New poems up on the Connotation Press website for September, 2011. Delighted to be a part of this very special literary venture, now celebrating its third anniversary online!


     Hoppenthaler's Congeries

Things are beginning to look good regarding publication of the expanded edition of The Marriage of the Portuguese by Tagus Press at the Center for Portuguese Studies, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. It appears to be on track for a  Spring, 2012 release, with distribution by the University Press of New England.

ON THE STREETS WHERE TOAD DRAGGED MAIN WITH CANDY CLARK

I will be reading, along with poet Louise Kantro, as part of the Second Tuesday Poetry Series at The Barkin' Dog in Modesto, CA on July 12. The reading begins at 6:00 P.M. and I hope to see a great many of you there. The Barkin’ Dog is located at 940 11th Street.

Gave a workshop yesterday at the Central California Writers' Conference just outside of Yosemite National Park, near Oakhurst, California. Fabulous time, nestled there in the place Ansel Adams made so memorable all those years ago. 

The workshop was on narrative poetry, with examples of such from the likes of contemporary poets Billy Collins, Raymond Carver, David St. John, Larry Levis, and Mark Strand. I also managed to sneak in a couple of my own along the way.

Thanks to all who attended, with special thanks to the members of the Central Valley Writers group for asking me to their perfectly organized event in the midst of what's left of God's green earth.

There is a certain lightheadedness that comes with being a card carrying member of the extreme right. This is--in no way--a reflection of the euphoria they currently claim to be experiencing, but is, instead, brought on by an absolute lack of human intelligence discernible above their necks.

Looking forward to teaching a workshop at the end of April at this lovely venue near Yosemite. Hope to see lots of folks there!

Central Valley Writers Conference

At a restaurant called Cous Cous in Richmond, VA, signing a copy of A Cafe in Boca.

Philip Levine, myself, and David St. John in Richmond, VA on September 22, 2010 as part of a panel discussing the San Joaquin Valley roots of the late poet, Larry Levis.

I am thrilled to be a part of this celebration of the life of poet, Larry Levis. I will be one of the participants in an opening night panel discussion on Larry & California Roots, that includes Philip Levine, David St. John, Sheila Brady, Bruce Boston, and myself. Here is the link to the entire 3-day event:

Larry Levis: A Celebration

Sam Pereira reading at the Revue cafe in Fresno's Tower District on July 27, 2010.

On July 27, the second installment of The Poets of Fresno: Summer Reading Series will take place at the Revue Cafe in the Tower District. A lovely venue & a great group to read with, all to help promote more editions from Tebot Bach's Ash Tree Poetry Series, edited by David St. John. If you're in the area on that evening, hope to see you there. Here's the web site for the event:

The Poets of Fresno (July Reading)

The web site is called IN THE HEYDAYS OF HIS EYES, and includes some of the biggest names in poetry, then and now. It is intended to be used by both teachers and students in the secondary schools of the world and I am honored to say, that my poem "Dog & Father" (from the current issue of Five Points), is in there, as well! Check it out and let them know what you think.

The weather was slightly foggy, but aside from that it was a marvelous evening in Fresno on December 4. Susan and I, along with the publisher of A Cafe in Boca, Mifanwy Kaiser, arrived at just about sunset for a lovely dinner with our hosts for the evening, Chuck and Dianne Hanzlicek, along with the remarkable poet and dear friend of many years, Peter Everwine.

From the dinner, we went to the Fresno Art Museum, which was the location for my reading. After a terrific introduction from Pete, I stepped up to the microphone. An hour or so later, I was signing a few books for some of the folks who came out to the event, all of them charming and kind.

We drove back afterward, only to be greeted at the door by our Bichon Frise, Sonny, who did his best to show his excitement by giving us a perfect iambic pentameter bark. The work of a poet's dog is never done.

The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth's Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture will be re-issuing my first book, The Marriage of the Portuguese in an expanded edition, sometime in late 2010. In addition to the original manuscript, it will include a rather large offering of related work done since that time. Stay tuned.

Fresno is where it all started for me. Back in the late 60s and early 70s, I was lucky enough to have encountered the likes of Philip Levine, Peter Everwine, and C. G. Hanzlicek as teachers and friends; also, many other lifelong friends--all writers, too--a list too long to go into here.

On Thursday night, December 4, I will be giving a reading in this terrific city in the San Joaquin Valley, reading from my latest book, A Cafe in Boca, as well as many newer poems. The reading is sponsored by the Fresno Poets Association and will take place at the Fresno Art Museum at 7:30 P.M. Come join us if you are in the area. Chuck Hanzlicek has said that this will be his last year of running the FPA readings, so I am especially honored to be a part of things this year.