School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Nashville is filled with more than enough literary events and organizations to enrich your world through the heat of June. Its literary scene is as hot as the summer in the south.
To start the month off, I’ll be doing my customary hosting duties at East Side Storytellin,’ which takes place on the first Tuesday. Our 61st edition of this wonderful series pairing Nashville authors with Nashville musicians take place Tuesday, June 2 at 7 p.m. sharp at The Post (1701 Fatherland Street). We are very excited to welcome the talented singer/songwriter Lance Whalen and writer Buchanan Moncure (who is also the founder of the publishing company called Lost and Found Fiction). The event is free to attend for kids of all ages.
Steve Inskeep
On Thursday, June 4, Salon@615 brings Steve Inskeep to the Main Library. Starting at 6:15pm, the NPT Morning Edition host and author will be reading from and signing copies of his wonderful book, Jacksonland. The salon is a free, ticketed event. A limited number of tickets will be available on-site 30 minutes before show time the day of the event. Advanced tickets are limited too. Basically, get your move on to be a part of this limited celebration.
And speaking of celebrations at the Main Library, there will be a big party on Saturday, June 13, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in honor of Where the Wild Things Are author Maurice Sendak’s birthday. This will be the perfect complement to the exhibit of his work currently on display in the Courtyard gallery, with the addition games, crafts, story time and more (again, for kids of all ages).
Saturday, June 13, will be a busy day. Join The Porch Writers’ Collective at The Skillery, 2-5 p.m, for a poetry workshop called The End. It will be a great opportunity for aspiring poets to unravel the mysteries of what makes a memorable and satisfying ending to their ongoing projects. This class will be equal parts discussion and writing. Then, after you finish your poem, you can take it over to Poetry in the Brew that same evening. Located at Portland Brew East (1921 Eastland Avenue), sign-up is at 5:30 p.m, readings begin at 6 p.m. This round of fun will feature K.H.A.O.S and Denise Satterfield Wilson as the hosts. They welcome all words and good-hearted people.
I’m over the moon excited to share the big news about a project I’ve been spearheading for over a year now with some of the most talented Nashville-based authors, musicians and visual artists. The end result of our labor is Based on Nashville, a book with eleven original art prints inspired by eleven original short stories written by Nashville poets, novelists and New York Times bestselling authors. Inside the book, there will be a CD with 12 original songs written and recorded by some big names that you already know and others who you will soon enough. You can read more about the project and pre-order your own copy of the book/cd and a ticket to the concert at Belmont’s beautiful McAfee Concert Hall on Monday, June 15, at 7 p.m. here. You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime snapshot of Nashville artists in person. This event with all-local artists will benefit the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville.
Then, after The Rolling Stones storm through our town on June 17, get out and attend another Writings on the Wall on Thursday, June 18 at Atmalogy. Inquire about the submission process for sharing new work at wotwpoetry@gmail.com. It all takes place at 6:30pm, with some of the coolest poets in town leading the way.
On Friday, June 19, head back over to The Porch Writers’ Collective at The Skillery for the Porch Social Happy Hour. If you are a Porch Member, it is free to attend. If not, don’t worry. Just bring $10 to join fellow writers and readers for a little summer revelry with drinks, snacks and who knows whatever else. It will be a great time had by one and all.
Annie Barrows
Go back to Salon@615 on Thursday, June 25 at the Main Library. The spotlight will be on Annie Barrows, the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. As all Salon@615 events, it is a free, ticketed event. Tickets are limited so you will want to get your ticket while they are still available. Check with the Main Library for more information.
I’ll leave you with a event that always brings perfect closure to each Nashville literary month. Never failing to be amazing, Ciona Rouse continually hosts Lyrical Brew every last Friday of the month at Barnes & Noble at Vanderbilt, and it involves readings from some of the most talented poets around. It goes down from 7-9 p.m., leaving plenty of time to make the most of your Friday night.
Honestly, now that you don’t have to go to class, YOU don’t have any excuse to miss out on any of the events above. I know I’m missing a few. There is something going on around town every single day. But these are the ones that are destined to make the biggest ripples in my world. Be sure to check the Books and Poetry section of NowPlayingNashville.com for a more comprehensive list. And I hope to see you on June 15th at the grand release of Based On: Words, Notes, and Art from Nashville with the biggest collection of Nashville creativity in one room that I can ever remember. Seriously, get your tickets now.
See you soon and see you here again next month!
Thanks for taking time to read this and support local authors. It takes a village. Also, remember to be nice to one another out there.
Best,
Chuck
www.eastsidestorytn.com
