DEFINITION: sa·lon (sə-lŏn', săl'ŏn', să-lôN')
A gathering of stimulating people of quality under the roof of an inspiring hostess or host, partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation and readings...The word salon first appears in French in 1664 (from the Italian word sala, used to designate the large reception hall of Italian mansions). Before the end of the 17th century, these gatherings were frequently held in the bedroom (treated as a more private form of drawing room): a lady, reclining on her bed, would receive close friends who would sit on chairs or stools drawn around...The expression ruelle, literally meaning "little street", designates the space between a bed and the wall in a bedroom, and more generally the entire bedroom; it was used commonly to designate the gatherings of the "précieuses", the intellectual and literary circles that formed around women in the first half of the 17th century...The 18th century salons brought together Parisian society and the progressive philosophes who were producing the Encyclopédie.
Marmontel's remark about Julie de Lespinasse suggests the secret of the salon in French culture:
"The circle was formed of persons who were not bound together. She had taken them here and there in society, but so well assorted were they that once there they fell into harmony like the strings of an instrument touched by an able hand."
(Thanks to Wikipedia...)
Here at Wild Women Press, we feel that poetry is passionate. It is vital and alive and thrilling. For us, poetry and music are the celebration of life, in all its glory - both joyful and sad. We want the way in which we and others experience that, to reflect the essence of creativity. Too often we are encouraged to give up on the sheer beauty and inspiration of poetry, encouraged to see it as a dying art, an elite art. Well, we decided to do something about it. Since May 2004, along with The Host, we have been holding our very own special Salons. Four times a year, we gather to our home a disparate group of artists, musicians, dreamers, publishers, poets, actors, singers, lovers of beauty and the simply curious. Gathering from across the UK and further afield, each come to share in something of the magic and mystery of the creative muse.
Returning to the Romance of the 19th Century, The Common People open their home to visiting artists from across the globe. Over a weekend, in exchange for home-cooked food, creative comfort and beautiful scenery, the artists share their words and music with fellow Wild Women poets, as well as invited audience. This is a chance for the magic to happen, bathed in the candlelight and warmed by the flames of an open fire. In this relaxed atmosphere, collaborations are birthed, inspirations found and joyful friendships formed. As soon as you step through the door, you become part of the poetry itself.
If you would like to participate in a Salon Weekend, as audience, workshop participant or artist, please email us and tell us about yourself and we will let you know when our next Salons are happening. In order that our events remain accessible, we keep the ticket charge as small as we feasibly can (it includes wine and fancies!) - but we welcome tips and favours from all attending. Please note, because of our independent status, we are unable to pay artists, or ourselves, but we hope that the experience offers riches enough!
vik@wildwomenpress.com
SALONS
Salon 8 September 2006
Preview Launch of the newest titles, Byron Makes His Bed and Rilke Tattoo from Wild Women Press, with readings from Victoria Bennett, Gill Hands and guests Rhiannon Hooson and Andrew Sneddon, along with music from Vince and Simon.
Salon 7 June 2006
Preview Launch of The 3am Club and Fragments, with readings from Victoria Bennett, Gill Hands, Ruth Snowden, Sarah Gasson, John Challis, Oliver Turrell, Ed Lomax and Lewis Baker, joined by guest performers Ruth and Suzi, and poet, singer and performer Segun Lee French
"...a true artist - always taking risks, ignoring boundaries. His fearless exploration in music, theatre, poetry and multi media take in a sensibility that crosses from Nigeria to Britain to the United States.” (Shorelines)
Salon 6 February 2006
Wild Women Poets, plus readings & talk from Victoria Bennett (following her BBC2 Convent experience) and music from Simon, John & Ed, and guest singer Angela Dickson.
Salon 5 November 2005
Wild Women Poets, plus guest stars The Troubadours of Divine Bliss - an eclectic duo of female vocalists, accordion and guitar all the way from New Orleans, Louisiana / Louisville, Kentucky / USA!
"...These women acknowledge no stylistic boundaries or limitations ...liberating, infectious and wildly vocalicious". - David Lilly, Nefarious)
Accompanied by a troubadour creative workshop (Follow Your Bliss)
Salon 4 May 2005
Poetry from Victoria Bennett, Gill Hands and newcomer Sarah Gasson. They will be joined by german-born singer, songwriter, poet, musician and jazz vocalist Katharina Heinrich
("a highly accomplished, versatile singer/songwriter - Katharina's songs have a gliding, lyrical quality akin to Norah Jones - sumptuous, strange and occasionally surreal. They always command attention.")
Accompanied by a songwriting-singing workshop with Katharina.
Salon 3 December 2004
Wild Women Poets Gill Hands, Ruth Snowden, Victoria Bennett and Rhiannon Hooson, joined by guest poet and novelist Aislinn Hunter, from Canada.
(“a gifted master poet whose verse is unique, engaging, and memorable."- Midwest Book Review/ “one of Canada’s most talented new writers."- January Magazine)
and guest international pianist Geoffrey Chacaro, back by popular demand! Accompanied by a poetry workshop with Aislinn.
Salon 2 September 2004
Wild Women Poets, with guest poet Maurice Riordan
(‘A poet of fine intelligence and winning charm…rewarding and original work.’ Tim Dooley, Times Literary Supplement)
and international guest pianist Geoffrey Chacaro, all the way from Rio
(‘meticulous, very beautiful playing’ The Times).
Accompanied by a poetry workshop with Maurice Riordan.
Salon 1 May 2004
Wild Women Poets, with guest writer Mitzi Szereto (USA/UK) - an internationally acclaimed writer & editor of erotic writing, and guest band, Eggs, homegrown on Cumbrian soil. Accompanied by a women only workshop in erotic writing.
