CITYLIT FESTIVAL The 13th Annual CITYLIT FESTIVAL April 15–16, 2016

E. Ethelbert Miller Claudia RankineCITYLITPaul Lisicky PROJECT

April 15–16, 2016

D. Watkins Lester Spence Stanley Plumly Andrew Motion Juliette Wells

Susan Muaddi Kathy Flann Amber Sparks Laura Shovan Reggie Harris Darraj

Danielle Shapiro Jehanne Dubrow Elisabeth Dahl Celeste Doaks Barbara Paca

Marlene Trestman Garinè Isassi Jill Coupe Shirley Brewer Deborah Arnold

Sheri Venema Elizabeth Hazen SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

CLAUDIA RANKINE APPEARANCES

Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm Saturday, April 16 at 10:30 am Claudia Rankine Claudia Rankine at Enoch Pratt Free Library Poet and Author, Citizen: An American Lyric Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Maryland Institute College of Art 1531 North Avenue, 21217 Falvey Hall, Brown Center 1301 W. Mount Royal Avenue, 21217 10:30 am Presentation by West Baltimore Students in partnership with Dew More Baltimore In Celebration of National Poetry Month 10:40 am Opening Remarks: In Reflection Upon the Anniversary of the Gregg Wilhelm, Executive Director, CityLit Project Baltimore Protests, Hosted by Marc Steiner Reggie Harris, Poets House, NYC

7:00 pm Welcome by Samuel Hoi, President, MICA 10:45 am Claudia Rankine reading

7:05 pm Acknowledgments by Gregg Wilhelm, 11:15 am Conversation and Q&A Executive Director, CityLit Project 11:45 am Book Signing 7:10 pm Introduction by Dr. Carla Hayden, CEO, Enoch Pratt Free Library Presented by CityLit Project and the Enoch Pratt Free Library Book sales courtesy of The Enoch Pratt Free Library 7:15 pm Reading and Conversation Hosted by Marc Steiner, WEAA

8:00 pm Audience Engagement

8:30 pm Book sales and signing

Presented by CityLit Project, Enoch Pratt Free Library and Maryland Institute College of Art Books sales courtesy of The Ivy Bookshop

Saturday April 16th CityLit Festival University of Baltimore Learning Commons 1415 Maryland Avenue (Near Poe Statue)

LOBBY SWP authors Jill McCroskey Coupe 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. (True Stories at the Smoky View) and Ladies Choice in Love: The The Art of the Short Story 11:00 a.m. Garinè Isassi (Start With the Backbeat) 200th Anniversary of Jane Susan Muaddi Darraj (A Curious Literary Marketplace read from their newly published Land, winner of the AWP 2015 Grace Browse literary magazines, small Austen’s Emma works and discuss this exciting new Jane Austen wrote of Emma Wood- Paley Award for Short Fiction), Kathy presses, reading series, and authors publishing platform and their ex- house, “I am going to take a her- Flann (Get a Grip, winner of the 2014 exhibiting in this first hour of the fes- perience. Hosted by author and PR oine whom no one but myself will George Garrett Fiction Prize), and tival and all day long. consultant Cherrie Woods. much like.” Though spoiled and Amber Sparks (The Unfinished World) headstrong, and a departure from read from their works and discuss 11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Austen’s usual heroines whose their different approaches to, and Reading from Pratt John Keats: Tragic Hero focus was on marriage and finan- love of, the short form. Hosted by Poetry Prize winner of Romanticism cial security, Emma is a secure University of Baltimore Assistant CityLit Festival opens with a read- A reading and conversation about young woman who carefully con- Professor Jane Delury. ing from the Enoch Free Pratt the life and work of John Keats with siders whether those around her Library Poetry Contest Winner. Keats scholars Sir Andrew Motion of are worthy of her attentions. Austen 4:00 p.m. Johns Hopkins University (Keats and scholar and Goucher professor Dr. Paul Lisicky AUDITORIUM John Keats: (Poet to Poet)) and Stanley Juliette Wells discusses her new an- Paul Lisicky’s writing has been Plumly of the University of Mary- notated edition of Emma and mod- called “elegant, precise, and sensi- 12:00 p.m. land College Park (Posthumous Keats erates a conversation with panelists tive” (Slate). His new memoir from She Writes Press Authors and The Immortal Evening: A Legend- whose lives and works have been Graywolf Press is part elegy, part Founded in 2012 as a response to ary Dinner with Keats, Wordsworth, influenced by Austen’s novels. (The natural history, and all memoir. The the barriers to traditional publish- and Lamb), including readings from celebration continues with English Narrow Door: A Memoir of Friendship ing, She Writes Press was created their books. Motion is former UK Country Dancing on Gordon Plaza traces two of Lisicky’s long-term on the principle of connecting and Poet Laureate and Plumly is Mary- outside the Learning Commons at relationships, the chaotic intensity serving women writers everywhere, land Poet Laureate. Hosted by poet, 3:00 p.m.) of friendships forged when young, offering a community for estab- novelist, and journalist Rose Solari. and the beliefs about ourselves and lished and aspiring writers. Local

