Starting on June 14, from 7–8:30 p.m., and continuing the second Wednesday of each month, aspiring poets will gather at a coffee house at Rising Tide International in Sarasota for “A Way with Words: A Poetic Venture.” 

This event will be reminiscent of times past, when poets and wordsmiths would gather to weave and share the wonders their colorful words might evoke. This piece of history is the inspiration behind launching Rising Tide International’s “RTI Coffee House” in 2023.  

All poets, writers and wordsmiths are invited to share their work in a welcoming ambiance with an accepting, enthusiastic audience! Each reader will have five to seven minutes. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and sign-ups are on a first come, first read basis Admission is $5 for everyone to attend. Coffee and snacks will be also available to purchase. 

This RTI Coffee House is the brainchild of Carol Borsello and Rev. Zan Benham. Borsello came to Sarasota from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, nine months ago, where she led the “Black Cat Poets” for several years.  

As secretary to the New Mexico Poetry Society, she performed at many venues and has authored two books, Riding the Light and Paper Faces. She currently works with Unity of Sarasota as Office Coordinator.   

Rev. Zan Benham, is a long-time resident of Sarasota. She is known for her ceremonial circles, as well as her Reiki classes and Shaman Journeys. She is also a teacher of the Law of Attraction and a lover of poetry, having written some herself.  

Location: 5102 Swift Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call 941-586-9087, email [email protected], or visit RisingTideInternational.org and Woman-Spirit.com.