry Society’s Facebook for future events; Kat Copeland stated that they try to hold open mic nights in the Odessa-Midland area at least once a month. Kat also made it clear to me that she is a big advocate for freedom of expression, stating “everyone has a right to express their creativity and to express themselves.” Therefore, she would love to see even more participants in Permian Basin Poetry Society events, and welcomes artists of all different backgrounds.

Make sure you check out 100 Thousand Poets for Change, and definitely consider attending or even performing in next year’s event, which will likely take place the last weekend of September, 2018.

Performers and Artists of Odessa’s 2017 100 Thousand Poets for Change event:

Emcees: Ernesto Calderon, Kyle Trueblood; Music:Corbell Blues Band, the king of infinite space and the indifferent children of earth, Kyle Trueblood, Regina Bejarano, Dorian Guerro, Murder Monroe, The S.E.E., Maul; Poetry/Spoken Word: Shaobeny Chanprell, David Limer, Amanda Rudloff & Shelby w/ Bella, Ann Swann, Lorrie Norris, Courtney Simpson, Martha Zulema Barraza, Isaiah Mata, Kionne Lewis, Vince, Cynthia Ruby, Laron Wright, Patrick Gesch, Tabara Williams, Triston Lee, Isaiah, Jared Madrigal, BoUdre; Comedy: Adam Rhee; Couture: Lorrie Norris; Kinetic Art: The VooDoo Child; Paintings:Marilyn Benefield, Bitty, Lauren Christine, Taylor Jones, Veronika Kot, Emma Lee, David Limer, Michaela, Adam Rhee, Cynthia Ruby, Jim Waddell;Photography: Dana L Bryson, Ryan Fryoux, Courtney Simpson; Videographer: Isaiah Villafranco.

 

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Theresa Rawlings – Alvin, Texas 2016

ORGANIZER: Theresa Rawlings CONTACT: rawlings.theresa@hotmail.com

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Billie Duncan- Houston, Texas 2016

ORGANIZER: Billie Duncan CONTACT: spinword@aol.com   Houston’s 100 Thousand Poets for Change and 100 Thousand Musicians for Change will recognize the international day of celebration with a 100TPC & 100TMC blended performance and concert featuring readings by top Houston poets … Continue reading

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Caleb Hendricks- Lubbock Poetry Movement Lubbock, Texas 2016

ORGANIZER: Caleb Hendricks CONTACT: lubbockpoetry@gmail.com GROUP: Lubbock Poetry Movement LOCATION: Tornado Gallery Time and Date: September 24,  6-9pm   Come on out and support your community!! We’ve been asked again to host for the 100 Thousand Poets for Change.. an … Continue reading

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C. Lynn Carden A.K.A. HAPPY DAZE POET – Texas City, Texas 2016

Organizer: Lynn Carden A.K.A. HAPPY DAZE POET Contact: happydazepoet.lynn.lc@gmail.com

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Jenuine Poetess-Waco Poets Society & Black Poets Society Waco, Texas 2016

    ORGANIZER: Jenuine Poetess CONTACT: jenuinepoetess@gmail.com ORGANIZATION: Waco Poets Society & Black Poets Society

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Sandi Horton- Hot Poet Society- Waco, Texas 2016

ORGANIZER: Sandi Horton Texas CONTACT: Shorton_mail@Yahoo.com STAFF PHOTO—JERRY LARSON HOT Poets Society organizers Cassy Burleson and Sandi Horton plan to expand options to read, write and hear poetry through their new organization. “100 Thousand Poets for Change” When, where: 2-4 … Continue reading

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Kat Copeland- Midland/Odessa (Permian Basin), Texas 2016

Organizer: Kat Copeland

Contact: kopykat@grandecom.net

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Weasel- Weasel Press, Houston, Texas 2015

ORGANIZER: Weasel CONTACT: systmaticwzl@gmail.com   Saturday, September 26 at 6:00pm – 8:45pm in CDT Next Week · 91°F / 70°F Clear Te House of Tea 1927 Fairview St, Houston, Texas 77019 Join us for the 100 Thousand Poets of Change event on … Continue reading

