"In any world menu, Canada must be considered the vichyssoise of nations — it's cold, half-French, and difficult to stir." — Stuart Keate

July 2001 seven/four Listings in Word the literary calendar are free, and are for the Greater Toronto Area (Canada). The deadline is the 12th of each month for the next month's issue, and should be 50 words or less. Fax listings to (416) 504-9313 or email Word. SECOND ANNUAL WORD LITERARY CONTEST FOR POETRY AND SHORT FICTION Select a day or date, or simply scroll, to view the calendar's events. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

SUNDAY JULY 1 CIUT 89.5 Howl, hosted by Nik Beat, with live guests Aural Geography and poet/activist Jeff Pancer. 2 – 3 p.m.

MONDAY JULY 2 POETICA hosted by OmahaRisinG: check current weeklies for up-to-date listings. With an open mike and featured readers, at Rancho Relaxo, 300 College Street. 8 p.m. sharp. $2.

TUESDAY JULY 3 CKLN 88.1 presents In Other Wor(l)ds, with host Julia Steinecke and guest Souvankham Thammavongsa, 2 p.m. Tune in for a sense of place. Open stage for spoken word and music at the Oasis, hosted by Tom Glenne. 294 College Street. Sign-up 7:45 p.m. Free. 416-505-1828.

WEDNESDAY JULY 4 The Art Bar Poetry Series presents the Big Word Poetry Cabaret with UK performer Jem Rolls, as well as Andrea Thompson and Peter McPhee, at the Victory Café, 581 Markham Street (1 block west of Bathurst). 8 p.m. Free. 416-461-5657.

SUNDAY JULY 8 The Idler Pub Reading Series presents Jem Rolls, MC Jabber, Clifton Joseph and more, at the Idler Pub, 255 Davenport Road. 8 p.m. Free. 416-962-0195. CIUT 89.5 Howl, hosted by Nancy Bullis, with guests TBA. 2 – 3 p.m. Big Word, the high-energy British poetry cabaret featuring techniques from theatre, stand-up, live art, dance, rock and roll and hip hop, starring UK performance poet Jem Rolls, lands at the Fringe Festival with an hour-long show at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street (3rd floor). 4 p.m. $10/$8 or $6 with festival passes. Syntactic Sunday Reading Series presents Souvankham Thammavongsa and Ed Baranosky plus an open mic, at the Free Times Café, 320 College Street. 8 p.m. $2 suggested donation. 416-967-1078.

MONDAY JULY 9 POETICA hosted by OmahaRisinG: check current weeklies for up-to-date listings. With an open mike and featured readers, at Rancho Relaxo, 300 College Street. 8 p.m. sharp. $2. Big Word, the high-energy British poetry cabaret starring Jem Rolls (see July 8), performs as part of the Fringe Festival at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street (3rd floor). 8 p.m. $10/$8 or $6 with festival passes.

TUESDAY JULY 10 FLIGHT Professional Poets' Workshop: A private, advanced poets' group, dedicated to publishing, seeks one or two new members. At the College/Shaw library, downstairs. 6 p.m. $5 covers your share of the cost of the space. For details contact Kyla at 416-533-7176. Big Word, the high-energy British poetry cabaret starring Jem Rolls (see July 8), performs as part of the Fringe Festival at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street (3rd floor). 2:30 p.m. $10/$8 or $6 with festival passes. Open stage for spoken word and music at the Oasis, hosted by Tom Glenne. 294 College Street. Sign-up 7:45 p.m. Free. 416-505-1828. CKLN 88.1 presents In Other Words, with Maureen Hynes reading from and talking about her second poetry collection, Harm's Way (Brick Books), hosted by Susan L. Helwig, at 2 p.m. Bite! Poetry — open mic, open concept. With feature readers Allan Cooper from Nova Scotia and Toronto's own Rob Siciliano, in his first spoken-word feature in two years, and an open mic. $3 or pwyc. 8:30 p.m. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Avenue. 416-202-8851.

WEDNESDAY JULY 11 The Free Times Café and Vixens & Storytellers present a casual night of readings... music... vixens & storytellers, with Yashin Blake, Beth Follett, Nichole McGill, James Spyker, and Adrienne Weiss. Free Times Café, 320 College Street. 8 p.m. $3 suggested. 416-967-1078. Email. The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Wakefield Brewster, monica s. kuebler and Henry Mak, at the Victory Café, 581 Markham Street (1 block west of Bathurst). 8 p.m. Free. 416-461-5657. Big Word, the high-energy British poetry cabaret starring Jem Rolls (see July 8), performs as part of the Fringe Festival at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street (3rd floor). 10:30 p.m. $10/$8 or $6 with festival passes. Book Discussion Group meets at High Park Library (second Wednesday of each month), High Park Library, 228 Roncesvalles Avenue. 6:30 p.m. for information on this month's book call Carly. 416-533-0660.

