Exciting Literary Event in Aiken: Spotlight on Southern Voices
Get ready, Aiken! On the evening of October 1st, the Etherredge Center will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and inspiration as it hosts a very special installment of the Oswald Writers Series. This is not just any typical night of poetry; we’re in for something truly remarkable as five talented writers take the stage to share their works from a unique anthology titled Southern Voices: 50 Contemporary Poets.
A Unique Anthology
This anthology, fresh off the presses from Lamar University Literary Press, is a milestone for Southern literature. It gathers the voices of poets from all corners of the region, covering all 15 states labeled as the “Greater South.” From Virginia to the Ozarks and from the hill country of Texas to the sandy shores of Florida, you’ll find it all in this eye-catching volume. Each poet has contributed around six poems, touching on topics like geography, local flora and fauna, cultural quirks, and, of course, the South’s diverse culinary traditions.
Imagine picking up this book, flipping to a poet a day, and taking a gentle stroll through this rich literary landscape over time. It’s the perfect companion for those tranquil moments when you want to soak up the essence of the contemporary South!
A Night of Southern Talent
The line-up for this free event features five incredible poets, each representing different regions of South Carolina. Let’s meet the writers who will grace the stage:
- John Lane from the Upstate: A celebrated poet and novelist, Lane is known for his profound connection to nature. A 2014 inductee into the South Carolina Academy of Authors, he teaches at Wofford College. His novel, Whose Woods These Are, is a must-read!
- Marcus Amaker from the Low Country: The first poet laureate of Charleston, he’s not just a poet but also a graphic designer and musician. Amaker has published ten books and contributed to over 40 electronic music albums. His work brings a harmonious blend of art and poetry!
- Jo Angela Edwins from the Midlands: Serving as the poet laureate of the Pee Dee Region, Edwins is also a professor at Francis Marion University. Her recent book, A Dangerous Heaven, showcases her lyrical talents beautifully.
- Amanda Rachelle Warren: Teaching in USCA’s professional and creative writing program, Warren has released a new collection titled Rituals for to Call Down Light. Her unique voice promises to resonate with many!
- Roy Seeger: Also part of the teaching faculty at USCA, Seeger is notable for his work The Boy Whose Hands Were Birds. His poetry has a way of stirring emotions and bringing imagery to life.
Event Details
This one-hour program kicks off at 7:30 p.m. It’s going to be an engaging night, with each poet reading for about ten minutes. However, do remember that seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is a smart move!
What’s more, after the reading, attendees will have the chance to purchase not only Southern Voices but also individual poetry collections from these talented poets. If any of their readings strike a chord with you, this is a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into their works.
For More Information
If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to reach out to Dr. Andrew Geyer from the USCA Department of English at ageyer@usca.edu or call 803-641-3498. He’ll be more than happy to help!
Join the Celebration!
So mark your calendars and prepare for an enchanting evening of poetry that celebrates the rich tapestry of Southern voices. Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast or just curious about the cultural landscape of the South, this event is not to be missed. See you there!
