A well attended night in Prahran saw the Spinning Room play host to three of Melbourne’s finest poets performing.

Recent returnee from abroad, Carmen Main opened the feature half of the evening, effortlessly demonstrating how she won this spot in a competition held a few months prior.

Jennifer Harrison and Ian McBryde read in tandem for what was to be a joint feature, taking turns with a fluidity that gave the feel of a single poem read in alternating parts. Columbine’s voice mixing with the whispers of an innamorato (perhaps Harlequin?). Masks, make-up and antique books added some lovely theatrical elements to their already wonderful performance.

Reading: “Cultural Amnesia” – Clive James
Listening: “Transmission” – Joy Division

Had a marvellous gig on Saturday afternoon, thanks to everyone who showed. Had a rather good turn up, forced myself to read things that I usually don’t, aired a couple of relatively new poems. In short, I pretty much did everything I hope to for a feature gig. New stuff, fresh old stuff, entertain the crowd.

Another marvellous feature by Rosanne Bersten at the Spinning Room poetry gig last night. Her poems gave a preview of her upcoming California vignettes series and went through a series of works on people in her life. It also reminded me of how well she can switch between free and structured verse.

The night was also notable for the really rather impressive collection of new poets appearing in the open mic section. At least two new poets who I hope to see more of, one getting a callback.

For my part, I think I did OK, I’m more comfortable reading the revised version of Tomorrow’s Ghosts now, Ballard Days still feels a little unbalanced, though I’m not sure why. Either way, I think it needs a little more tweaking.

Had a fun old time at the Dan as one does. Many thanks to Cam for letting me feature there. I did two sets, opened the first set with Leonard Cohen’s “Democracy“, read some of my older stuff (Hierophant, Basement of Swallows, etc.) finished the first set with W. H. Auden’s “Law Like Love“. The second set opened with Lou Reed’s “Romeo Had Juliette” and then I went through my more recent stuff. Eulogy for the Cassette Tape, The Writer as Goalkeeper, Book Store, Tomorrow’s Ghosts.

Next week at the Dan, I believe we have the very cool Teresa O’Donnell

Fun was had, parents were there to see my gig, Guinness was consumed, all in all, a rather nice Saturday.

Currently Listening : “Days” – Elvis Costello