From: Dale Jensen
Subject: Jesse Beagle and J.C. read at Nefeli Caffe January 8th, 2010

Jesse Beagle and J.C. will read their poetry at 7 pm on Friday, January 10th, 2010, at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Avenue, a little north of Hearst, in Berkeley, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. Cafe phone (510) 841-6374.There is also an open reading.

Jesse Beagle is a well-known poet, musician, singer, and composer. She is one of the best jazz poets around, composed the award-winning musical Timber, and has played and sung with many prominent blues and jazz musicians. For years she coordinated poetry reading series at Spasso Coffeehouse in Oakland and at the Beanery in Berkeley. Her poetry has been published in many magazines and journals and ranges from political to autobiographical to some of the most beautifully lyrical jazz poems anywhere. Her songs have been recorded and performed by many. Her music is a unique blend of classical, blues, jazz, and Broadway and is always true to itself. Finally, after decades of writing and performing, her first book of poetry, Poetry in Jazz, is being published in early 2010. This reading will be in celebration of her new book, and is a special event for anybody who knows Jesse or her work.

The poet JC, native California born, has been writing poetry, short stories, plays, and screenplays since the age of 16. He is probably the most unrecognized professional writer in the world, due to his independence from groups, academia, and cliques, and
lack of willingness to submit his work. JC is not stuck on any one subject or style in his
poetry, due to his extensive travel, and self education, and the many vastly different trades in which he has partisipated. JC also has a seriosu background in music (SF Boys Chorus, rock bands and folk groups), acting, dance, painting, and photography.
He has compiled two books,Wildlife in the Redwoods and Awake in a Fog (the latter to be published in 2010), and has appeared in many anthologies, journals, and magazines. He is a consummate adventurer, outdoorsman, and body surfer.

The Last Word Reading Series is presented by Nefeli Caffe, a café/restaurant that serves dinners, tapas, coffee drinks, beer, wine, and more in a beautiful and colorful atmosphere. Dinner here is wonderful and should not be missed. Admission is free. Dale Jensen, Ralph Dranow, John Rowe, Diana Q, Grace Grafton are co-hosts.

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Actually I think I was very dismissive of Jesse when I was in San Francisco (in what seems a lifetime ago). There were many things about those two trips what made me feel uncomfortable. Australia and California are very different cultures, I felt very out of place and shrunk from Jesse’s generous attempts to make me the centre of attention at some small gathering – however briefly. I apologise.

Tony

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mmmmmm!

In Freedom,
Frank Moore