Caught Amtrak yesterday morning from Boston to Newark International Airport. Waited for a few hours for my evening Air India flight. $280 one-way to Frankfurt.

The flight was quite rickety, a bit Greyhound-y in odor and decor, but I anticipated that much. I did not anticipate the complimentary and quite satisfying chicken dinner with steamed veggies. Air India: Not Great… Not Horrible… Cheap Enough To Go Again.

Blazed through German customs and baggage claim to meet my father and step-mother on the outside. Immediately picked up a German pay-as-you-go mobile phone. $10 for the phone. $20 in minutes. Should last throughout the Germany portion of this trip.

Ate lunch with my family at home. Looked up train schedules. Connected by text with Derrick Brown. Smoked too much with my dad. Talked un-enough. Joked around with everyone. Relearned some German history and language. Then ate delicious schnitzel and fried potatoes for dinner.

Must get some sleep in order to meet up with Derrick in Bern, Switzerland tomorrow. Today was restful. I made it here with a hitch, bump or serious delay.

So far, so awesome.

Here’s where we’ll be:

Cafe Kairo
June 11th
9pm
address: cafe kairo, dammweg 43, 3013 bern, switzerland
web: www.cafe-kairo.ch
KO’s Event

June 12th
7PM
(Landsberg Germany, more info to come)
Poetry Dead or Alive Show

June 13th
Theater am Schwanhof: Am Schwanhof 68-72, 35037 Marburg
Door Cover: 6 EURO
Age: 17+
Time: 20.00 o clock (24 hour clock)

June 14
Substanz poetry slam with ko and rayl, munich
Munich SUBSTANZ (Ruppertstr. 28, U3/U6 Poccistr.)

June 14
8PM
studio der schaubuhne
kurfurstendamm 153 10709 berlin
eintritt 13 euro, erm 8 euro
karten 030.890023
www.schabuehne.de

June 17
Poetry Slam Mainz
Venue: KUZ, Dagobertstraße 20b | 55116 Mainz
7:30pm
all ages

June 18
Late Night Special
VENUE: LOMO, Ballplatz 2, Mainz
COVER: 5-7 EUROS
18+
Paul Hoffman’s Show

June 19th
7:00pm
VENUE: Schulterblatt 73, 20357 Hamburg, Germany
18+

June 20th
Word Life
8PM
Cafe Euro, 72 John Street, Sheffield
18+
Cover: £5 on the door
The Waiting Room

June 21
7:30pm
Station Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, (TS16 0BU)
UK
6 euros

June 22nd
AMSTERDAM SHOW
House show (TBA)
all ages
Glastonbury Festival

June 24th-26th
Glastonbury Festival
Worthy Farm, Nr. Pilton, Southwest
Cost: £175 (Festival ticket price)
“Glastonbury Festival is the largest greenfield music and
performing arts festival in the world and a template for all
the festivals that have come after it. The difference is
that Glastonbury has all the best aspects of being at a
Festival in one astonishing bundle.” (Glastonbury Festivals
Website). One of those aspects that sets Glastonbury apart
from other festivals is Poetry&Words. We will be there on
all three days, bringing you some absolutely fantabulous
poets - rappers, comic poets, spoken word artists .. the
weird, the wise and the wonderful … all will be here. Come
along and see us in the Theatre and Circus fields if you
want to be moved, entertained or just find a cool spot to
chill out in for a while!
http://www.myspace.com/glastonburypoetry

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Word to the nerd.

And a happy June to everyone!

Summer approaches and so does our 24-Hour Summer Slumberfest 2009, the
second annual event I started with David Perez. It was born out of my half-assed December 2007 attempt to read poetry for 24 hours straight. I made it about 18-hours with a huge nap in the middle. Luckily, it lead us to a new idea.

Ten months later, David and I decided to replicate the event, but knew we had to open the mic to anyone that wanted to perform.

24-Hour Summer Slumberfest 2008 was a hit last September. MACLA, also the home of the San Jose Poetry Slam, was the perfect venue for such an endeavor. We had nearly 200 people stop by, and had a parliament of 30+ people most of the time. To take a nap at 3:30am, and to wake up an hour later to see that the crowd laying around you has grown is a sight to behold. It was indescribable fun to have such confirmation for the Slumberfest.

San Jose’s just the right setting for an event of this kind. The people want it–nay–need it and MACLA’s more than happy to pursue just about anything to promote art in all of its forms. It has been a purveyor of art for sometime now, and is the true home of spoken word in Silicon Valley. There is none higher.

Last year David mentioned his interest in bringing more international performers to the Slumberfest, and being a low-cost event, we certainly could not fly people out to attend. It’s quite literally a slumber party with a stage, a few mics, a pile of blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, food (all sorts!) and a couch or two.

