Word Roundup

SETH was at the very first Poetry Rodeo, which took place twenty years ago at the now-defunct Muddy’s Java Cafe. He got together with his poetry-performance partners at that event, “so for that reason, it’s dear to my heart,” he notes.

That weekend-long poetry extravaganza is far in the past, but tonight’s Poetry Rodeo reincarnation is going to evoke the inaugural rodeo as best it can. “We couldn’t go the whole weekend,” SETH notes, “but I wanted to bring back as much of the flavor of the original as I could by inviting performance presentations, as opposed to the reading-standing-behind-a-podium.”

Stop by the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street, tonight at 6 p.m. for the Poetry Rodeo lineup, which features poetry ensembles ranging in flavor from percussion to jazz. After the various ensembles perform -- adding spice in the form of audience-participation, multiple-person poetry readings and more -- participating musicians will be available to add some melody to the open-mike readings, which will start at midnight.

The Merc will also host Debajo del Agua and Romero Theater as well as a Beltane celebration tonight. Visit www.mercurycafe.com or call 303-294-9281 for information.
Fri., May 1, 6 p.m.-2 a.m., 2009