Lee Bains, known for his socially conscious songwriting, will showcase his debut poetry collection, Work Lunch, with a performance that includes both readings and music. The event takes place at A Room of One's Own Bookstore and features fellow performers Blasfemme and Madison's youth poet laureate, mk zariel.
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Bains plans to share his poetry as well as his songs, reflecting his themes of social justice and community solidarity. Attendees are encouraged to contribute $5-10 to support his travels, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Work Lunch emphasizes the connections between work and food, exploring Southern culture through the lens of daily lunches. In his poems, Bains addresses various themes, including family, service work, and the complexities of fast food environments. He uses food as a backdrop to delve into deeper issues such as religious violence, U.S. imperialism, and the struggles of organized labor.
Bains’ collection paints vivid pictures of his experiences in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, examining how power dynamics shape everyday life and how people find ways to connect and resist.
A musician and poet from Birmingham, Bains blends genres described by Rolling Stone as “Southern gospel punk.” His work has earned accolades from prominent media outlets including The New York Times and NPR, and he has collaborated with several renowned artists.
mk zariel, the youth poet laureate of Madison, identifies as a transmasculine-lesbian neuroqueer theater artist. Their literary contributions include upcoming works and a presence in various publications. Zariel seeks to create inclusive spaces for trans and queer communities through their performances and writings, addressing themes of survival and solidarity.
This concert promises to be an enriching evening celebrating poetry and music, fostering connections within the community.