2nd Annual Open Mic Night

On Thursday, April 19th, we had another great turn-out this year at our 2nd Annual Open Night Mic in cooperation with the Orangeville Public Library. Many thanks to the library for staying open when we ran overtime.

Dufferin County Poet Laureate Harry Posner hosted again this year. He opened with some poetry consisting of "Every Year", written as prompted by the recent spring storms; and "I want" about poetry. He also announced the upcoming Day of Poets taking place all around downtown Orangeville on Saturday, May 5th, from 11am to 4pm.

First up was Clare McCarthy, columnist for The Orangeville Banner newspaper and Headwaters Writers' Guild member, who read a short story he wrote from a writing prompt at group entitled "It's in the Bag".

Darlane Rogers-Wardle read a poem about turning 49, and another poem prompted by a fellow teacher who had passed away but wrote as if it were she who died. She then read a humourous children's short story called "I'm In The Play".

Newest Headwaters Writers' Guild member Ron Langevin read a set of triptych (3 separate panels related by theme) short stories. The theme of Traffic consisted of the humourous stories "Stop Already", "Psychics" and "Guardian Angels". We are fortunate to have Ron join the Headwaters Writers' Guild.

Headwaters Writers Guild founder Nancy Rorke read the story "Broken Promises" which won the Click, Create, Celebrate contest through the Caledon Library, and was published in In The Hills Magazine.

We welcomed Matt Griffin back again this year. Always entertaining, he showed his wide range of talent through a comedic essay wherein he regaled us with the voices of Jimmy Stewart, Pee Wee Herman, Bruce Lee, Neil Young, Stompin' Tom Connors, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Pink Floyd, and Andy Kaufman.

Headwaters Writers' Guild member Marilyn Kleiber read from her new book "The Arrival". Writing under the name L.M. Tibbott, she took a page from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling wherein she didn't want readers of this fantasy novel to know the gender of the author. "The Arrival" is now available at Amazon and at the independent book store The Bookshelf in Guelph.

Well known Orangeville author Diane Bator read an excerpt from her very first publication, a novella entitled "Murder on Manitou". She has since published 7 mystery novels.

At intermission this crowd were given the opportunity to speak with the authors and purchase some of their publications. Thank you to those who supported our local authors.

After intermission Patricia Gallant spoke briefly about her 14 years of experience with the Headwaters Writers' Guild (photo not available). Harry Posner read a poem he wrote about Leonard Cohen.

We welcomed back local author M.J. Moores a hybrid author of new adult speculative fiction and romantic suspense. She is an active member of Writer's Ink, Caledon, the Bradford Writers' Circle, and is Chairperson for the Writers' Community of York Region. She read an excerpt from "Proprietary Measures" to be published in November 2018.

Winston Uytenboogaart returned this year to share some poems he had published as a result of reading at last year's Open Mic Night.

Natalie Merritt-Broderick, writer of novels and poetry, read some poetry on her interpretation of life. "The Dot", "A Christmas Memory", "Flower Power", "Understanding", "Standing Tall", and "Freedom" were among the poems she read.

Jonathan Neville was very animated with his random thoughts about life. He teaches Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Blues, Gymnastic, Square and Circle dances, as well as Creative Workout fitness classes, helping people grow imagination while they grow fit. Harry Posner described his presentation as a metaphysical swing dance.

Headwaters Writers' Guild member June Duncan read from her upcoming fourth novel "From The Junk".

David McGuinn is an aspiring writer & poet who recited from memory an assortment of entertaining poems.

Thank you to everyone who chose our 2nd Annual Open Mic Night over the Toronto  Maple Leafs playoff game. We look forward to another successful event next year!

Please remember the Day of Poets on Saturday, May 5th throughout downtown Orangeville from 11am to 4pm.