The Saint Paul Almanac continues its year-round literary celebration of Minnesota’s capital city with the acclaimed Lowertown Reading Jams. The May 9th presentation of the eclectic series, curated by Desdamona, features readings by four spoken word performers living in Minnesota.

The “Silence and the Sound” Lowertown Reading Jam will be presented on Monday, May 9th, 2011 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, 308 Prince Street in Saint Paul. The Jams will continue on the second Monday of each month through July.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Desdamona

Desdamona has been performing in the Twin Cities since 1997. She has toured the US and overseas presenting her music and poetry and has released 3 full-length recording projects. She is currently working on a collaboration with beat box partner, Carnage the Executioner and a solo project that she hopes to release within the year. To find out more, visit http://thedesdamona.wordpress.com and find Desdamona @www.myspace.com/desdamona or on iTunes!

Marie Chanté

Chicago native Marie Chanté learned early on that stories are powerful and whether heard or unheard, everyone has one. As a child, her voice was sometimes hushed, but she knew writing would save her life. As an adult she stands on the stronger side of vulnerability and shares her joy of storytelling with all who will listen, through Spoken Word Poetry. She now lives in the Twin Cities with her three sons.

Cole “Inky” Sarar

Cole “Inky” Sarar writes lush, dense poetry exploring the themes of the body, feminism, science, and setting. She has been doing spoken word for a few years now, and has represented Minneapolis at the Women of the World poetry slam in 2009 and 2011, and was on the Punch Out Poetry national slam team in 2010. Inky has a thing for bicycles and citrus fruit. For more information, visit www.inktea.com

Laura Yurich

Laura Yurich began expressing herself through reading and writing at the early age of four. To date she writes poetry and journalistic pieces that reflect changes and struggles of daily life from a rather optimistic level. Born, raised, and residing in Minnesota, Laura has a degree in media arts and works in music licensing. For more information, visit www.laurayurich.com

ABOUT THE LOWERTOWN READING JAMS

The Almanac has been hosting the monthly Lowertown Reading Jams since October 2009, and they have been steadily gaining in popularity as excited audiences spread the word about their powerful, shared experiences. The Jams provide an opportunity to explore and bridge the cultural and social breadth of the city of Saint Paul throughout the year. Each Jam is produced and hosted by a well-known writer or spoken word artist. All Reading Jams are American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted. Saint Paul “performance drawing” artist Lara Hanson interprets the readings using Japanese ink brushes: http://larahanson.com

The entire 2010–2011 season of Lowertown Reading Jams will be presented at the Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar, a popular Saint Paul venue for spoken word artists, and a co-sponsor of the series. The Jams are curated by the following creative writers and agents for social change:

Oct. 11, 2010 – Deborah Torraine
Nov. 8, 2010 – Tish Jones
Dec. 13, 2010 – Matthew Rucker
Jan. 10, 2011 – May Lee-Yang
Feb. 21, 2011 – Tou SaiKo Lee
Mar. 14, 2011 – Carol Connolly
Apr. 11, 2011 – Marcie Rendon
May 9, 2011 – Desdamona
June 13, 2011 – Melvin Giles
July 11, 2011 – Diego Vázquez, Jr.
About the Saint Paul Almanac

Now in its fifth edition, the Saint Paul Almanac features essays, poems, photos, maps, and listings of events, bars, restaurant, theaters, and other cultural venues within a datebook format. The 2011 Almanac features 129 works by 118 writers. These writers include literary giants, everyday residents, students, journalists, new Americans, and lovers of Saint Paul who live in other corners of the world. Writers interested in having their work considered for the 2012 Almanac have until March 1, 2011 to make a submission. Information on upcoming events, how to make a submission, and other Saint Paul Almanac news is available at www.saintpaulalmanac.org.

The 2011 Saint Paul Almanac sells for $11.95 online at www.saintpaulalmanac.org, and is available in independent and mainstream bookstores everywhere, as well as at libraries and coffee houses throughout the City.

Saint Paul Almanac activities are made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council from an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature. Sponsors and partner organizations include the Black Dog Café and Wine Bar, the City of Saint Paul and Saint Paul STAR Program, Clouds in Water Zen Center, The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, KFAI Radio, The Lowertown Future Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN), Travelers Arts & Diversity Grant, and Twin Cities Daily Planet.

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