Dire History-A Goodbye to Out of the Blue, but I hope to see you anew. Hello to The Middle East

Sadly finances forced The Out of the Blue to close 12/1/17, but they promise to be back, sometime, somewhere and hopefully soon. I am deeply indebted and am so grateful for my relationship with them, starting back in 2001. Hopefully not a goodbye, but a see you later.

 So here's the Dire history--location only.



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                                                                                                                                      TOTAL

February-March 2001 - First Tuesday reading at Cantab Underground                              2



June 2001-Aug 2002- First Friday, Out of the Blue Art Gallery                                        15
                                    168 Brookline St., Cambridge

Sept 2002-Oct 2011-First Friday, Out of the Blue Art Gallery                                         110
                                    106 Prospect St., Cambridge

Nov 4, 2011-                -First Friday, Yarrow                                                                        1
                                    106 Prospect St., Cambridge

Yarrow? WTF, Yarrow? Rare image. 

Dec 2011-Sept 2014-First Friday, Out of the Blue Art Gallery                                          34
                                    106 Prospect St., Cambridge



Oct 2014-Nov 2017-First Friday, Out of the Blue Too                                                       38      
                                    541 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge                                                   200




Dire NUMBER 201-----Tomorrow-First Saturday Afternoon , The Middle East Corner                                                                                      480  Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

The new temporary location stage area

As you can see, exactly 198/200 meetings of the Dire Series was held at the Out of the Blue Gallery,

in some form or another. If and when they relocate we'll give it a go there as I've had an amazing relationship with Tom Tipton (right), the proprietor and friend.
The Middle East, with their generous owners, Joeseph and Nabil Sater (left) have supported the Out of the Blue for years. These gentleman also have a reputation for supporting individuals, such as broke or troubled musicians by giving them jobs and helping them back on their feet, which they humbly would never admit.

When I approached Nabil to host Dire at The Middle East this Saturday, all I had to do was ask--it took less than a minute. Seemed like a good match--a series in need and a location owner with a big heart. It's a temporary home and I could be asked to leave at anytime....which has never stopped me before. So tomorrow at 3 PM, we do it again--very much hope to see people at the new location, date and time!

Dire Location History...where to find us Aug 2018-Oct 2018 (plus a funny thing happened on the way to being canceled)

A funny thing happened at our last event at the Middle East Corner. They forgot to call and cancel us for the World Cup viewing there. They did accommodate us,giving us a private party at Zuzu (which was scheduled to close at 3 PM), which was awesome. I got to be the douche that told people, "Hey, this is a private party." Much thanks and gratitude to The Middle East.  So here's the Dire history--location only, as we wrap it up at the Center for Arts at the Armory, Somerville.

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                                                                                                                                      TOTAL

February-March 2001 - First Tuesday reading at Cantab Underground                              2


June 2001-Aug 2002- First Friday, Out of the Blue Art Gallery                                          15
                                    168 Brookline St., Cambridge

Sept 2002-Oct 2011-First Friday, Out of the Blue Art Gallery                                         110
                                    106 Prospect St., Cambridge

Nov 4, 2011-                -First Friday, Yarrow                                                                        1
                                    106 Prospect St., Cambridge



Dec 2011-Sept 2014-First Friday, Out of the Blue Art Gallery                                          34
                                    106 Prospect St., Cambridge



Oct 2014-Nov 2017-First Friday, Out of the Blue Too                                                       38
                              541 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge 

Dec 2017-June 2018 First Saturday Afternoon, The Middle East Cafe
                               480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge                                                    7

July 2018 -                  First Saturday Afternoon, Zuzu
                               480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge                                                    1

Aug 2018-Oct 2018 First Saturday Night, First Friday too
                                 Center for Arts at the Armory
                               191 Highland Ave., Somerville                                                             3
                                                                                                                                     __________
                                                                                                                                          211


                                         

"Art is for the People," RIP, Tom Tipton

      

Tom Tipton

Cambridge art icon, and friend Tom Tipton died this week. Here's a video, an outtake from a documentary, filmed in 2005. Come on and take a drive through Cambridge with Tom Tipton. 

