Big Joy Salons are great parties where people read poetry, share joy, and inspire each other. We use these as fundraisers for the Big Joy Project. If you would like to volunteer to offer one to help raise money for the Big Joy film please email us at info@bigjoy.org.
If you’d like to organize one just for your own inspiration, we’d love that, too!
Here’s what to do:
- Gather poetry. We like James’ poetry. When we have Big Joy salons we bring his. You can find a bunch on our Flash website under “works/words” (www.bigjoy.org). You can also find a list of his books on the Broughton Wikipedia page. Any poems will do. Have your guests bring one or two of their favorites, too.
- 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.
- Watch the trailer. You can find it online at vimeo. And if you’re hosting a fundraiser we’d be happy to get you a DVD version. Show it to your guests. If we’re not there to help you, you can use it to make your fundraising pitch. Ask your friends to support art and inspiring others by helping to get the message “follow your own weird” out into this world through our film. (If you need help with this we can help with that too.)
- 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!
- Assemble drinks of choice. Champagne was James’ favorite. Mimosa’s for brunch, wine, tea, coffee– whatever turns you on. It’s your party after all!
- 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.
- Follow your own weird to add whatever other touches are uniquely inspiring to you.
- Set the date and invite your friends. If you’re helping us raise money for the Big Joy film, make sure your friends know ahead of time that we’d love to have their support. Of course donations are not obligatory, only revelry is required. Big Joy is the goal for all.