Anyone who has ever taken a turn on the OC poetry circuit—whether sitting in on one of the many coffeehouse readings or bravely taking the stage to read your latest soul-bearing haiku—has at least heard the name Lee Mallory. Jokingly referred to as the Grandfather of OC Poetry, the man has been running the game for the past 20-plus years. In that time, he has penned eight books, the latest of which, Now and Then, will be signed at this week’s event. Kickin’ It Up is a celebration of 20 beautiful years of poetry at Alta Coffee, an institution Mallory started in 1991. There’s a limited open reading, music by rock & roll poet Michael Ubaldini, and, of course, a reading by Mallory himself. So, if you still think nothing rhymes with Orange, this man will tell you otherwise. Here’s to 20 more years!
Wed., June 8, 8 p.m., 2011
