Author Archive
Youth Workshops 1 & 3 Saturdays
1st Saturdays: 4-6 pm @ Half Price Books, 5803 E. NW Highway
3rd Saturdays: 4-6 pm @ Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson
Youth Poets Workshops is a component of WS Next Generation Project in support and development of young writers. WordSpace presents workshops mentored by top performance poet and Dallas Youth Poets Executive Director, Joaquin Zihuatanejo and co-founder Alexandra Marie Thurston. They provide poetry and slam outreach to area youth in two great locations. The workshops are open to ages 11-17. Participants receive instruction in writing and performance with a chance to compete for the Dallas Youth Poetssponsored team that will represent Dallas in the annual conference, Brave New Voices. The workshop participants are also eligible to compete in other area youth team competitions.
Joaquin Zihuatanejo (born in Dallas, Texas) is an award-winning American slam poet and teacher. In 2004, Zihuatanejo competed in the National Poetry Slam as part of the Dallas Poetry Slam team, which placed third. He also appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry in 2005. In 2008, he won the Individual World Poetry Slam and was the winner of the World Cup of Poetry Slam in 2009. Currently, Zihuatanejo resides near his hometown of Dallas with his wife and two daughters. Outside of poetry, Zihuatanejo taught English and creative writing for seven years.
Alexandra Marie Thurston, is a writer from Los Angeles and Director of the Dallas Poetry Slam. She bring years of service to the poetry community and inspiring mentorship to young writers. Alexandra Marie Thurston serves as the board of directors of WordSpace.
WordSpace is honored to partner with Oak Cliff Cultural Center to produce Youth Poets Workhops at their facility. Funding for this program is made possible by City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and WordSpace Members.
Special Thanks to Half Price Books, sponsors of WordSpace at The Kessler, for use of their facilities for this program. WordSpace is also honored to be a 2014 recipient of TACA’s generosity.
Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series
When: Every first Saturday at 4-6 pm
Where: Half Price Books, 5803 E. NW Highway, Program Room
Hosted by: Alexandra Marie and Joaquin Zihuatanejo
WordSpace is honored to partner with Dallas Poetry Slam to bring Poetry and Slam outreach to area youth for workshops and performance.
Youth Poets Workshops 1st and 3rd Saturdays
1st Saturdays: 4-6 pm @ Half Price Books, 5803 E. NW Highway
3rd Saturdays: 4-6 @ Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson
Youth Poets Workshops is a component of WS Next Generation Project in support and development of young writers. WordSpace presents workshops mentored by top performance poet and Dallas Youth Poets Executive Director, Joaquin Zihuatanejo and co-founder Alexandra Marie Thurston. They provide poetry and slam outreach to area youth in two great locations. The workshops are open to ages 11-17. Participants receive instruction in writing and performance with a chance to compete for the Dallas Youth Poets sponsored team that will represent Dallas in the annual conference, Brave New Voices. The workshop participants are also eligible to compete in other area youth team competitions.
Joaquin Zihuatanejo (born in Dallas, Texas) is an award-winning American slam poet and teacher. In 2004, Zihuatanejo competed in the National Poetry Slam as part of the Dallas Poetry Slam team, which placed third. He also appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry in 2005. In 2008, he won the Individual World Poetry Slam and was the winner of the World Cup of Poetry Slam in 2009. Currently, Zihuatanejo resides near his hometown of Dallas with his wife and two daughters. Outside of poetry, Zihuatanejo taught English and creative writing for seven years.
Alexandra Marie Thurston, is a writer from Los Angeles and Director of the Dallas Poetry Slam. She bring years of service to the poetry community and inspiring mentorship to young writers. Alexandra Marie Thurston serves as the board of directors of WordSpace.
WordSpace is honored to partner with Oak Cliff Cultural Center to produce Youth Poets Workhops at their facility. Funding for this program is made possible by City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and WordSpace Members.
Special Thanks to Half Price Books, sponsors of WordSpace at The Kessler, for use of their facilities for this program. WordSpace is also honored to be a 2014 recipient of TACA’s generosity.
Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series
When: Every first Saturday at 4-6 pm
Where: Half Price Books, 5803 E. NW Highway, Program Room
Hosted by: Alexandra Marie and Joaquin Zihuatanejo
WordSpace is honored to partner with Dallas Poetry Slam to bring Poetry and Slam outreach to area youth for workshops and performance.
Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series
When: Every first Saturday at 4-6 pm
Where: Half Price Books, 5803 E. NW Highway, Program Room-
Hosted by: Alexandra Marie and Joaquin Zihuatanejo
WordSpace is honored to partner with Dallas Poetry Slam to bring Poetry and Slam outreach to area youth for workshops and performance.
2013
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What: Richard Dobson When: May 5, 2013 at 5-7 pm Where: Lucky Dog Books, Oak Cliff 633 W Davis St., Dallas TX 75208 Bookstore Phone: 214-941-2665 Richard Dobson is a Texas singer-songwriter from Tyler and former roughneck who gamboled around Galveston and Houston, then Austin and Nashville, before spending the past 13 years living in Switzerland and playing all over Europe |
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Club Bolano When: Tuesday, May 7, 7pm Where: Lucky Dog Books, 633 West Davis in Oak Cliff Admission: Members FREE, donation suggested for non members Hosted by Joe Milazzo for the obsessed fans of Roberto Bolaño, (28 April 1953 – 15 July 2003), a Chilean novelist and poet. More Info: 214-838-3554 |
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What: OffWorld When: May 8, 2013 at 7-9 pm Where:WordSpace, 415 North Tyler Street Admission: Free Presented By: Phillip Washington Hosted By: Charles Dee Mitchell Join us for a discussion of science fiction writers This month’s focus is on Philip K. Dick |
Anita Barnard
What: Book Release: On the Dark Path: An Anthology of Fairy Tale Poetry
When: Saturday, May 11, 7 pm
Where: Lucky Dog Books, 633 W. Davis, 214-941-2665
Meet Anita and friends in a special evening of poetry and fun with lit pack peeps
Admission: Free
What: Princess McDowell at Dallas Poetry Slam
When: May 17, 2013 at 8pm
Where: Heroes, 7402 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231
Admission: $5, Free to WordSpace Members
Hosted By: Rock Baby and Alexandra Marie
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What: Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series When: July 6, 2013 at 4-6 pm Where: Half Price Books, 5803 NW Hwy Hosted By: Alexandra Marie and Joaquin Zihuatanejo WordSpace partners with Dallas Poetry Slam to bring Poetry and Slam outreach to area youth for workshops and performances. |
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Club Bolano When: Tuesday, July9, 7pm Where: Lucky Dog Books, 633 West Davis in Oak Cliff Admission: Members FREE, donation suggested for non members Hosted by Joe Milazzo for the obsessed fans of Roberto Bolaño, (28 April 1953 – 15 July 2003), a Chilean novelist and poet. More Info: 214-838-3554 |
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Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series Team @ Read Rite Market Where: Read Rite Market @ Oil and Cotton, 837 W. 7th When: July 20, 2:30 pmWS and Dallas Poetry Slam present the 2013 Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series Team traveling to compete at Brave New Voice in Chicago: Kellen Weigand, Eliza Schreibman (the Grand Slam Champion), Lizzie Vamos, Josh Rambeau, Blake Lackey, and Amanda Jackson, presented Alexandra MarieCheck the amazing schedule of events for this day long festival. |
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Anant Kumar, Charley Moon, Bunny Trahan When: Friday, August 9, 7:30 pm Where: Lucky Dog Books, 633 West Davis in Oak Cliff Join Charley Moon and Bunny Trahan in welcoming Anant Kumar during his U.S. tour.Refreshments will be served. Read More |
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FALL SEASON OPENS: WORDSPACE AT THE KESSLER- The “Reveal” Reception @ Half Price Books, NW Highway.September 4, 5-7 pmJoin us for wine and a splasy promo reception as we reveal our full lineup and turn ticket sales on with Members Discounts.Wordspace is honored to have Half Price Books as principle artists sponsors for this benefit series that supports our 50+ annual programs. Additional partial sponsorship of our 2013-14 Season is made possible by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, board, members and friends. |
