Thursday, January 1, 2009

Reader's Guidelines & FAQ

INFORMATION FOR GAZEBO READERS

First, let me thank you very much for considering reading at the Gazebo. The funds we raise through our sponsors helps the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside send underprivileged kids to our statewide summer camp– Kamp Kiwanis (http://www.kiwanis-ny.org/kamp/index.html).

Here is some general information:

How do we choose our Readers? First, we do not ask for, nor do we review, material. We use the following (very loose) criteria:
  • Have you come down to the Gazebo to listen to other Readers?
  • We try to keep a mix of poets & authors
  • Do you have a Long Island or Oceanside tie?
We are very fortunate in that the Reader response, like our audience, has grown significantly during our first three years. Unfortunately, that means that we are going to have to disappoint quite a number of people this year. If we can't fit you in this year, we hope you'll come down and enjoy the evenings with us-- certainly that will be a major factor in our filling cancellations this summer, and with next year's calendar.

When?: The readings are held every Monday night, weather permitting, and commence at 7:00 p.m. (and, in August when we start to lose light early, we really start at 7!!)

Place: The readings are held on Schoolhouse Green which is located on Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, New York (just east of Long Beach Road). Directions can be found here.

Material: We do not inquire as to what you are reading. Our rules are simple:

The readings have a ten (10) minute maximum and should be geared for general adult audiences. We will have some teenagers present but this is primarily designed for adults. The phrase I have been using (to death) is "Think basic cable not HBO/Showtime". I would suggest that if you have any doubts as to whether the material you selected is suitable, the mere raising of the question may in and of itself provide you with your answer.

Rain Cancellations: We are an outdoor event only. We will do everything we can to make sure that the readings proceed forward but in the event of truly inclement weather we will have to cancel the event. You can reach me at my contact information outlined below but I will be reaching out to you immediately upon our determination of cancellation. The time of the cancellation will be reader dependent. For readings where I have people coming from a further distance, I will "call" the event sooner than I will if we have local readers.

Dress: This is a reading on a Gazebo green. Extremely casual summer attire is appropriate.

Admission Fees: There is no admission fee to the readings.

Can I sell my books, etc.? Yep. We provide a table and a Kiwanian to handle the sales for you, if you choose. And, of course, we'll announce the availability of your book(s) so you don't have to.

How do I apply? If you are on our email list, you will get a notice. If you aren't, send a request to tonyiovino@gmail.com

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Tony Iovino
68 Yorktown Street
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Home: 516-763-1667
Work: 516-741-8585
Cell: 516-459-3262
tonyiovino@gmail.com

2 comments:

Herb Siegel said...

FRIENDS FOR ALL SEASONS

-Herb Siegel


Chosen like produce on a farmer’s stand
by me with an outstretched hand
after careful introspection,
and even closer inspection.
Some are misshapen, others not,
yet each have unique qualities--
a few were hot others benign
all fill the time and wet my palate
for a frivolous design.

Some are here to share my solitude,
others ripe with warmth that hides decay
can turn toxic any time, any day.
Still all were habit forming,
titillating and yet boring.

All did their nascent dance
when face-to-face, left little to chance.
Short-lived like farmer’s crops
come and go with a seasonal flow.

Few I remember today
save when I hear a familiar name,
to restore good memories again and again.
Both I’ll keep ‘til the end,
after all each was a good friend.

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