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April 15–16, 2016 the ones we love that we hang on 1:00 p.m. UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE STUDENT CENTER to long after they’re no longer true. The Baltimore Review Hosted by Jen Michalski, author of The Baltimore Review, established in 21 West Mount Royal Avenue From Here and The Tide King. 1996, is a journal of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction published WRIGHT THEATER 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. online quarterly, with an annu- 5th Floor Lester Spence and D. Watkins al print compilation. The Baltimore Writing the Biography 12:00 p.m. Join Johns Hopkins political science Barbara Paca (Ruth Starr Rose (1896- Review, which publishes writers professor Lester Spence (Knocking Making the Middle-Grade 1965): Revelations of African Ameri- from all over the world, is happy the Hustle: Against the Neoliberal Turn Authors Elisabeth Dahl (Genie can Life in Maryland and the World); to present four local writers in Black Politics) and University of Wishes), and Laura Shovan Marlene Trestman (Fair Labor Law- who have published in its pages: Baltimore creative writing profes- (The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson yer: The Remarkable Life of New Deal Jen Hirt, Vickie Fang, Matthew sor D. Watkins (The Beast Side) for a Elementary) read from their mid- Attorney and Supreme Court Advocate Hobson, and Sally Rosen Kindred. conversation on topics from last dle-grade (readers age 8-12) works Bessie Margolin), and Danielle Shap- Hosted by TBR editor Seth Sawyers. year’s civil unrest to this year’s followed by a conversation with iro (John Vassos: Industrial Design for baltimorereview.org mayoral race. Hosted by Ron author and journalist Elizabeth Modern Life) read from their work Kipling Williams, spoken word Evitts Dickinson. and discuss the researching and 2:00p.m. artist, human rights activist/orga- writing of biographies, the challeng- Maryland Writers’ Association nizer, and independent journalist. 1:00 p.m. es of narrative structure, and bring- The Maryland Writers’ Association Slam Competition ing their subjects to life. Hosted by is a voluntary, not-for-profit orga- BOGOMOLNY ROOM (open to the public) WYPR reporter and senior news nization dedicated to supporting 5th Floor producer Mary Rose Madden. the art, business, and craft of writ- Have a burning desire to express ing in all its forms. Featured will be yourself? Love to get on stage in 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. GORDON PLAZA readings from some of the 2014- front of your friends and rock the The Portable Journal mic? Hosted by spoken word slam Near Poe Statue 2016 MWA writing contest winners Ever wondered how a book becomes and judges, including Ellen Herbert, luminary Slangston Hughes, and a book? Join us for this hand-made 3:00 p.m. winner in the novel category with scored by a panel of judges who book workshop and instructors English Country Dancing Lesson The Last Government Girl (Appren- are dedicated to the art form, par- Meredith Purvis, Michelle Junot, and Balls and country dances were tice House 2015). Hosted by Lalita ticipants will have three minutes in Mychael Zulauf will show you how where Austen’s characters could Noronha, MWA President, and Holly each round to grace the stage and paper and board (seemingly) magi- meet and flirt with possible mar- Morse-Ellington, MWA Vice Presi- spit their finest wordsmithing with cally become book. In this two-hour riage partners, and where many dent. www.marylandwriters.org a packed house to cheer them on. session, they will guide you through dramatic moments in her novels Winners advance to the next round making your very own portable took place. Here’s your chance to until the last poet is standing. Par- journal, the perfect fit for a pocket 3:00 p.m. enjoy the dances you may have ticipants should arrive ten minutes or purse. (Two 2-hour sessions.) The Loch Raven Review seen in film adaptations of Aus- prior to sign up outside the theater. The Loch Raven Review showcases ten’s works. A professional caller, the poetry, short fiction, essays, and STUDENT CENTER April Blum, will lead participants in 2:00 p.m. translations of both well-known CAFÉ, Lobby a lesson and several dances, with Passager: Growing and and emerging writers who demon- musical accompaniment. No part- 12:00–1:50 p.m. strate excellence in their work. Glowing: Emerging Older ner necessary. (In case of rain, this Free Critiques Readers include poet Bill Jones, Writers event will move to the Student Cen- Receive free feedback on your 2-3 poet Jennifer Keith, Man of Letters Join a robust conversation about ter second floor lounge.) poems or 2-3 double-spaced pages Dr. Thomas Dorsett M.D., and non- being an older writer and what it of prose (fiction or nonfiction) fiction writer Deborah Rudacille. involves in terms of identity, com- from published authors or publish- AUTHOR SALON www.lochravenreview.net munity, and publishing. Panelists Sheri Venema, Shirley Brewer, and ing professionals including Evan ROOM 201, 2nd floor Deb Arnold. Hosted by University Balkan (novel, nonfiction), Amanda 4:00 p.m. 12:00–6:00 p.m. of Baltimore Associate Professor Fiore (short fiction, novel), Jen Grow New Mercury Readings Curated readings showcasing local Kendra Kopelke. (short fiction), Barbara Morrison In the spirit of Maryland’s most authors, journals, reading series, (poetry, memoir), Holly Morse- famous contrarian, American Mer- and literary arts organizations. 3:00 p.m. Ellington (fiction, nonfiction, play- cury editor H.L. Mencken, this writing), and Lalita Noronha (poetry, The Borders of Truth: Poetry monthly nonfiction reading series memoir, fiction). 12:00 p.m. celebrates the creativity and the Poets Reggie Harris (Poets House, The Light Ekphrastic Autogeography, winner of the 2012 integrity of independent writers 2:00–3:50 p.m. The Light Ekphrastic is a quarter- and journalists and a city where Cave Canem/Northwestern Uni- @ CityLit Speed ly online journal dedicated to the truth is frequently stranger than versity Press Poetry Prize), Jehanne Two hours of “speed dating” with lit- creation of new written and visual fiction. Readers include MaryDubrow (Washington College, The erary magazines, small presses, and artworks through ekphrastic col- Valle and Mia Loving. Hosted by Arranged Marriage), and Celeste reading series. Network and find the laboration between contributors. John Barry and Deborah Rudacille. Doaks (Morgan State University, right opportunity to showcase your (Ekphrasis is a form of writing, thenewmercuryreadings.com Cornrows and Cornfields) read from mostly poetry, in which the author and discuss their latest books. Host- work. Participants are encouraged describes another work of art, usu- ed by Gregg Wilhelm, Executive Di- to join in at the top of the hour (2:00 5:00 p.m. ally visual.) Readers include Ann rector, CityLit Project. and 3:00) or be folded in as spots Smartish Pace Bracken, Edward Doyle-Gillespie, become available. Smartish Pace is an independent Kevin Krause, Seola Lee, Heather nonprofit literary magazine that 4:00 p.m. Moss, Tim Singleton, and Matthew 4:00–6:00 p.m. welcomes unsolicited submissions A Lifetime of Writing and Zingg. Hosted by Jenny O’Grady. Agent Pitch of poetry, translations of poetry, Witnessing: E. Ethelbert Miller thelightekphrastic.com Pitch your project to a literary agent book reviews, essays on poetry, and Poet, activist, teacher, and DC Hall for feedback. Prepare a short pitch of interviews with poets. It’s the home of Fame inductee E. Ethelbert Miller no more than 250 words and bring of Poets Q&A, the first interactive has devoted his life to literature and 2 copies. Each writer will have 5-10 poetry forum on the Internet where justice. Celebrate the publication minutes at the discretion of the readers ask questions of well- of The Collected Poems of E. Ethelbert agent. A nonrefundable fee of $25 per known poets. Donald Berger, Joyce S. Miller with the poet and the book’s person is payable online prior to the Brown, Elizabeth Hazen, and Chris editor, Marymount University pro- event. Visit the CityLit Festival page Mason read. Hosted by Editor and fessor Kirsten Porter, who calls his at www.citylitproject.org for infor- Founder Stephen Reichert. words “a call for love and equality, a protest against oppression, a prayer mation on the agent and reserving for change.” your spot.

