Within Words We Are One
An upcoming anthology from Vallejo Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann San Francisco Bay Area poets are invited to share their perspectives on what they see, feel, and think during these critical times. We welcome poems that explore shadows and light, doubt and certainty, …
July 2025 Poetry on display at Alameda County Fair from June 13th-July 6th and Marin County Fair from July 2-6 Tue., July 1 – Benicia First Tuesday Poets will not meet in July or August. It will return on September 2nd. July 4 – 12-3 PM – …
Sunday, May 4, 2-4pm: Tea House Open Mic Poetry at IntegriTEA Space, 717 Marin St., Vallejo, hosted by Vallejo Co Poets Laureates Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann (moved from 2nd Sunday due to Mothers’ Day)
Tuesday, May 6, 6:15-8:30: First Tuesday Poets at Benicia Library, East L St. An Open Mic event in the comfy chairs in the Fireside Lounge, hosted by Benicia Poet Laureate Katrina Monroe. All Welcome to read (3 minute max for each of 2 poems) or to just listen.
Thursday, May 8, 10:30 for brunch, 11 for meeting: Table Talk at the Inn by the Bay, East D St., Benicia. An opportunity for writers of all genres to exchange ideas, resources and favorite things. For more details or to RSVP to host Beth Grimm, email grimmbeth93@gmail.com.
Saturday, May 10, 2-4pm: Meet Genny Lim, a reading by San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim, poet, musician, playwright, winner of the American Book Award, IntegriTEA Space, 717 Marin Street, 2-4 p.m., hosted by Co-Poets Laureate Kathleen Herrmann & Jacalyn Eyvonne.
Wednesday, May 14, 6-8pm: Meet Your Poetic Cousins and Ancestors at JFK Library, 505 Santa Clara St, Vallejo, hosted by David Hakim. A reading and exploration of the craft of famous poets.
Monday, May 19: DEADLINE for Solano County Fair Poetry Entries.
Thursday, May 22, 10:30-11:30am: Ozcat Poetry Hour, on Ozcat Radio 89.5FM. Available worldwide via tunein: https://tunein.com/radio/Ozcat-Radio-895-s130679/ Poets are invited to come at 10:15 to read 2 rounds of poetry on live radio, hosted by Tom Stanton and DJ LALA.
Tue., May 27 – “May Flowers” art exhibit opens at the FSVAA Gallery. Pieces available to view online at
fvaa-arts.org, click on “Gallery”. Send poems of 42 lines or less inspired by this exhibit to Suzanne Bruce at fairfieldpoetlaureate.emerita@gmail.com by Wed., June 18 at 5:00 p.m. The art reception and poetry reading will be on Saturday, June 21.
Wed., May 28– Poetry By The Bay, New Time! 7:30-9:30 p.m., Mira Theater, 51 Daniels Street, hosted by Keith Thompson and Cynaka GO284.
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 12-3:30pm: OPENING DAY of The Art of a Community at Arts Benicia, 1 Commandant Lane. Poets are invited to choose one piece to which to write an ekphrastic poem, one page long in 12 point font, including a title and name of the poet. Because of the large number of art works, approximately 190 with each artist limited to one piece in the show, each piece in our ekphrastic event can have only one poem written to it. There will be a signup sheet for each poet to choose an unduplicated art work that they commit to writing about. The Gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays, 1-5 pm. Plenty of time through June for you to select ONE of 190 art pieces to use as inspiration for your one page of poetry. Up to 30 poets can sign up on the sheet in the front hall. Specific instructions are posted next to it. The deadline for sending in your poem is July 1. The ekphrastic event will be Saturday, July 12, 2-4pm. Hosted by Benicia Poet Laureate Kathy Monroe.
Sun., June 1 – Bay Area Butterfly Festival, 10-5, 860 Nimitz Avenue, Vallejo (Mare Island). Kathleen Herrmann will perform poetry and song in the Kids’ Zone from 3:00-3:15. Suggested donation: children $5, adults $15
Sunday, June 1, 2-4pm PDT: BENICIA LOVE POETRY CELEBRATION ON ZOOM! Come join the excitement of hearing the winning poetry, the honorable mentions, as well as the other fabulous entries! Hosted by Kathy Monroe and Mary Susan Gast. Zoom
Tue., June 3 – First Tuesday Poets, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Fireside Lounge, Benicia Library, hosted by Benicia Poet Laureate Kathy Monroe.
