SpeakEasy features Jim Kelleher on Sunday

“Jim has an unflinching observant eye and an unadorned style of writing. I am pleased to present him as the January Feature and share his distinctive voice with others.” Patricia Martin, writer and host

TORRINGTON — The monthly SpeakEasy welcomes poet, essayist and teacher Jim Kelleher as its feature reader on Sunday, Jan 7 at the Noelke Gallery, 15 Water St., downtown Torrington. Open mic signup begins at 6:30 p.m., and the event runs from 7 to 8:30.

Hosted by writer Patricia Martin, SpeakEasy showcases poetry, essays, memoirs, storytelling, monologues, and other spoken word pieces the first Sunday of every month. Each evening spotlights a guest feature poet/writer, and provides five-minute open mic slots for other voices to be heard. All ages are welcome; snacks are available and BYOB. Admission is $5.

A longtime resident of northwest Connecticut, Kelleher has published has two books of poetry and one drama-in-verse book. His work has been featured in Yankee Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor, The Country and Abroad, and many other outlets. A composition and literature teacher at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted Kellehert’s future projects include a memoir of his late mother, Helen Kelleher, and workshops on poetry and old age. He also teaches tech ed at Torrington Middle School and is a self-employed carpentry contractor.

“Jim has an unflinching observant eye and an unadorned style of writing,” Martin said. “I am pleased to present him as the January Feature and share his distinctive voice with others.”

For more information or to recommend a feature reader, contact Martin at pmartinwriter@gmail.com or call 860-482-2556.

For information about the Noelke Gallery, visit https://www.noelkegallery.com/

Martin is an author, poet, performer/actor, and freelance writer/communications professional. A native of Darien, she relocated to Torrington from Woodstock/West Saugerties in New York’s Hudson Valley. She has been featured at numerous events, including The Mu-

seum of the Imagination, The Howland Cultural Center, The Dissident Arts Festival, The Woodstock Fringe, The Byrdcliff, Theatre, The National Beat Poetry Festival’s “Kerouac Café,” and other venues. She’s been heard on The Woodstock RoundTable/ WDST and Women of Note/WKZE, is a monthly guest on “She’s Raising the Bar” radio show, and has been published in Chronogram, The County and Abroad, Art Times, Chatham Magazine, WaterWrites, and other periodicals. A member of the Author’s Guild, she is the author of one humor book, five nonfiction books, a spoken word & music CD with composer/producer Gus Mancini.

Noelke Gallery is mysterious much like the man behind the art, John Noelke. The atmosphere is inclusive and thought provoking. Visit and see an array of work; sculpture, paintings, and photography inspired by growing up in the vast spaces of West Texas and nurtured by an artful New England community. The gallery can be reached at 860-618-0276, or go to https://www.noelkegallery.com/

Contributed photo Jim Kelleher will appear at Sunday’s SpeakEasy event.

Contributed photo / Poet Jim Kelleher is the next featured guest for this Sunday's SpeakEasy poetry and spoken word event in Torrington.