Finding your fix for poetry in Fredonia

Recent Spoken Word events at Fredonia have expanded interest in poetry readings. More events have been established to help develop the growing writing community.

For both the budding and seasoned creative writer, Writers' Ring holds workshops at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays in Fenton 127. Students can critique each other's work and receive feedback on their own in a friendly round-table setting. The first Wednesday of every month is a general business meeting.

Writers' Ring also hosts readings at BJ's. The series began on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Ten students read and performed to a mixture of regular bar crowd and students. Poetry ranged from original slam-style to confessional to comical and also included works by students' favorite poets. v Readings and Writers' Ring meetings are open to all. The upcoming open mics at BJ's will be at 8 p.m. on Nov. 13 and Dec. 11.

At 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 Black Student Union and Women's Student Union will be hosting an evening entitled "Coffee House for a Cause" at The Spot in the Williams Center. The cost to attend is $1 for students, $5 for non-students, or $2 to perform. The proceeds go towards combating domestic violence. Any talent is welcome, from spoken word poetry to music and dance.

For those willing to venture outside Fredonia, "Spoken Word Sundays" at the Allen Street Hardware Café in Buffalo have become a medium for poetic expression. Two poets are featured per night and open readers are welcome as well.

The cafe's Web site describes it as having "food, drink and atmosphere that's cool and creative." More information is available at allenstreethardware.com.

-Reporting done by Elizabeth Holtan, Special to The Leader.