Bill Gainer

Bill Gainer is nationally published and remains a sought after reader. He is known for the openness of his confessional poetry and is recognized as one of the founding contributors to the modern movement of "After Hours Poetry." He has contributed to the literary scene as a writer, editor, promoter, publicist, publisher and poet. Gainer considers himself forever influenced by an odd mix of outsiders. He says, early on he was swept away by the boldness, courage and brevity of the works of Richard Brautigan and Michael McClure. Later he found himself enthralled with the story telling talents of the likes of Tom Waits, William Kennedy, Johnny Cash, John Prine, Freddy Fender, Leonard Cohen and a legion of "Meat Poets." Gainer has a long standing love of the short poem, but is often more recognized for his longer pieces. He continues to read and work with a wide range of poets and writers, including readings on KUSF radio with Nation Book Award recipient, Punk-Rocker Patti Smith and performances with California Poet Laureate, Al Young. He is also the editor/publisher of the “Pen Award” winning press, R.L. Crow Publications, which was recognized by the Sacramento News and Review as a “The Best of Sacramento 2009,” for its Gorilla Poetry Project. Gainer can be previewed at billgainer.com.