Buchanan’s holds its first poetry reading in what it hopes will be an ongoing series.
Buchanan’s Coffee Shop held its first poetry reading of the school year Monday night for undergraduate poetry and fiction writers. Interrupted occasionally by the coffee makers, the ding of the cash register and the chatter of nearby study groups, students read their work to local community members and fellow students.
The coffee shop hopes to make the poetry readings an ongoing series throughout the year and provide undergraduates the rare opportunity to share their work, said Audrey Lawson, Buchanan’s art director and a junior fine arts major.
“There are several opportunities for graduate students to read (their work). The only stipulation behind the poetry readings is that you must be an undergraduate. This gives undergrads a chance to read their work in public and get exposure,” Lawson said.
Buchanan’s started the poetry readings last year; however, there were only two held. This year, the coffee shop hopes to make the open poetry readings a regular event.
“I am hoping to make this more of a once-a-month type of event this year. In the spring, I would like it to expand to at least twice a month,” Lawson said.
Many students who performed in the readings last year returned this year, reciting both new and old pieces.
“Tonight is already a success. There are much more people here this time than there were last year,” said James Milani, a junior English major.
Most of the performers read pieces that touched on personal experiences, every day experiences, love and war. However, there were several light-hearted pieces read as well. The readings are open, meaning that people may share anything that they would like to.
“People have all the freedom they need to recite anything they want to. However, in order to get a feel for how many people are going to show up, people must contact me before the readings,” Lawson said.
The date of the next reading is undetermined at this time.
