aaduna continues to pride itself on providing a publication platform for emerging writers and especially those creative folks who have not been published. Now, this position is not to suggest that we only publish emerging or new writers or that we consider non-publication as a factor in assessing work under our read and review protocols. In fact, we have had people submit work to us at the point where they have never been published, and by the time we seek to publish their work, a colleague publication has bestowed “published writer/poet” on those individuals before us. While we are disappointed when that scenario plays out, we understand that submitting work is a daunting, as well as fear-driven and anxiety ridden task. In addition to what the submitter experiences, all too often, “author publication fears” serve as the primary obstacle that limits the public’s eventual access to new, intriguing and inspiring work. And that is why Michael Mohr’s recent published piece is ver...

Michael Lee Johnson, (photo provided) Twice nominated 2015 Pushcart Prize nominee for poetry, Michael Lee Johnson recently announced that some of bill berry’s work will be included in the forthcoming poetry anthology “Dandelion in a Vase of Roses,” scheduled for release in late 2016. Johnson served as the anthology's chief editor. Bill Berry reads his work at "Word", Theater Mack, Auburn, NY While somewhat of a recluse in the world of publications and public readings, berry is thrilled that he will be represented in the anthology with three recent poems. He states, “The inclusion of ‘Gestures,’ ‘Tap Tap Tap,’ and ‘A soldier’ reflect my current mindset and signifies my ongoing exploration of themes associated with perseverance, dedication, conviction, celebration, and understanding.”  Berry has previous publications, and has read at several venues including The Seward House Museum, a national landmark in Auburn, NY; Bill’s Place, a speakeasy/jazz...

  Photo by Lisa Brennan, aaduna visual arts editor The Finger Lakes region of central New York State offers residents and visitors a diverse variety of landscapes, innovative restaurants, visible stars and moon during crystal clear nights, breathtaking sun rises and sunsets, historical venues, exhilarating day trips, and varied wineries in addition to other attractions. And while this is not a tourist driven post, there is a keen motivation to focus on the ambiance and nuances of growing grapes and creating mature and exemplary wines. It is my sensibility that making wine is similar to the textures and complexities of penning poignant poetry. So, as I maneuver through that particular filter, think about vineyards and the processes of making wine, my thoughts naturally drift to the work of  Nitin Lalit .   Nitin Lalit (photo provided) Nitin is a twenty-something poet approaching thirty who resides in Bangalore, India. aaduna gave him his first oppo...

Caught in the vortex of taking lives measured and intentional all lives do matter  tragically different degrees of compassion conflicting values fueled by decades of in-bred misunderstanding hunted and hunters on all sides clouding abilities to discern the complexities of being targeted humanity erodes as fault is laid  battling instances of coming together ambushed from hidden places of darkness face to face confrontation from places of darkness murder knows no rationale  comes in unexpected disguises  coordinated by warped targeted deadly intentions families caught in the dynamics of lost existence  forever changed answers eluding the questions grief spreading  seeping in cascading blots that don’t stop won’t stop anger becomes the purposeful unifier love and compassion the barriers is this Cus...

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Band, Syracuse Jazz Fest, Onondaga Community College Campus, July 3, 2016   Often you hear the term “living legend.” I suspect that designation is reserved for those individuals who have built a stellar body of accomplishments that defy our ability to comprehend how any one person can reach that plateau of excellence. And all too often, that descriptive designation emanates from a small group of believers and then over time, that thinking and adoration grows to become regional, national, and eventually global. Trombone Shorty (google image) A musician and artist known as “Trombone Shorty” is a living legend in New Orleans, Louisiana known for his mastery of the trombone, trumpet, lyrics and old school dance moves. I saw him and Orleans Avenue, his back-up band, at the JazzFest held in Syracuse, NY this past Sunday where he closed out the two day music festival. As an early fan, on Sunday night, I marveled at his evo...

Blasphemous, unimaginable, heresy…using a baseball term especially during the USA’s Fourth of July holiday weekend, which is a time for cook-outs, beaches, fireworks, baseball, music fests, and family visits. But we have good reason to “borrow” a baseball term especially when The PiTCH is its own entity in the Finger Lakes region of central New York State. The PiTCH , in its 5th season, is the brainchild of The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival based in Auburn, NY. This stripped down, limited run theatrical experience gives “writers and composers an opportunity to let their ideas take root and grow…..the creative team behind a new musical will “pitch” their new show….” to an audience. Joshua Katzker, PiTCH coordinator shares what an audience will see: Joshua Katzker, PiTCH coordinator You are going to see the writers themselves presenting a condensed version of their new musical. Staging, costuming, props, and sets will be minimal. The idea is for you to ...

While Greek muralist,   Ino elects to exist in anonymity, his work permeates Grecian landscapes with his interpretations of classic Greek images. His creative work is recognized worldwide even as he hides his identity. His work is recognizable with his simple signature, “Ino” with the “o” darkened the way some contemporary election ballots are now completed in order to be counted.  Man With No Name - INO Visual Artist - Video https://youtu.be/1icXsF2t9Rs aaduna elects not to hide its contributors in veils of anonymity. It is important for us to extol the work and personality of contributors…to bring to our readership the creative work and the person behind it in order to enhance the contributor’s path to reaching even larger audiences. Ino works “large” with grand fantastic murals that engulf buildings. aaduna works small with words and images that intrigue with a vibrant force to shape and influence the reader’s sense of her/himself in a moment…in a day…in a...