An Homage to Geek Culture with Joseph Earl Thomas

The trials of the outcast might be a tale as old as time, but never before has there been a story quite like Joseph Earl Thomas’ memoir, "Sink." In a series of exacting and fierce vignettes, Joseph guides readers through the unceasing cruelty that defined his circumstances, laying bare the depths of his loneliness and illuminating the vital reprieve geek culture offered him.

Music & Memories of Montreal with Christopher Mark Jones & Bernard Pozier

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

Presented in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Modern Languages, this concert celebrates the release of "Montréal Encore." The album is a collaborative international project of Pittsburgh singer-songwriter Christopher Mark Jones and Montreal poet Bernard Pozier.  

Contending with Monsters of Our Own Making with Jade Song

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

Jade Song shares her visceral debut novel, "Chlorine." This chilling and addictive work blurs the line between a literary coming-of-age narrative and a dark unsettling horror tale, creating a shrewd commentary on the trials of growing up in a society that puts monstrous pressure on young women and their bodies. 

Free Association Reading Series: Carolyn P. Speranza, Heather McNaugher, Cedric Rudolph, & Jolene McIlwain

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

The Free Association Reading Series returns for this year’s fourth installment of intimate readings. This month’s program features exceptional local writers Carolyn P. Speranza, Heather McNaugher, Cedric Rudolph, & Jolene McIlwain. This series is co-curated by Pat Hart and Marc Nieson. 

A Lively Night of Jazz with Dan Pugach Nonet

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

After being cooped up and kept away from the stage during the pandemic, the Dan Pugach Nonet makes a joyful return to City of Asylum to reconnect and reinstate that sense of community we have all been missing. The nonet is led by GRAMMY® nominated drummer and composer Dan Pugach.

City of ASL: Letting Language Take Flight with Peter Cook & Kenny Lerner

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

City of Asylum hosts a night of American Sign Language (ASL) performances in the third and final installment of our City of ASL series curated by ASL Poet Laureate of Allegheny County Mj Shahen. April’s performance features Peter Cook and Kenny Lerner, in addition to two Pittsburgh-based performers. 

The Tankman’s Elegy with Ed Roberson

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

For this night of subversive and subaquatic verse, award-winning poet Ed Roberson shares new poems from his latest collection, "Aquarium Works." This reading is followed by a moderated conversation with Allegheny County’s Poet Laureate Doralee Brooks.

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