THURSDAY JULY 12 A talk with Terry Watada, Mary Angela Nangini, Penn Kemp and Malca Litovitz forms part of the exhibition Great Lakes, which combines literature and visual art, at York Quay Gallery, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay East. 6:30 p.m. Free. 416-973-3000. Website. Big Word, the high-energy British poetry cabaret starring Jem Rolls (see July 8), performs as part of the Fringe Festival at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street (3rd floor). 6:30 p.m. $10/$8 or $6 with festival passes.

FRIDAY JULY 13 Labour of Love celebrates the release of the CD like a diamond in the sky with readings by Nik Beat, Wakefield Brewster and others, and music from Gerry LeBlanc, Mark Ripp and more, at the Blue Moon, 725 Queen Street East. 9 p.m. Free. Big Word, the high-energy British poetry cabaret starring Jem Rolls (see July 8), performs as part of the Fringe Festival at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street (3rd floor). 8:30 p.m. $10/$8 or $6 with festival passes. The I.V. Lounge Reading Series presents poets Patrick Woodcock and Jana Prikryl along with fiction writer Derek McCormack at The I.V. Lounge, 326 Dundas Street West. 8 p.m. Free. 416-533-9753.

SATURDAY JULY 14 Big Word, the high-energy British poetry cabaret starring Jem Rolls (see July 8), performs as part of the Fringe Festival at the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College Street (3rd floor). 2:30 p.m. $10/$8 or $6 with festival passes. The Writers' Circle of Durham Region presents this month's Writers' and Editors' Breakfast Dialogue, with representative readings by writers of poetry, fiction and non-fiction from across the region, at the Iroquois Sports Centre Sports Garden Café, 50 Victoria Street West, Whitby. 8:30 – 11 a.m. Cost is $12 for members/$15 for guests and public participants (includes a hot breakfast). Call WCDR at 905-259-6520 prior to July 6th to reserve your ticket.

SUNDAY JULY 15 Guernica Editions book launch, with readings from M. Travis Lane, Pan Bouyoucas, Raymond Filip and George Hildebrand at Bar Italia, 582 College Street. 2 – 5 p.m. Free. The Idler Pub Reading Series presents Jessica Westhead, Ruth Barrett and more at the Idler Pub, 255 Davenport Road. 8 p.m. Free. 416-962-0195. CIUT 89.5 Howl, hosted by Nik Beat, presents a tribute to the late, great comedian Lenny Bruce, featuring rare recordings. 2 – 3 p.m.

MONDAY JULY 16 Scream in High Park: this year's edition of the eclectic literary event features Sam Andreyev & the Trosper Ensemble, Ken Babstock, Mark Cochrane, Pier Giorgio Di Cicco, Beth Follett, Steve McCaffery, Renee Rodin, Trish Salah, Michael St. George, Mariko Tomaki, Andrea Thompson, Alana Wilcox, Hawksley Workman and more. Hosted by Steve Venright. 7 p.m. $5 suggested. Bring a picnic and a friend! For more information call 416-767-1163.

TUESDAY JULY 17 Open stage for spoken word and music at the Oasis, hosted by Tom Glenne. 294 College Street. Sign-up 7:45 p.m. Free. 416-505-1828.

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Andy Quan and John Stiles, at the Victory Café, 581 Markham Street (1 block west of Bathurst). 8 p.m. Free. 416-461-5657.

SATURDAY JULY 21 This is the final day to view the exhibition The CANSCAIP Collection, with original artwork in various media from some of Canada's best-loved children's books, including works by Ian Wallace, Barbara Reid and Vladyana Krykorka, at the Canada Trust Gallery, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street. Free. A talk with Joe Blades, Kemeny Babineau and Malca Litovitz plus poet John Terpstra forms part of the exhibition Great Lakes, which combines literature and visual art, at York Quay Gallery, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay East. 2 p.m. Free. 416-973-3000. Website.

SUNDAY JULY 22 CIUT 89.5 Howl, hosted by Nancy Bullis, with guests TBA. 2 – 3 p.m. The Idler Pub Reading Series presents Summerworks preview readings, featuring McClure's Monologue, Travis the Carpet Cleaner, Coming To, Beyond Zebra, The Wait Room, Malaysia Hotel and more, at the Idler Pub, 255 Davenport Road. 8 p.m. Free. 416-962-0195.

