Reading poetry and getting plastered don’t usually go together. But at this Saturday’s Poetry Fuckfest, both of those activities will be served straight up.
“”How many people do you know that are even interested in poetry?”” asked Jake Levine, founder of the fest and an editor for the UA’s graduate literary journal, Sonora Review. “”It’s a way to raise awareness that poetry and poetry readings can be fun.””
In its eighth incarnation, this is the first time the fest will have a set reader list, which features local poets Jamison Crabtree, Billups Allen and Andrew Shuta. Also on the bill, with more typical Red Room entertainment, are local bands Mr. Free and the Satellite Freakout, Flagrante Delicto and the Runaway Five.
“”They’re a great match for the poetry spirit of creativity,”” said Nick Letson of Flagrante Delicto. Letson is also a member of Mr. Free and The Satellite Freakout. He describes his own band as “”catchy, fun and confusing, all at the same time.””
“”We like to get involved with the audience,”” Letson said. “”We like to put on a memorable show for the audience and the band.””
When asked how he feels about poetry itself, Letson said, “”I like it. I’m not very versed in the history of poetry, but I appreciate any kind of art.””
He added, “”There’s a definite lack of any kind of poetry culture, especially pub culture, in Tucson.”” Coordinators of the fest hope events like this can change that.
“”I’ve never been disappointed with one of these events,”” said Letson, who has played several of the fests with his bandmates.
The event has free admission, but food and drinks will be for sale, with drink specials for the event. Donations will be accepted for Sonora Review, which will also have recent issues for sale.
Sonora Review is run by graduate students in the creative writing program. Work published in the journal has gone on to win numerous national writing prizes, and has been featured in the Best American Short Stories anthology series.
“”It’s a fun thing to do,”” Levine said of the six undergraduate internships at the Review, but added: “”This is a real deal literary journal.””
They may be the real deal, but luckily for current and potential poetry fans, they don’t take themselves too seriously.