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April 15–16, 2016 PARKING AND EVENT MAP

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1 Parking 1) Fitzgerald Garage: 80 W. Oliver Street 2) Maryland Avenue Garage: 1111 Maryland Avenue

Venues 3) UB Learning Commons 3 4) UB Student Center

Train, Bus, Light Rail, Circulator, Metro www.ubalt.edu/transportation

4 Local Restaurants (within a 10 minute walk) Barnes & Noble Cafe Two Boots Baltimore Pizzeria Soups On Baltimore The Brewer’s Art Chipotle Thai Landing Oriole Pizza and Subs Starbucks 2 City Cafe XS The Owl Bar 2

Claudia Rankine’s appearance as part of the CityLit Festival was made possible by a grant from the Maryland Humanities Council, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, fi ndings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the NEH or the Maryland Humanities Council

CITYLIT FESTIVAL

CityLit Project would like to thank CityLit Project was founded in 2004 the partners, volunteers, authors, to serve readers and writers through exhibitors, hosts, CityLit board the literary arts. Its annual festival, members, and the Baltimore lit- outreach to youth, and publishing erary arts community for another imprint have been recognized as fantastic festival. Thank you for CITYLIT signifi cant contributions to Balti- PROJECT your support! more’s cultural scene. Learn more at www.CityLitProject.org. April 15–16, 2016