Hannah Reimann delivered beautiful renditions of two Joanie Mitchell classics, “River” and “Blue.” PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER BOOTH
Salon Diary / By Karen Daly
Hosting the early November Irish American Writers & Artists Salon at the Symphony Space Studio, Gordon Gilbert Jr., brought in a fine assortment of presenters that included poets, singer/songwriters, fiction writers, a brilliant pianist, and a trifecta of folks named Rogers/Rodgers.
A talented Salon newcomer, Paul Fiore says that he studies philosophy at the City College of New York “as a front for writing poems.” He showed what a fine choice that is with several as yet untitled poems infused with jazz and with New York City life, contrasting lives of wealth and the poverty of New York.
Originally from Leitrim, Ireland and now teaching at the United Nations International School, James Rogers returned for a third Salon reading. Since his last visit, his story “The Pass” has been published by the Galway Review, and other stories have been published in Ireland and the UK. Tonight, he read “In the Loop,” a perfect noir-style crime story. Find it at http://www.close2thebone.co.uk/wp/?p=5276. More at https://jameswrogers.com.
A French singer-songwriter who works in English and French, Kristina Vaughan’s songs are influenced by such artists as Tori Amos, Sinead O’Connor, Fiona Apple and chansonnier Léo Ferré. She sang two originals: a love song from her debut album, “The Art of Love,” (available on all musical platforms) and, fittingly for the Salon, “Orpheus Rising,” a tribute to poetry scene in Paris. www.kristinavaughan.com
Matthew Paris, a writer, musician, videographer, playwright, and former WNYC radio host, played a breathtaking piano improvisation on an Irish tune by Thomas Moore.
James Rogers – not to be confused with Jim Rodgers, who also read – told a perfect noir-style crime story, “In the Loop.”
Jim Rodgers (not to be confused with our second presenter, Jim Rogers), novelist and short story writer, read his sensuous story, “Green Hills of Jamaica.” A sailor who finds love on the island later encounters a storm at sea that evokes a spiritual awakening and recognition of his true home.
Phillip Giambri says the characters in his forthcoming book “The Amorous Adventures of Blondie and Boho (Two East Village Dive Bar Coyotes)” represent “the artists, writers, musicians, dancers, barflies, dreamers, and assorted East Village crazies, who’ve been my partners in crime, and creativity all these years.” In Phil’s story, “Lucky, Lulu, and a Cat Named Bo (Cold Turkey),” a loving couple in a 7th Street tenement get their Thanksgiving feast from a dive bar. Notes Phil, “It’s a love story.” This was Phil’s first visit to the Salon, and we hope he’ll return with more tales. www.AncientMarinerTales.com.
Newcomer Paul Fiore’s poems contrasted lives of wealth and the poverty of New York.
Longtime IAW&A member, novelist of “Brownstone Dreams” and short story writer, Kevin R. McPartland, read a short chapter from his second novel in progress, “Brooklyn Rhapsody.” In this mesmerizing short piece, Kevin tells of a troubled and obsessed Korean War Veteran, (“his mind hadn’t rested since the war”) who reflects on sinister plans and a violent night at the local American Legion Post.
Singer-songwriter Hannah Reimann performs her own music and songs and the music of Joni Mitchell in venues throughout New York City. Tonight, in honor of celebrating Mitchell’s birthday, Hannah delivered beautiful renditions of two Mitchell classics, “River” and “Blue.”
Natalie H. Rogers presented her dramatic trilogy of poems describing a twenty-year period after her husband's death “Widow” (“This house is quiet now”); “Talking to the Ghost of My Husband;” and “Like Printed Words Faded by the Sun.”
See you next time -- at the Cell tomorrow night.
