Hugo House hosts cheap wine, priceless poetry

Tired of sipping wine and reading Emily Dickinson out loud on a papasan chair alone, or annoyed by the posh poetry readings that feel too exclusive? Well, keep the wine and the good poetry, but change the venue to Richard Hugo House for its Cheap Wine and Poetry night.

Four years ago Brian McGuigan found the Seattle freeze effect kept the poetry scene in the city a little too exclusive and stagnant, so he co-founded and began curating Cheap Wine and Poetry.

"My favorite aspect is seeing the looks on peoples' faces as everything is going on and, because it's a really intimate, well-packed space, you get to be a part of something special and unique," McGuigan said.

In a small room with a capacity of 80 persons, attendance usually rounds out around 100 according to McGuigan, but it is all part of the experience.

Aside from the close environment, the broadness of the program continues to peak not only the interest of writers or poetry readers, but also of the community. The Hugo House puts on the event at no charge, but encourages donations in order to keep the wine cheap the event running.

After four years as curator of the event, McGuigan calls its greatest success the ability to bring a diverse audience full of interested attendanees that may or may not have experience in poetry.

"It's a place where everyone can be a part of something that's fun," noted McGuigan about the popularity of the event.

For the first night of the series, Cheap Wine and Poetry has gathered four different literary voices-each who serve up a different style of words to surprise or enlighten the audience.

The work of playwright Keri Healey won't be able to fly under the audience's radar because of its spicy attitude and acute perceptions.

"She is definitely an eyebrow raiser. There's a real gritty dirtiness to her work, but it's sexy too," explained McGuigan.

Adding to the style of the night is Jeremy Richards-a writer and radio host in Seattle, who may make people rethink their concept of slam poetry. According to McGuigan, Richards stands as one of the more dynamic spoken word poets in Seattle.

Another voice in the city's poetry scene, Rebecca Hoogs, will keep readers in their seat listening to the witty observations she sharply puts on paper.

"Her work is really smart," McGuigan said. "You can always learn something from her."

Ed Skoog completes the night by offering up a perspective of one who has lived in many places and combines the divergent cultural experiences into words the audience wants to listen to.

From slam poetry to experimental works and prose, the night practically guarantees an enjoyable experience for the audience.

"One of the best things [Cheap Wine and Poetry] features is a variety of poets," McGuigan said. "Anyone will find something they like during the evening. Something someone says will touch them in some way."

The series' first night back is Jan. 22 at 7 p.m., with free entry and wine for $1 at Richard Hugo House, located behind Cal Anderson Park at 1634 11th Ave.