Some 24 years ago, the Dire Literary Series had a 3 month run at The Cantab, which for the record was 3 events held. Poet Gary Hicks told me of this little place called The Out of the Blue Art Gallery in Cambridge, so I went down and met Tom Tipton and Debra Priestly. Within 10 minutes they said I could have a Friday Night there, once a month for 50 bucks. Simple, easy, and when it came to art, there was no other way with Tom. Without this, without Tom and Debra, the connections I've made in the writing community which has helped fueled my work and following would look paltry. Because of his generosity, Tom Tipton gets a lot of credit for what my writing career grew to. 

   Tom was a unique, hardworking gem to work with. His dream was to have an art gallery that anyone could access and make art. We developed a relationship, running into each other the nights of the Dire and during weekly meetings for the Gallery every Monday held at The Middle East. 

  Tom never gave up. The gallery moved from Brookline Ave., then to it's most well-known location, Prospect Street. In order to get an idea about what it was like, here's a clip from a Dire event in Tom's gallery in 2008. I'm the guy with hair. 

When the Prospect Street building was sold, Joseph and Nabil from The Middle East helped they move into a huge space, the former Blockbuster Video in Cambridge.  It still held art and now spaces/stores for the artist. It still made art and artists accessible. It still hosted poetry and it became kind of a rock club with live music on the weekends. It hosted electronic, eclectic, experimental, and this 80's sounding thing below by Dead Leaf Echo---it gave bands a venue to play out when they couldn't get into other clubs.  I ended up hosting198 Dire Events at those three OOTB Galleries. 

 After a few years there, in 2017, the rent went up to 10,000 dollars a month, and pretty much live Dire ended. There wasn't a solid reliable place to host it. Then I lost track of Tom and the Gallery, mostly because I didn't vibe with his new partner, but I regret not keeping in touch with Tom. He was a good one. 

Dire Memories, article by Doug Holder, about Dire Literary Series' swan song.

  Doug Holder and I go way back, almost as far back as The Dire Literary Series. It was nice to sit down and talk to him (in link or see below) for The Somerville Times, about both of those phenomena. Doug has published me, interviewed me various times, on television, or in print, co-produced a writers festival, and remained a supporter of my writing and writing, in general. Many, including myself, can say that their first poem ever published was through Doug, or Ibbetson Street Press.

The longer version about the end of the series is that it just seemed to be time. Between looking for new event locations twice in the past six months, many author/poet cancellations, and having features booked through October--sometimes there is patterns in coincidences. It was very generous of The Middle East to house the series December-July, but being told by the bartender rather than the owner that the room would cost $200 after July, was the icing on the cake. I challenge the assertion that they would do a better food business from 3-5PM on a Saturday, as the guests, and audience for Dire in the last 6 months, ate, drank during that time. I think it's all about his afternoon drinking buddies being hushed because an event is happening, in which, they are being rude by talking over it. I am a little melancholy about the end of the series, and I'm sure the final event will be very emotional for me. The final line-up is still being confirmed, as I write this.

     The article also mentioned what I'll do next. I'd like to confirm, that yes I'm looking for an agent for my next book, but the synopsis given, certainly doesn't allow for the optimal hook--so here it is:

Synopsis

Joe The Salamander (69000 words) follows Joe, a quirky man, mostly, from birth through age eighteen. Joe, a born people-pleaser, only chooses to say the word, "Yes," to everyone, except his mother, Mille, who he has unconditional trust with. The other woman in his life, Laura, his nurse on-duty at the time of his birth, becomes a life-long friend of his and his family.

Joe, overwhelmed by loud or extreme stimuli gets through life by wearing various costumes but loves Superman in his various television/movie forms. As he gets older, he finds comfort by wearing a Superman costume under his regular clothing. It is only after his parents die tragically on 9/11 that Joe stops feeling safe through the Superman strategy, because even Superman couldn't prevent such a catastrophe.

Throughout the novel, Joe's inability to successfully interpret life's sights and sounds, combined with his singular word language use, causes him to be placed in situations which work out in ways, not intended. His mother tries to increase Joe's independence so he could eventually survive on his own, but after her death, Joe is left to figure things out on his own.  

 As he hits his mid-thirties, and entirely by desperation, he goes to the local costume shop to buy the bigger, and better Superman costume he had seen to help him to re-enter society using an old coping mechanism.

            Joe The Salamander, takes a sensitive, and human look at what it is like the stimulus of the world are challenging, and also how misunderstood and beloved people are within the spectrum. 

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Here's the article, and check the Dire Literary Series website for any updates.:

Timothy Gager talks about writing and the swan song of the famed Dire Literary Series.