But dammit! We live in Silicon Valley! We’re poets and artists who are also tech nerds. There must be something we can do to bring the world to MACLA.

SOLUTION: Skype + projector + wall + camera = INTERNATIONAL SLUMBERFEST!

If you think, “Man, this sounds like fun, but I can’t fly to San Jose, California (although you really should), but I do have a Skype account and I do have a webcam and I do have internet access and I do have poetry or music that is or isn’t mine and I do like the idea of reading it aloud…” Then you’re all set to be a part of the show! Join us from your very own country, province, state, cafe, school, bar
kitchen or bedroom.

We are signing people up for Skyping or those interested in just showing up to perform. Anyone outside of the United States will get priority with time slots. If you’re interested, look up the event listing on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/kpuwej, or comment here with the the general time slot you’re interested in.

Slumberfest 2009 runs from June 5 to June 6 - 6pm Friday to 6pm Saturday.

Slots may be less than 15 minutes, but not more than 15 minutes, depending on demand. The later the better. It will be easier to get a slot at 6am then at 11pm. Pay close attention to the difference in time between your time zone and Pacific Time.
http://www.timeanddate.com/

Examples:

David and I will be working everything out for the rest of this week, and you will get a response with your time slot and explicit Skype instructions by Thursday, June 4 or the morning of June 5.

There will be lots of laying about, aside from David and I hosting and filling in empty slots on the mic. It is recommended that if you bring food or beverage, please bring enough to share.

NO BOOZE OR DRUGS. This is a clean event. We’d love for you to get high on life instead.

24-Hour Summer Slumberfest 2009

MACLA

510 South First Street, Between William and Reed in Dowtown San Jose

Free street parking after 6pm.
Meters in the daytime.

Suggested donation: 5 to 7 bucks.

Original time slotted was 7pm to 7pm, but scheduling forced us an hour ahead. It is 6pm to 6pm.

Various prizes and games for those who volunteer and stay the whole 24-hours.

Get plenty of rest beforehand and be sure to bring plenty of water if you intend to stay up.

We will attempt to webcast the event throughout, but due to issues in the past, we can make no promises. Check back to this blog throughout
the week for more info.
———
Word to the nerd.

HOME

About to pack for my short flight from Los Angeles to San José. I will be in Silicon Valley for a few days, involving two shows.

Have had an amazing few weeks on the road. A lot of it filled with Derrick Brown, Vancouver, B.C. and Honolulu. Not too shabby.

Derrick and I held a bookparty (”book release” sounds lame, like I’m putting my books back out into the wilderness, which, technically, I am–but no) in Honolulu on May 11, and in Long Beach on May 16. They were both jammed in with sweet nugget-y peeps of all sorts and walks. It was good to see Dante, Lindsey and Bobby who came to the show at {open}, a fantastic book shop run by Shea & Sé.

TANGENT: Totally listening to all of the Arcade Fire I have on my Mac.

My buddy Dante, whom I lived with in San José in 2005, whom also supplied the sweet comicbook sketch of Spherical Man and Feedbag in my book, has also written a nice review of “In Search of Midnight” at craveonline.com. Good articles there. Lots to read. His review ismore a general state of what he thinks of me, which is also good. Says a lot for spoken word.

SUMMER

Derrick Downtown Brown and I are embarking on a Euro Tour together (”European, I’m A Peein’ 2009″) in June-July. I have many dates coming up, and no-dates-on-purpose from July 14 through mid-August. Then I’ll close out August with some Chicago time.

MUST SEE

Saw Star Trek twice this month. Whoa. Dang. Son-of-a-Yes! The best action-adventure I’ve seen in years. Such quality entertainment. When they make prequels to this one in 20 years, people will complain that they don’t compare to the original 2009 version.

SHOWS

(From Slammaster, Kat Dietrich) Ladies and Gentlemen, the time to crown a new hero is upon us.  For months we have watched poets grab awe inspiring victories and ego crushing defeats. Now that the dust has settled, now that the casualties have been cleared, 10 poets remain standing to face off in the ultimate showdown known as the San Jose Grand Slam!   That’s right folks, San Jose Poetry Slam finals are here! This TUESDAY, May 19th, our top scoring poets will come together, battling it out not only to crown our Grand Slam Champion, but also to select San Jose ’s 2009 Slam Team. The team will go on to represent San Jose at the National Poetry Slam in West Palm Beach , Florida . These Poets (selected by you) will go up against teams of poets from 80 other cities across the US and abroad, slugging it out for the title of National Poetry Slam Champions! But that’s not all; the Grand Slam will be hosted by San Jose’s own Mighty Mike McGee!!!   Don’t miss out on this blockbuster poetry event! In fact, bring every one you know!   As always, we will have poets, poetry, and beer (brought to you by our illustrious sponsor, Faultline Brewery)! We look forward to seeing you again.