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Billie Duncan-Houston, Texas 2015

ORGANIZER: Billie Duncan CONTACT: spinword@aol.com    

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Donna Snyder & Sheela Wolford-Tumblewords Project, El Paso, Texas 2015

Organizer: Donna Snyder & Sheela Wolford Contact: tumblewordsproject@yahoo.com or wolfordfindyourvoice@gmail.com

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Edward A. Vidaurre -McAllen, Texas 2015

ORGANIZER: Edward A. Vidaurre CONTACT: edwardvidaurre13@yahoo.com    

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Viktoria Valenzuela- San Antonio, Texas 2015

This gallery contains 15 photos.

Organizer: Viktoria Valenzuela Contact: queenviktory@yahoo.com      

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Jenuine Poetess-Waco, Texas 2015

Organizer: Jenuine Poetess Contact: jenuinepoetess@gmail.com

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Charles Taylor -Kyle, Texas 2015

ORGANIZER: Charles Taylor CONTACT: mysticpoetics@gmail.com

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C. Lynn Carden-Happy Daze Poet-Texas City, Texas 2015

Organizer: C. Lynn Carden-Happy Daze Poet Contact: happydazepoet.lynn.lc@gmail.com

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Caleb Hendricks and Sarazann Greenwood – Lubbock Poetry Movement- Lubbock, Texas 2015

Organizer: Caleb Hendricks and Sarazann Greenwood via Lubbock Poetry Movement Contact: lubbockpoetry@gmail.com      

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Dustin Pickering-Clear Lake City, Texas 2014

ORGANIZER: Dustin Pickering CONTACT: desireofdogs@gmail.com LOCATION: NOKturne, 17062 Saturn Ln., 77058 TIME: Begins at 6:30 PM Sherita Perez on acoustic guitar, Brian Kehinde (Iraqi War Veteran) with poetry, Lynn Carden (aka Happy Daze Poet) with poetry, Billie Hill with poetry accompanied … Continue reading

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Kat Copeland- Midland/Odessa (Permian Basin), Texas 2014

10647114_10204235286589575_1973594918243365918_nOrganizer: Kat Copeland

Contact: kopykat@grandecom.net

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PERMIAN BASIN BEYOND ANTHOLOGY: Master anthology columns 158 v11

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Rain Flowa-Houston, Texas 2014

Organizer: Rain Flowa Contact:  ladybinx@gmail.com

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Edward A. Vidaurre -McAllen, Texas 2014

ORGANIZER: Edward A. Vidaurre CONTACT: edwardvidaurre13@yahoo.com        

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Georgina Cecelia Perez- El Chuco-El Paso, Texas 2014

ORGANIZER: Georgina Cecelia Perez- El Chaco CONTACT: TuLibro915@gmail.com Tu Libro (www.TuLibro915.com), is a community literacy program. El Paso is the 19th largest city in the nation and we are ranked 3rd least literate. The Chicana/o-Latina/o student drop out rate is 54%. 13 … Continue reading

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Charles Taylor -Austin, Texas 2014

ORGANIZER: Charles Taylor CONTACT: mysticpoetics@gmail.com

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Mia DeSilva The Spice Project- Houston, Texas 2014

Organizer: Mia DeSilva Contact: thespiceproject@yahoo.com

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Christopher Carmona -McAllen, Texas 2014

ORGANIZER: Christopher Carmona CONTACT: christophercarmonapoet@gmail.com

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Donna Snyder & Robin Scofield–Tumblewords Project, El Paso, Texas 2014

Organizer: Donna Snyder & Robin Scofield Contact: tumblewordsproject@yahoo.com or robinsco321@gmail.com

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Waco, Texas 2014

Got something to sing, say, or tell about change? Join this GLOBAL moment as Waco raises voices in solidarity with the world on Saturday September 27, 2014 ~ 7pm ~ Waco Convention Center ~ WordFest Stage. Artists of all ages, … Continue reading

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Viktoria Valenzuela- San Antonio, Texas 2014

Organizer: Viktoria Valenzuela
Contact: queenviktory@yahoo.com

Viktoria Valenzuela

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Billie Duncan-Houston, Texas 2014

ORGANIZER: Billie Duncan

CONTACT: spinword@aol.com

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The kickoff for Houston’s events for the international 100 Thousand Poets for change is at University of Houston Downtown, Wednesday, September 24, at UHD Coffee House. The event will feature top-notch poets as well as music, dance and art, as the creative community comes together to express a desire for a kinder, cleaner and more just Earth for everyone.