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Bonnie Friedman What: WordSpace Salon When: Sept 12, 2013 7 pm Where: Private Residence,RSVP: 214-838-3554 or wordspace@wordspace.us.Bonnie Friedman writes both creative nonfiction and fiction. She is the author of the Village Voice bestseller Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction, and Other Dilemmas in the Writer’s Life (HarperCollins). Read More… |
March 20, 2013 – SMU Literary Festival March 13, 2013 – Robert Jackson Bennett March 5, 2013 – Club Bolano March 2, 2013 – Art Speak: Hancock Brothers, Clay Stinnett and Matt Bagley March 2, 2013 – Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series March 2, 2013 – Jan Reid Book Signing March 1, 2013 – Simon Phx at Dallas Poetry Slam February 28, 2013 – Dagoberto Gilb w/ Felix Flores Band February 15, 2013 – La-Love at Dallas Poetry Slam February 13, 2013 – OffWorld February 7, 2013 – Martha Heimberg and Brian Nowlin on Wallace Stevens February 2, 20123 – Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series February 1, 2013 – Ronaldo Wilson January 25, 2013 – Klassnik, Matuk and Swenson January 18, 2013 – Ebony Stewart at Dallas Poetry Slam January 9, 2013 – OffWorld January 5, 2013 — Dallas Poetry Slam Youth Series January 4, 2013 — Zubair Ahmed
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Da’Shade Moonbeam at Dallas Poetry Slam When: September 13 at 8pm Where: Heroes, 7402 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 Admission: $5, Free to WordSpace Members Hosted By: Rock Baby and Alexandra Marie Dallas Poetry Slam is back with a new |
The “Word-Up Allstars” lineup includes 10-minute performances by Matt Bagley, Michael Clay, The Dallas Poetry Slam Team, The Andy Don Emmons Revival, Randall Garrett, Joseph Justin, William Bryan Massey III, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas, Carlos Salas, Opalina Salas, Bruce Webb, Josh Weir and Laney Yarber. Special Suprise guests are imminent!This cabaret cavalcade is a unique extravaganza of talents and sensibilities that will help celebrate the power of WordSpace, which provides Readings, Salons, Next Generation Projects, lively Panel Discussions and Showcase Events featuring emerging to prominent writers, and performers all year long! Join us for “Word-Up” admission is FREE! But we hope that everyone will help realize our goal for the day of 100 folks giving up $35 each for a Wordspace membership donation.This is a once in a blue moon opportunity to catch a line-up of notoriously gifted folks who will cajole, enchant, entertain, enlighten, and amaze! Make plans to come out! Bring your cash, check, or credit card, have a favorite beverage, hang tight, hold on to your hat and your seat ‘cause this is going to be big fun!
WordSpace presents Next Generation Project @ SMU Lit Fest
What: WordSpace presents Next Generation @ SMU LIT FEST 2014
Where: McCord Auditorium
When: Wednesday, March 19, 7 pm
Admission: FREE!
Reception at 6:30 pm
WordSpace is honored to present an annual program of youth writers at the SMU Literary Festival.
Schools include Hockaday School, Booker T. Washington School for the Visual and Performing Arts, Yavneh Academy, Hockaday School, Trinity Valley School, Prometheus Academy and a presentation by Dallas Youth Poets students.
These Students bring the mentorship of some of the most talented writers working in education- including Dr. Tim Cloward, Scott Davison, Luke Jacob, Kyle Vaughn, Alexandra Marie Thurston, Joaquin Zihuatanejo, Isabella Russell-Ides and Karen X Minzer.
Nothing gets these students going more than their annual presentation at SMU Lit Fest, as they open the Festival with a reception and fill the auditorium with their fans. WordSpace has presented an annual student reading since 2002. Other venues have included the Kessler Theater and Lucky Dog Books. Many of these young writers have gone on to win major awards.
Join us for an evening of inspiring previews of literary artists and the first cornerstone of the WordSpace Next Generation Project.
Check out the many fine writers being presented at the 2014 SMU Literary Festival: For More Information about 2014 Southern Methodist University Lit Fest and presenters, click here:
Seamus Heaney Salon with David Holdeman
What: Seamus Heaney Salon, facilitated by Dr. David Holdeman
When: Thursday, April 10, 7 pm
Where: Private Residence, RSVP wordspace@wordspace
Please Note: This is a public event but requires RSVP for address
Admission: Suggested Donation at event, Members Free
Celebrate National Poetry Month!
