The poetry scene in New York City is more alive and vibrant than ever. This may strike some people by surprise. When we think of poetry we often think of the 19th century salons in Paris or the Bohemian haunts of the 20’s or the howling beatitudes of the 50’s and 60’s. However, there are more poetry readings and open mic performances in New York City than ever before.
One reading that exemplifies the commitment and perseverance of contemporary poets is the Nomad’s Choir. This reading, founded and hosted by the poet Joshua Meander, has performed every month for the past 24 years. The 25th year will be celebrated in November.
Every month, a group of 20 to 40 people gather. Many are regulars, but there are always fresh faces who somehow heard the calling of the muses and find their way into the modest studio space that becomes hallowed for each Choir’s performance. Then for three hours, everyone shares and attentively listens to the renderings of lives and insights in musical verse.
Just as the individual poets, each poetry reading in the city has a distinct personality. These personalities are determined by the endless variations between the hosts’ enthusiasm and allowance. Every night is filled with the rush of emotions that can define the experience of a lifetime described through the lines of every individual style and the timbre of each individual voice.
Where many readings in the city accommodate music and comedy, The Nomad’s Choir sticks to poetry almost exclusively. The format is direct. There is a $3 donation that helps pay the rent for the studio space. Every person who signs up is given 5 to 7 minutes to read. Then each performance has a feature. As Joshua determines the feature, he is often more flexible about the choice of performers and excites the night with dancers, musicians and even cinematographers. In December the feature was Thaddeus Rutkowski, a 2013 New York Foundation of the Arts Fellow.
With the number of poetry readings, one can easily find an opportunity to visit a room that is filled with the music of other’s lives, and from this, find refreshment and inspiration for their own. With the variety of readings, everyone can find a group of poets that speak to them and a crowd that will be receptive to their own.
The Nomad’s Choir meets at Studios353 at 353 W 48th Street on the 2nd floor studios on the 2nd Saturday of every month. For additional readings, check openmikes.org for the numerous nightly listings of readings in every borough of the city.
Photo of Joshua Meander. For submissions and subscriptions to the Nomad’s Choir Poetry Journal published quarterly, email jmofnc@aol.com.
Garrett Buhl Robinson is a poet and novelist living in New York City. www.garrettrobinson.us