Sun., June 8 – Tea House Open Mic Poetry, IntegriTEA Space, 717 Marin Street, 2-4 p.m., hosted by Co-Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne.
Wed., June 11 Meet Your Poetic Cousins & Ancestors, 6-8 p.m., JFK Library, 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo
June 19th – Juneteenth Flag Raising at Vallejo Museum 734 Marin Street. Dr. Genea Brice will be sharing poetry.
Sat., June 21 – 3 – 6 PM “May Flowers” Art Reception and Poetry Reading at FSVAA Gallery, 1350 Travis Blvd., Fairfield, hosted by Poet Laureate Emerita Suzanne Bruce.
Saturday, June 21 – 7-9 PM – Speaking in the Key of Meaning Jazz & Poetry at the Mira Theater, 51 Daniels Avenue, Vallejo, CA, 94590 $25 tickets available here
Wed., June 25– Poetry By The Bay, New Time! 7:30-9:30 p.m., Mira Theater, 51 Daniels Street, hosted by Keith Thompson and Cynaka GO284.
Thursday, June 26, 10:30-11:30am: Ozcat Poetry Hour, on Ozcat Radio 89.5FM. Available worldwide via tunein: https://tunein.com/radio/Ozcat-Radio-895-s130679/ Poets are invited to come at 10:15 to read 2 rounds of poetry on live radio, hosted by Tom Stanton and DJ LALA.
June 28th – 2-4 PM open mic at Panama Bay Coffee on the waterfront – https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKXdG5SvSx/?img_index=1
June 28th – 4 PM Poetry is Dead II Grateful Dead anthology reading at Alibi Bookshop 624 Marin Street in Vallejo. Features California contributors to anthology edited by D.L. Lang. More information.
Registration and fee payment of $5 per entry is due May 19th through this link: https://www.blueribbonfair.com/BRFairProd/BlueRibbonStart.aspx?ID=1844
Dept. 205 , Division 230. Two classes: 1 – Published. 2 – Unpublished.
Instructions for display: https://scfair.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2-Entry-Guide-Book-Fine-Arts.pdf
Delivery of framed poetry to McCormack Hall at the Fairgrounds on Friday, May 30th between 3 PM – 7 PM or Saturday, May 31st between 10 AM – 2 PM.
Fair takes place June 12 – 15th
Pick up is June 16th 12 noon to 7 PM.
If you would like to perform at the fair here is the link to the online applications: https://scfair.org/perform-at-the-fair/
Poetry Speakeasy at Chris Club meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7 PM. 21+ venue that serves alcohol. 656 Benicia Road, Vallejo. Hosted by Remo Valentino.
Open Mic at the Townhouse meets every Wednesday at 8 PM. Poets are welcome. 21+ venue that serves alcohol. Hosted by Rich Adams. 401A Georgia Street, Vallejo.
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum – 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA – 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
You are invited to A Decade of Poetic Unity
RSVP at Eventbrite to let us know you’re coming!
Compiled by Kathy Monroe, Kathleen Herrmann, and D.L. Lang
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 6:15 – 8:30, FIRST TUESDAY POETS, gathering in the Benicia Library by the main fireplace in the comfy chairs. 150 East L Street in Benicia Sun. Mar. 9 Tea House Open Mic Poetry, Integrity Space, 717 Marin Street, 2-4 p.m., hosted by Co-Poets Laureate …
Happy New Year! If you are looking for opportunities in the new year to perform your poetry and spoken word at open mics in Vallejo, Fairfield, or Benicia we’ve got you covered. Perform your poetry at open mics in Solano County and connect with a …
Due to winter holidays in the month of December many open mics may not be holding performances. Please confirm details with individual event hosts closer to the date.
Tue., Dec. 3 – First Tuesday Poets, Benicia Library, Dona Benicia Room, 6:15 cookies and social time, Open Mic, 6:30-8:30, hosted by Benicia Poet Laureate Katrina Monroe, 150 East L Street, Benicia, CA
Saturday, December 7th – 4:00-6:00pm – Save the Date for an ekphrastic with Fairfield-Suisun City Visual Arts Association Gallery- Solano Town Center Mall, 350 Travis Blvd, Suite D-8, Fairfield, CA 94533
Sun, December 08, 2024 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PST – Poetic Medicine Circle with John Fox at Rush Ranch. 3521 Grizzly Island Rd, Suisun City, CA 94585 Partial fee scholarships available. Register here.