Poets appearing are (in alphabetical order):

Merrilee Cunningham (featured reader)

Sara Cooper

Jane Creighton

Billie Duncan

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Mike Hilbig

Sharon Klander

Lupe Mendez

Lisa Morano

Amir Safi

It is free and open to the public.

There will be an after-party at notsuoH, 314 Main.

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Mia DeSilva The Spice Project- Houston, Texas 2013

Organizer: Mia DeSilva Contact: thespiceproject@yahoo.com

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Perla Ramirez- Houston, Texas 2013

ORGANIZER: Perla Ramirez CONTACT: perla.ramirez@aol.com

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Sarahummingbird Johson-El Paso, TexaS 2013

ORGANIZER: Sarahummingbird Johson CONTACT: sahara@elp.rr.com

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Christopher Carmona -McAllen, Texas 2013

ORGANIZER: Christopher Carmona CONTACT: christophercarmonapoet@gmail.com

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Daniel Garcia Ordaz-Rio Grande Valley, TX 2013

Organizer: Daniel Garcia Ordaz Contact: wegotwords@hotmail.com

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Viktoria Valenzuela- San Antonio, Texas 2013

image collaboration by Daniela Riojas and Nicolas Valdez

 

Videos:

Carmen Tafolla at 100 TPC SATX

Roberto Vargas at 100 TPC SATX

The Valenzuela Brothers at 100 TPC SATX

Anastacio Palomo with The Jazz Poets

 

Poetry:
 
The Blues, the Whites, and the Reds (the Red, White, and Blue)
by, Eric Murillo
During this nations early days the cotton gins increased
the amount that slaves could produce many times more
And my sister is treated like a whore; touch her breasts to see if she can produce
For that master, for that money

 

Nearby they marching with shackles, somber like the start of a funeral march
Death comes to some during that long walk

 

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase expanded American freedom for white men
And slavery creates more wealth that surely is a sin

 

Stolen lands and slavery are the source of our great prosperity
Yea the blues were born in this great land
Where humankind failed to recognize its own humanity
The racial divide did not afford certain people the wealth of Henry Ford
We got a history you see, that we bury in flags and brilliant Fourth of July skies

 

Pickin’ cotton
Livin on that ol’ plantation
Where the Southern gentleman played god

 

Yea this is the land of the blues, the whites and the reds

 

How does a child understand slavery?
When at the end of the whip is another being

 

Elegance and manners, proper Southern behavior
While outside with the light of the moon they work like machines

 

Political power comes from great wealth
And George Washington was just one in a line of slave holders to sit in the White House
Insure your slaves and head to Wall Street
Lords of the loom and lords of the lash
Built this country of blues, whites, and reds

 

Where the red human is killed in genocidal blues,
lusting for gold kinda blues, and it’s a cancer

 

And the white man grows stronger with each and every lash of the black back
And the expansion of the right to own property
Universal rights, equality, liberty, and justice for all

 

But in 2011 in this country Troy Anthony Davis had none
In 2012 Manuel Diaz
This year, Trayvon Martin had none
Every day, our sisters have none…

 

The land of the blues
The Whites
And the Reds

 

Where not long ago ships arrived on magnificent shores
Bearing strange fruit indeed
Cuz on rotten ships arrive rotten men
Lusting for wealth beyond humanity
Full of the insanity
That civilized this great country
With guns and disease
And a male dominated society

 

Freedom bells ring loud
And the Declaration of Independence stands proud
Independence without freedom if you ain’t the right kind

