Seventeen-Eighteen » Event Wrap-Up

January: Andy Young Wrap-Up

admin — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:22:09 +0000

Our evening with Andy Young started out with a burst of energy and just kept going. After Sam Jannenga’s stirring invocation, Ms. Young jumped right in, carrying us with her through her mesmerizing voice. This event was undoubtedly an “auspicious evening” for 1718 as well—a great start to our Spring series! Andy Young’s work had an international flair to it; this well-traveled writer has a gift of imagery that offers an eye into the elements of other cultures that are almost always lost in translation. The audience was treated with some of her new work, and the personality Ms. Young puts into her reading was not lost on the crowd. She threw in a few lighter, comedic notes, including one poem about Condoleeza Rice, and ended the evening’s traveling spree—which included Baghdad and the Gaza Strip—with a series of works in Egypt.

Andy Young’s reading was a great success, and she joined the audience to hear from the solo student reader of the evening—Daniel Stephenson of Loyola. Daniel’s first poem was a delight in itself, but his second and third pieces undoubtedly created an auditory sensation most of the listeners had not experienced before. His “vertical rhymes” were written for two voices, and the reading had the polished performance and perfect timing of a musical duet.

These two Appalachian readers led an enjoyable evening—thank you, all those that braved the cold to attend, and of course, the 1718 readers and staff for putting this all together.

If you could not attend, don’t worry! To borrow Andy Young’s favorite quote of unknown origin:
“It’s always morning somewhere in the world,” and every morning brings us closer to the rest of the great events 1718 has lined up this season!

November: Claudia Rankine Wrap-Up

admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:54:15 +0000

Having flown in from across the country, Claudia Rankine gave her multi-media reading to a full house. Claudia began her reading by playing a DVD which consisted of slow visuals, such as a scene from the World Cup or strangers sleeping on planes. One of the more interesting pieces featured two layers of sound: phone calls from twin towers on 9/11, and Claudia’s slow, precise voice reading her work. After the DVD, Claudia continued to read from her book, Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.

As usual, a large crowd, including Mrs. Rankine herself, stayed for the student readers. From Loyola, Rachel Crosbie read her creative non-fiction piece about how she ended up in New Orleans; from UNO, 1718’s own Britton Troy Blackall read some of his poems (including one dedicated to ovaries); and Chanel Clark from Tulane read poems that silenced the room.

The entire reading was incredible, though we would expect no less from our amazing 1718 readers and staff. Thanks to everyone who came out, and be sure to attend the last reading of the semester on December 2nd with Amanda Boyden.

October: Peter Cooley Wrap-Up

admin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:09:57 +0000

The October event brought us some competition on the national level. The reading conflicted with the Vice-Presidential debate, but we still managed to draw a spirited audience to fill every seat. Poetry v. Politics: you decide. I think we won.

It was a bit quieter than usual, but Peter Cooley gave a modest and marvelous reading. He read “a little bit of everything” from his seven collections. He also answered questions deftly and efficiently.

We also had the privilege of hosting three student readers: Daniel Dekegeland (Junior, UNO), Kerry Cullen (Sophomore, Loyola) and Nate Scott (Senior, Tulane). All of them continued to uphold the standard of excellence (some might say bodaciousness) that we’ve come to expect from our student readers.

As always, we had a drink-filled, literature-induced great time. Thank you to everyone who came to support us!

September: Brad Richard Wrap-Up

admin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:54:32 +0000

Well, folks, we’ve proved this month that we are unstoppable in the face of not one, but two hurricanes. The belated event on September 16th brought in a remarkable crowd, thanks to Brad Richard, high school teacher, poet, and 1718’s September reader. We thank Brad for being patient and flexible with us (and Mother Nature). He read work from his collection, Habitations, and also some of his as-yet-unpublished poetry centering on Katrina.

As always, the Columns hotel bar was aflutter with gorgeous drinks; Amy from Garden District Books came to sell Brad’s collection, sipping champagne all the while; and, of course, we all had a blast.

Our student readers, Sarah Beth Ryther (Freshman, Loyola) and Philip Matthews (Senior, Tulane, 1718 staff) were fabulous. Sarah Beth took us out of the confines of the podium and performed her epic spoken-word piece; Phil gave us a wild ride and blew our minds with his quiet but powerful poetry.

On different(ish) note:

1718 is under new management! Ben Sines and Katie “KJ” Kelsch (both seniors at Loyola) have (peacefully) taken over the series and were proud to lead the fighting 1718th to yet another victory.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support us, pack the house for Brad, and celebrate poetry! We love you!

March: Richard Siken Wrap-Up

admin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:16:48 +0000

Our March event, featuring poet Richard Siken, was amazing!

We were fortunate to have the biggest crowd we’ve ever seen, some knockout student readers, and a featured reader as talented and commanding as Richard Siken.

Richard gave an absolutely stunning and memorable reading from his Yale Series of Younger Poets winning book “Crush” (2004)–including “Litany in Which Certain Things Are Crossed Out,” “Unfinished Duet,” “Straw House, Straw Dog,” and “Saying Your Names”–as well as some new work. All but four copies of “Crush” were sold, the most copies of any book Garden District Book Shop has ever sold at one of our events! If you haven’t picked up a copy of “Crush” yet, be sure to scoot on over to GDBS at 2727 Prytania St. to get one!

Also, you can check out the poem “Litany in Which Certain Things Are Crossed Out” here: http://poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=177722.

Richard was followed by featured student readers Ben Sines (Loyola, 1718 Staff), Jonas Griffin (Loyola) and Kelly Grant (UNO), each giving a totally bang-up reading to a full house. They were each rewarded for their hard work and bravery with a surprise mini-workshop with Richard after the event ended! Good things happen in the Columns bar lounge!

HUGE thanks to all who came to this epic event–it was just wonderful! We have endless gratitude to our supporters and our community. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions regarding the series, need info or want to make a donation, shoot an email to kaitlinketchum@gmail.com.

We hope to see you next month at our April 1st event, featuring poet (and Loyola professor) Mark Yakich! It will be held at 7 p.m. at the Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave.), as per usual, and student readers will follow. Check out a sample of Mark’s poetry here: http://www.versedaily.org/2005/dearbirds.shtml

More photos of the event (thanks to Rosemary for documenting the event):

Greeters Philip and Sarah

1718 staffer Katie reads the invocation, Anne Sexton’s “Ballad of the Lonely Masturbator” (read it here: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=171282)

Introducing Richard

Richard gives his reading, with our student readers up front–from left: Jonas, Kelly and Ben.

The Columns, before the mayhem of the evening