Benefit for Bryan Pattillo on Dec. 18

A benefit for local poet and spoken word artist Bryan Pattillo will be held during Java Monkey Speaks on Sunday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. Bryan, who has been on the Java Monkey Slam Team for seven years and performed around the world, was hit by a car while riding his bike last month and is unable to work and does not have health insurance.

Poets who want to read that evening will be asked to make a $5 donation to add their name to the sign-up sheet. The sign-up list will be limited to 40 people. Poets may also sign up, but give their slot to someone else as a tribute.

Host Kodac Harrison will also pass the collection jar, money usually reserved for the featured poet will be donated and Java Monkey Coffee House has agreed to give part of that night's proceeds to help Bryan. There will be a continuous open mic from 8 to 11 p.m., so come out and help support one of Atlanta's most noted poets. Java Monkey is located at 425 Church Street in downtown Decatur, across the street from the MARTA station.