Local Sansei poet Amy Uyematsu recently published “Basic Vocabulary,” her fifth book of poems, with Red Hen Press.
She will be reading from “Basic Vocabulary” at two upcoming events with Taiji Miyagawa accompanying her on acoustic bass.
The first reading will be at the Poetry Stage on Sunday, April 23, at 2 p.m. at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the USC campus.
The second reading, part of a three-part series of readings this spring at the Far East Lounge will be on Saturday, May 6, at 3 p.m. Vietnamese American poet Teresa Mei Chuc will also read from her work, including the forthcoming collection “Invisible Light.” The Far East Lounge is located at 353 E. First St., next to the Far Bar in Little Tokyo. Uyematsu teaches a writing workshop at the Far East Lounge for the Little Tokyo Service Center.
Both events are free.
Miyagawa, who has collaborated with many Asian American artists, including poet Lawson Inada and the late composer Glenn Horiuchi, currently plays with Los AKAtombros.
Nice to see the rudest math teacher that I ever had is doing well. For the student’s sake, I’m glad she is retired.
She once told me never to try math again because I would never comprehend it. Little did I know it was her horrible teaching that was the issue… I went on to do just fine in college.
Years later, I’m still sad that she discouraged a student like myself so much that I started to question whether or not I should even continue with higher education. Guess I still am upset by it in some way.
I never forgot what she said to me and I wonder how many other lives she possibly tainted with her poor attitude and encouragement as a math teacher.
I am so glad she is no longer teaching. Art seems more fitting. Godspeed.