Milo Martin, a native Northern Californian originally from the Monterey Peninsula and the San Francisco Bay Area, found his way down to Los Angeles in 1995, coming up in the now-legendary East Hollywood ONYX poetry scene in the mid-late ‘90s.

He co-founded the original Hollywood/Silver Lake Poetry Slam Team in 1997, later winners of the National Poetry Slam in 2004 and 2005.

He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California in 2004, studying with the likes of Hubert Selby Jr., Aram Saroyan, Marvin Bell, Clayton Eschleman, and Holly Prado.

He is considered a Nu-Beat, following in the direct Beat lineage, meeting over the years with such luminaries as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Micheline, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Diane DiPrima, and Aram Saroyan while continuing the tradition of proclamation writing, sourcing the sacred and profane while “intoxicated with God.”

Stylistically, Milo Martin’s work can be described as Subjective Imagist and Metaphysical Realist, obsessed with the romantic bittersweet paradox of existence. He utilizes the Epic Form and neo-classic variants as well as structured Free Verse to paint ancient/future urban/pastoral landscapes brimming with functional and dysfunctional human/animal natural tropes.

Although distinctly Californian, Martin’s work has been likened to that of New York School poet John Ashberry, who could also be imagistic and quasi-religious using the long form.

Martin has done five European tours, both as a solo poet and with the international poetry troupe, POESIE UNITED. He has performed his intense brand of metaphysical melancholy imagistic spoken word at international literary festivals (indoor and outdoor), rock clubs, bar venues, open-air palazzos, libraries, universities, and classical halls, large and small. His work has been translated into five languages (German, Italian, French, Croatian, and Estonian).

Co-founder of the poetry troupe Center of a Dead Star, performing and lecturing at colleges and various venues with Chris Tannahill, Rich Ferguson, and Jerry the Priest. Los Angeles 2005-2019

Author of Poems for the Utopian Nihilist, {Echo Park Press 2008}.

Milo Martin is a champion of Animal Rights, continuing his crusade via the raising of consciousness in his literary work, spoken word performances, and everyday efforts.

Martin is considered to be one of the main progenitors of the Utopian Nihilist poetry/art movement of the early 21st Century.

His new collection of poetry entitled Sublemon/Sublime will be published in 2022-2023 with a TBD publisher.

EDUCATION

M.FA. Creative/Professional Writing. Emphasis in Poetics and Short Fiction.
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. June 2004

Summer Poetics Course. Emphasis in Poetic Movements, Slavic Linguistics, Czech Literature and History, Writing Workshop. In conjunction with USC MPW Program.
Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. June-July 2003

B.A. Liberal Studies. Emphasis in American Literature and Speech.
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California. June 1988

A.A. General Studies. Emphasis in American Literature and Theatre.
Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, California. June 1984

SELECTED READINGS, PUBLICATIONS, PERFORMANCES, TOURS, EXHIBITIONS, and COMMUNITY LITERARY EVENTS
(1990 – 2022)

+ Featured poet for Beat No Beat anthology release party, Skylight Books, Los Angeles, CA. October 2022

+ Poem She Said Simile published in Rich Ferguson’s (Californian Beat Poet Laureate) Beat No Beat poetry anthology celebrating Californian poets featuring the works of Ferlinghetti, Bukowski, Wanda Coleman, Jim Morrison, Gary Snyder, and many others. On the roster of spoken word poets to promote the book at various readings in California, October 2022.

