Index

A groundbreaking fusion of poetry and world music, Joe Shakarchi's new collection of poetry, SUNRISE IN THE WEST, is accompanied by a poetry/music CD with music by John Densmore (founding member of The Doors), on percussion, Stephen Kent (host of KPFA's "Music of the World") on didjeridu, and Manose (a master musician from Nepal) on flute.

The book and CD are available for $10 each, or together for $15. To order, contact Joe Shakarchi

To schedule readings, performances, workshops, and media appearances, contact Joe Shakarchi at 415-346-9041 or by e-mail

Welcome to Joe Shakarchi's Homepage

Calander

January 13-15, 2008
Readings in Chiang Mai and Pai, Thailand

February 22, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
A RUMI CELEBRATION--featuring poetry, music, and Dances of Universal Peace
with David Casselman, Huzur Coughlin, and other poets and musicians
San Francisco Zen Center, 300 Page Street (& Laguna), 415-863-3136. Free.

March 2008
Dates in Kathmandu, Nepal to be announced

April 8, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
THE MARRIAGE OF POETRY AND MUSIC
with Jack and Adelle Foley
North Beach Branch, San Francisco Public Library, 2000 Mason Street (& Columbus). Free.

Raised in New York, Joe Shakarchi has been part of the San Francisco poetry scene since 1982. His writing has appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, Poetry Flash, The Berkeley Poetry Review, and North Beach Journal. He is the winner of the 1999 Common Ground poetry contest. Along with frequent appearances on radio and TV, he has helped produce poetry videos, and has often performed with musicians including John Densmore, Stephen Kent and Manose. Joe has taught writing at San Francisco State University and Evergreen Valley College. His influences include Rumi, rock ‘n’ roll, Zen, the temples of Bangkok and Kathmandu, and the cafes of North Beach and Greenwich Village.

Indonesian Dreads Singing Marley

under a bare 100 watt bulb
in an old hotel in Yogyakarta
on the island of Java
paint peeling under exposed wires
laundry piled under
soot-coated pipes

filtered through cigarette smoke
and beer glasses
in the cool midnight air
to the rhythm of one guitar

in soft voices
filled with longing
we sing
long into the night
these songs of freedom

Coming Closer

I’ve heard you
in a blackbird’s song
in the dark of night
in the whispering wind

can you hear me?
are you coming closer?

I’ve seen you
running with the deer
sleeping with a bear
swimming with the salmon
in the rush of the river

can you see me?
are you coming closer?

I’ve dreamed you
in the coyote’s howl
the eagle’s flight
the raven’s caw
you’re the flow of the slipstream
the song inside all
I search for you everywhere
can you hear my call?

do you dream me?
am I coming closer?

"Weaves unplugged world-sound textures through Shakarchi's neo-Zen scene setting . . . a bit like beat poetry brushed with Jim Morrison."

East Bay Express

"Joe wanders the world with his great eye, and ear, for street scenes, looking and listening for guidance and signs of grace. Wily, openhearted, he is good company."

Coleman Barks

"Spending a day, jamming with these two world-class musicians, using Joe Shakarchi's beautiful, soulful words as our map, has been one of the most fulfilling musical experiences I've had."

John Densmore