READINGS

by Esther Landers

RUTH KIRK

Ms. Kirk, whom the Elliott Bay newsletter refers to as a "longstanding Northwest treasure" -- really, what a kind way to say that she's old! Well, I sympathize, my dear -- reads from a volume curried as a love affair: Sunrise to Paradise: The Story of Mount Rainier National Park. Elliott Bay Books, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.

JAKE ESAU AS CHARLES DICKENS

Character actor Mr. Esau gives a dramatic reading of selections from A Christmas Carol and the short essay "What Christmas Means As We Grow Older." I imagine Christmas meant something quite different to an older Charles Dickens than the general populace, but that remains to be seen, I suppose, since I have not read the essay. Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave N, 684-4086, 7 pm, free.

*ISANGMAHAL, FRAN VARIAN, PIECE OF SOL

Why do young people always indicate revolutionary tendencies by spelling "collective" with a "k"? It seems like a very old-fashioned effect. Regardless, isangmahal call themselves an "arts kollective," and they express their revolutionary tendency through artwork, poetry, storytelling, dance, and music. These lovely young people perform in a literary performance series called "The Rapture," along with live poetry favorite Fran Varian and a hiphop group from right here in Seattle called Piece of Sol. Speakeasy Cafe, 2304 Second Ave, 441-4502, 8 pm, $5.

*MATTHEW STADLER, STACEY LEVINE,

CHARLES MUDEDE

Here are three young people who are extremely articulate, as you know if you read this very publication. Mr. Stadler's article on the WTO meeting last week certainly stirred my blood! Tonight, Mr. Mudede promises a discussion and reading of narrative centered around that very volatile event. "One event, three paths," he writes, "an appropriate expression for the reality of urban life." Charming! Pistil Books & News, 1013 E Pike, 325-5401, 7 pm, free.

*SAM HAMILL

Mr. Hamill's life has been swept by the sweet hay broom of translation, his love for this art lending him an intensity of purpose as editor at Copper Canyon Press as he toils away in his tiny hut in Port Townsend, producing such amazing work as his latest, a collection of writings by the 17th-century Japanese poet Basho entitled, The Essential Basho. Elliott Bay Books, 101 S Main St, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, free.

CLARICE KEEGAN, THOMAS HUBBARD

Thomas Hubbard was a Protestant martyr who suffered under the reign of the Catholic Queen Anne. He was eventually burned at the stake for refusing to recant his religion. His namesake reads tonight, along with live poetry favorite, Ms. Clarice Keegan. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, University Village, 789-4899, 7 pm, free.

OPEN MIC

Note to regularly programmed open mics: The Stranger will list events only if we receive an announcement -- regular listings will be dropped unless we are notified that the events are in fact ongoing.

665

Count the days no more -- 665 is back, reconfigured by Salon Productions. This open mic is hosted by Sarah Sharp, with featured readers adding to the equation. Four Angels Cafe, 1400 14th Ave at Union, 264-5139, 7:30 sign-up, free.

THE PEARL

Turn irritation into beauty: bring fiction, poetry, film, or drama. Every first Thursday celebrates Dead Poets. The Pearl, 4215 University Way NE, 547-3326, 8 pm, free.

SPOKEN WORD

Each and every Thursday, this venerable Pioneer Square venue spotlights music, poetry, and comedy. Pioneer Square Saloon, 73 Yesler Way, 624-6444, 8:30 pm, free.

RED SKY POETRY THEATER

Seattle's longest-running reading series turns 19 this season. Have some birthday cake with poet Jo Nelson, featured reader. Globe Cafe, 1531 14th off Pine, 633-5647, 7:30 pm, donation.

HOMELAND

Hosted by Circus and friends, "Seattle's own Little Bohemia" emerges from a hiatus transformed. The Globe Cafe, 1531 14th Ave at Pike, 264-5139, 7:30 sign-up, free.

SEATTLE POETRY SLAM

With a new venue and a new night, Seattle's biggest poetry slam is alive and kickin'. Tonight, celebrate with a "Holiday Party Slam," with prizes and surprise guests and treats. Rupert's, 309 First Ave S, 628-7703, www.seattlepoetryslam.org, 8 pm, $3.

CATHARTICISM

Come to confess your sins, stay for a cookie. Open mic for poetry, stories, music, rants, and more. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377, 8:30 pm, free.