The second Thursday of each month is Lo-Fi Forums night at the Lo-Fi Coffeehouse in downtown Mesa, when community movers and shakers get the floor to discuss topics near and dear to their hearts. The downtown Mesa monthly event was inspired by similar larger scale shows like TED and Ignite Phoenix in hopes of bringing community members closer together to talk about inspiring, progressive and provocative ideas and projects that are happening locally.
The monthly forum is the brainchild of Bob Nelson, founder of performance poetry and literary arts organization Anthology, Inc., Sam Clark, owner of Lo-Fi Coffee and David Crummey, co-founder of local arts magazine Restless: An Arts Anthology. The three community leaders combined forces to create a unique venue that offers an array of events that focus on community, creativity and great coffee.
The goal of Lo-Fi Forums is to provide a platform for speakers to share their ideas and passions with the greater community while allowing interaction and discussion that is sometimes lacking at more formal speaking events. Past presenters have included HeatSync Labs’ Champion, Jacob Rosenthal and Andrea Beesley, the Midnite Movie Mamacita and Director of the International Horror and Science Fiction Film Festival. This Thursday (4/12/12, 7 p.m.) the presenters at Lo-Fi Forums will be the Director of the Mesa Arts Center, Cindy Ornstein and inspiring scientist & electronics engineer, Chet Shupe.
There are arts and/or community themed events almost every week at the Lo-Fi Coffeehouse, which has become a center for civic-minded discussion. Here’s the lowdown on the weekly Lo-Fi events:
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writer’s Forum
Presented by Brick Cave Media
1st Saturday each month – 10 a.m.
Work with like-minded fantasy and science fiction writers to hone your literary skills with writing exercises, sharing and discussing ideas concerning science, magic, plot, space time conundrums, art or whatever else happens to come up.
Poetry & Storytelling Workshop
Tuesday before the first Thursday of the Month – 7 p.m.
This workshop provides writing exercises and moral support designed to help prepare you to share your poem or true story with an audience. Bring a copy of a poem or true story to work on with other storytellers and poets who offer support & encouragement for both writing and/or performing your work.
Open Mic Poetry & Storytelling
1st & 3rd Thursday each month – 7 p.m.
The Thursday following your workshop, enjoy incredible coffee and company while listening to and/or sharing your poetry, or relate your “Moth” style true experience with an appreciative local audience. The Open Mic Poetry & Storytelling sessions are free and better entertainment than anything you’ll find on television – so give it a try.
Lo-Fi Forums
2nd Thursday each month – 7 p.m.
Come listen, learn and discuss as local community catalysts talk about their passions. The diverse subjects are chosen by each forum presenter with a focus provocative inspiration and innovation. There are two 15 minute talks followed by a moderated Q & A and discussion.
If you would like more information on any of these events, or if you are interested in speaking at an upcoming Lo-Fi Forum, send a quick summary of your talk as well as some information about yourself to bob@anthology.org. Lo-Fi Coffee is located in front of The World Famous Nile Theater, right off of Main Street at 105 W. Main St. in downtown Mesa.