 

Wage labor arrives in great droves, hungry, thirsty, and tired
Where they stratify to satisfy the thirst of savage souls
You see, the white human being of a certain status was marginalized, exploited,
and told to fight with me
Nothing gained cuz we’re neighbors in poor ghettos, striking out at each other like desperate mice
in this trapdoor game with nothing to gain

 

The Mexican war was about expansion of slavery
In a land where Morelos and Guerrero had proudly shed the chains of that dreadful practice
But the land was worth much and in need of a new master
The compromise of 1850 sure smells a lot like SB1070

 

Gather up them slaves
Gather up them Mexicans

 

Round em up string em up
Along this trail of American ideals
On ancient trees that speak the truth
And whisper silent blues
To the workers in the fields
Toiling under dehumanizing conditions
Just like Juanita and her familia today

 

The Supreme Court justice proved justice was a farce in Dred Scott vs. Sandford
Held captive to a US Army captain
He offered to pay for his families’ freedom, when denied he tried to use the system
Instead the court said that his skin was a sin and he was nothing more than property
Shameful stain on liberty

 

It was because the wealth and grandeur of a folk was deemed more important

 

And that freedom that was born here
Still gives me the blues
As Wall Street still sells humans
And we celebrate their wealth
And their liberty to live above humanity

 

In this land of the blues, the whites and the reds.
 
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United we sit and watch tv
raised to believe everything we see
and take it to heart

 

We are a nation oppressed by corporate intent
One nation partitioned under God’s borderless tent
Responding to mass produced conventional wisdom
Terrified the terrorists will blow us to kingdom come.
With mass hysteria befitting our conditioned attitudes
Well endowed politicians hypnotize with false platitudes.

 

I did not learn this
By listening to the worldwide news
All the reporters reporting the same agenda
All the underwriters undermining personal security
All the commentary leading to one universally understood conclusions: That’s the way it is: love it or leave it.
The two party system is anchored in concrete devised by our forefathers to make us feel equal while securing the power in the vested elite.
Two parties, one oligarchy, that’s the America we know and trust
God help us if the grid goes bust.
Our democracy functions best without “radical” influences
Stay tuned to the news and its coordinated confluences.

 

Before you exclaim, “Say it ain’t so, Joe!” my name is Gary and you really should know today’s poem is sponsored by Monsanto. The following things, we want you to know, are given: Nuclear power is dangerous, but technology will make it safe. Eventually. Most likely. Oil rules, and the only acceptable ethanol comes from corn. Low taxes make a great country – everyone should hate paying taxes. The United States is the most powerful country on earth. Threaten us and we will scorch everything you are worth. But you and I, we know better. United we sit and feel superior
Reading “the truth” in our feng-shued interiors.
We buy organic, cage-free food from local farmers.
We raise healthy kids, supplementing education with arts, wisdom and care.
We speak up. We vote. We wear natural fabrics, bike and recycle.
We appreciate wise and reasonable pundits delivered by chosen media.
We read. We create art. We express an optimistic aura of fairess and stuff.

 

We do not want to believe that it’s too late.
We lean in. We speak, write and accept responsibility for our opinion enough to actively advocate.

 

Some are willing to stand before pipeline bulldozers, backed by many thoughtful pray-ers.

 

We arrest the environmental degradation by preserving green space and observing best practices.

 

As our children become adults
we marvel at their clear willingness to face the challenge. Some of us are pure. Some of us.

 

United we sit watching lit screens, each peering into a machine to engage faraway friends through pixelated images bounced off satellites 10,000 feet in the air, blithely unaware of those closest to us.

 

United we sit and watch tv.
by Gary Whitford (2013)
 
**************************************************************************************
 
With God on Our Side – Bob Dylan (with additional lyrics by Don Mathis marked by*)
     by Don Mathis

 

Oh my name it is nothin’
My age it means less
The country I come from
Is called the Midwest
I’s taught and brought up there
The laws to abide
And the land that I live in
Has God on its side.

 

Oh the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged
The Indians fell
The cavalries charged
The Indians died
Oh the country was young
With God on its side.

