Attend: 2008 Calendar

The Sensations Magazine
Creative Events Series:
Serving Lovers of Literature and Fine Arts for 21 Years

The Sensations Magazine Creative Events Series was launched in January 1988.  Now in its 21st year, it's the second longest continually operating poetry reading series in the State of New Jersey (behind the 27-year Barron Arts Center series), with all events hosted, co-hosted, or attended by Publisher David Messineo.  The full history of this series, and other sub-series involving the Sensations Magazine Publisher, will be documented in Sensations Magazine Issue 42, coming shortly.

All individuals who attend our sponsored events automatically consent to be videotaped for inclusion in the Sensations Magazine Video Collection, our poetry reading and performance documentation project ongoing since 1995.

Here are the upcoming events now confirmed for 2008:

1.  SUN JUNE 1, 2008:  SENSATIONS MAGAZINE/SIX CENTURIES CLUB GROUP TRIP

Sensations Magazine was denied the opportunity of having a table to hand out literature at this "celebration of New Jersey's Literary Magazines" (since they were overbooked with 13 literary magazines rather than 12 as of our request date in mid-March).  No problem with that - glad to see they're successful, think they need a larger library - but since we wanted to take this opportunity to get information about our new issues and requirements to poets, we're going to "float" through, do handouts, and listen to some great poets read - only for the first hour, then leave for NYC to see the Marquis de Lafayette exhibit at the New York Historical Society.  An inexpensive group dinner (about $10-15/person) in Manhattan will follow early that evening.

2.  SAT JUNE 7, 2008 - 4PM - DAVID MESSINEO, FORMAL SILVER ANNIVERSARY TOUR STOP + OPEN, BABY GRAND BOOKS, WARWICK, NY - FREE

The Poetry on the Loose Series, well-known in Middletown, NY, has moved its base to Baby Grand Books, the sensational independent bookstore in Warwick, NY.  Sensations Magazine Publisher David Messineo will be their June feature, with an open reading to follow.  Reading form-oriented poetry from his hardcover book Formal while attired in a tuxedo, this is the sole New York State stop planned for his Silver Anniversary Tour - so don't miss this performance.  Go to the "Join" button at left, then the "Formal" button at right, for an idea of what to expect.  Audience members are encouraged to get into the mood by going upscale in attire.  Ladies - a rare opportunity to dress to the nines from four to five.

While the author does not include profanity nor graphic sex in his poetry, participants are forewarned that some of the thematic material to be presented may not be suitable for young children or right-wing Republicans.  Individual maturity is advised.

The author's goal for the Formal Silver Anniversary Tour is to have one feature reading in each county in New Jersey.  Here are the counties where he is still seeking a feature reading opportunity.  If you can offer such an opportunity, please write to him at the P.O. box at the bottom of this page.  Remaining counties are:
 

3.  SUN JUNE 8, 2008:  THE LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP HERITAGE RESEARCH SERIES - PART 3 OF 3, CELEBRATING THE 175th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAFAYETTE BAPTIST CHURCH BUILDING, 1833-2008.  FEATURING THE "BEAUTY IN NATURE" HARP CONCERT BY AIDEEN O'DONNELL - FREE, VARIOUS SITES IN LAFAYETTE, NEW JERSEY

FIRST CONCERT:  12-1PM, LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED

SECOND CONCERT:  3-4PM, "VILLAGE HALL" AT OLDE LAFAYETTE VILLAGE

The Six Centuries Club of America concludes its three-part Lafayette Township Heritage Research Series with a series of free harp concerts by Aideen O'Donnell at various sites in town, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Lafayette Baptist Church building on Route 15.  As with Parts 1 and 2 of this series, the events will be free for the public to attend, and printed full-color programs featuring detailed microfilm research will be handed out to participants for free; this time, the microfilm research will focus on all events held in or sponsored by the Baptist, Methodist-Episcopal, and Presbyterian churches, and their respective parsonages, in Lafayette during the active years of all three churches, spanning a continuous 125-year arc from 1833 to approximately 1958.

4.  THURS JUNE 19, 2008, 7-9PM  - "SENSATIONS MAGAZINE NIGHT AT WATCHUNG BOOKSELLERS, MONTCLAIR. FREE. 

Sensations Magazine begins an annual open reading at this independent bookstore, for the convenience of our members from eastern NJ, NYC, and boroughs.  2008 Six Centuries Club members get to read 4 poems apiece; non-members get to read 1 poem apiece.  Poems may be on any theme.  Watchung Booksellers offers frequent poetry readings, and we honor their years of support of the NJ poetry community by partnering with them, one night a year for the coming four years (2008-2011).

5.  FRI JUNE 27, 2008 - "DAVID MESSINEO AND KLEBER DE FREITAS: A TASTE OF BRAZIL/A TASTE OF ITALY" AT IL TRAPEZIO CAFE, NUTLEY, NJ

In a special 2-feature set sponsored by Paul Nash at Il Trapezio Cafe, the Sensations Magazine Publisher, along with native Brazilian Kleber de Freitas, will share work from Mr. Messineo's 2006 book A Taste of Brazil in the first set, then from Mr. Messineo's 1995 book A Taste of Italy in the second set.  This will be the first and only time that both books will be featured in the same reading.  An open reading takes places between the two sets.  The final copies of A Taste of Brazil will be available for purchase at this reading.  AS OF MARCH, THE DATE COULD CHANGE TO APRIL OR MAY.  CHECK WEBSITE IN APRIL FOR FINAL DATE.