~Kat Dietrich & Chris Bundy

San Jose Poetry Slam @ MACLA 510 S. 1^st Street San Jose , CA .   7:30 PM Doors Open
8 PM Show Starts (the magic begins!) Tuesday, May 19th $6 at the door

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SENDING THE TEAM TO NATIONALS!

San José Team Finalists: Clay Courchain, Kat Dietrich, Kristina Roberston, Patrick, Danny D., Dave Perez, Chris Bundy, Kevin Sparks, Jen G, Scorpiana X, Wes Moots

BOOKPARTY!

Want to buy a book from me in person? I will be performing at Barefoot Coffee in Santa Clara (5137 Stevens Creek Blvd. at Lawrence Expwy)

Friday, MAY 22. FREE SHOW. 7:30pm. Books are $15.00. Barefoot Coffee is the deliciousest.

Can’t make it to Barefoot? Well, I just noticed this: http://www.amazon.com/Search-Midnight-McGee-Handbook-Awesome/dp/0982148828 Whoa.

–––––––––

Word to the nerd.

IN-A-CANADA-VIDA

Spent a fun-filled couple fo weeks in Canada doing some sweet T.O.F.U. shows.

Much love to Almonte, Ottawa, and Toronto, Ontario. Loads of special hugs to Kelowna, B.C.

I miss you already, Foxy House.

Can’t to tour in September, T.O.F.U.

Our new album, “Hard To Tell” is the best recording I’ve ever been a part of. Ever. I know!

TODAY AND BEYOND

Heading to Honolulu for a couple of shows. Hawaii Slam on May 7.

Write Bloody Book Release show at Ong King in Honolulu with Derrick Brown.

My book is doing well. People are loving it. I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It’s very much me-in-page-form. Get yours here: http://writebloody.com (FREE-ASS shipping through May.)

HEY, LOS ANGELES AND YOUR SURROUNDING AREA

Derrick Brown and I will be doing a book release in Long Beach on May 16. It’s just been set up, and there will be a sweet band there. Free Moral Agents are to rock the place. This band is rad and lead by the keyboardist from Mars Volta.

http://www.myspace.com/freemoralagents

The book store is a sweet spot, and a Derrick Brown fave, so we HAVE TO rock it out.

http://www.thestoryofopen.com/

More to come, you alls.

MY HEART’S MISSING:

Twosnoos

Mike Henry and Family

Silicon Valley and my family

Worcester, Mass and my family

The taste of Barefoot Coffee

McKibbens, Ladson, Jones and every lady I’ve ever loved.

Innocence

Thanks for this, Jess. This band and their video are so beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3WhQB7Hq0Q

–––––––––

Word to the nerd.

A lot of numbered lists of random things about my friends are being posted around Facebook and LiveJournal. It’s a fun meme. Geoff Trenchard posted a fantastic list in the persona of Aesop Rock, which was inspired by this “William Shakespeare” list.

Geoff, once again!, inspired my list below, written in the voice of Barney Rubble.

My own personal list from December can be found here: 33 Things About Me

25 Things You May Not Know About Barney Rubble
© 2009 Mike McGee

1. While it doesn’t bother most of my friends or family, I don’t like calloused feet. Because of this, I prefer catching the bus to work or carpooling with Fred.

2. I took Wilma to our Junior Prom. I kissed her good night on my tippy toes. She leaned down for me. It was real nice.

3. I love gardening and planting vegetables. Nobody does it around here. They say it ain’t natural. They say I’m crazy to spend all that time in the dirt. I think people might get used to it.

4. I hate my job. It pays good, but them rocks is heavy and I’m too short for most things.

5. Fred saved my life twice. I’m pretty clumsy, but lucky that Fred’s always around to get my head out of tight situations. He has been my friend since F.D. Rockevelt Elementary School. We started out not liking each other though. I am glad that changed.

6. Betty’s older than me. Not a lot, but she’s taught me a lot of things about life and ladies. She’s a real good lady. Sweet as punch and super smart.

7. I would never name a kid after a sound. Bam Bam named himself. We had to let him cos he made such a loud fuss. I wanted to call him Matthew.

8. I feel really calm when I am sewing. Patching up holes in my skins, fixing up curtains and such. It makes me quiet. I like the quiet.

9. I also make these things out of soft hides that are like shirts for your legs. I’ve made two sets that I wear around the house to keep stuff warm from the waist down. I think people would laugh at me if I wore them outside the house though.

10. I don’t really like Fruity Pebbles all that much, I just like messin’ with Fred.

11. I ain’t never gone fishing or hunting. I don’t think I could do it.

12. Fred’s dog Dino was the son of my dog, Dina. He was the only one who lived outta the whole litter. Dina was the greatest dog ever. I miss her a whole lot. She was surely my best friend until Betty came around. I have never told this to Fred.

