Thursday, June 9, 7 – 9 p.m.
Blues Poetry builds off of the revolutionary oral and musical tradition of the Blues itself. Blues themes such as struggle, sex, and despair are found in Blues poems by greats such as Sterling A. Brown, James Weldon Johnson, Langston Hughes, and Sterling Plumpp.
This class will explore the history of Blues and Persona Poetry through an interactive discussion led by Tyehimba Jess, which incorporates selections from Sterling Plumpp’s collection of poetry Home/Bass. Tyehimba will also be lecturing on his second book of poetry, Olio, connecting canonized Blues Poetry to its contemporary manifestation.
Olio, Tyehimba Jess
Home/Bass, Sterling Plumpp
Tyehimba Jess is the author of two poetry collections, the 2004 National Poetry Series award-winning Leadbelly and Olio, heralded as "encyclopedic, ingenious, and abundant" by Publisher's Weekly. The Library Journal has praised both books, calling Leadbelly one of the “best poetry books of 2005" and Olio a "daring collection, which blends forthright, musically acute language with portraiture."
REFUND POLICY: Please note that we can issue class refunds up until seven (7) days before the first class session.