6.  SUN JUNE 29, 2008  - "SENSATIONS MAGAZINE 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION"  - PART 2 OF 3, FEATURING THE  PUBLIC DEBUT OF SENSATIONS MAGAZINE ISSUE 42, "20th ANNIVERSARY SPOKEN WORD."  SHOW 1-5PM, WITH DINNER TO FOLLOW AFTER 5PM.  FREE FOR ACTIVE 2008 SUBSCRIBERS AND SIX CENTURIES CLUB MEMBERS.  DINNER COST ADDITIONAL.  LOCATION:  THE ATLANTIC ROOM AT THE CHATEAU, SPRING LAKE, NJ

Part 2 of our 20th anniversary reunion will feature 1/2 hour alternating blocks of live performance and video, with a special focus on Sensations Magazine history in the 21st century:  the 2000-2002 national tours, the 2002-2004 Jersey shore readings and cabaret series, the 3-part 2007-2008 Lafayette Township Heritage shows, and all the poetry readings in between.  Due to space limitations of the prospective venues, invitations to this event are being offered by the Publisher by direct invitation only.  We especially encourage those who missed Part 1 to take part, and welcome participants in January's event to join us for this one.  A third and final part to this celebration will be held in October of 2008.

- NO EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR JULY OR AUG 2008 -

7.  SUN SEPT 21, 2008 - THE "16th AND 17th CENTURY AMERICA" SHOW:  DEBUT OF SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE 43 ON LAST DAY OF SUMMER, AND FALL/WINTER ISSUE 44 JUST BEFORE FALL

The dual debut of Sensations Magazine Issue 43 (Spring/Summer 2008, "16th Century America") and Issue 44 (Fall/Winter 2008, 17th Century America") will be combined into one larger show featuring poets reading from that issue, musicians, and a live performance of a portion of "King Lear" by King Lear of the Taxi poet/performer Davidson Garrett.

9.  OCTOBER 2008 - SENSATIONS MAGAZINE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - PART 3 OF 3, LAFAYETTE, NJ

Ongoing:  The Formal Silver Anniversary Tour (2006-2009)

The author's goal is to have one feature reading in each county in NJ, along with one feature stop in adjoining states. 

2007 readings in the Formal Silver Anniversary Tour were as follows:

1.  MARCH 31, 2007, 11:30 AM - ESSEX COUNTY (CALDWELL)

2.  MARCH 31, 2007, 2 PM - PASSAIC COUNTY (LITTLE FALLS)

3.  SUN APRIL 1, 2007, 2-4PM - MORRIS COUNTY (WHIPPANY)

4.  THURS APRIL 12, 2007, 7PM - ESSEX COUNTY (MONTCLAIR)

5.  SAT APRIL 14, 2007, 2-3 PM - OCEAN COUNTY
(POINT PLEASANT BEACH)

6.  SAT APRIL 14, 2007, 9PM - CUMBERLAND COUNTY (BRIDGETON)

7.  TUES NOV 6, 2007, 7PM - SUSSEX COUNTY (ANDOVER)
 

The Cabaret Series:  2002-2003

cab a ret - n.  entertainment held in a nightclub or restaurant while the audience eats or drinks at tables - Oxford American Heritage Dictionary

Between November 2002 and December 2003, our former company, Gold Coast Performing Arts, Inc., sponsored over 20 performances of music and dance in New Jersey, and brought them to the following locations:
 

With the closure of Gold Coast Performing Arts, Inc. on December 31, 2006, the Cabaret Series is officially closed.  The brief history of Gold Coast Performing Arts, Inc. will be included in Issue 42, Fall/Winter 2007, the "20th Anniversary Spoken Word Issue."

History - Series and Retreats

Creative Events Series History

The Sensations Magazine Creative Events Series (our travelling series of events) is in its 20th year, making it the second longest continually operating poetry reading series in New Jersey (behind the 27-year Barron Arts Center "Poets Wednesdays" series).

The 2003-2004 Subscriber Series at the Jersey Shore

The goal of the series was both simple and complex:  host an event with poetry in each oceanside town in Monmouth County, from Sea Bright to Brielle.  This, too, we achieved.  Our thanks to the 17 hosts that made this possible:

January 2003 - Spring Lake - Spring Lake Library (lecture/open reading)
March 2003 - Belmar - Coffee Blue
April 2003 - Asbury Park - Berkeley-Carteret Hotel
May 2003 - Ocean Grove - Manchester Inn (Coney Island show w/poetry)
June 2003 - Bradley Beach - Joey Gia's Trattoria
July 2003 - South Belmar - Tastebuds Cafe
Aug 2003 - Belmar - Be Green
Sept 2003 - Avon-by-the-Sea - M-R Chefs Cafe
Sept 2003 - Allenhurst - OmSweetOm Yoga Studio (DM Feature) 
Oct 2003 - Sea Girt - Beacon House Bed & Breakfast
Nov 2003 - Manasquan - East Main Street Trattoria
March 2004 - Long Branch - New Jersey Repertory Company
May 2004 - Monmouth Beach - Monmouth Beach Cultural Center
May 2004 - Deal - Surrey Lane Antiques
May 2004 - Loch Arbour - Outdoor park
June 2004 - Brielle - Brielle Public Library
September 2004 - Sea Bright - Mad Hatter Pub & Pizzeria
October 2004 - Spring Lake - Evergreen Gallery, Spring Lake
November 2004 - Manasquan - Green Planet Coffee Company
December 2004 - Asbury Park - Wish You Were Here Cafe ("Asbury Park in Poetry")

Sensations Magazine Writer's Retreat History

Sensations Magazine sponsors Writer's Retreats for our active subscribers, approximately once every two years, each with a different focus.  Seven retreats have been provided thus far; "ten by the end" is our goal:
 

Thanks to all of the writers who have attended our retreats since 1997:  one of the many attractions that draws working writers to Sensations Magazine.