The cornerstone of The Poetry Brothel is its event series. A new and dreamlike twist on a poetry reading, The Poetry Brothel is foremost interested in showcasing a diverse roster of emerging and established poets. However, our events are also interactive performance art pieces based on the concept of the prewar brothels in the United States and Europe. Each night The Madame presents a rotating cast of both male and female poets engaged in a night of literary debauchery and private poetry readings. The poets act as "whores," making audience members "johns," but instead of physical intimacy, the poets offer the intimacy of their poetry in private, one-on-one readings. For a small fee, all of the resident "whores" are available for these sequestered readings at any time during the event. Of course, any good brothel need a furtive "front" or cover; ours is part saloon and part salon, offering a full bar with absinthe, live music, live painting, fortune-tellers, gypsies, and gamblers with newly integrated performances and installations from our poets and other artists at each event. Each night The Madame and Tennessee Pink also introduce the "new girl," a featured reader who punctuates the evening with a few special public performances.

Upcoming Events


October 24th 2009
The Poetry Brothel Masquerade at CastleBraid

114 Troutman St Brooklyn NY 9pm - 2am
look for signs leading to the venue from the myrtle broadway JMZ and morgan L
Featured Reader: Sarah Gambito
$10 - Includes free beer & a private reading
Poetry Salon & Open Mic
Wear a mask