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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 29, 2017)
541-997-1994 | www.EventCenter.org | Florence Events Center | Center Stage | Page 3 Poetry ‘Big Wave’ of poetry returning to Florence The second annual Big Wave Poetry Festival, spon- sored by Florence Regional Arts Center (FRAA), takes place May 12 and 13 at the Florence Events Center (FEC). Friday evening, starting at 6 p.m., is the Spoken Word Poetry Contest, when 30 poets from around the state will per- form their 3-minute original poems while competing for the largest cash prizes in the state for poetry. First prize is $500 and sec- ond place receives $250. In addition, there are four cate- gory prizes of $100 each for “best humor,” “nature,” “per- sonal reflections” and “social commentary.” Judging for the contest is done by five random audience members, scoring each partic- ipant from 0 to 10. The top and bottom scores are thrown out and the three middle scores are added together for the poet’s final score. Audience members are encouraged to snap their fin- gers during parts of the poems they like, and to voice opin- ions about the judges scores by booing or cheering. As FRAA committee co- chair Karen Brown explained, “This ain’t your grandma’s poetry. Even people who pro- fess not to like poetry will love this competition with 3 minute performances that will move you to tears one moment and laughter the next.” The event starts at 6 p.m., but from 5 to 6 p.m. is “meet and greet” with the poets. Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased at the door. On Saturday, May 13, at 2 p.m., is the Youth Poetry Performance when kids, ages 6 to 14, will recite a poem which does not have to be original. There is a 3-minute time limit and every child will receive a prize. Admission is free. At 3 p.m. is the Teen Spoken Word Poetry Contest for mid- dle and high school students. Poems must be original and limited to 3 minutes. Cash prizes of $100, $50, and $25 will be given to first, second and third place win- ners. Admission is free. Teens who wish to partici- pate can sign up at www. fraaoregon.org under “Poetry Fest,” or go to the FRAA Art Center, 120 Maple St., and sign up in person. Saturday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. will be the premier showing of a documentary called “From Prison to Purpose,” the story of Noah Schultz, former resident of Camp Florence. This is the story of Schultz’s life, from drug dealer and gang member, to college grad, social activist, TedX speaker, and award-winning poet. The story shows how and why Schultz got involved in the life of crime, starting at age 12, what happened to cause him to be sentenced to 90 months of incarceration, and how he transformed his life while in prison. Schultz will be at the screen- ing, along with Stephen Fowler, last year’s Big Wave Poetry Contest winner and another graduate of Camp Florence who transformed his life while incarcerated. “These two young men are so inspiring,” says Big Wave Poetry Fest co-chair, Judy Plumery. “They each spent from ages 17 to 24 in juvenile detention facilities, but were able to use that time to change who they were and now they help other young people who are going down the wrong path.” Admission is $10. For more information about the Big Wave Poetry Fest events, visit www.fraaoregon .org and click on “Poetry Fest.” Art Night Wallflowers and Wine social art night returns May 13 Join the Galleries at the Florence Events Center and Artist John Leasure as he once again brings his artistic talent and wit to the stage at the FEC for this ever popular social art class Saturday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. This time we will be painting the “Heron at Heaven’s Gate” Leasure will guide attendees who have never painted before to attend — you will amaze yourself at just what you can create at Wallflowers and Wine. Purchase tickets now by call- wine, beer and other bev- ing the ticket office or pur- erages. chase online. No art or painting expe- This event sells out quickly! rience is needed. In fact, Leasure encourages those through the process of creat- ing their own masterpieces. All supplies (paint, brushes, can- vas) are provided. The Friends of the Events Center Gallery Committee will provide snacks and one complimentary beverage from the bar to enjoy. Pavilion Catering will also join the fun with its selection of “Heron at Heavan’s Gate” will be the subject of the next Wallflowers and Wine painting event hosted by local award- winning artist John Leasure. Piano Cameleons From page 1 most respected and talked about names in the Piano Jazz scene. He has played with an Playing opposite Herskovitz, impressive list of well-known Roney has become one of the artists such as Alain Caron, Bernard Primeau, Ginette Reno, Remi Bolduc, Michel Donato and Effendi Records Jazzlab, to name only a few. Roney’s versatility as a per- former, composer and even as an arrangement artist granted him access to the best places in the world of music. Tickets are $32 for adults or $10 for ages 18 and under. To buy tickets, stop by the FEC box office, call 541-997- 1994 or visit www.eventcen- ter.org Green Fair From page 1 The award-winning documentary “Just Eat It,” a 74-minute look at food waste and rescue, will be screened at the event. Other vendors on hand will include Florence Master Recyclers, Johnston Motors and more. Several speakers will present local products, environmentally friendly practices and healthy living ideas. Admission is free with a canned food donation for Mapleton Food Share or a clean plastic planter, or $3. The Green Fair is sponsored by County Transfer and Recycling and is presented by Coast Radio and Siuslaw News. The Florence Green Fair is open to all ages and interests when it comes to being more Earth friendly. Come Join the Friends! Volunteer – Event Planning – Fundraising 715 Quince Street | www.eventcenter.org 541-997-1994 | 888-968-4086
