Poems, Songs, & Stories: Words Aloud - Featuring Ciona Rouse

Hosted by storyteller, Sonia Fernández LeBlanc, the evening will entail poems, stories, and songs by community members as well as feature a special guest performance by Ciona Rouse.

Ciona Rouse is a poet and teaching artist. She is the author of the chapbook Vantablack (Third Man Books, 2017). A frequent collaborator with various artists, her poetry is featured on NPR’s Turning the Tables in a collaborative project with poets Adia Victoria and Caroline Randall Williams and is guest co-curating the Kara Walker: Cut to the Quick exhibition, originating at Frist Art Museum (2020) and forthcoming at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Rouse lives in Nashville, Tenn., where she frequently curates poetry experiences.

All word-lovers and listeners welcome; we encourage an enthusiastic and warm audience for both our new and seasoned readers/writers. Doors open 6:15, Show starts 6:30 pm Light snacks & tea provided. $5 suggested donation, to support Art and Soul’s “Words Aloud '' programming.

Note: Those interested in being a part of the line-up should contact Sonia at soniafernandezleblanc@gmail.com beginning two weeks ahead of the event. (Use “Open Mic” in email subject line.) Participating writers will be asked to arrive early to confirm your spot, bring an appetizer or dessert to share at the event, and remain until it ends at 9 pm in support of the other performers.