(Note: My 3-minute slot on the program will take place at some point between 7 and 9 pm.)
The Alternative, which is free to the public, features poets, prose writers, monologists, musicians, dancers and other performers in an eight-hour showcase that ranges from some of New York's most seasoned talents to emerging stars. The lineup evolves each year to keep the event fresh and democratic. The audience is encouraged to donate paperback books to Books Through Bars, for people incarcerated in prison, and canned or boxed food or drink for City Harvest, which provides for the hungry in New York.
The Alternative began on New Year's Day in 1995, and quickly became one of the most popular events on the city's poetry and literary scene. Founder Bruce Weber is ably assisted by a staff of writers, designers and curators. Each year a fresh group of performers are plucked from all corners of the Tri-State area to enliven and transform the Alternative in unexpected ways. Adding to the mix for the sixth consecutive year will be an anthology comprised of featured writers, published by Rogue Scholars Press under the guidance of C. D. Johnson.
"We're very excited to hold the event at St. John's on the 25th anniversary of the Alternative, and look forward to continuing to bring some light into our dark times," said Mr. Weber of this year's event.
Among poets scheduled to read on January 1 are Joel Allegretti, Jennifer Blowdryer, Steve Cannon, Michele Carlo, Steve Dalachinsky, Cornelius Eady, Bob Holman, Jesús Papoleto Meléndez, Nancy Mercado, Tracie Morris, and Bill Zavatsky.
In keeping with its spirit, there will be intervals within the day's program for audience members (who are not on the featured list) to sign up and perform on the open mic. The Alternative draws an overflow crowd every year.
Crossposted from Inhuman Swill