Tea House Poetry will meet on December 8th 2:00-4:00 PM, hosted by Amana and Indi.
Sunday, December 8th – 6 PM Three Rooms Press presents 2024 SF ¡DADA! DO SALON A Highly Eclectic DADA Performance Event plus the official San Francisco launch of MAINTENANT 18: Journal of Contemporary DADA Writing and Art at SPEC’S Twelve Adler Museum Cafe located at 12 William Saroyan Place, North Beach, San Francisco. The line-up features renowned contempoarary DADA artists from the Bay Area and beyond including Youssef Alaoui, Mahnaz Badihian, Allison Davis, Carol Dorf, D. L. Lang, Jon Longhi, Richard Loranger, Robyn Mallory, Marina Solé, Rich Stone, Barbara Vos, and Lorene Zarou-Zouzounis. Three Rooms Press co-founders and MAINTENANT editors Peter Carlaftes and Kat Georges host.
Come to Alibi Bookshop on December 15th from 3:30 PM – 5 PM for the Youth Poetry Letters Book Party at Alibi Bookshop in Vallejo. 624 Marin Street. Celebrate the release of the Youth Poetry Letters: Pencils and Dreams: Young Vallejo Poets Share Their World, an anthology edited by Vallejo Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann.
Art Beat Poetry Hour will be meeting on the third Thursday, December 19th, due to national and religious holidays. It shall return to 4th Thursdays after the new year. Show up at 1026 Georgia Street in Vallejo by 10:15 AM to read live on air. You can listen to the broadcast at worldwide via https://tunein.com/radio/Ozcat-Radio-895-s130679/
Sunday, December 29th – 2 PM – Integrity Poetry Party at 717 Marin Street. Poetry open mic and live music.
December 6 – Fairfield’s annual tree lighting in front of the Solano County government building at 675 Texas St. Poet Laureate Suzanne Bruce will be sharing a poem.
December 7 – Vallejo’s annual Mad Hatter Holiday parade. Vallejo Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne will be sharing poetry. For more details visit hattervallejo.com
Saturday, December 14 – Benicia Literary Arts Annual Holiday Party at the Estey Real Estate office located at 216 First Street in downtown Benicia. Look out for details to come via the Benicia Literary Arts website.
Saturday, December 21st – 1:00-3:00pm – Fairfield Poet Laureate Suzanne Bruce will be holding a December Cultural Celebrations poetry open mic on December 21, 2024 from 1-3 PM at 5050 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA. Check her site for more details.
December 26 – Fairfield’s annual Hanukkah lighting with Chabad of Solano in front of the Solano County government building at 675 Texas St. Poet Laureate Suzanne Bruce will be sharing a poem, and Hadas Daniel will be translating it into Hebrew. Visit jewishsolano.com for more Hanukkah events around the county.
We recommend you join our mailing list and follow us on social media to stay in the loop about other poetry events where you can perform your poetry that may pop up throughout the year.
Seeking answers on the role and purpose of poets and poetry in our lives? Delve into the following quotes about poets and poetry for insights.
Sun., Aug. 4 – Poetry Open Mic Picnic, Benicia City Park, 150 Military West, 12:30-2:30p.m. Sat., Aug. 10- Makers Mart, Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park, 12-5 PM, hosted by Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann Sun., Aug. 11 – Tea House Open Mic Poetry, Integrity Space, 717 Marin Street …
Benicia First Tuesday Poets will not be meeting on July 2nd or August 6th. They will be holding their annual Poet’s Picnic on Sunday, August 4th from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at the Benicia City Park, at the corner of Military and First St. There will also be a book launch for the Unsettled anthology at a date to be announced.
Please note there will be no OZCAT ART BEAT Poetry Hour live on air open mic on May 23rd, 2024. Please tune in to 89.5 FM KZCT on June 6 at 10:30 AM for a featured poetry reading and interview with D.L. Lang, former Vallejo Poet Laureate. For details about other events in May, please see this post.
Poetry in Notion has been cancelled due to low attendance. Current Vallejo Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann are starting a new open mic series called Tea House Poetry, meeting on the second Sundays from 2 to 4 PM at 717 Marin in Vallejo beginning June 9th, 2024. Please refer to this post for details about ongoing open mics in Solano County, and be sure to check their individual mailing lists and social media pages in case of abrupt cancellations or schedule changes.