MONDAY JULY 23 POETICA hosted by OmahaRisinG: check current weeklies for up-to-date listings. With an open mike and feature readers (including Nik Beat), at Rancho Relaxo, 300 College Street. 8 p.m. sharp. $2.

TUESDAY JULY 24 FLIGHT Professional Poets' Workshop: A private, advanced poets' group, dedicated to publishing, seeks one or two new members. At the College/Shaw library, downstairs. 6 p.m. $5 covers your share of the cost of the space. For details contact Kyla at 416-533-7176. Open stage for spoken word and music at the Oasis, hosted by Tom Glenne. 294 College Street. Sign-up 7:45 p.m. Free. 416-505-1828.

WEDNESDAY JULY 25 Penn Kemp presents a workshop on The Healing Power of Poetry: How to Enhance Creativity & Express Your Unique Inner Voice, 6:30 p.m. $39/$29 members. For more information, call 416-964-0011. Website. The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Michael John Edwards, Ray Hsu and Kevin Sutton, at the Victory Café, 581 Markham Street (1 block west of Bathurst). 8 p.m. Free. 416-461-5657.

FRIDAY JULY 27 The Idler Pub Reading Series presents Summerworks preview readings, featuring McClure's Monologue, Travis the Carpet Cleaner, Coming To, Beyond Zebra, The Wait Room, Malaysia Hotel and more, at the Idler Pub, 255 Davenport Road. 8 p.m. Free. 416-962-0195. The I.V. Lounge Reading Series presents poetry with John Barton and Aidan Baker, and fiction with Joseph Boyden and Jared Mitchell at The I.V. Lounge, 326 Dundas Street West. 8 p.m. Free. 416-533-9753.

SUNDAY JULY 29 The Idler Pub Reading Series presents Summerworks preview readings, featuring Billy and the Monsters; No Song, No Supper, My Angel, My Lover, My Whore, The Letter; Caveman Rainbow; Unpossible Elevator; Debbie Young and more, at the Idler Pub, 255 Davenport Road. 8 p.m. Free. 416-962-0195. An advanced 5-day poetry workshop with Robert Priest runs from July 29 to Aug 3, at a lovely downtown Toronto location: bring your nervous, your overbalanced, your wordy poems — and we will find what's essential in them. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; fee of $250.00 includes lunch. For more info email or phone 416-463-1385. CIUT 89.5 Howl, hosted by Nik Beat, with live guests Carla Hartsfield and her latest CD and comic poet / performer Babar Khan. 2 – 3 p.m.

MONDAY JULY 30 POETICA hosted by OmahaRisinG: check current weeklies for up-to-date listings. With an open mike and featured readers, at Rancho Relaxo, 300 College Street. 8 p.m. sharp. $2.

TUESDAY JULY 31 The Poetic Licence Reading Series's FINAL show! The two-year series run finishes with a special program featuring Ed Keenan, Donna Lypchuk, Jennifer Patterson, special guests and series host Ryan Ayukawa, at the Free Times Café, 320 College Street. 8 p.m. pay-what-you-can (donations accepted towards the Juvenile Diabetes Association). For information 416-967-1078, 416-536-0378 or email. Stories For The Idle Mind presents John Stiles reading from his new novel The Insolent Boy, plus an open mic for writers of fiction/narrative, at the Idler Pub, 255 Davenport Road. 8 p.m. Free. Email. Website. Open stage for spoken word and music at the Oasis, hosted by Tom Glenne. 294 College Street. Sign-up 7:45 p.m. Free. 416-505-1828.

---

WEEKLY EVENTS Writing from the Body: The Energetics of Creative Writing, Journalling and Meditation. Call Karen Brann at 416-820-5610 for dates and cost.

SUNDAY The School Of The Writing Space offers its weekly workshop Sundays: beginners' 1:30 – 3:30 and workshop 3:30 – 5:30. Mondays, beginners' 7:30 – 9:30. Call 416-340-9969 for further information. Café At The Centre presents an open stage of music, readings and poetry, at the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre, 454 Parliament Street. 8 p.m. Free. 416-925-7222. Flying Mermaids, a women's writing circle, meets monthly in the Annex and weekly (Saturday a.m.) in Guelph. Also Remembering the Goddess: Mapping Your Spiritual Journey retreats for women and Poem Making for Everyone. Call Mary Ann Moore for specific dates and times at 519-827-9415. Email. Website.

