HOST A SALON

Big Joy Salons are great parties where people read poetry, share joy, and inspire each other. We used them as fundraisers when we were making our film. But they are really superb any time of year, for any occasion, or reason– including a just plain love of poetry and/or film.

At our BIG JOY Salons of course we always have James Broughton’s poetry, his movies, and ours.

To create your own salon here’s what to do:

  • Gather poetry

    We like James’ poetry. When we have Big Joy salons we bring his. You can find his books at your local library. You can find samples of them on our site (just search “poem”).  You can also find a list Broughton’s books with links to buying them from Amazon on our “James’ Creations” menu option.  But truly, any poems will do.  Have your guests bring one or two of their favorites and then have a few books or poems around for those who may not have brought something but are now inspired to add to the fun.

  • Watch our trailer

    Of course our fundraising parties always included this.  Yours can too.  Even if you want to just use it as a shout out to the film that inspired your party.  It’s uplifting and poetic in its own right.  You can find it here. Now though, since our DVD is out, and we even have online streaming available, you might just want to make the whole joyous 80 minutes part of your celebration.

  • Assemble drinks of choice

    Champagne was James’ favorite. Mimosa’s for brunch, wine, tea, coffee, juice– whatever turns you on. It’s your party after all!

  • Follow your own weird

  • Gather video

    Many of James’ works are on the web. You can find This is It, The Gardener of Eden, Scattered Remains Part 1, Scattered Remains Part 2, Looney Tom, Dreamwood, Erogeny, and more.  You can also buy James’ Short Film Collection at our store.  The Bed, and Four in the Afternoon from this collection are fun ones to have going in the background, even if no one is sitting down to watch them.  The images are fun and eye-catching, poems on a screen if you will.  He has films of all lengths, so depending on your party’s format, you can find a short, or a longer one to entertain.

  • Make (or buy) delicious food.

    Eating and savoring delicacies is one of the sensuous moments of life. Sharing it with others is oh so fine!  You can of course do it pot-luck style too, and ask your friends to bring something to contribute.  In our opinion, food always makes a party better.  (Likewise with drinks!)

  • Add costumes if desired

    We love to dress up, and so did James. Put something fun and outrageous on just for fun. Have hats & scarves available. Ask your friends to come in costume too.

  • Set the date and invite your friends

    We’ve included a sample invite below.  You’re welcome to print in out, make your own personal touches, or just create your own.  Sometimes just a simple email will do.  Whatever works for you.  Your Big Joy is the goal!

CONNECT US TO AN ORGANIZATION

Do you know an organization that covers BIG JOY topics (LGBT, film, poetry, artistic expression) and might be interested in working with us, scheduling a screening, program, or filmmaker talk? We’d love to know about it. Send us an email at info@bigjoy.org with the details.