Yago Cura: “Ghazals for Foley”

Wednesday, April 27, 7 p.m.

Amherst Books, 8 Main St., Amherst

“Ghazals for Foley” is a collection of poetry written to honor journalist James Foley, who was killed by ISIS in Syria in August 2014. Foley was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst MFA program for Poets and Writers. The book was edited by Yago Cura, another MFA grad and friend of Foley who now lives and works in California.

The event will have readings by six of the contributing poets, Martin Espada, Dan Mahoney, Andrew Varnon, Connolly Ryan, Brian Jordan and Daniel Johnson.

All proceeds from the book sales will go to the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which supports the work of journalists working in high-risk areas.

John Elder: “Picking Up the Flute”

Sunday, April 24, 5 to 8 p.m.

Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill Road, Putney, Vt.

 

“Picking Up the Flute” by John Elder (Green Writers Press) will be published on April​ 22, and the author will debut the memoir (with a bit of live music on the flute) two days later during a special Earth Day celebration and reading with other authors from Green Writers Press, including Vermont poet, Leland Kinsey. The reading will be hosted by celebrated Vermont author Howard Frank Mosher.

Elder’s memoir through music is permeated by his unique combination of prose and learning how to play the Irish flute. Elder revisits his time teaching at Middlebury College and explores the next phase of retirement, utilizing texts and memories from his past whose meanings echo with a new sound now. “Picking Up the Flute” is an interactive, multimedia memoir that lets you read Elder’s provocative prose and listen along to his spirited playing.

Elder lives with his family in Bristol, Vt.