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Home » Reading
Jazz Poetry 2025: Zara Zaharieva Quartet, Reginald Dwayne Betts, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, Anouar Rahmani

Jazz Poetry 2025: Zara Zaharieva Quartet, Reginald Dwayne Betts, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, Anouar Rahmani

Poets Reginald Dwayne Betts, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, and Anouar Rahmani take to the stage with violinist Zara Zaharieva and her international quartet ...
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Jazz Poetry 2025: House of Waters ft. Priya Darshini, Safia Elhillo, Haleh Liza Gafori, Rania Mamoun, Nathan Osorio

Jazz Poetry 2025: House of Waters ft. Priya Darshini, Safia Elhillo, Haleh Liza Gafori, Rania Mamoun, Nathan Osorio

Grammy Nominated band House of Waters and poets Safia Elhillo, Haleh Liza Gafori, Nathan Osorio, and Rania Mamoun collaborate in this improvisational Jazz Poetry concert ...
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Understanding Exile: Essential Youth Connections with the LIGHT Education Initiative

Understanding Exile: Essential Youth Connections with the LIGHT Education Initiative

City of Asylum writer-in-residence Rania Mamoun and Residency Manager Catherine Skolnicki join the LIGHT Education Initiative in a crucial discussion on how to inspire, prepare, and empower the next generation of humanitarians ...
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The Role of Music, Art & Journalism in Political Dissent

The Role of Music, Art & Journalism in Political Dissent

Mai Khôi, Khaled Harara, Nazeeha Saeed, and Yasmine El Baramawy discuss how they use their creative practices to advocate for human rights and creative freedom of expression ...
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TWIST: Building Empathy Through Literature with Colum McCann

TWIST: Building Empathy Through Literature with Colum McCann

Award-winning Irish novelist, Colum McCann discusses his nonprofit work and upcoming empathy-building novel 'Twist." ...
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December 2023

Sun 10
December 10, 2023 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm EST

Free Association Reading Series: Richard Hamilton, T.N. Eyer, Inga Lea Schmidt, Christina Fisanick

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

The Free Association Reading Series returns for this year’s sixth installment of intimate readings. This month’s program features exceptional local writers Richard Hamilton, T.N. Eyer, Inga Lea Schmidt, Christina Fisanick.

Tue 12
December 12, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST

An Intimate Night of Poetry with Toi Derricotte

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Longtime friend of City of Asylum and co-founder of Cave Canem, Toi Derricotte, returns to Alphabet City for a reading featuring all new poems in an exclusive sneak preview of content from her upcoming book.

Mon 18
December 18, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST

Searching for Sense in Senselessness with Ahmed Naji

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

In this program, we welcome Ahmed Naji to City of Asylum to share his latest work, Rotten Evidence, a memoir which chronicles his ten months in prison.

January 2024

Sun 7
Free Association Reading Series Pittsburgh
January 7, 2024 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm EST

Free Association Reading Series: Inga Schmidt, Romella Kitchens, Derek Maiolo, & Chauna Craig

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

The Free Association Reading Series returns for its first installment of 2024! This series features a collection of intimate readings from local authors, sharing established and forthcoming works of poetry,... more →

Mon 15
January 15, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST

Celebrating Allegheny County’s Youth Poet Laureate 2023-2024 Cohort

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

In this teen-curated reading, City of Asylum celebrates the 2023–2024 Allegheny County Youth Poet Laureate Hallie Dong and 2023–2024 Allegheny County Youth Poet Ambassadors Lilah George, Madeline Ng, Casey Vallecorsa, and Oluwatobiloba Olaore.

Tue 16
January 16, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST

“We Wait for a Miracle” with Muhammad Zaman

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

In a continuation of our Healthcare and Humanity Reading Series, City of Asylum welcomes author Muhammad Zaman to share his recently released work "We Wait for a Miracle: Health Care and the Forcibly Displaced."

Wed 17
January 17, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST

World Literature with Anderson Tepper: Alvaro Enrigue on Re-Imagined Empires

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Renowned author Álvaro Enrigue shares a reading from his new novel "You Dreamed of Empires" as part of Anderson Tepper's ongoing "World Literature" series.

February 2024

Sun 4
February 4, 2024 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm EST

Free Association Reading Series February 2024

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

The Free Association Reading Series returns for its second installment of 2024. This month’s program features exceptional local writers Lainy Carslaw, Richard Hamilton, Hallie Pritts, Robert Walicki.

Tue 6
February 6, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST

World Literature with Anderson Tepper: Pulitzer Winner Hisham Matar

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Booker nominated & Pulitzer winner Hisham Matar share his brand new novel, "My Friends," in City of Asylum debut.

Mon 12
February 12, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST

Hiawatha Project Presents “In Our Time: Pandemic Stories from the Frontlines”

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

City of Asylum presents the Hiawatha Project original play “In Our Time: Pandemic Stories from the Frontlines” by Anya Martin.

March 2024

Sun 3
March 3, 2024 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm EST

Free Association Reading Series March 2024

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

This month’s Free Association Reading features exceptional regional writers Jane Bernstein, Ace Boggess, Doralee Brooks, and Jane McCafferty.

Mon 4
March 4, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST

New Directions: Liliana Colanzi “You Glow in the Dark”

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Bolivian author Liliana Colanzi introduces her new book "You Glow in the Dark" in a reading at City of Asylum.

Mon 11
March 11, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Poems of Diasporic Joy

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Poets Arthur Kayzakian, Diana Khoi Nguyen, Joy Priest, and Gaia Rajan reclaim diasporic poetry as a powerful conduit for joy and community. 