 

The Spanish-American
War had its day
And the Civil War too
Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes
I’s made to memorize
With guns on their hands
And God on their side.

 

The First World War, boys
It came and it went
The reason for fighting
I never did get
But I learned to accept it
Accept it with pride
For you don’t count the dead
When God’s on your side.

 

When the Second World War
Came to an end
We forgave the Germans
And then we were friends
Though they murdered six million
In the ovens they fried
The Germans now too
Have God on their side.

 

In the nineteen-sixties
came the Vietnam War
Can somebody tell me
what we’re fightin’ for?
So many young men died
So many mothers cried
Now I ask the question
Was God on our side?

 

I’ve learned to hate Russians
All through my whole life
If another war comes
It’s them we must fight
To hate them and fear them
To run and to hide
And accept it all bravely
With God on my side.
* Things are different today
in this new century.
It’s so hard to figure
who is our enemy.
Can’t trust our lawmakers.
You know they have lied
while the media tells us
that God’s on our side.
* From this Midwestern boy
to the Mid-Eastern son,
it all seem so simple
to distrust the Muslim.
The truth is so slippery
and facts, they will slide.
But one thing’s for certain.
His God’s on his side.
But now we got weapons
Of the chemical dust
If fire them we’re forced to
Then fire them we must
One push of the button
And a shot the world wide
And you never ask questions
When God’s on your side.

 

In a many dark hour
I’ve been thinkin’ about this
That Jesus Christ
Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can’t think for you
You’ll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side.

 

So now as I’m leavin’
I’m weary as Hell
The confusion I’m feelin’
Ain’t no tongue can tell
The words fill my head
And fall to the floor
If God’s on our side
He’ll stop the next war.
 
**************************************************************************************
 
WAR OF ROAD SIGN WORDS
     by Catherine A. Lee

 

A section of Route 90
runs through the fertile
Jordan River Valley
where citizens of Israel
cross Palestine
heading south or north.

 

To educate the future,
and commemorate
a favorite fallen leader’s legacy,
in 2005 Israeli Knesset legally renamed
this freeway “Gandi’s Road.”
This Tourist Minister in 2001 had been
retaliation killed by gunmen of the PLO.

 

In Kibbutz school, one night the youth
named Rehavam Ze’evi,
shaved his head and went to dinner
dressed in just a towel.
The prankster’s nickname,
Gandi, stuck.

 

But no, this Gandi namesake
is not a peaceful man.
Rather he, a Zionist,
claimed 180,000 Palestinians, one-fifth
the native population, lived
illegally in Israel,
“a cancer” that should be
removed one way —
“the same way you get rid of lice” —
or another —
making Arab lives so miserable
they’d volunteer to leave.

 

These road signs point
a route in words to war
that surely sticks it to
the Jordan Valley’s
oldest ethnic residents,
and world opinion
ever clueless
to this hate-filled joke.

***

 

Organizer: Viktoria Valenzuela

Contact: queenviktory@yahoo.com

Viktoria Valenzuela

 

 

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Donna Snyder-Tumblewords Writing Project-El Paso, Texas 2013

ORGANIZER: Donna Snyder-Tumblewords Writing Project CONTACT: tumblewordsproject@yahoo.com

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Billie Duncan-Houston, Texas 2013

ORGANIZER: Billie Duncan

CONTACT: spinword@aol.com



The Kick-off event in Houston will be September 25, with a full slate of events from morning to night on September 28.

On September 28, events in Houston include:

Coffee Oasis (Seabrook), 11:30am
Music and Poetry
Hosted by University of Houston Clear Lake & Dustin Pickering

Houston Community College Central Campus, 1:30pm
The Johnnie Harris Writers Present A Poetry Reading in Support of 100,000 Poets for Change
Hosted by Sharon Klander

Bay Area Park (Webster), 2pm
An Outdoor Poetry Celebration with Voter Registration
Hosted by Dustin Pickering

University of St. Thomas, 5pm
Student-Faculty-Alumni Poetry Reading
Hosted by Janet Lowery

University of St. Thomas, 7pm
An Interfaith Exploration of Human Trafficking, Fair Trade, and Justice
The screening of Delicious Peace, a documentary film about Christian, Jewish, and Muslim coffee farmers of Uganda who fought against social and economic conflict by forming a cooperative to grow and sell Fair Trade coffee.
Hosted by Janet Lowery

Starving Artist Gallery, 7pm
A full evening of poetry featuring readers from Poets in the Loop and veterans of the 2013 Word Around Town Poetry Tour, followed by an open mic.

