MLW Reader Jeff Kass Featured in Midwest Gothic

Two-time Midwest Literary Walk reader Jeff Kass was recently featured in the literary journal Midwest Gothic. Jeff Kass was a featured reader at the 2011 and 2012 Midwest Literary Walk events, where his energetic reading style and deep yet humorous poems have made him a crowd favorite.

Kass’ pieces “Buzzard Beater” and “Witness a Boy, Ten Years old” are included in the latest volume of Midwest Gothic, released in spring 2012.

Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

Why do you believe there has never really been a regionalist push for Midwestern writing in the past like there has with the South or even the West Coast?
The Midwest exudes a kind of modesty, doesn’t want to shove its elbows into the louder crowd. We’re here though, resonating under everything, keeping the world spinning. Wait another ten years. People are going to understand that the writers coming out of Chicago-Ann Arbor-Detroit, especially the young poets, they’re mad good. They will have a huge influence on the direction of American letters over the next several decades, watch.

Here’s Jeff Kass performing his poem “According to Art Cleary” at River Gallery at the 4th Annual Midwest Literary Walk in 2012.

Videos from 2012 Midwest Literary Walk Now Available

If you weren’t able to attend this year’s Midwest Literary Walk, or you’ve been anxious to relive a few of your favorite moments, check out the videos from the 4th Annual Midwest Literary Walk. Seventeen videos from throughout the day, featuring Jeff Kass, Jerry Dennis, David MacGregor, Robert Jones, ML Liebler and more are available to view right here on our site, Videos –> 2012 Videos.

Below is one of my favorite moments from the day, Thomas Lux reading his poem “Outline for my Memoir.”

Thanks to all for a great 4th Annual Midwest Literary Walk!

Robert Jones and ML Liebler lead the crowd from the opening event at River Gallery to the Chelsea Center for the Arts at the 4th annual Midwest Literary Walk.

Thanks to all who attended the 4th Annual Midwest Literary Walk on Saturday, April 21st! Our readers were phenomenal, our audience passionate, and our Open Mic inspirational - in short, it was a fantastic event. Thanks to all those who attended, special thanks to those who took the floor at Open Mic, gratitude to the writers whose words and performances made the day magical and eternal appreciation to those who made the day possible: Chelsea District Library, River Gallery, Chelsea Center for the Arts,  and the Chelsea Writers’ Workshop, Purple Rose Theatre and Nicola’s Books. Thanks all around.

Reporter Sean Dalton from the Chelsea Standard joined us for the 12 pm event featuring ML Liebler, Robert Jones and David MacGregor at the Chelsea Center for the Arts. His article, complete with video, appeared the following Thursday and can be accessed here.

Here is an excerpt from Sean’s excellent article:

This year Chelsea’s fourth annual literary walk didn’t just elevate the written word and its power in the eyes of the public, it shined a light on some different mediums that writers use to deliver their messages.

At high noon, the duo of ML Liebler and Robert Jones burst through the door of the Chelsea Center for the Arts, guitar strumming, hands clapping and lyrics flying to a surprised and delighted group of nearly 80 attendees, who sat in awe as the pair stepped onto the stage like musical conquerors.

Liebler was the event emcee and an internationally-renowned Detroit poet and author. Jones is an American roots and African-American musical force of nature who has been blending poetry and music for two decades.

Earlier in the day, nature author Jerry Dennis and creative writing master Jeff Kass – a teacher at Pioneer High School and Eastern Michigan University, as well as literary arts director at The Neutral Zone – were at River Gallery.

And afterward, authors Lolita Hernandez, Onna Solomon and Thomas Lux were at the Chelsea District Library and River Gallery.

“Chelsea is an ideal town for this,” Lielber said after his session was over, adding that the short walking distance between points of interest like CCA, the library, River Gallery and other event partners made the “walk” in literary walk a no-brainer.

He felt that this year’s lineup was in line with the event goal of bringing noteworthy regional and national authors to Lit Walk.

Read the article in its entirety here and please plan to join us for year 5 in April 2013!