Detroit native Matthew Olzmann's new book, Mezzanines, is a collection of bracing poems that won the Kundiman Prize — and Literary Detroit is celebrating with an uncommonly awesome evening of writing, improv comedy, and poetry on Wednesday, June 19 at Signal-Return!
PRE-EVENT WRITING WORKSHOP: 6-6:40pm
Come early for a free writing workshop facilitated by Matthew Olzmann (a 2010 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow) that centers on the common tactics used in both improv comedy and poetry! Please bring your own writing supplies.
FEATURE EVENT: 7-8:30pm
As an opening act, performers from GoComedy! Improv Theater will take the stage with their trademark hilarity, drawing inspiration from both Mezzanines and audience participation.
In our feature reading, Matthew Olzmann will perform poetry from Mezzanines, with a special guest appearance by poet Jennifer Chang, author of The History of Anonymity.
Pizza from Supino’s and drinks (including beer and wine) will be freely shared with all guests, courtesy of Signal-Return. Books will be for sale at the event.
“Olzmann has an outsider’s wit and a boarder crosser’s slick vision. From seam, threshold, and cut, these poems navigate the galactic and the aquatic, the immediate and the imaginary, the reasonable and the American. He’s amused by his own bewilderment. What’s more, he manages to never abandon love. Olzmann’s skilled play, terrific ear, and immense heart make Mezzanines a must-read.” —Pat Rosal
“With "Mezzanines, Matthew Olzmann has given us a vibrant new poetry, as soulful as it is funny. Sci-fi and snake charms, love poems, ship wrecks, and a dash of artful self-parody—the materials of his narratives come from all over the cosmos to find, in this wonderful poet’s hands, a shape crackling with power that’s connective, convincing, and true.” —David Baker
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