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Ayesha Zahyd-Edinburg, Texas 2013

ORGANIZER: Ayesha Zahyd

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Kat Copeland-Gardendale, TX

Contact: kopykat@grandecom.net

September 11, 2013
FAX 366-9434

To: LSM Committee
Local Sales Marketing

Supper at 6:30 PM at Gardendale Community Center
Your contribution of food is most appreciated.

Contact: Kat Copeland, Public Information
Kopykat@grandecom.net;432-697-4205

Co-sponsors, non-profits:
Permian Basin Chapter, Poetry Society of Texas,
Midland/Odessa and beyond
Founded by Marjorie Morris of Globe Theatre fame in 1967
Forrest Fest Inc., an international gathering of poets and musicians
based out of Lamesa, TX

Event: 100,000 Poets et al for GLOBAL positive change
Founded by Michael Rothenberg of California in 2011
One hundred plus countries participating

Permian Basin & Beyond, Texas “Heard”
Gardendale Community Center
Gardendale, Texas
September 28, 2013
2 PM til midnight
Admission: Humanity, Water, soft drinks, snax

Performers:
Poets, Spoken Word Artists, West Texas Poets, Cowboy Poetry and music,
Contests: Poetry Spoken Word and Haiku
Open Mic: All genres of music, dance, and poetry

======

On Sept. 28 2013, the quiet Texas community of Gardendale was part of a worldwide phenomenon. Area poets, musicians, and performers gathered at the community center to call for change through the Permian Basin and Beyond Texas Heard 100,00 poets et al, a part of the 100,000 Poets for Change event.

Texas Heard was sponsored by the Permian Basin Chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas, Midland/Odessa and Beyond, and Forrest Fest, Inc. Mexican food was served to those who attended, and the tables were decorated with candlelight, silver shimmers, sheriff badges, cookies shaped like cowboy boots, and glow globes.

Daniel C. Ramos, the 27-year-old Permian Basin PST member, was the host of the event.

“[It] was a chance to meet others who had the same passion for art and progress,” he said.

Performers included poets Kat Copeland, Kayla Keel, Sarah LaMascus, Jennifer McNeely, Michelle Pfalzgraf, and Connie Williams, as well as the musical group Sister in the Rain (Steve McCaleb and Ryan Johnson), Middle Eastern Dancer Kelly Kingston, singer Yvette Loredo, singer/guitarist Sara Jackson, and West Texas Talent Entertainment founder Daniel Ryan, who talked about the power of protest and his work with cold cases.

The poets performed in a poetry slam, which consisted of four rounds of poetry rated by guest judges. Sarah LaMascus won the slam. The 21-year-old poet has been writing and performing for one year and nine months. She has won the last three slams hosted in the area.

“I took part in 100,000 poets for change because I really loved the idea of a worldwide spoken word,” she said. “Since I’ve started writing I’ve been inspired to work hard, learn more and become a stronger writer because I do want to be able to cause change someday. I have a unique story, but it can really hit close to home for so many other young adults and even hopefully prevent some teens from going through as many hard ships as I did.”

A haiku death match was also hosted, and 37-year-old Michelle Pfalzgraf won the competition. She has been writing since grade school and had her first poem published in high school.

“I wanted to do 100 because I wanted to express myself, share my work and ideas with others and be part of something bigger than myself,” she said. “The idea behind it, I thought, was really beautiful.”

When asked if they believed poetry could change the world, the poets gave their opinion.

“We do make a difference,” said Copeland.

