Manic Frustration “If I do not write to empty my mind, I go mad.” ~Lord Byron

Those of you who know me or who have followed this blog know that I'm a bit of an obsessive music hoarder. I've been collecting tunes for years, hosted my own radio show in college, and venture out to see as many performances as possible. It's been a while since I've contributed to the musical scene myself, but now things have changed.

Recently, I've begun writing (and editing) for an up-and-coming music site called Axis of Metal. Rather self explanatory, it's a site devoted to all genres of metal. I've listened to its various forms for years, now, and it's refreshing to be able to extend my writing into various other areas that I enjoy just as much as poetry and prose.

As far as everything else goes, I've been in a bit of a rut lately. The writing has been coming slow, but it's still there. I keep speaking about my manuscript. It's going to get finished. Even if I have to chain myself to this desk and slam my head across the keys of my typer...it will happen.

This year's first Prose in Pubs is taking place this coming Sunday, the 24th. Featuring Write Bloody poet Jon Sands and extraordinary, local poet friend of mine, Eric Wilson, this is going to be an incredible PiP. If you're in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, or anywhere close, this Sunday, stop by Jack's Draft House on the corner of Gibson and Prescott in Scranton at 4 p.m. Grab a bear and take a listen.

Next weekend I'm off to see Buddy Wakefield perform. There are no words right now. I'm far too excited to think of them. As if that were not enough, Andrea Gibson will also be coming to Scranton in May to perform. This year is already chalk full of amazing.

Til next time.

Cheers

On Sunday, when most folks were home nursing terrible parade day hangovers and cursing themselves for downing that last (read: last five to ten) shot, I made my way to the Vintage Theater once more to join in the Mulberry Poets & Writers Association open reading.

Considering everything that the reading had to compete with (the jump-ahead in time, alcoholic comas and the actual time of the event) it was a good turnout with some great writers. Not once did I feel the need to shove my pens through my eardrums to drown out beaten, dead horses and boredom. I met some great people afterwards as well. Some of them even enjoyed the garble which tumbled from my mouth while behind the mic. Though I'd rather not stand behind one again without the comfort of a drink or two.

This Friday, at the Arts Seen Gallery, I'll be attending the first of a new series of readings held during Third Fridays in Wilkes-Barre. The reading starts at 6 p.m. and will be held every third Friday of the month. Arts Seen Gallery is located at 21 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

There are other readings which are being planned, and I will announce them here in the future.

To leave you with a little something extra, I was introduced to Buddy Wakefield's work through one of the poets who read on Sunday. After hearing "Horsehead", I was instantly hooked. Since I haven't read him on paper, I'm not sure how some of his work would hold up, but the man can certainly perform his work well. Buddy is published by Write Bloody Publishing. Here's a piece by Buddy titled "The Information Man".