Dear Friends of Poetry,
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Poetry Night will feature songs from the Davis-based lyrical quintet NoteWorthy. We meet at 7 p.m. inside the John Natsoulas Gallery at 521 1st Street in Davis, and we hope you can join us for this unusual foray into musical poetry.!
NoteWorthy’s all-original set will include songs that are soulful, jazzy, poignant, quirky, and more, delivered with a mix of expressive vocals, tight harmonies, and an array of instruments: guitars, bass, flutes, harmonica, keys, and percussion. The songs reflect a wide variety of styles, feelings, and life stages. NoteWorthy includes Ron Goldberg, Wendy Silk, Meri Superak, Mike Elfant, and Meg Alison.
Evolving from previous collaborations, NoteWorthy was formed two years ago to have fun writing, singing, playing, and sharing songs. They have performed as the featured act at The Village Homes Performers Circle and at private events. At a recent benefit gig, the host commented, “You brought a group of strangers into the community with humor and soul and delight. Thank you!”
In addition to writing their own songs, each of the NoteWorthy musicians is a longtime Davis resident active in musical projects throughout the region. For decades the Ron Goldberg Quartet – including Ron on various stringed instruments, Wendy Silk on keys, and both on vocals – has played a mix of public concerts, private parties, restaurants, benefits, and farmers’ markets including Davis’ Wednesday night Picnic in the Park. Wendy also taught undergraduate science through songwriting at UC Davis and won a National Science Foundation grant to enhance science learning via the arts.
Meri Superak performs and teaches native flute and, as a Certified Music Practitioner, works with a multidisciplinary team to promote healing for area hospital patients. Mike Elfant has composed and played many musical parodies to charm and educate local, statewide, and national audiences related to his work in public health. Meg Alison has sung in northern California choirs since third grade and is celebrating the 2025 release of her second original album, “No Matter What Breaks” https://megalison.hearnow.com/.
You are invited to visit the Facebook page for this event.
Doors and open-mic signups open at around 6:30 p.m.; the first featured reader begins at 7 p.m.; open mic starts at 8 p.m. Open mic performers will be asked to limit what they share to two items or four minutes, whichever is shorter. The open mic list is typically full by 6:45 p.m. People who show up early to help set up chairs will always earn a spot on the open mic list. We expect open mic favorites Davis poet laureate Mercedes Ibañez, Joe Bacchus, and Allegra Silberstein to perform.
Find out more about the Poetry Night Reading Series in Davis, California by visiting https://www.poetryindavis.com. Encourage your friends to sign up for the mailing list. To learn more about Dr. Andy’s tiny media fiefdom, see some of his recent essays on Substack: https://andyjones.substack.com/. One post lists ___________.
Don’t miss what’s next! September 3 features include Terry Moore and Natascha Lanes. Please plan to join us on every first and third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the John Natsoulas Gallery for the Poetry Night Reading Series.