+ Monologue performance in Perdition’s Rim, Farm Boy Mantra, a musical play, Carl Cherry Foundation Theater, three shows, Carmel, CA September- October 2022

+ Featured poet Rapp Salon, Santa Monica, CA. September 2022

+ Featured Poet – Wokestock at the Redwood Bar, Los Angeles, CA. February 2022

+ Host MC and Reader – Brad Listi’s book release opening for Be Brief and Tell Them Everything, March 2022 Los Angeles

+ Editor – Kate E Fate’s collection of poetry Hard Truth on a Bright Day, Ontario Canada 2022

+ Copy Editor – Nikolas Goodich’s art book Luminous Symmetries – Los Angeles/Miami 2021

+ Featured poet and musician at The Offbeat, Los Angeles, CA. September 2021

+ Poem Issuing a Ceasefire to the Destruction of Love, published in The Wax Paper, Spring 2021 Chicago

+ Guest Host/Poet – 100, 000 Poets for Change, International Zoom event September 2020

+ Editor – Greetings From Mission Hill, novel by Brian Jelloe, Los Angeles CA 2020

+ Guest and Poet – Odyssey of the Beasties, virtual gallery tour Zoom event with NY artists Gigi Spratley and Jack Waltrip, a benefit for the Firenze Art Institute, Florence, Italy November 2020

+ Co-Host/Poet of Projector 2020 at Neutra Gallery curated by Dulce Stein 2019-2020 Los Angeles

+ Guest Poet/Author – Otherppls Podcast w/ Host Brad Listi December 2019

+ Spoken Word Artist, Musician – Center of a Dead Star, LA Summer Tour 2019 (with Rich Ferguson, Jerry the Priest, Chris Tannahill, Josh Millican, Tyson Cornell, and Chris Camacho) Beyond Baroque, Neutra Gallery, Thirsty Crow, and other LA venues

+ Featured poet for Sexton on Sexton, a tribute reading for Anne Sexton, Beyond Baroque, Venice CA June 2019

+ Lead writer of Beasties Odyssey Part 1, a graphic art book with Gigi Spratley and Jack Waltrip, Brooklyn NY. 2015- 2019

+ Featured poet, Kibbitz Room, Spookey Ruben’s Naked Brunch, Los Angeles, CA. July-September 2018

+ Featured poet, El Sanctuario, Carmel Valley, CA June 2018

+ Featured poet, Rapp Salon, Santa Monica, CA. February 2018

+ Featured poet Studio City Library, Studio City, CA. May 2017

+ Writer, director, co-producer, poet performer/storyteller, The Mudville Nine: Tales from the Baseball Diamond, four shows, Cherry Foundation, Carmel, CA. July 2016

+ Featured poet at David Bowie Birthday Tribute Show, Library Girl, Ruskin Theater, Santa Monica, CA. January 2016

+ Featured poet, Parkside Lounge, New York City, NY. November 2015

+ Featured poet, TNB Reunion, Stories Bookstore, Los Angeles, CA. August 2015

Featured poet (w Jerry Stahl) Rich Ferguson, Chevalier’s Books, Los Angeles, CA May 2015

+ Featured poet at Conrad Romo’s monthly literary event, Tongue & Groove, Hotel Café, Hollywood, CA. October 2014

+ Special guest poet/performer at Serial Killers, debut of 11-minute epic litany poem, The Buckles are Clicking, Sacred Fools Theater, Hollywood, CA. September 2014

+ Featured spoken word poet at People’s Poetry, accompanied by Ite, prominent Israeli bass player, Witzend, Venice, CA. August 2014

+ Featured poet at Susan Hayden’s Library Girl, a tribute to Elliott Smith, Ruskin Theater, Santa Monica, CA. April 2014

+ Featured spoken word poet at People’s Poetry, Witzend, Venice, CA. August 2013

+ Featured poet, The Hangover, hosted by Shana Nys Dambrot, Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA. August 2012

+ Featured poet, What’s the Matter with Mommy? hosted by Shana Nys Dambrot, Venice, CA. July 2012

+ Fifth European Spoken Word Poetry Tour kicks off in Berlin. Solo poetry tour covering 25 performance dates in Germany and Switzerland promoting most recent collection of poetry, Poems for the Utopian Nihilist, representing California and the Los Angeles poetry scene, developing international literary alliances. November-December 2011

+ Organizer/participating poet of 100,000 Poets for Change, representing the city of Los Angeles in a simultaneous global event happening in 95 countries and over 550 cities, Beyond Baroque, Venice, CA. September 2011

