Photos and audio from a special viewing party in Vancouver, WA for Tom DiCillo's new documentary about the Doors, "When You're Strange"

On Friday, July 30, 2010 members of Vancouver, WA's burgeoning poetry community gathered in the home I share with fellow poet Toni Partington to celebrate the release of Tom DiCillo's thoroughly entertaining new documentary about The Doors entitled "When You're Strange."

The screening was preceded by an open mic during which participants read Jim Morrison's poetry. I explained that while Jim Morrison had never received his due as a poet, it was his spoken word recording with The Doors, "An American Prayer," that had shown me how potent the combination of poetry and music could be. I have been drawn to Morrsion's poetry for years because he believed in the power that words have to liberate people, and took the poet's potential role as a shaman seriously.

Toni and I would like to thank Anni Becker for her marvelous photos of the event, and Rich Lindsay for recording, editing, and posting the podcast of the open mic. Finally, I would like to thank the Doors for their music, which continues to move and inspire me, and for allowing us to host this party.

Also in attendance that day: Richard and Debra Marshall (my sister and brother-in-law, residents of Syracuse, NY who were visiting the Northwest for the first time), Lori and Jake Loranger, Angelo Luna, Mokii, Bernadette, Jenney Pauer, and Kyle David Congdon.

Visit the Doors on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thedoors

To see the full set of pictures Anni took, please visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kermitlover/sets/72157624620345622/

If you would like to see more of Anni's photography, or to purchase a print, visit her online store: http://annibecker.zenfolio.com/p371565088

To hear the podcast of the poetry reading, visit:
http://soundcloud.com/dj-manrich/jim-morrison-poetry-reading-when-youre-strange-viewing-party-7-30-10

OR click here:
Jim Morrison Poetry Reading, When You're Strange Viewing Party, 7/30/10 by DJ ManRich

Rich Lindsay is a local radio host whose programs often include the spoken word: http://uglyradio.wordpress.com
Here are some more of the fabulous photos that Anni Becker took of the event:

Christopher Luna

Toni Partington

Bernadette

Mokii

Lori Loranger

Kyle David Congdon

Mokii

Christopher Luna

Flowers in a vase made by Jack Loranger

Toni prepared an array of delicious snacks

Teak

Kyle with his buddies Angelo and Jake