“Absolutely,” said Pfalzgraf. “Many writers throughout the ages have opened society’s eyes to the bigger picture and helped us see the world around us more clearly. People can be inspired through poetry and can be given the impetus to view things from a different perspective and learn to think for themselves and formulate new ideas.

“Yes I do believe poetry can change the world,” said LaMascus. “It’s too genuine and unique in form not to. It’s all about putting the past in a painted picture to try and help the process of understanding one another go a little smoother.”

“I could get up to a mic and raise awareness about the causes I feel are important through a slam poem every day, but it wouldn’t mean anything if I didn’t get off that stage and actually do something for that cause,” said Keel. “Maybe poetry can’t change the world, but poets can.”

“I believe it can inspire change,” said Ramos. “It can be the spark in a chain reaction of change.”

Organizer: Kat Copeland

=========

Kat Copeland, Rebel Rouser for Senior Citizens & Youth

1. How long have you been with Permian Basin PST? Officer or just member? Been member for about 8 years, current – treasurer, public info. was president for 2 terms, and vp.
2. What did you take away from the event (thoughts, feelings, etc.) We do make a difference.
3. Do you believe poetry can change the world? Yes, culmination of all writers

Michelle Pfalzgraf, age 37

1.How long have you been with Permian Basin PST? Officer or just member? Officially became a member of PST this year but I had known about them for a couple years before that. Became a contributor to WTP page this year and also created a page under my pen name. Pen name cynthia ruby, legal name mhp but also had stuff published under maiden name michelle colleen hall.
2. How long have you been writing/performing poetry? Started writing in grade school, got serious with it in junior high. First published poem in high school. Began performing back in 96 or so. Stopped for several years due to life circumstances but still always wrote and began performing again this year.
3. What made you decide to take part in the 100,000 Poets for Change event? I wanted to do 100( because I wanted to express myself, share my work and ideas with others and be part of something bigger than myself. The idea behind it I thought was really beautiful.
4. What pieces did you perform? I can only remember some of the pieces. One of them was Uncle Sam, about my view of american politics and society while using my fathers military service as a background theme. Another piece was hourglass, a poem dealing with emotions and passage of time. The other was street’s veil, a piece about the negative aspects of society using apartment dwellings as a focal point. I like to use a lot of imagery in my work.
I also performed several of my haikus, which was what I enjoyed the most. I got a very good response to uncle sam and my haikus, which made me very happy.
5. What did you take away from the event (thoughts, feelings, etc.) What I took away from the event was feeling of comraderie, free expression and being with fellow artists and like minded individuals. I also greatly enjoyed the musicians we had on hand, they were amazing. I just wish we had more people from the public there. Unfortunately in our corner of the world most people don’t understand the power and significance of the written and spoken word. But knowing that we were part of a global event was really special and something I’m very proud of.
6. Do you believe poetry can change the world? Do I feel poetry can change the world? Absolutely. Many writers throughout the ages have opened society’s eyes to the bigger picture and helped us see the world around us more clearly. People can be inspired through poetry and can be given the impetus to view things from a different perspective and learn to think for themselves and formulate new ideas.

Sarah LaMascus, age 21
1.How long have you been with Permian Basin PST? Officer or just member? Only since July so 3 months just a member
2. How long have you been writing/performing poetry? I’ve been writing and performing poetry for a year and 9 months
3. What made you decide to take part in the 100,000 Poets for Change event? I took part in 100,000 poets for change because I really loved the idea of a worldwide spoken word! Since I’ve started writing I’ve been inspired to work hard learn more and become a stronger writer because I do want to be able to cause change someday. I have a unique story, but it can really hit close to home for so many other young adults and even hopefully prevent some teens from going through as many hard ships as I did.
4. What pieces did you perform? I performed almost my whole inventory including chain link fence, cracks in the mirror, plainview, dead leaves, switch leaves, and piccolo.
5. What did you take away from the event (thoughts, feelings, etc.) I really loved being able to see our small community come together in such a big way and support each other. It gave me hope that if even in a town like midland we can have this many diverse performers and activists then surely there’s hope for the rest of the world.
6. Do you believe poetry can change the world? Yes I do believe poetry can change the world. It’s too genuine and unique in form not to. It’s all about putting the past in a painted picture to try and help the process of understanding one another go a little smoother.

