Local poets and poetry lovers will have at least two events to choose from tonight (Thursday).

 Richard Newman, who has edited River Styx for 15 years, reads from his collection, “Domestic Fugues,” at Dressel’s Pub Above. Beginning at 7:30, the event will feature stew & chips, music, a cash bar, and a reading . Dressel’s is in the Central West End at 419 N. Euclid. The event is free and open to the public, and copies of the book will be available from Subterranean Books.

Another event, a fundraiser for the St. Louis Poetry Center, will also feature food and drinks.

Observable Tastes begins at 7 p.m. at the Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest, in Maplewood. The cost is $20, which includes appetizers. There will be at cash bar.

Poets, including Jane Ellen Ibur, Robert Lowes, Sally Van Doren and Jeff Hamilton, plus others  will read poetry that revolves around food and drink.

Part of the Poetry Center’s mission is to promote poetry in the community. For more info about programs and events: http://www.stlouispoetrycenter.org/