POETRY AT THE BLUE LINE GALLERY

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                                                                                                               

Media Contacts:

Beth Rohlfes or Barbara Dolder

rosecurator@surewest.net, roseart@surewest.net   

(916) 783-4117

POETRY AT THE BLUE LINE GALLERY

Bill Gainer and Michelle Johnson

ROSEVILLE, Calif., March 17, 2010—Nationally published and sought after poet, Bill Gainer, will join Michelle Johnson, Sierra College professor of English, in the second of four evenings of the “Outta the Blue Poetry Series” at the Blue Line Gallery on April 8, 2010.

“Outta the Blue Poetry Series” was first introduced in February with readings by Sacramento Poet Laureate Bob Stanley and award-winning Grass Valley poet Molly Fisk.  Poet and former Press Tribune editor, John Bowman, organized the series, which promises two more scheduled readings later in the year:  

·         August 26, 7:00-9:00p.m. –  Kate Asche, Sacramento poet and essayist and associate director of Arts and Humanities at UC Davis Extension;  and Tim Kahl, who reads and hosts readings at the Sacramento Poetry Center.

·          October 21, 7:00-9:00p.m. –  Kathleen Lynch of Sacramento, published poet, essayist and gifted reader of poetry; & Roger Groghan, Meadow Vista poet who has read his work at numerous area events and Moira Magneson of Placerville, who teaches at Sacramento City College.

WHO:                    Roseville Arts Blue Line Gallery

WHAT:                  Second of four readings in “Outta the Blue Poetry Series”:  Michelle Johnson and Bill Gainer

WHEN:                 April 8, 2010, 7–9 p.m.

WHERE:                Blue Line Gallery, 405 Vernon Street, Suite 100, Roseville

WHY:                    To cultivate poetry as an important part of Roseville’s culture. 

COST:                    $5 members & students; $15 non-members. Sign up for Roseville Arts membership & get in free!    

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ABOUT MICHELLE JOHNSON
Michelle Johnson is a full-time English Professor at Sierra College in Rocklin, where she has been teaching for 11 years.  Michelle says, “Before I taught, I did a little of everything from waitressing, bartending, fire safety educator, Native American education liaison, to front desk clerk. I am a former military brat and wife. I have lived in Wheatland for 20 years with my daughter Chelsea, my son, Gabriel, my six cats, and four fish. Writing has been something that I always return to, when there is nothing else around. Oh yes, I love Dave Matthews.”

ABOUT BILL GAINER

Bill Gainer, Grass Valley, is nationally published and remains a sought after reader. He is known for the openness of his confessional poetry and is recognized as one of the founding contributors to the modern movement of "After Hours Poetry." He has contributed to the literary scene as a writer, editor, promoter, publicist, publisher and poet. Gainer considers himself forever influenced by an odd mix of outsiders. Early on he was swept away by the boldness, courage and brevity of the work of Richard Brautigan and Michael McClure. Later he found himself enthralled with the story telling talents of the likes of Tom Waits, William Kennedy, Johnny Cash, John Prine, Freddy Fender and a legion of "Meat Poets." Gainer has a long standing love of the short poem, but is often more recognized for his longer pieces. He continues to read and work with a wide range of poets and writers, including readings on KUSF radio with Punk-Rocker Patti Smith and performances with California Poet Laureate, Al Young. He is also the editor/publisher of the “Pen Award” winning press, R.L. Crow Publications, which was recently recognized by the Sacramento News and Review as a “The Best of Sacramento 2009,” for its "Gorilla Poetry Project." Gainer can be previewed at billgainer.com.

 
ABOUT ROSEVILLE ARTS BLUE LINE GALLERY

2009 VOTED #1 ART GALLERY IN THE SACRAMENTO REGION—KCRA  A-LIST and ROSEVILLE, GRANITE BAY, ROCKLIN STYLE MAGAZINE

Roseville Arts’ Blue Line Gallery is a non-profit community center for the arts.  Further information may be obtained on the website:  www.rosevillearts.org or by calling (916) 783-4117. To set up an interview or to request high resolution photography, please contact Veronika Nagy at roseart@surewest.net .

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