Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center and Rockford Writers' Guild Present:
Richard Vargas & Friends: An Evening of Poetry, Music, Film and Wine.

Albuquerque poet and editor Richard Vargas will share his poetry at Emerson House on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 7-10PM.

Vargas has published two books of poetry, American Jesus and McLife, and he is the editor of The Mas Tequila Review. Virgil Suarez states, “Richard Vargas is single-handedly re-energizing contemporary poetry and the American vernacular. “ Vargas’s poetry was at the epicenter of the Rockford poetry scene before he left to earn his master’s degree at the University of New Mexico. He has been widely published across the United States and two of his poems have been converted into films.

Local artists will round out the evening. Author and poet Dennis Gulling will also share his poetry.

Spoken word artist and 2013 Rockford mayoral candidate Christopher D. Sims will guest speak. Award winning film company The KFFM will screen three short films, including DLIPS, a film that was originally a poem written by Richard Vargas. Folk singer Ron Rawhoof will perform at the event, and wine will be served to the guests. 

This event costs $10 for adults and $5 for students. Admission covers the cost of wine.

Questions: email Connie Kuntz at editor@rockfordwritersguild.com

How Can Writers Benefit From RWG?

Next Meeting: March 18th, 2012 1:00pm Featured Event: Christopher D. Sims Location: Tinker Swiss Cottage 411 Kent Street Rockford, IL 61102 Click here for directions

Rockford Writers' Guild is an international non-profit organization committed to promoting the literary arts. It has been around for 65 years and has hundreds of members from all over the world.

Members are published up to twice a year in  The Rockford Review - an international anthology comprised of poetry, prose, plays and book reviews.

Members receive Write Away–a monthly e-newsletter. It contains valuable information about the current writing market, publicity for members, writing contests, writing tips and other resources for writers.

Every third Sunday of the month (except July and August) Rockford Writers' Guild hosts monthly meetings at Tinker Swiss Cottage. Each month, a new guest speaker shares his or her experiences and stories. All members and non-members are encouraged to share their accomplishments and challenges at the meeting. Everyone contributes with helpful information and insights. The meetings are free and open to the public.

RWG sponsors two contests per year: the RWG Press & A Plus Book Contest, and Ides of March Contest.

To become a member of The Rockford Writers' Guild and receive full benefits, please visit the Membership section. Membership benefits include:

• subscription to The Rockford Review (Summer and Winter Editions);
• dynamic participation in monthly meetings;
• group support;
• interaction with great writers;
• eligibility for the RWG Press & A Plus Book Contest; 
• publishing support and book production discounts;
• publicity;
• subscription to the monthly Write Away e- newsletters;
• eligibility to be published in the Members Only - Summer Gala Edition of The Rockford Review, and the opportunity to participate at the annual Summer Gala Luncheon & Reading, to showcase their talents to the entire Guild, family and friends.