Boulevard Theatre Poetry Wine Slam

What better way to start out the workweek than a Poetry Wine Slam benefit for the Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre at the South Shore Park Pavilion (2900 S. Shore Drive) last Monday? As we were walking in, Geo Kiesow, longtime Y-Not II poetry slammer, and I were chatting about how many people we know who have been married in this venue. It really is gorgeous, with it’s arched, criss-crossed wooden ceilings and large windows that show off the lake and Milwaukee skyline. Walking in, we were accosted by the man behind the Boulevard, Mark Bucher, who was rushing out and exclaimed, “Speaking of VIAGRA . . .”. Now where else can you get that kind of welcome, I ask you? Joe Fransee, who recently appeared in Boulevard’s season debut, Louisiana Purchase greeted us at the sign-in table. I noticed a distinct theme of red bandanas about the place in homage to Mark’s trademark “mandana” (I later asked a female volunteer at the Xel-ha table if she was wearing a (wo)mandana, and she didn’t seem to understand or appreciate my pathetic attempt at humor, so I just mumbled something about another taquito and slunk away). Andy, the wine guy (insert professional title here) from Groppi’s was serving up some lovely cabernets, pinot noirs and chardonnays, although local spoken word performer, Eddie Kilowatt, one of the featured readers, was the first to ask for a beer. There’s always somebody . . . (kidding!); besides a dazzling array of heavy appetizers from local Bay View eateries (everything from Lulu’s tapenades to Q’s shredded meat – yum!) and the thrill of watching Milwaukee theatrical celebs mingling – “ooh, look, there’s so-and-so!” (I’m easily starstruck, even in Milwaukee), there was the poetry reading. Talk about the coolest experience I’ve had in a while. I mean, come on, can you put a price on Milwaukee Art Museum Director David Gordon, in his clipped English accent, dropping several F-bombs during his reading of Philip Larkin’s poem about parents? Priceless. Or former Theatre X-veteran Flora Coker’s rendition of Susan Firer’s poem, “Milwaukee,” that mentions everything from Dick Bacon to Sigmund Snopek? The highlight, for me, however, was Chamber Theatre founder Monty Davis reading Seamus Heaney’s translation of Robert Henderson’s 15th century poem “Two Mice” in an impeccable Scottish accent! Unbelievable! Unfortunately, however, Geo had to get back to work at his bar, Jamo’s (a very cool place that you should check out), so we had to take our leave prematurely. I’m glad we caught what we could and am already looking forward to next year’s Slam.

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