The New York City Reading Series Census is an ongoing project to catalogue the contemporary literary scene. Any reading series curator in the New York area can take the survey here.
What is the name of the series, and what is the significance or meaning of the series name?
Say Yes
The name is a call to positivity and cooperation, as our collective aims to truly build a community in addition to providing space for performance. When we say yes to each other, it’s pretty amazing to see what can happen.
Who founded the series, and who runs it now?
Trinity Tibe and Nicole Basta are co-founders, and continue to run the series. They are both Brooklyn-based poets.
What genres or mediums does the series include?
The series typically includes 3-4 writers, 3 musicians, a comedian, and a performance artist or dancer of some kind (some artists also collaborate).
What is the format of the series?
Sets are 6 minutes long with an intermission in the middle. After the regular-length sets, we then feature a band, followed by a DJ.
Where does the series take place?
Say Yes currently takes place on a large rooftop in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. In the winter months, we will seek a large indoor space.
When and how often is the series performed (and is it seasonal)?
Say Yes occurs once per month. We also host informal work spaces.
How long has the series been active?
Say Yes began in May 2015 and plans to continue indefinitely.
Where can people find information about series on the web?
facebook.com/sayyeselectriccollective
Do you take submissions, solicit material, or a combination?
Usually people who attend Say Yes message us through Facebook and ask to perform.
Did you set out with specific goals when the series was launched and have they changed over time?
Our goal is to encourage artists by creating a space for performances, collaboration, and support. We appreciate and promote diversity. New York is full of opportunity, but often it’s hard to find a welcoming community of like-minded artists. Say Yes not only creates a performance space, we also have community-building work shops that allow people to come together in the creation of art.
What distinguishes the series from others?
Everyone who attends Say Yes says it is warmer and more welcoming than anything they’ve attended in New York. The crowds grow tremendously with each passing event. Say Yes believes in inclusion, in the parts of us creating something that is truly whole.
The next Say Yes reading is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 9 p.m., at 1013 Pacific Street and features Liz Magee, Quinton Counts, Walker Smart, Fancy Face, Vienna Rose, Revi Roza, GHOST RODEO and More.