Kayla Keel, age 19
1.How long have you been with Permian Basin PST? Officer or just member? I believe since May, but I’m not sure. End of spring this year. Just a member.
2. How long have you been writing/performing poetry? Performing since summer this year, writing for 6 years.
3. What made you decide to take part in the 100,000 Poets for Change event? The idea of Poets for Change was abstract to me and I wanted to find out more about it, so I went.
4. What pieces did you perform? I performed Bathroom Confessional, The War on Twerking, storm chasers, Moth, and Heartless In This Case Is Not a Metaphor.
5. What did you take away from the event (thoughts, feelings, etc.) After leaving, I thought that poetry brought together different people from different walks of life and I felt honored to get to hear each person’s expression of life and art. It was an awesome experience.
6. Do you believe poetry can change the world? I could get up to a mic and raise awareness about the causes I feel are important through a slam poem every day but it wouldn’t mean anything if I didn’t get off that stage and actually do something for that cause. Maybe poetry can’t change the world, but poets can.

Daniel C. Ramos, age 27
1.How long have you been with Permian Basin PST? Officer or just member? I’ve been with the Permian Basin Poetry Society since 2010. Was the president at one point in time. Currently just a member.
2. How long have you been writing/performing poetry? Been writing as soon as I learned how, started performing poetry back in 2004.
3. What made you decide to take part in the 100,000 Poets for Change event? Was a chance to meet others who had the same passion for art and progress.
4. What pieces did you perform? Several untitled pieces. Just poems I felt fit the theme.
5. What did you take away from the event (thoughts, feelings, etc.) That I’m not alone in my wants for the world, and change starts from within.
6. Do you believe poetry can change the world? I believe it can inspire change. It can be the spark in a chain reaction of change.
=====

performers

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Poet On Watch-Austin, Texas 2013

ORGANIZER: Poet On Watch CONTACT: poetonwatch55@gmail.com

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100 Artists for Change ~ Waco, Texas – 2013

**Stay in touch for information about Waco’s 2014 100Thousand Artists for Change Event** We are thrilled to announce that Waco will be hosting a 100 Thousand Artists for Change writing workshop and open mic. Both events will occur in conjunction with … Continue reading

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Uma Pochampalli-Sugar Land, Texas

Organizer: Uma Pochampalli Contact: umadevip@msn.com

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Waco, Texas

Saturday September 29, 2012 7:00pm **DUE TO THE RAIN, WE’VE CHANGED LOCATIONS: we will meet indoors at Legacy Cafe & Art Gallery 725 Austin Ave.  There will be a section in the back where we can meet around tables to … Continue reading

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Cat Lee, 100TPC Solidarity Performance- San Antonio, Texas

Cat Lee (Poet) & Cecil Carter (Music Director) present Bankrupt! Really? One Tribe! We are streaming live beginning 4 PM Sharp 9/29/12 Or join us in San Antonio, Texas at Urban-15 Studio, 2500 S Presa, SATX 78210 Contact: leecatheri@gmail.com We are grateful … Continue reading

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Kerrville, Texas (September 8)

Organizer: Kathleen Ann Hudson

Contact: kathleen.a.hudson@facebook.com

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Corpus Christi, Texas

Organizer: Michael James Canales Contact: mikejscan@aol.com

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Clear Lake City/Seabrook, Texas

Organizer: Deandra Newcomb McKinne Contact: dbutterfly64@yahoo.com

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Dallas, Texas

Organizer: Alex Pogosov Contact: alexpogosov@gmail.com

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San Antonio, Texas

Welcome to San Antonio’s contribution of 100 Thousand Poets and Musicians for Change, the largest poetry demonstration event in the world.  Thank you for joining us in this Movement Gallery at The Southwest Worker’s Union of Eastside, San Antonio, Texas.  … Continue reading

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