The 28th of this month saw the opening of The Hold poetry night at Oliver's music bar in our own fair greenwich. The night, put on by poet and poetry aficionado Christopher Horton, was attended by myself and the other Clinic poets and was absolutely lovely. The line up was particularly good, featuring some established names and a few cheeky underground surprises:
Jack Underwood
Chrissy Williams
Sarah Westcott
Declan Ryan
Helen Mort
Jocelyn Page
Kayo Chingonyi
Music supplied by Robert McCracken.
Some of the many highlights were to be found in Jack Underwood (of course) and the esteemed Helen Mort, who I've seen once before at the Manhattan Review launch, where she only got to read one poem; on this occasion she was given much longer to read and I for one was very glad of it.
Some standouts from the night were Kayo Chingonyi and Jocelyn Page, two poets who I've not seen before, but will certainly be looking into seeing again.
Another key point worth mentioning is the amazing venue, it is incredible. After five minutes or so of confused wandering myself and Sam chanced upon a small unmarked door, and after a little Diagon Alley tomfoolery found ourselves underground in what can only be described as bomb shelter taken over by poets, leather arm chairs and log fires abounding. I for one would love to use this space for something Clinic related, it is so strange: a cozy network of red tunnels opening into various small rooms, complete with bar and a man with the voice of John Betjeman. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for that one folks.
It was lovely to meet some new poetry heads and encourage them to bring said heads to the next Clinic. I can think of no better way to spend an evening, and I will certainly be returning next month.