This episode features local poets Carlos Reyes, Valerie Witte and Benjamin Fisher. Plus host dan raphael reads poems by A. R. Ammons, Bruce Andrews and himself.
The Empty Chairs of February(2024) is noted poet, teacher, translator and Volkswagen mechanic Carlos Reyes’ sixteenth published volume. Other recent poetry includes From the Four Hinges of the World (2023), Osage Elegy (2021), and The Ebbing Tide (2021), A three times finalist for the National Poetry Series, he is often nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
Valerie Witte is the author of multiple poetry and hybrid books, including A Rupture in the Interiors (Airlie Press), a finalist for the 2025 Oregon Book Award for poetry; and One Thing Follows Another: Experiments in Dance, Art, and Life through the Lens of Simone Forti and Yvonne Rainer, a collaboration with Sarah Rosenthal. val.witte@gmail.com
Benjamin Fisher is the host of the new In Memory Reading Series at Alberta Street Public House, 3rd Mondya of the month, same as this program,.He, has hosted, co-hosted, and featured at numerous readings in Portland including Mojo's, Java, Umba Penumbra, Subterranean Beat Revival, and Three Friends, as well as being a Portland Slam finalist.