Bittersweet as it is, my last column is up today on UptownMessenger.com. It’s been a great run, I’ve enjoyed the work, and I’ll miss it while I’m away this summer — but if there’s one thing that’s true of the news business, it’s that the news never stops. And that — with bang-proof bling and trigger-happy Whole Foods customers gracing the headlines — Uptown isn’t exactly the sleepy, oak-lined neighborhood one might think. I can only imagine what’s going to happen next.

It’s one of the  most beautiful days of the year, a wonderful day out here in New Orleans, and I’m honored to be a part of it — this Saturday, the 12th, is the annual FORESTival at A Studio in the Woods. I’ll be reading new work from Ecotone, the book I began in residence there, alongside music by such talents as Mark Growden and Meschiya Lake, art projects by Jane Hill and Rebecca Snedeker, and the premiere of a new puppet opera by Nina Nichols. That plus silent auction, benefit raffle, incredible food, and tours of the woods and the property — with so much art in the space of just a few acres, days like this are as rare as a supermoon.

I’m incredibly honored to be reading at the 17 Poets reading series this coming Thursday — it’s actually a joint birthday reading for Dave Brinks and myself, so anyone in the area is are welcome to come and help us celebrate. We’ll both be reading new work, Dave from his just-published The Secret Brain: Collected Poems 1996-2012, and myself, poems from the past few months, including from Ecotone, and from my trip to the Middle East.This is what the night will look like:

7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Casual reception begins promptly @ 7:00pm
featuring a performance by PETER NU (on steel drums)
+ complimentary wine, beer, juice, soft drinks
+ complimentary red beans & rice (provided by Megan burns!)

8:05 – 8:35pm
THE POET OF NEW ORLEANS BRASS BAND performs

8:40 – 9:00pm
Poetry reading featuring BENJAMIN MORRIS

9:05 – 9:35pm
JAZZ POETRY featuring
poet DAVE BRINKS
w/ THE POET OF NEW ORLEANS BRASS

9:40 – 11:00pm
OPEN MIC hosted by JIMMY ROSS

(sign-up begins at 8:00pm)

More details are available at www.17poets.com.

Just a reminder, for those who may be interested: the deadline for the 2012 residencies at A Studio in the Woods is May 18. As a former resident (and ongoing supporter — with Mollie Day, I’ll be reading at their Forestival next month), I encourage any who are interested to apply — it’s an extraordinary experience.

Today is World Book (and Copyright) Day. Go buy one. Or read one. Preferably both.