 By Doug Holder

As you know my usual home away from home is in the Bloc 11 Cafe in Union Square, Somerville. But on this day I was to meet with an old friend Timothy Gager, at the Diesel Cafe in Davis Square. The Diesel, although a sister store of the Bloc, has a decidedly different vibe. The space is larger and the crowd seems more eclectic. The baristas seem to dress more radically, and there is almost a friendly but militant sensibility to them –pardon the oxymoron.

On this morning in June, Gager (Who I founded The Somerville News Writers Festival with back in the day), joined me at my well-appointed booth. His arm was in a sling from an athletic injury, and he had a fashionable stubble on his chin—with touches of gray.  Gager looks like a man who always seems to be on the cusp of a joke—but make no mistake—Gager is a serious dude.

For 18 years he has directed the Dire Literary Series—which started at the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge,and then at the Out of the Blue Gallery, when the gallery was located in several spots in Cambridge. It is currently held at the Middle East Restaurant in Cambridge; its last readings will be in the Arts Armory on Highland Ave. in Somerville. The swan song, the final act, the reading where the fat lady finally sings, will be Oct 12, 7PM. I am honored to be one of the readers—the others will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Dire Literary Series is on the tip of many writers and poets tongues in the region and even across the country. Gager has curated a wide-range of novelists, essayists, fiction writers and poets over the last 18 years. The list is impressive including, Steve Almond ( Who now has a column in the New York Times), Tom Perrotta, Jennifer Haigh, Sue Miller, Alex Beam ( Boston Globe Columnist), DeWitt Henry ( Founder of Ploughshares Magazine), and the list goes on.

But the times are changing, and it's wind has swept into the protective cove of Gager's series. There are higher costs and the transient nature of the venues, as well as other factors that made Gager think that it is time to call it quits.

I asked Gager about any memorable moments he had at the Dire. He reflected and smiled to himself, “There was this writer Gary Kadet, who wrote an S&M novel. He use a long whip as a prop. When he cracked it, Tom Perrotta almost jumped from his seat.”

Gager, who was the publisher and editor of the Heat City Literary Review, and the Wilderness House Literary Review, revealed the pleasure he feels when an emerging writer who started out in his open mic—then published a book of his or her own, comes back as a featured reader. He stated, “ It is really gratifying to see people grow in their writing.”

I asked Gager about changes in the writer's scene. He reflected, “ People don't seem to have the attention for longer fiction—it is more flash fiction these days. He continued, “Also—I see the inequality for women writers has lessened. Years back it was much more male - dominated. Men read men's novels and publish each other's work. Now that these inequalities are being pointed out—adjustment are being made."

Gager told me that his first two readers were writer Alex De Suze and Nick Zanio. He revealed that he has hosted 200 reading and hundreds of writers during his tenure at the series.

Gager told me he will not go gently into the night. He will actively concentrate on his own work. He wants to secure an agent. I asked him about the latest novel he is working on. He said, “It concerns a guy who has Asperger's, a bunch of strong women, and a host of insensitive men.”

Gager, a man with a busy schedule had to take leave from the Diesel. So we parted ways, shaking hands—silently noting our history of literary citizenship. 

2017 Most Popular Posts from this blog.

My Top 10 popular blog posts of 2017 are heavy in interviews, just as the Top 10 NBA plays of 2017 are heavy in dunks. Enjoy the video and check the list is below--click your favorite!

THE MOST POPULAR POSTS OF 2017

10. New interview: "Rookie Sensation from Out of Nowhere" generously interviews me in Paradox Review

Who is Aneka Brunssen? ANEKA BRUNSSEN is a writer, poet and graduate student from Bremen, Germany, with a Bachelor of Arts in Engli...

REASON IT'S #10- Because everyone loves the hard working Aneka Brunssen and also everybody loves Bill Murray.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

9. Writers need your help. Buy their books, but here's how you can help without even buying the book

Buying the book is self-explanatory, but even if you don't buy there are some things you can do whether you know the writer or not. All...

REASON IT'S #9-Because I always say, when you do a book signing don't bring book marks or promo-pencils because then they'll take them won't buy the book. If you are THAT person then here are some cool things you can do to help an author without buying the author's book.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

8. My poem "Whitewalls" is published in the Rear View Mirror Edition of Right Hand Pointing

The Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that spans more than two miles from Boston to Chelsea over the Mystic Ri...

