The Sacramento Poetry Center, Monday November 16 –

On Monday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. the Sacramento Poetry Center presents two of the West Coast Literary Scene’s most legendary contributors, poets Bill Gainer and R.D. Armstrong.  K. St. Marie of R.L. Crow Publications says, "These guys touch all possibility. Their work not only entertains, but enlightens.  They remind us what it is to live, love, wish and hope – they remind us what it is to be alive!”

Bill Gainer is known for the openness of his confessional poetry and is recognized as one of the founding contributors to the modern movement of "After Hours Poetry." He has contributed to the literary scene as a writer, editor, promoter, publicist, publisher and poet. Gainer considers himself forever influenced by an odd mix of outsiders. He says, early on he was swept away by the clarity, boldness, courage and brevity of the works of Richard Brautigan and Michael McClure. Later he found himself enthralled with the storytelling talents of the likes of Tom Waits, William Kennedy, Johnny Cash, Freddy Fender and a legion of “Meat Poets." Gainer has a long standing love of the short poem, but is often more recognized for his longer pieces. He continues to read and work with a wide range of poets and writers, including readings on KUSF radio with Punk-Rocker Patti Smith and performances with California Poet Laureate, Al Young.  Gainer can be previewed at billgainer.com . 

R.D. Armstrong, aka: Raindog, has published 14 chapbooks and four full length collections of poetry, his most recent Fire and Rain Selected Poems, volumes #1 and #2. His poems are widely published and he is a sought after performer on the Southern California poetry scene. With a laugh, Armstrong says of his poems, "No kids, no wife, no house, no new car - I am not exactly living the American dream. That is kind of what I write about."  He is also the editor and publisher of Lummox Press, which produces the online Lummox Journal, the Little Red Book Series (currently at 59 titles) and several stand-alone titles, including: LAST CALL: the Legacy of Charles Bukowski and the recently released anthology, Down this Crooked Road.  Check out www.lummoxpress.com.

Admission is free! Refreshments and open-mic included, at the Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th Street. Call for information:  (916) 979-9706.