Speak Easy set Sunday

TORRINGTON — Poet Jack Sheedy is filling in for Patricia Martin as one-time host of Speak Easy Sunday at Noelke Gallery in Torrington.

Speak Easy, a spoken word/poetry, open mike and guest reading, is held the first Sunday of the Month at 7 p.m.

This month’s featured reader is Laura B. Hayden.

“I have known Laura for over six years and was privileged to interview her for The Catholic Transcript in connection with her memoir, ‘Staying Alive: A Love Story,’” Sheedy said. “The book won a 2012 Readers Views Award and has been recommended by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals. Laura is a recipient of a 2016 BMI Foundation Woody Guthrie Fellowship and is writing a biography of Marjorie Mazia Guthrie.”

Follow her blog at http:// lhayden.blogspot.com/.

Speak Easy is a monthly open mike for the spoken word, with a different featured reader each month at the Noelke Gallery, 15 Water St., Torrington. Open mike signup starts at 6:30 p.m.

Noelke provides the space for Speak Easy, which was created by writer and poet Patricia (Patti) Martin.

The purpose of Speak Easy, Martin said, is “to nurture and celebrate the written word by speaking it aloud. Bring your own or a favorite poet/author’s work. Read or recite for up to five minutes.”

The event is free, and light snacks and beverages are provided, but there is a suggested donation of $5 to cover costs. September’s Speak Easy will be held Sept. 9.