Vallejo Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann will read poetry Climate Change Ekphrastic Exhibit, Temple Arts Loft on May 25, and June 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 1:00-2:00 PM
Kathleen Herrmann will be performing at the Alibi Bookshop 5 Year anniversary celebration at 2:30 PM on June 1st. Jacalyn Eyvonne will be performing at the Battle of the Bay Car Show and Hop in downtown Vallejo on June 1st.
June 8th – 3:30 PM – Vallejo waterfront – Makers PopUp with Poets Laureate Kathleen Herrmann, Jacalyn Eyvonne, and D.L. Lang. Jacalyn Eyvonne will also have a booth for the Poetry Letters project from 12-5PM.
June 14th – 1:15 PM – Solano County Fair with Poets Laureate Kathleen Herrmann, Jacalyn Eyvonne, and D.L. Lang. Bay Stage.
Sunday, June 2nd, the Benicia Love Poetry Contest will announce the winners via Zoom.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 2:00 – 4:00 pm 1 Commandant’s Lane, Benicia Benicia Literary Arts will reveal their new anthology, Carquinez Review 2024.
“Writing from your Soul!” Come hear featured poet and cellist, Diane Frank, who will incorporate poetry and music with Poetry Open Mic to follow on Saturday, June 29, 2024, 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Fairfield Cordelia Library, 5050 Business Center Drive.
Fairfield Poet Laureate Suzanne Bruce is partnering with the Solano Land Trust to host her 4th Hike & Write. The hike will take place on June 30th from 9AM-12PM at Lynch Canyon (3100 Lynch Canyon Rd). The hike is medium level and will be approximately two miles. A docent will be leading the hike and sharing history and stories along the way. Please bring a pen and paper and water and snacks. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Parking is $5. If you would like to participate, please email Suzanne at fairfieldpoetlaureate@gmail.com by June 27th so she can get a headcount.
Ray Davis hosts the I Need a Mic podcast which you can stream via Spotify. Anna Quismorio was the May guest, and Julie Voice is upcoming. Ray also has a writers’ group that meets at the JFK Library.
Suisun Poet Laureate Excalibur is performing at both Pride and Juneteenth in Suisun City. Info below.
Suisun Juneteenth is June 15 & 16 Harbor Plaza, 520 Solano St, Suisun City, CA 94585
https://juneteenth-suisun.com
Suisun Pride takes place 12-5PM on June 2nd at Harbor Plaza, 520 Solano St, Suisun City, CA 94585
https://www.suisun.com/Events-directory/Suisun-City-Pride-Event
Vallejo Center for the Arts – A Poetry Writing Workshop – June 29, July 6 & 13. 11:30 AM – 1 PM 324 Virginia Street Vallejo Facilitated by Co-Poets Laureate Kathleen Herrmann & Jacalyn Eyvonne, youth ages 8-14. RSVP here.
Benicia Literary Arts will have a booth at the Bay Area Book Festival Outdoor Fair 2024 on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024 from 11 AM to 5 PM. The booth will be located at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park located at 151 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94704.
The Revolutionary Poets Brigade will be reading at the North Beach Library at 11 AM on Saturday June 8th in celebration of World Oceans Day. The North Beach Library is located at 850 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Three poets from out of state will be performing at the Beat Museum in San Francisco on July 13th at 7 PM. Tom Murphy is a former poet laureate of Corpus Christi Texas, Nathan Brown is a former Oklahoma State Poet Laureate and PW Covington is a beat poet. Tom Murphy is a former bay area poet. Tom is also going to attend the open mic at the Townhouse on Wednesday, July 10th.
D.L. Lang will be traveling back to Oklahoma to perform with the Woody Guthrie Poets on July 13th at 11 AM at Woody Guthrie Folk Fest in Okemah. The Woody Guthrie Poets have three readings this year:
D.L. Lang has been invited to feature at 3rd Saturday Poetry in Chinatown at Clarion SF at 2 Waverly Place in San Francisco on August 17th from 1 to 3 PM. Co-features TBA.
You can view poetry on display at these Bay Area county fairs. These fairs will also accept entries from Solano County residents.
We recommend you join the Google Groups for both Benicia and Vallejo for more timely announcements. This post is only a small selection of upcoming events known to us at the time of posting. We also share anthology calls and other opportunities.
County Fairs Special Events http://vallejopoetrysociety.org/happy-earth-day/ Open mics Benicia First Tuesday Poets meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 150 East L Street, Benicia. Come for snacks and schmoozing at 6:15. Show starts at 6:30 PM. Poetry in Notion has been cancelled. Poetry by …