Runcible Spoon serves up open mic poetry series

Without Edward Lear, the Runcible spoon would never have become famous. \nRegen Ton, an owner of the Runcible Spoon restaurant in Bloomington, said Lear, a British poet and painter, is credited as the first to coin the term. \nThe term finally gave a name to the sharp-edged fork with three broad, curved prongs in the owl and pussycat story Regen said. \nWithout Lear, the Runcible Spoon, located at 412 E. Sixth St., and the poetry series it hosts might never have existed. \nThe Runcible Spoon Poetry Series and Open Mic will present "A Celebration of Women's History" from 6:50 to 8 p.m. tonight, featuring readers Barbara Swegmon, Shana Ritter, Denise Breeden-Ost and music by singer/songwriter Beth Lodge-Rigal, as well as many others. The Indiana Review, a nonprofit magazine dedicated to showcasing the talents of emerging and established writers, is very proud to sponsor the event, said Lea-ann Bigelow, business manager of the magazine.\n"We became involved with (the series) about a year ago," Bigelow said. "We had originally held our readings in the Borders bookstore, but attendance at the events was lagging, so we decided to look for a warmer, friendlier venue." \nIt was then that Patricia Coleman, poetry series sponsor and member of Five Women Poets, stepped in with a solution.\n"We were looking for a new venue for our readings, and Patricia was attempting to revamp the poetry series, so we ended up helping each other," Bigelow said. "We had a new place to hold readings, and we helped with advertising."\nTony Brewer, senior editor of Matrix Magazine, a nonprofit publication dedicated to the arts, will also be reading tomorrow at the series.\n"I studied poetry at IU, receiving a B.A. in English in 1993 and have been actively performing and promoting poetry ever since, specifically with Matrix, since 1998," Brewer said. "The Runcible Spoon is a great place. The food is great, and the chef, Matt O'Neil, is an accomplished poet himself."\nAccording to www.hartrock.net, a Web site featuring the works of Patricia Coleman and links to Bloomington arts events, the series was originally produced by local poet Dennis Sipe, then taken over by Mary Dezember, from 1993 through 1997. Brewer said Bloomington has always supported poetry and Sipe and Dezember are a huge part of the support.\n"The Runcible Spoon has a long history of supporting poetry in Bloomington. This series is starting up again after a few years on hiatus," Brewer said. "The series is technically the oldest poetry/open mic series in Bloomington."\nAfter the featured readers have concluded, the floor will open and audience members will be able to share their original works or works from their favorite writers. Sign ups begin at 6:50 p.m. \n "It's a great way to be in a friendly environment and air your work," Bigelow said. "Most work doesn't come to life until you've shared it with people, and this is a non-judgmental way to share your work over a great cup of coffee."\nThe poetry series readings are held once a month on every fourth Friday at the Runcible Spoon, unless otherwise announced.\nThe event is sponsored by the Indiana Review, Patricia Coleman and the Bloomington Area Arts Council. For more information, contact the Runcible Spoon at 334-3997 or visit the Indiana Review Web site at www.iub.edu/~inreview/general/events.htm.\n-- Contact staff writer Jennifer Griffin at jdgriffi@indiana.edu.