Past Programs | Directions to Casa Libre

Edge 44: a Reading Series of Emerging and Younger Writers
w/Kaia Chesney, Hypnotic Dance Crew, and
Tucson Youth Poetry Slam

Curator: Melissa Buckheit Melissa Buckheit's Bio

A note from the curator: I have often wanted to listen to authors who are in the same place in their career as myself--emerging, published in journals, with a chapbook and/or a first full-length book, still growing but full of passion, new ideas, and an edge. But there is often infrequent opportunity for this; in fact, I have often felt disappointed in the lack, that such an open community might often be circumscribed in its literary programming.  Additionally, featuring emerging writers engages other young as well as established writers, to support, frequent and attend Casa Libre and other writing events. This cycle creates the foundation for a writing community which self-generates, remains true, open, and allows many voices the opportunity for visibility and being heard. I want Tucson to be an artistic community which includes and features many voices and peoples. Literature is the province of communication, but also reflectivity, the reflection and representation of all our narratives and of new narratives and ideas, voices which are challenging and also challenge us.

Wednesday, May 16
7:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $5

Come to Edge: A Reading Series of Emerging and Younger Writers. Edge is a series of local and national writers and cross-genre artists, emphasizing diversity of narrative, identity and literary source. Its purpose is to create community, visibility and voice for emerging and younger writers. Broadsheets of the authors' work will accompany each reading. Books and journals will be available for purchase and signing by the authors. Refreshments will be available after the reading.

Readers:

Kaia Chesney is a folk singer-songwriter based in Tucson, Arizona. In 2011 she was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year for the Tucson Area Music Awards (Tammies). In August of 2011 Kaia self-released a full-length album entitled, "Circa 1952" and has since been featured on radio station KXCI, and NPR affiliate radio station, Arizona Public Media, as well as appearing
in numerous times in The Tucson Weekly and The Arizona Daily Star. She continues to write while playing regularly in the community and surrounding cities, but remains an avid learner in Tucson full-time, pursuing a writing degree. Her educational endeavors were initially motivated with hopes to evolve her lyrical content in songwriting, but transcended into a deep desire to write poetry. Currently studying at Pima Community College under Shelly Taylor, Kaia's poems are lyrical, narrative, and somewhat disjunctive.

Hypnotic Dance Crew from Rincon/University High School is a group that has been combining hip-hop dance styles with a plethora of other styles, house, modern, and contemporary since 2004. Hypnotic’s unique style has consistently won critical acclaim from performances at Zuzi, Marana High School, Take Back The Night, and all across Tucson. Choreographer, artistic director, and University of Arizona alumni, Darrell Wilmore, brings years of experience to the group in the form of cross-genre hip hop choreography. The synthesis of narrative, traditional dance styles, and hip hop dance makes Hypnotic a refreshing and truly unique display of devotion to artistic craft. Hypnotic’s annual showcase, The Act of Betrayal is April, 13th and is a showcase in collaboration with The Human Project, featuring multiple hip hop crews from around Tucson.

The Tucson Youth Poetry Slam (TYPS) advocates literacy, critical thinking and youth voice through poetry competitions, workshops and community showcases. Administered by the 501(c)3 not-for-profit Ocotillo Literary Endeavors and coordinated by poet Logan Phillips, the youth-centered program kicked off in Fall 2011 and regularly collaborates with diverse organizations across Tucson. The monthly poetry slam competition is open to all youth 19 & under and is held every 3rd Saturday at Bentley's House of Coffee & Tea. Crowds at the TYPS regularly top 100 people.

Next Edge Reading will be held June13, 2012.

Past Edge Readings:

Apr 2012

Mar 2012

Feb 2012

Jan 2012

Nov 2011

Oct 2011

Sept 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

 

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