Downtown Poetry Institutions Team Up to Help Katrina Victims

Following the enormous devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, these two downtown poetry institutions join forces to stage a two-day benefit. On Friday, the Bowery Poetry Club plays host to poets Bob Holman, Anne Waldman, Kalamu ya Salaam, Kevin Powell, and others, as well as Eric Bogosian (monologuist and author of the recent novel Wasted Beauty), avant-pop guitarist Marc Ribot, and poet and Warhol fixture Taylor Mead. Saturday’s event at the Poetry Project, with hosts Tonya Foster and Greg Fuchs, features readings and performances by Nobel laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison, poet (and native Louisianan) Yusef Komunyakaa, Rodger Kamenetz (a professor at Louisiana State University, author of The Jew in the Lotus, and father of Voice writer Anya Kamenetz), Obie-winning playwright Dael Orlandersmith, “Interactive Eclectic” poet and artist Edwin Torres, and author of Mother Said and My Therapist Said and former poet laureate of Queens Hal Sirowitz. Joining them will be musicians Cecil Taylor and Eddie Bobé. Donations of books, artwork, and clean clothing are encouraged.