Portland poets Valentina Gnup and John Blackard read new poems and poems from their books.
When: October 1, 2009 - 6:30pm Doors Open Reading 7:00pm Where: Rilassi Coffee House & Tea, 3580 SW River Parkway, Portland, OR 97239 Free drip coffee and tea. Snacks for sale. Sponsored by: Buzzaroonie.com. "The booklovers place to be"
John Blackard has been influenced by the Voice of America, his love of all-night diner short order call-and-response, and his active participation in on-field baseball chatter. Inspite of these shortcomings, he has somehow managed to obtain advanced degrees in English Studies and Library & Information Studies; have a career in teaching and librarianship; and receive Fulbright and NEH fellowships. He currently lives with his wife, the poet Valentina Gnup, in Portland, Oregon.