The Joint - Review by Alison Cuthbertson

It was a perfect evening for simple fun being in the company friends and classmates to share our music and poems. None of us had done anything like this In New York as a class yet, except for reading a review or two at Poet’s House over the weeks. After abruptly waking up from a nap I ran to the 6 train to meet up with Renata Lozito before venturing off to lovely Brooklyn. I was excited to get the chance to read but it also made me very nervous. I was more so anxiously awaiting to hear others perform their own stuff.
Renata and I grabbed the C and after, the G making our way to a quaint little café called The Joint. A fitting name for Evergreen student. This place is run by a very upbeat and energetic woman named Tonya and she loves hosting events in her café. Walking up to the joint we met with rest of those attending which includes Masha Jennings, Jessie Branch, Phil Taylor, and a friend of Renata’s named John. After we all connived inside we enjoyed the amazing food served in the café and the drinks. The Joint serves the best and biggest mugs of coffee which just so happens to be from Washington State. Our group took their time getting to the reading and just socialized with each other. Once we got started it was electric and serene. Jessie Branch went first and played her guitar. The room became very quiet and all eyes were on her. Branch is such a song bird! She sang two songs one being more sad, but her voice still warmed the heart. Phil jumped up after Jessie finished and started reading his poems created from bombarding signs he had seen all over the city. It was really incredible what he came up with just using the signs as prompts for making poetry. Phil Taylor also played a few of his songs as well, which reminded me of Olympia life and being back in the wood.
After a short while Riley San Nicolas and Sarah Gluck arrived and Riley played his set of four songs which always give off an old school rock and roll feeling. Sean Contris appeared during the music from a reading at the Dia in Chelsea. When Riley ended his turn we all took a break to hang out with each other more. Tonya was so excited to have us there, she talked with each of us about what we do and where we’re from with such enthusiasm. She cheered and begged us to continue. So Sean threw his hands up and we were ready for a story. He comically told us about a time he agreed to give a meth head woman a ride. Up next was Masha Jennings. Masha’s poetry explores or rather takes you through their own perspective of queerness and political views. Masha’s words were very empowering and surprising; I felt as though I had nothing in comparison to read after. When it was my turn to read my voice shook at first but I remembered I was among friends and it wasn’t so bad.
Not much happened after I read. Jessie Branch played another song. Really we all hung out and eventually dispersed, though some of us went to nearby park to play more music together. It was a perfect way to end the night.