Sampling of local authors perform and speak on their works in High Falls
Exploring the far reaches of the Hudson Valley is one of my favorite parts of the warmer months. Although I have lived in the area most of my life, there are always new places to tour. And because of the area’s rich history, there are also old places to explore as well including beautiful historic homes and parks. Artist collaborations with these locations are more frequent during the summer months. The High Falls Conservancy recently announced their summer events in the parlor of the beautiful and historic Sheeley House, “High Falls Voices - Works and Words of Local Authors” takes place on June 29 and July 6.
Each performance will begin at 7 p.m. with a reception to follow where attendees will have an opportunity to speak with the authors and purchase signed copies of their books. On June 29, readings and performances will be presented by Matthew Spireng, Karen Jenson, and David Gonzalez; and on July 6, Elana Bell, and Jai Chakrabarti. These are five highly talented and widely honored poets, writers and performance professionals who call greater High Falls their home.
Award winning poet, Matthew Spireng is the author of three full-length poetry books, Good Work, winner of the 2019 Sinclair Poetry Prize, What Focus is, Out of Body, winner of the 2004 Bluestem Poetry Award, and five chapbooks. Matt is an 11-time Pushcart Prize nominee, and has had poems published in magazines and journals across the United States.
Karen Jenson has enjoyed a variety of creative endeavors, from directing a show at the Kennedy Center to doing camera work for National Geographic to becoming a certified puppeteer. Jenson is interested in all things visual, playful, and language. On June 29, she will read excerpts from her debut collection of essays entitled, Shakes as They Shatter.
Poet, storyteller, playwright, and performer, David Gonzalez has been featured at Lincoln Center’s Out-of-Doors Festival, Bill Moyers’s documentary Fooling with Words, and NPR’s All Things Considered, and at universities and performing arts centers across the country.
Elana Bell is a poet, sound practitioner, and creative guide. Bell’s debut poetry collection, Eyes, Stones was selected by Fanny Howe as winner of the 2011 Walt Whitman Award from the Academy of American Poets. Her writing has appeared in Harvard Review, Massachusetts Review, AGNI, Barrow Street to name a few.
Jai Chakrabarti is the author of the novel A Play for the End of the World, which won the National Jewish Book Award, was the Association of Jewish Libraries Honor Book, was short-listed for the Tagore Prize, and was long-listed for the PEN/Faulkner Award. Chakrabarti is also the author of Good Housekeeping’s book of the month, A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness, which the NewYork Times described as an "exquisite collection."
All the authors’ books reflect a wide spectrum of life, and their readings will sweep you up in a wave of human experience and emotions. Audiences will leave moved and delighted in unexpected ways. Although donations are gratefully received for this program, it is free and open to the public. Seating will be limited so to secure your place contact The High Falls Conservancy at 917-705-8711.
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas is the Executive Director of Arts Mid-Hudson. Art From Here appears every other week. Contact her at 845-454-3222 or melissa@artsmidhudson.org.
If you go
High Falls VoicesSheeley House, 6 Fairview Avenue, High Falls, NY 12440Dates & Times: Thursdays, June 29 at 7:00 p.m. and July 6 at 7:00 p.m.Contact: 917-705-8711highfallsconservancy@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: High Falls Conservancy hosts performance by local authors
