[W.F. Lantry]

Hey, folks,

I write to describe one of the most pleasurable evenings of poetry I've attended in quite a while. The occasion was the String Poet Award Ceremony, which took place at the Long Island Violin Shop in Huntington, New York, on Friday. James, Kate, and I attended, along with Shirley, Kate's mother. We spent much of the day in Fairfield, Kate's hometown, and braved the weekend traffic. The journey was an event in itself.

But we arrived safely and on time to a small artsy town of some little charm. We were greeted at the door by the editor of the journal, Annabelle Moseley, and her husband, Mark. She's quite an accomplished poet in her own right, having just won an award from Fairfield University, with five chapbooks to her credit, a full-length collection coming out soon, and even a feature last month in the New York Times. She'll also be reading at West Chester, as part of the Mezzo Cammin panel. She did everything imaginable to make us feel welcomed and comfortable- the entire event was marked by charm, grace, dignity, and good poetry. And music, of course...

The reading itself took place in a large room set up for piano and violin, and was filled to capacity. In fact, we were a tad late getting started, as extra chairs had to be found. Annabelle gave an introduction for each poet reading, and no poet could hope for a better intro: each was elegant, measured, tasteful, thoughtful, refined and accurate. The judge of the contest, Patricia Fargnoli, read first, then we had a brief intermission.

To dispense with any false suspense: no, we didn't win, or even place. We were merely mentioned, albeit honorably. But it didn't matter: I did get to read one poem, and was well received. Winning honors went to Pramila Venkateswaran. George H. Northrup and Francine Sterle placed. Barbara Crooker was also mentioned honorably. Pramila's poem was set to music by Beth Anderson, who played the composition in duet with David Hong.

During the intermission, the first issue of the String Poet journal went live, to no little fanfare. It really is an excellent debut, with Kim Bridgford, Leslie Mansour, and Rhina Espaillat, along with many other worthies. Belenna Mesa Lauto contributes art, and Beth Anderson is the featured musician. Oh, and I have three poems there as well.

In short, it truly was a delightful evening. If you're not too far away, you really should try to catch one of the upcoming performances: more music and poetry in June, Fishman in July, Rhina in August: http://www.stringpoet.com/category/studio-series/

Thanks,

Bill

[Maryann Corbett]

Thanks, Bill--that's a very impressive first issue, and it looks like it's going to be a worthwhile endeavor. Congratulations.

[Catherine Chandler]

Sounds like a lovely evening was had by all. Thanks for the report and congratulations.

[Annabelle Moseley]

Bill, thanks for this lovely introduction. You gave a great reading that night - it was wonderful to launch our inaugural issue of String Poet and celebrate the winners and honorable mentions of the String Poet Prize, all of whom helped to make Vol. I, Issue 1 special. Well, now we can savor their poetry again! I'm pleased to say that Rhina Espaillat features tonight along with lutenist Christopher Morrongiello. Also, Barbara Crooker is reading in October with the Kim-Stuckenbruck Duo (violin/piano). And, I am looking forward to the final reading of our inaugural season. It promises to be a great night- find out who's the feature by going to the events calendar… oh, enough suspense! It's W.F. Lantry alongside violinist Gabriel Schaff and pianist Kathleen Riley.

Cheers,
Annabelle

[David Rosenthal]

What a lovely new venue! Congrats Bill, and Rhina, Leslie, and Kim, as well. And welcome Annabelle -- congratulations on the launch. It is always good to find a new, high-quality journal, and especially one that published translations.

David R.

[W.F. Lantry]

Wish we could be there this evening. Anyone in NYC should think about making the short trek, it's a very special venue in a pleasant little town.

Sending our best wishes to you and Rhina for a resounding success. Will there be a web stream we can watch?

Thanks,

Bill

[Ned Balbo]

Thanks, Bill, for your vivid picture of the gathering. I'm very fond of Huntington where, as a Long Island boy (& young(er) man), I often visited with my dad.

Did you get to see the Walt Whitman Birthplace while you were there? They've done a great job with Walt's home, & I know Annabelle has been involved with their education and poetry programs, in addition to the String Poets readings & her editorial efforts.

The furniture & rooms have been beautifully restored, the guides are friendly, & the museum center is thriving.

Here’s the link for anyone who’d like to visit and/or donate to a great organization.

http://www.waltwhitman.org/

[Annabelle Moseley]

Thanks, Bill. Rhina's performance was sublime last night; the lutenist was wonderful. Alfred Moskowitz displayed his sculpture, "Seated Nude." There was a good crowd and a lovely mood throughout the evening, and we were all enthralled as Rhina read. Two of my favorites were her reading of the beautiful "Weighing In," and "On the Impossibility of Translation," followed by her translations of John of the Cross. There will indeed be photos and video clips coming soon to the String Poet Studio Series page and when they're up, I'll let you know.

Thank you, Ned, for giving a plug to the Walt Whitman Birthplace & so good of you to mention donating. It's a really special place for all lovers of Whitman; and like you I have memories of visiting with my dad.

And thanks, David, for your kind words. We had many strong translators last issue, and we hope to make that a regular feature of the journal. We are currently reading submissions, and welcome more translation.

-Annabelle