Some favorite sons and daughters of the Great Columbus will be featured in upcoming literary events. Authors Kevin Boyle, winner of the National Book Award, and Hanif Abdurraqib, recipient of a MacArthur “genius” fellowship, will appear in separate bookstore events.
Additionally, the first Native American Poet Laureate will come to Denison University to read her poetry and share stories from her life.
negilson@gmail.com
Book events in Columbus:Free Carnegie Author Series to highlight three in-person and virtual events
Columbus Concerts 2022:From dance diva Dua Lipa to death metal Ghost, venues offer a variety of shows
‘BREWING: AMERICA IN THE 1960s’
BEXLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 2411 E. MAIN ST., BEXLEY
Details: In-person and online event with author Kevin Boyle, former Columbus resident and National Book Award winner. Boyle will speak with Ohio State University scholar Hasan Kwame Jeffries. “The Shattering” tells the story of a decade whose conflicts have shattered life in post-war America and continue to divide the country. The event is co-presented by Gramercy Books, Bexley Public Library and The Ohio State University History Department.
Time: 7 p.m. January 31
Admission: Free but registration is required for in-person and online participation
Car park: Free at Bexley Public Library
COVID Policy: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test for in-person attendance. Masks are mandatory.
Contact: 614-867-5515, gramercybooksbexley.com; 614-231-2793, bexleylibrary.org
Concert:Jason Isbell postpones Columbus show to Jan. 27 after revealing COVID infection
‘AN EVENING WITH JOY HARJO’
DENISON UNIVERSITY, MICHAEL D. EISNER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 240 W. BROADWAY, GRANVILLE
Details: Joy Harjo, the first Native American Poet Laureate, will appear in the university’s Laura C. Harris and Beck series. The internationally renowned poet, writer, performer and saxophonist is the author of nine books of poetry and a memoir. “An Evening with Joy Harjo: Women’s Empowerment, Indigenous Poetry and Indigenous Literature” will include Harjo reading her poetry and sharing stories from her life. A Q&A will follow with Denison University English professors David Baker and Linda Krumholz.
Time: 7 p.m. February 15
Admission: Tickets are free, but limited to the public. Mandatory registration on the Denison website at the end of January.
Car park: Broadway, across from the Eisner Center; on College Street; and in the College Street car park, where handicapped accessible parking is available.
COVID Policy: All attendees must upload their vaccination cards, including reminders, before attending, as well as wear high-quality masks (N-95). Auditorium capacity will be limited to 70%.
Contact: Robin Brown, 740-587-6297; brownr@denison.edu
“THE POWER OF REGRET”
DREXEL THEATER, 2254 E. MAIN ST., BEXLEY
Details: In-person and live-streamed event with author Daniel H. Pink, where the inspirational speaker and best-selling author will launch his seventh book, “The Power of Regret.” The book is about the transformative power of regret, a misunderstood but potentially valuable emotion. Pink will be in conversation with Pelotonia CEO Doug Ulman.
Time: 7 p.m. February 17
Admission: $30, which includes a copy of “The Power of Regret”; a general admission ticket to access the event online (without a copy of the book) costs $10.
Car park: On Main Street and at the Bexley Public Library across the street
COVID Policy: Those attending in person must present proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Masks are mandatory.
Contact: 614-867-5515; gramercybooksbexley.com
Books 2021:Strong and powerfully written works were abundant
“RESPECT THE MIC”
GRAMERCY BOOKS, 2424 E. MAIN ST., BEXLEY
Details: In-person and online event featuring Hanif Abdurraqib and Peter Kahn. “Respect the Mic” is an anthology featuring 20 years of poetry by students and alumni of the Spoken Word Club at Oak Park River Forest High School in Chicago. The evening will be hosted by educator Steven Waddell, former member of the Spoken Word Club.
Time: 7 p.m. February 19
Admission: Free but registration required
Car park: On Main Street or in the small parking lot behind the bookstore
COVID Policy: Those attending in person must present proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Masks are mandatory.
Contact: 614-867-5515; gramercybooksbexley.com
