one for the memory book

 

20 years ago I was the first poet to read at Palm Springs Art Museum. I began a series which ended with Anne Waldman. since then I've given some readings at galleries in town. but yesterday was a major addition to my list.

my friend & neighbor Michelle Fiore is an opera singer. she did a concert at the legendary Plaza Theater & askd some friends to perform with her.

let me tell you how historic this venue is. it opend in 1936 with the premiere of "Camille." the story is that Garbo slippd in unnoticed to watch the screening. later it became home to radio broadcasts of Bob Hope & Jack Benny. & then came the popular "Palm Springs Follies." 

after that closed its use was limitd & it became shabby. but some locals felt it needed to be saved & a 2-year $34 million restoration took place.

as far as I know I'm the first poet to read from that storied stage since it's reopening. it was thrilling to feel the response of an audience of 500. & makes me proud to be a part of the history of Palm Springs. 

David Hockney (1937-2026)

 

at the 2024 Hockney show at Palm Springs Art Museum. I'm holding a copy of my Poems that Fit in a Shoe open to an illiustration of a map David drew in my travel journal in Paris in oct 1973.

Ashbery by Kitaj

 

the current exhibition at Morgan Library is "Friends Who Came to See Me." it's drawings of John Ashbery which David Kermani donated.

of particular fascination to me is one by R. B. Kitaj. I feel like the midwife on that one.

in an old journal there's this from july 1971:

"3:15 p.m. John Ashbery just called to say he got my note & it's fine to give Kitaj his phone number. He likes Kitaj's work & is pleased he reciprocates.

3:30 p.m. a call from Kitaj: glad to hear John likes his work but will be so rushed leaving for London he doubts he'll have time to meet & sketch him..."

I didn't actually introduce them until feb 1974 at Kitaj's opening in NYC. this drawing was done in 1979.

june is bustin' out all over

 what a month this will be for me:

1) my new book -- A Litter of Lists -- is coming out.. it represents 55 years of list making.  it can be orderd now from Sibling Rivalry Press.

2) I'll be reading a few poems from the stage of the legendary Plaza Theater as part of the XOXO concert "Michelle Fiore & Friends" on the 14th.

3) my interview in the documentary series "Aging Wildy" will be releasd.