Black writers host ‘jook joint’ during Tennessee Williams Fest

Another season of literature has sprang upon us again bringing with it the Tennessee Williams Festival, but, this year, it has a bit more color.

MWC members not in picture: DaVida Chanel, Marla Chirdon, L. Kasimu Harris, Ayanna Molina, Ambata Kazi-Nance, Neil Ranu, Nik Richard and Kysha Brown Robinson. Photo by Thomas Sayers Ellis

The MelaNated Writers Collective, a collective of writers of color based in the New Orleans area, is hosting its Literary Jook Joint as part of this year’s Tennessee Williams Festival. The event will take place as part of the festival’s official Friday night programming.

The jook joint will feature readings of original works by members of the collective. Guests can expect to hear works of poetry, fiction and non-fiction interspersed with music from local blues and jazz singer Mykia Jovan. The lineup of readers for the jook joint includes poets Kelly Harris DeBerry, Geryll Robinson and Gian Smith, fiction writer Maurice Ruffin, and former journalist and novelist Mary Webb.

The event will feature appetizers provided courtesy of Whole Foods Market, beverages courtesy of Coca-Cola and a signature cocktail courtesy of Paige Royer and its Hendricks brand.

The Literary Jook Joint takes place Friday, March 22 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at M. Francis Gallery located at 604 Julia St. Entry for the event is $15 with a special $10 rate for college students who show their college IDs. Entry is included for festival-goers who have All-Access Passes.

For more information about the Literary Jook Joint or MelaNated Writers Collected, visit www.melanola.com. For more information about the Tennessee Williams Fest, visit www.tennesseewilliams.net.

Tags:  Festival, fiction, literature, MelaNated, poetry, Tennessee Williams