July 11th, 2011 Lowertown Reading Jam: Tata Diego Slams Again!
June 27, 2011
Diego Vázquez Jr., the founder of SlamMN, will host a slam competition for the first time in ten years on Monday, July 11, 2011 as the final Lowertown Reading Jam of the 2010–2011 season. Join friends and fans of the Saint Paul Almanac from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Black Dog Café, 308 Prince Street (across the street from the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market), and slam in any genre with Poetry Slam rules (3-minute limit per round). Open to the first 15 slammers to sign up at the door (sign-up sheet opens at 7:00 p.m.). First Prize $150; Second Prize $75; Third Prize $50; and of course – all slammers receive applause and recognition!
From the Saint Paul Almanac: Remembering Deborah Torraine
June 13, 2011
It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you that Deborah Torraine died last Friday night at United Hospital during emergency heart surgery. Deborah had volunteered for the Saint Paul Almanac as a community editor, hosted slams and reading events, authored short stories for publication and, in March 2011, took on a new role as Director of Community Engagement. Deborah will be dearly missed. She was an incredible force for good in the world.
Another Crossing
June 4, 2011
Vera’s death was just last December, and I am missing her on this May evening, as our forty-third anniversary approaches. I need time and space by myself, to think. A view of the Mississippi River twisting and turning sharply, as I am right now, would set the tone. A drink and something good to eat would be nice—a martini, a very good steak, a favorite after-dinner drink.