+ Poetry Art Film Narration Dream produced with poem and light movement images created by Milo Martin, edited by Laura Shady and Dan O’Dair, Los Angeles, CA. May 2011

+ Featured poet and lecturer, LMU Poetry/Concert Extension Series, Loyola Marymount University Recital Hall, Los Angeles, CA. March 2011

+ MC for The Nervous Breakdown’s Tribute to poet/novelist/singer Jim Carroll, with special guests from the original Jim Carroll band performing as well as local Los Angeles literary luminaries, The Echo, Los Angeles, CA. November 2010

+ Featured spoken word poet/painter for Ghost Stories art exhibition, Beacon Arts Gallery, Inglewood, CA. October 2010

+ Participating poet at West Hollywood Book Fair, reading on the Main Poetry Stage and signing books at The Nervous Breakdown literary booth, West Hollywood, CA. September 2010

+ Participating poet for Charles Bukowski’s 90th Birthday celebration, Linda Bukowski in attendance, Skylight Books, Los Angeles, CA. August 2010

+ Poem of the Week feature in LA Examiner Magazine, We Used to be Gods, Los Angeles, CA. June 2010

+ Featured poet on The Nervous Breakdown, replete with in-depth self-interview, Los Angeles, CA. May 2010

+ Featured poet in LA Examiner Magazine, Los Angeles, CA. May 2010

+ Spoken word performance at the 15th Annual Hollywood Marathon, a benefit for the Theatre of Note theatre company, Theatre of Note, Hollywood, CA. January 2010

+ Featured poet at House of Blues Benefit for Haitian Earthquake, House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA. January 2010

+ Performed/read at Individual World Poetry Slam (iWPS) in three non-competitive readings as a visiting Los Angeles guest poet. La Penã Cultural Center, Café Valparaiso and Starry Plough Pub, Berkeley, CA. October 2009

+ Poetry Editor of The Nervous Breakdown, an online literary magazine with over 30,000 readers and 100, 00 hits per month. nationwide, worldwide audience. Based in Los Angeles, CA. October 2009-2010

+ Contributing writer to The Nervous Breakdown, short stories and poems, 2006-2014

+ Listed in Cambridge Who’s Who, Boston, MA. September 2009

+ Organizer and Host of 10-year ONYX Reunion/Revival Event. Over 50 spoken word poets and performers. Coordinated public relations, performance roster, and live filming by camera crew (performances and interviews) made into a documentary during the 2010 year. Incomplete. Echo/Echoplex, Los Angeles, CA. November 2008

+ Co-host WORDBEAT! Weekly Internet Blog Talk Radio show (w Yvonne de la Vega) transmitting spoken word poetry, jazz, and literary philosophy. Facilitated live poetry readings and interviews from around the country and the world. Guests included Ray Manzarek of the Doors and Shock G from Digital Underground. 38 shows, Hollywood, CA. October 2008-June 2009

+ Readings and lectures on Poetry, Performance and Writing Process at Oral Interpretation classes, El Camino College Recital Hall, Torrance, CA. 1997-2008

+ Reading, lecture and poetry workshop at Theo Lacey Juvenile Detention Facility, Orange, CA. October 2008

+ Attack of the Utopian Nihilists! Host, featured reading and book-signing with seven Los Angeles writers representing the Utopian Nihilist movement of the 21st Century, Skylight Books, Los Angeles, CA. September 2008

+ Reading and lecture at Los Angeles Leadership Academy, charter school, Los Angeles, CA. June 2008

+ Book release party, reading and signing at Book Soup, Sunset Strip, Los Angeles, CA. March 2008

+ Poems for the Utopian Nihilist published on Echo Park Press, Los Angeles, CA. March 2008

+ 20th Century poetry lecture and performance at Santa Barbara Community College, Santa Barbara, CA. March 2007

