Neil Feldman of Not Only Brooklyn, the wondrous free art and events enewsletter, mentioned this in today’s edition. He didn’t explain so I just had to investigate.

If you would enjoy receiving Not Only Brooklyn, email Neil directly using the address litnlean(at)aol(dot)com. This is a different address from before.

The Poetry Brothel is the first event of its kind to seduce New York City. A new and dreamlike twist on a poetry reading, The Poetry Brothel is foremost interested in the presentation of excellent, original literature. However, it is also an interactive performance art event based on the concept of a brothel. The "Madame" presents a rotating cast of this city’s finest poets (both men and women) engaged in a night of surreal happenings, literary debauchery and private poetry readings. Here’s how it works: The poets play "whores," visitors play "johns" (and are also encouraged to attend incognito!) but instead of physical intimacy, the poets offer the intimacy of their poetry by giving private, one-on-one readings in curtained-off areas. All of the resident "whores" are available for private readings at any time during the event (for a small fee). Of course, every good brothel needs a furtive "front" or cover business; ours is part saloon and part salon, offering a full bar (serving Le Tourment Vert absinthe all night!), blackjack table (played for prizes), tarot card readings, raffle tickets, live painting, one-on-one poetry consultations (bring your poems!), and live music, with performances from our poets, performers, and artists throughout the night. Each night "The Madame" will also introduce "the new girl," a featured reader who will delight the whole cast and cast of customers with a very special public performance.

The Where and When

Saturday, October 25th, 2008
9pm-2am
Featured Reader: David Lehman
The Zipper Factory
336 W. 37th St. @ 8th/9th Ave.
Subway: A/C/E/1/2/3 to 34th St. or 7/N/Q/R/S/W to Times Square-42nd St.
$15 (includes one free private reading, one free raffle tickets, AND a
complimentary Le Tourment Vert absinthe cocktail!)