13. I really, really like how vegetables taste. Never really cared much for sabertooth steak. Betty says I’m like a bird. I guess I am weird for eating all these plants when there’s so much meat around.

14. People say nowadays that kids got no respect. That they don’t know what the world was like before we had fire. I remember, and it was real bad. I’m really glad they don’t gotta know what it was like. They were some dark times.

15. I always wanted to try stand-up comedy. I like it when people are happy. Laughing is so great. I love to laugh.

16. I don’t like getting into sticky situations with Fred. I think it hurts Wilma and Pebbles the most. Fred didn’t use to be like that.

17. My favorite color is brown. If I could paint, I would use a lot of it.

18. Betty don’t want no more kids. I want a daughter. Bam Bam would be so protective of his little sister. I would name her Fiona.

19. I am fascinated with volcanoes.

20. I once started a business selling flowers. We went outta business in the first year.

21. I am a really good pool player. I like angles and figuring out how to hit the rocks into the holes.

22. I think we use animals too much for everyday things. We seem to be getting real lazy.

23. I like pie. Any kind of pie. I’ll even eat a meat pie. But I’m not very good at making them.

24. I have a diary I scratch into every once in while. Had it ever since high school. First  time I put something down on rock was the day I met Betty. She hasn’t aged a day since. In my whole life, she’s the only thing I fought for and won.

25. I had a girlfriend in high school who used to get roughed up by her dad. She would stay at my house after school and eat dinner with my family. She never wanted to go home. We all really liked her, but they moved around a lot so we lost touch for a while. She’s the one who really got me into a different kind of thinking. She taught me about gardening. When her dad passed away, she married a rich guy and they moved around a lot, but this time, it was really nice, big houses. I met him once. Good guy. He thanked me for keeping her happy. They always send us gift baskets from across the world. I miss her laugh. She was fun. It’s been ten years since she visited. I hope she’s okay.

I am making my mailing list a lot more functional as in actually using it more. It’s actually a Google Group.

If you have a Gmail address, then all you have to do is log in, then visit: http://groups.google.com/group/Mighty-Mike-McGees-Group and join up.

If you do not have a Gmail address, then you will not be able to join that way. All you have to do is add your email address to the Google Groups box at my site. It’s on the right side of the page. If you do sign up, you will be added to the mailing list, of which I will be sending out roughly one message a week containing neatness and updates. Sweet shit and the likes thereof.

My goal is also to send out password protected links to tracks and poems that will only be available to the group.

I think it could be a neat addition to Mike McGee Town.

–––––––––

Word to the nerd.

Can you be in Silicon Valley on Monday night? Do you want to make some hang?

You should come to my
33rd Birthday Bon Voyage ExSlamaGanza Party
Monday, January 12, 2009 7:00pm until 11:00pm
MACLA, 510 S. First Street, Downtown San José, CA 95113
(We may move it to another spot later.)

On January 12, 2009, I will turn 33 years old. This number has always been special to me. This is also around the 10 year mark of my affiliation with the San José Poetry Slam.

For the first time ever, my birthday and the slam night coincide. While I have moved to Massachusetts, I am coming home from Worcester to be in San José for this particular night.

I want everyone I love and like to be there, and that’s a handy portion of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. This is your chance to be a part of a great poetry slam, ring in my new year, and to wish me a fond farewell, as I will take up my first residence in 4 years, now on the East Coast.

I will supply pizza and some drinks. Feel free to bring a dish or party things. If you really want to get me a gift, make it very small, as I will have to pack it in with my luggage. I do like coffee, posters, orange things, and neat, small home items. You are a gift to me, so your presence will be presents enough.

Please do not bring alcohol of any sort. If there is to be any, the slam or I will provide it, possibly for purchase.

If you really want to help, then make a donation to the San José Poetry Slam, and/or bring snacks and food for others to eat. The slam normally charges $6.00 to get in, so I still want them to make some money.

Let’s have a real celebration! True merriment and entertainment.

What we could use are various food dishes. Easy to eat and share, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The San José Poetry Slam is held every 2nd and 4th Monday each month at MACLA’s theater.

The doors open at 7:00pm, and the slam starts at 8:30pm. Feel free to sign up and roast me if you want! I would adore that.

I will be hosting and performing at some point.

510 S. First Street, between William and Reed, in Downtown San José. Free parking after 6:00pm.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=MACLA%2C+510+S.+First+Street&hl=en

This day means so much to me, as does finally moving into my own space, albeit very far away from Silicon Valley. This could be a good reason to come visit, and an even better reason to join my email list, or stay in touch via the internet.

I am in a good place, and seeing you there would make this all so much better. This may be my last slam in San José for some time, so please try to make it out.
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Thirty-third to the nerd.