Poetry reading attendance, rain and Los Angeles.

In the spring of 1998, the first poetry reading I attended was at the now-long-gone Midnight Special on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica (a Benetton store is now occupying its former space).

That night, there was a heavy rain--part of the El Nino system.  In spite of the rain, there were at least 25-30 people gathered (sitting or standing) in the back room to attend, read and be supportive of each other.

Last night, there was a moderate-at-best rain in Santa Monica.  I was part of the Rapp Saloon reading inside the International Youth Hostel next door to the Buca di Beppo Restaurant (which occupies the space of a former Pussycat "adult movie" theater).

By my estimate, there were about eleven people there, tops--myself included.

Perhaps someone can comment on the differences between Los Angeles poetry attendance in 1998 and 2011.  I'm too depressed writing this to add anything further.