Poetic License
A Writer Takes a Tour Through the Poetry of South Florida

Story and Photos by Jonathan Rose

I began this project doubting that a complete review of poetry of poetry in South Florida was possible. It is not—in one article. There is so much going on here. I can only try to reveal some of the possibilities to the reading and listening public. Others not mentioned here, take heart. There will be future columns if enough interest is shown.

	Michael Hettich and Gustavo Matamoros at the Luna Star Literary Reading

North Dade
I decided to make another trip to the Luna Star Cafe, (775 NE 125th St., N. Miami, 305-892-8522) to enjoy the Luna Star Literary Salon hosted by Laura McDermott. The feature for January 18 was “Poetry and Music: A Sound Experiment.” Guest poets and composers were Campbell McGrath and Michael Hettich, Gustavo Matamoros and Matthew Hettich (via CD). McGrath opened with an impressive reading inundated with the musicality of his words, which dealt with the history of rock and roll. Michael Hettich followed with several poems, then played the CD of his son Matthew, who was in California. After a short intermission, Gustavo Matamoros, founder of Subtropics Experimental Music & Sound Arts Festival (Feb. 23 – Mar. 4), performed a very clever sound piece he had written, William Tells of Rights. A good time was had by all in attendance. Laura invites poets and spoken word artists to audition material for SMUT to be presented on Thursday, February 9. Contact literarysalon@gmail.com.

After that amazing evening I was oversimulated and decided to stop by the Literary Cafe, 12325 N.E. 6th Ave in North Miami, to see what was happening. What was happening was some incredible hip-hop—everyone on their feet dancing. Saturdays, at 9:00, speak your poetry; Will, aka Darealone, begins about 9:30 pm - spoken word poetry. He also leads a show at Miami Art Central on Feb. 11).

On Monday January 23, I went to Churchill's Hideaway (5501 NE Second Ave., Miami, 305-757-1807) arriving at about 9:40 p.m. for Theatre de Underground, an event hosted by Kristen McCorkell. I asked about the start time. Her response? “Our new rule is to wait until there are 10 people. Usually, that's round 10:30, but if they come at 10 p.m., we start then. It goes till about 3 a.m.”

Robert (Minstrel) and Nicholas the storyteller onstage at Theatre de Underground

When I arrived, I was greeted by Nicholas the Storyteller, with his feet up, resting before his performance. I began exploring and found Sweat Records, relocated from Wynwood to Churchill's (between the lounge and Theatre de Underground). I spoke with shoptender and groovemeister Ryan, who explained some niceties of recording on vinyl: “The outer groove always sound better than the inner ones,” he said

Design District
Earlier at Mello Mondays, at The District (formerly Picadilly Restaurant on 40th Street) in the Design District, they were celebrating their one year anniversary. There is a $10 fee to be charged by the poetry there.

Downtown and Wynwood
Wednesday night I stopped by the Cornerstone, 2013 N. Miami Ave., Miami. Josh Weiss and Rio welcomed everyone to their eclectic venue. Among others, Max Decibels and Dre wowed the crowd with their lyrical improvisations. The happenings (poetry/music/performance on Wednesdays, music on Thursdays) began in June of last year. Oscar Fuentes is a regular.

I cannot neglect the Wallflower Gallery, 10 NW 3rd Street, Miami, where Flash presides over an eclectic mix of art, music, poetry, film—you name it. Flash and company, fresh from the triumphant 8th Medical Marijuana Benefit Concert at Tobacco Road, bring us the third Friday Ploppy's Podium Poetry, free and at or about 9 p.m.

South Dade
Vince and Bina Benestante host “Techtonic Tuesdays” on the first Tuesday of each month at Borders Books & Music, at 9205 S. Dixie Highway, 305-235-4841, across from the Metrorail and Dadeland South, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. They attract a great mix of race and gender, younger and older. Come to think of it, most poetry is blind to race, gender and age. Okay, hip hop is what it is.

South Broward
The Hannah Kahn Poetry Foundation puts on a wonderful series at Broward Community College South Campus, 7200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, in Building 69, at 7:30 p.m in the Southern Breeze Cafe. Upcoming events include: Feb. 16: Patricia Smith; March 21: David Plumb with a beat poetry presentation; March 29: Denise Duhamel; April 17: David Kirby and Barbara Hamby. For more information contact Professor Barbara Nightingale, 954-201-8873. All presentations are free.

Poetry can be soothing, jarring, refreshing. According to the English poet Percy Shelley, “Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.” Treat yourself to something new. Get acquainted with the poetry of South Florida.