MONDAY The Deer Park Writers' Group meets at Deer Park Library for readings and constructive feedback. Please check us out! 40 St. Clair Avenue East. 2 – 5 p.m. The School Of The Writing Space offers its weekly workshops, beginners 7:30-9:30 p.m. Call 416-340-9969 for further information. Writing: Fiction and Non-Fiction Workshop. Writing and critiquing form the backbone of this playful workshop. Characterization, dialogue, setting and scene-building will be covered. Each session opens with writing exercises designed to reveal voice and story material. Beginners welcome. Enrollment limited. $56 for an eight-week session, half price for seniors. Mondays beginning Jan. 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. at 2245 Lawrence Avenue West. Call the Toronto School Board at 416-394-7100. The Writing Circle in West Toronto offers A Room of Our Own, a women's writing workshop that runs in 8-week sessions. Call 416-537-3095 for information and start dates.

TUESDAY Millennial Wave community cable poetry show, featuring poets and people you know. 11:30 p.m. Call your Rogers cable office for Newmarket Television air times. Saloon Salon invites you to join a gathering of performers in artistic, literary, comic and musical circles, at Del Re Lounge, 1938 Danforth Avenue (1 block west of Woodbine). 9 p.m. Free. Please call one week in advance to perform. 416-694-9398. Email. Open stage jam at the Oasis every Tuesday — collaboration is encouraged at this open stage for spoken word and music. There's drums and piano available and sometimes a pick-up band. Hosted by Tom Glenne. At the Oasis, 294 College Street. Sign-up 7:45 p.m. Free — tho it'd be cool if you'd drink some cheap beer! For more information email or call 416-505-1828.

WEDNESDAY The Writers' Circle of Durham Region invites all poets and songwriters to join an Open Stage Poetry night the first Wednesday of every month at The Dungeon, 44 Bond Street East, Oshawa. For more information visit www.wcdr.org. The Toronto Young Writers Group will meet at 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of every month for informative feedback and exercises. Call Romana at 416-794-4369. The 519 Community Centre presents GAY OLD GALS, a book and movie discussion group for gay women over 60, every Wednesday at 519 Church Street. Free.

THURSDAY The Writing Circle in West Toronto offers Lets Spill Ink, a writing workshop for men and women that runs in 8-week sessions. Call 416-537-3095 for information and start dates. The School of the Writing Space offers beginners' classes, workshops and writing sessions. Call 416-340-9969 for further information and prices. The Toronto Public Library presents Rap & Read Drop-In, a reading workshop for young adults. Homework help is available in this weekly program co-sponsored with Frontier College. At the York Woods Library, 1785 Finch Avenue West, North York. 6:30 – 8:15 p.m. To pre-register call 416-395-5890. The next three Queer Writing Group session schedules are now available. Free and open to all genders, sexual orientations and literature levels. Meetings are held in downtown Toronto every Thursday night for 12 consecutive weeks. More information. For inquiries and free memberships: 416-405-9606 or email.

FRIDAY 1,001 Friday Nights of Story Telling, a weekly gathering of storytellers and listeners since 1978 at St. George the Martyr Church by the Grange, 205 John Street. 8 p.m. $4. 416-656-2445. CHRY 105.5 FM presents The Poet Tree, an hour-long weekly radio show devoted to poetry and showcasing upcoming poets, every Friday, from noon to 1 p.m. Those interested in appearing as guests on the show should call Jason at 416-661-6546. The Orgasmic Alphabet Orgy presents its weekly open stage at a new location: the Rose Garden Restaurant, 538 St. Clair Avenue West. 9 p.m. Free.

SATURDAY The Wild City Writers' Workshop continues to meet each Saturday to read from and discuss work in progress — prose, poetry and essays welcome. Two ten-minute writing exercises will be done at each meeting. At the High Park Library, 228 Roncesvalles Avenue. 11:30 a.m. Free. 416-533-0660. Email. Wild City Writers' Workshop is also online (click on "writers' forum") — come write with writers from around the world. The New Dreamweavers Advanced Writers' Group meets every Saturday for writers who are interested in pursuing a writing career. At the High Park Library Community Room, 228 Roncesvalles Avenue. Free. 416-537-6468. Haiku Deer Park: this is a recently formed Toronto group of haiku poets who meet monthly to workshop their small poems, to share books and information, to ask and answer questions related to haiku and to write renku (linked verse). Membership is free, everyone is welcome. At the Deer Park Library, 40 St. Clair Avenue East (one block east of Yonge). Last Saturday of each month excluding summer & December, at 2 p.m. For further information call Ann Goldring: 905-640-4273. .