+ Five-week European spoken word poetry tour of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Estonia with multi-linguistic international quintet, POESIE UNITED. Read and performed at various literary venues and clubs. Radio interviews in Berlin and Aachen, Germany, St. Gallen, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria. April – May 2006

+ Two-month European spoken word poetry tour of Germany, Estonia, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein. International Spoken Word Subversion Tour with POESIE UNITED (Antoine Faure (FR), Wehwalt Koslovsky (GDR), Ben Porter Lewis (USA-NY) and Tobias Hoffman (GDR). Invitees to the International Poetry Festival in Genoa, Italy, the Outdoor Summer Poetry Festival in Bamberg, Germany and the Annual Student Festival in Greifswald, Germany among others. POESIE UNITED integrates tri-lingual group pieces into the show. Works translated into Italian, Estonian and German. Tour partially sponsored by Estonian Air and the German Cultural Institute. Summer 2005

+ Knjizevnost Uzivo, Slam Poezija, two poems published and translated into Croatian, Orpheus Slightly Shifted and Circularity in the Czech Republic. Croatian Writers Society and PEN International, Zagreb, Croatia. Fall 2004

+ Insects Blessed with Telepathy, Birds Versed in Mathematics, a collection of poems, chapbook, Projector Press, Los Angeles, CA. Spring 2004

+ Toured Europe with POESIE UNITED (France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Estonia and Croatia) reading and speaking about poetry at various venues, including the International Poetry Festivals in Lille, France and Zagreb, Croatia, as well as the International Book Fair in Berlin, Germany. Fall 2004

+ Graduated USC with honors, Spring 2004

+Toured Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary) and the Balkans (Croatia and Serbia) as member of POESIE UNITED (sponsored by the German and Croatian Arts Councils and the U.S. Embassy) with German poets Wehwalt Koslovsky, Timo Brunke, Tobias Hoffman and American poet Ben Porter Lewis. Performed at Belgrade National Library and International Poetry Festival in Dornbirn, Austria, among others. National Library reading and post-show interview aired on Serbian National Television. Radio interviews in Stuttgart and Trier, Germany and Dornbirn, Austria. Spring 2004

+ Master’s Thesis published, Orpheus Slightly Shifted, University of Southern California. May 2004

+ USC Poetry Master Class reading, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. April 2004

+ Semi-finalist Fulbright Scholarship, March 2004

+ Featured poet, Nuyorican Poets Café, New York City, NY. February 2004

+ Poetry Editor, Southern California Anthology, USC. Los Angeles, CA. 2003-2004

+ Accepted to Master of Professional Writing MFA program, Los Angeles, CA. Fall 2001

+ Co-host and poet, The Church of Miles Davis, Los Angeles, CA. 2001

+ Co-host and poet, Skychurch 2000, Glaxa Studios, Los Angeles, CA. 1999-2000

+ Co-founder, coach and member of Hollywood/Silver Lake Poetry Slam Team which competed in National Poetry Slam in Middletown, CT. Summer 1997 and Austin, TX 1998 (later 2-time winners of the 2004 and 2005 National Poetry Slam).

+ Featured poet San Diego Street scene music festival with Kamau
Daàood, John Lee Hooker and others. San Diego, CA 1998

+ Sacrificial Poet, Californian State-wide Poetry Slam, Henry Miller Library, Big Sur, CA. 1998

+ Performed and featured at numerous literary venues and clubs, 100+ Southern Californian area, 1996 to the present.

+ Co-founder, curator and host of weekly PROJECTOR Poetry Series, ONYX Coffeehouse, Los Angeles, CA. 1997-1999

+ Co-host and poet of Kerwhack’d poetry series, ONYX Coffeehouse, Los Angeles, CA. 1996

+ Chapbook release performance of The Vast Pool, Show and Tell Gallery, San Francisco, CA. 1994

+ Twelve weddings officiated with poetic invocations, various locations in California and Nevada, Universal Life Church, 1993 – 2019

+ Debut chapbook release of IT, Shakespeare Garden and the Elbo Room, San Francisco, CA. 1990