REASON IT'S #8-It's the year of a new poetry book and Right Hand Pointing puts out a brand new poem. Also RHP is a damn good journal.

7.. Todays Match Chief Jay Strongbow vs. Delaney Lester. Making Poetry real.

Here is Chief Jay Strongbow---played by an Italian, Joey Scarpa, and racism brought to you by the WWF. Chief Jay for those keeping score ...

REASON IT'S #7-The real story behind Jay Strongbow not being real and Standing Rock HS Wrestler Delaney Lester being real- Real news is not Fake news.

6.. Interview on Mass Poetry site: GETTING TO KNOW TIMOTHY GAGER AND HIS NEW BOOK CHIEF JAY STRONGBOW IS REAL

Today my inteview on   MassPoetry.org is up .   It is something they did with me right after "Chief Jay Strongbow is Real" came...

REASON IT'S #6- Because MassPoetry is awesome and the wrestler Chief Jay Strongbow is awesome and the interview was really good.

• 

  5. 200th Dire Literary Series and is it The End?

  UPDATE 11/4 December's Dire will happen thanks to The Middle East Restaurant. To see updates, as the series may be changed month to mon...

REASON IT'S #5-Just as Dire Series was celebrated it's 200th event, the possibility that this would be the final event was something that people were interested in. 

4. Five Poems in the Fall 2017 Issue of Muddy Water Poetry Review

Brookline was known as the hamlet of Muddy River (a river which today makes up part of the Brookline-Boston border) and was considered a 

REASON IT'S #4-It's five poems! Yes. People like them (or perhaps the history of The Muddy River in Brookline is just too hard to resist?)

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  3. Now it can be posted: My TV inteview with Doug Holder. If you heard it, see it!

  Thanks to Doug Holder, the honorary Charlie Rose of The Paris of New England--plus a fine fellow and a really great poet. After this I'...

REASON IT'S #3--People want to read how Doug Holder is like Charlie Rose? (Creepy issues with Charlie's bath towel not known at the point of this writing.

2. The What is Real Reading Tour. Come to some of these fine cities and towns. Come with, if you want.

______________________________________________________________________________ Future Series Appearances February 15, 2018 Cambridge, ...

REASON IT'S #2- People really want to see where I'm at for stalking or purposes or this tour was awesome --but not awesome enough to make my book a bestseller. 

AND THE NUMBER 1  MOST POPULAR 

BLOG POST OF 2017

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  1. Dire History-A Goodbye to Out of the Blue, but I hope to see you anew. Hello to The Middle East

  Sadly finances forced The Out of the Blue to close 12/1/17, but they promise to be back, sometime, somewhere and hopefully soon. I am deepl...

REASON IT'S #1- Anything  Out of the Blue is awesome--but not awesome enough for people to buy things that might keep them in business

200th Dire Literary Series and is it The End?

UPDATE 11/4 December's Dire will happen thanks to The Middle East Restaurant. To see updates, as the series may be changed month to month--- always go to Direreader.com. 

That's an ominous headline. Is it just click bait? I've known some people that promote that way. You know the gimmick, click-ish, free drink, somewhat of a circus, welcome to me reading series promotion thing.

 Here's one and not to call out this particular series, which I've never heard of, but I did google "reading series drinks" to find it:

 Here they promote laughter, because as people know from dating sites, "we like to laugh", and also they like drinks and jazz. At least poetry is listed first.



Is this really the end to the Dire Literary Series? Say it ain't so, Joe, but my rented home, the Out of the Blue Gallery Too is having financial issues and has to move (but donations are being accepted.)

So here are the possible scenarios:
I have a Dire event on next month December 1, and I'll do my best to find an alternate venue for that one. If the gallery is successful in their move, I'll probably stay with them whenever they are up and running, sometime in 2018 (?). If they are unsuccessful I'll end the Dire, because a new setting would be 1) expensive 2) not guaranteed on a Friday 3) Not guaranteed for anything else for any amount of time (sort of like tenancy at will 4) would probably be a hassle.

So lets enjoy the 200th. It's a great one with
Aaron Tillman
Daniel Hudon
Alexis Paige 

Also it's being held on my birthday but as you read above, I won't use that as a promotional tool--see above but I will let Puddles the Fucking Clown take care of it. It's been one hell of a ride especially if you remember Paul the cop, Murray the tax adjuster, The Match Game feature of Nadine Darling, the Dire BBQ's and the author of S/M.

.

Does anyone remember the laughter?