Three unique poetic voices – Phillip Giambri, Anthony Murphy and George Wallace – who write and read in the underground poetry circuit of Manhattan’s lower east side, will share their stories through narrative readings on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. at BJ’s in downtown Fredonia.
Their presentations will be followed by an open mic, where attendees can share their own poetic works. Community members of all ages are welcome to attend the free event to share in this experience.
The reading event is hosted by Adjunct Instructor Vincent Quatroche of the Department of Communication, who has collaborated with these poets in the past and wants to share the tradition of alternative expression with the community.
Based in the tradition of the spoken word, Giambri, Murphy and Wallace share similar poetic styles, telling narrative reflections of personal experiences and societal conditions. Through their performances, these seasoned writers hope to bring to life the streets of New York City, as seen through their eyes, here in Fredonia.
Giambri, also known as “The Ancient Mariner,” grew up in Philadelphia in the ‘50s. He left the city at 18 years old to serve in the military. Over the years, he has taken on several occupations such as an actor, hairstylist, janitor, writer, recording engineer, traveling salesman, photographer and banker, etc. Giambri moved to New York in 1968 and currently produces and hosts poetry readings in the city.
Murphy, also known as Johnny Cashback, is originally from the United Kingdom. He was the founding member of, “Everybody’s Got to be Somewhere,” a monthly showcase that features poets, writers, artists and musicians from around the U.K. Murphy currently resides in Manhattan where he works as a freelance writer.\
Wallace is currently a writer-in-residence at the Walt Whitman Birthplace. He edits for poetrybay.com and is the associate editor of Great Weather for Media. Based in New York City, Wallace actively travels throughout the U.S. and Europe to perform his poetry.