Seamus Justin Heaney was an Irish poet, playwright, translator and lecturer, and the recipient of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature.In the early 1960s, he became a lecturer in Belfast after attending university there, and began to publish poetry. He lived in Sandymount, Dublin, from 1972 until his death.
Heaney was a professor at Harvard from 1981 to 1997 and its Poet in Residence from 1988 to 2006. From 1989 to 1994 he was also the Professor of Poetry at Oxford and in 1996 was made a Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres. Other awards that he received include the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize (1968), the E. M. Forster Award (1975), the PEN Translation Prize (1985), the Golden Wreath of Poetry (2001), T. S. Eliot Prize (2006) and two Whitbread Prizes (1996 and 1999). In 2012, he was awarded the Lifetime Recognition Award from the Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry. His literary papers are held by the National Library of Ireland.
David Holdeman, professor of English at the University of North Texas, leads us through a reading of the poems of Seamus Heaney, the great Irish poet and winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature. His death last year at the age of 74 brought mourning and joyous memories of the great poet, teacher and critic. William Logan has called Heaney’s “the most flexible and beautiful voice of our age.” Andrew Motion in The Guardian says one of Heaney’s great strengths is that “his high-mindedness never escapes the limits of the familiar experience – but at the same time he leaves us in no doubt that his first loyalty is to what Yeats called ‘the spiritual intellect’s great work.’”
Dr. Holdeman’s insightful explication and reading of Yeats’ poems here two springs ago was buoyant and moving, and he is also a lover of Heaney’s life-enhancing poems of Seamus Heaney. Holdeman’s scholarly books include The Cambridge Introduction to W. B. Yeats (Cambridge, 2006) and W. B. Yeats in Context (Cambridge, 2010).
Justen Ahren Salon
What: Salon with Justen Ahren
When: Thursday, February 20, 7 pm
Where: Private Residence, RSVP wordspace@wordspace.us
Please Note: This is a public event but requires an RSVP for address of the private residence
Admission: Suggested Donation at the event
West Tisbury, Massachusetts Poet Laureate Justen Ahren has published poems in numerous literary journals including, most recently, Fulcrum, BorderSenses, Borderlands, Texas Poetry Review, and Comstock Review. A graduate of Emerson College’s MFA program in creative writing, Mr. Ahren is founder and Director of Noepe Center for Literary Arts and the Martha’s Vineyard Writers Residency. He teaches poetry and writing workshops on Martha’s Vineyard and in Labro, Italy.
Swirve Presents Swirve and Matt Bagley
What: Swirve Presents Swirve
Special Guest: Matt Bagley
When: Saturday, December 14, 8 pm
Where: WordSpace, 415 North Tyler Street
Bonus: It’s Block Party Night on Tyler Street! Friendly folks, arts and culture and complimentary beverages with From the Ends of the Earth, Manuel Pecino Gallery, and Drive by Pickers
Swirve is a Dallas music, spoken word and experimental performance ensemble featuring Tamitha Curiel, Chris Curiel and Gerard Bendiks. The members have been known to play the trumpet backwards, the drums upside-down, and shout sideways. They have performed in galleries, nightclubs, festivals and bbqs. They have also collaborated with many of Dallas’s other fine artists, including Tammy Gomez, Mad Swirl. Alison Starr, Kenny Withrow, and members of Yells at Eels.
In conjunction with his “Artifacts of the Imagination” exhibition opening at Mighty Fine Arts, Matt Bagley joins spoken word/music group Swirve as a special guest to present his rock operetta on SpaceBugRobot Wars at WordSpace. Swamp Daddy Matt Bagley has returned from his interstellar teleportation travels back to the earthly realm with tales of remote universes and cosmic dramas. He brings back stories of his encounters with sentient robots and trained insects and exotic space critters that suffer ordeals not unlike those those in the bayou. The artifacts he returns with bear witness to the universality of being, life in space and earth, couched in metaphor and imagination.