Sun 24
March 24, 2024 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

Shayla Lawz: Dream Space Residency Poems

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

After a two-week residency on Sampsonia Way, prize-winning poet Shayla Lawz presents new works in a reading at City of Asylum.

April 2024

Mon 1
April 1, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

POSTPONED: Happy Birthday Action Books!

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Join City of Asylum in celebrating 20 years of Action Books

Sun 7
April 7, 2024 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

Free Association Reading Series April 2024

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

The final Free Association Reading this season features exceptional regional writers Amy M. Alvarez, Philip Terman’s, Anjali Sachdeva, and Jake Mayard.

Sun 14
April 14, 2024 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

Susan Muaddi Darraj: Writing & Literature as Forms of Care

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

In this moderated discussion, Susan Muaddi Darraj explains how a culture of care features into her career as a writer, mother, and activist.

Tue 16
April 16, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

World Literature with Anderson Tepper: Amitava Kumar “My Beloved Life”

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Author and journalist Amitava Kumar shares his new book, "My Beloved Life," in conversation with Anderson Tepper.

May 2024

Thu 2
May 2, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Jazz Poetry 2024 Opening Night: James Brandon Lewis Quartet, Olena Boryshpolets, Amit Chaudhuri, Toi Derricotte, & Shara McCallum

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

This celebration of 20 years of Jazz Poetry kicks off with musician James Brandon Lewis and poets Olena Boryshpolets, Amit Chaudhuri, Toi Derricotte, and Shara McCallum

Thu 9
May 9, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Jazz Poetry 2024: Rakiem Walker Quartet, grace (ge) gilbert, Ladan Osman, Anouar Rahmani, & Astrid Roemer

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Jazz Poetry 2024 welcomes musician Rakiem Walker and poets grace (ge) gilbert, Ladan Osman, Anouar Rahmani, and Astrid Roemer.

Mon 13
May 13, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Jazz Poetry 2024: Leslie DeShazor Quintet, Fatimah Asghar, Rania Mamoun, Andrés Neuman, & Jeremy Lee Stone

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Jazz Poetry welcomes musician Leslie DeShazor and poets Fatimah Asghar, Rania Mamoun, Andrés Neuman, and Jeremy Lee Stone.

Thu 16
May 16, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Jazz Poetry 2024: Milena Casado Quartet, Rae Armantrout, Yahya Ashour, Oleksandr Frazé-Frazénko, & Richard Hamilton

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Jazz Poetry 2024 welcomes musician Milena Casado and poets Rae Armantrout, Yahya Ashour, Oleksandr Frazé-Frazénko, and Richard Hamilton.

Sun 19
May 19, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

Jazz Poetry 2024: Andy Milne Trio, Noah Arhm Choi, Jonathan Moody, Justin Perez, & Monica Sok

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Jazz Poetry 2024 welcomes musician Andy Milne and poets Noah Arhm Choi, Jonathan Moody, Justin Perez, & Monica Sok.

Tue 21
May 21, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Jazz Poetry 2024: Roger Humphries + RH Factor, Sahar Muradi, Xan Forest Phillips, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, & Mónica de la Torre

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Jazz Poetry 2024 welcomes musician Roger Humphries and poets, Sahar Muradi, Xan Forest Phillips, Volodymyr Rafeyenko, and Mónica de la Torre.

Thu 23
May 23, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

Jazz Poetry 2024: Alex Harding & Lucian Ban Blutopia (ft Bob Stewart), Quan Barry, Jorge Olivera Castillo, Quincy Scott Jones, & Rajiv Mohabir

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

Jazz Poetry welcomes musicians Lucian Ban and Alex Harding, and poets Quan Barry, Jorge Olivera Castillo, Quincy Scott Jones, and Rajiv Mohabir.

June 2024

Thu 13
June 13, 2024 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm EDT

Line & Verse: Cave Canem Presents Peter J Harris, Duriel E Harris, & Janice Harrington

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

City of Asylum hosts Cave Canem's annual Faculty Reading. This year’s poets are Peter J Harris, Duriel E Harris, and Janice Harrington.

Mon 24
June 24, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

World Literature: Claire Messud (USA) & Andrew O’Hagan (Scotland)

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream Tickets

City of Asylum welcomes Andrew O'Hagan and Claire Messud join Anderson Tepper for this reading and conversation.

August 2024

Sun 11
August 11, 2024 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

World Literature: Samuel Kọ́láwọlé (Nigeria) “The Road to the Salt Sea”

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream TicketsBuy the Book

Nigerian author Samuel Kọ́láwọlé visits City of Asylum to share his debut novel "The Road to the Salt Sea."

Sun 18
August 18, 2024 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT

Line & Verse: Olena Boryshpolets “Orpheus and Eurydice in New York” (Ukraine)

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream TicketsBuy the Book

City of Asylum writer-in-residence Olena Boryshpolets shares her latest work, accompanied by her fellow artists-in-residence.

Mon 26
August 26, 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDT

World Literature: Dinaw Mengestu (Ethiopia/USA) “Someone Like Us”

Alphabet City 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Free In-Person TicketsFree Livestream TicketsBuy the Book

Ethiopian-American author Dinaw Mengestu visits City of Asylum to share his latest novel "Someone Like Us."

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City of Asylum builds a just community by protecting and celebrating freedom of creative expression.
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Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-435-1110
Email: contact@cityofasylumpittsburgh.org
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