Reading: Joshua Marie Wilkinson, Abraham Smith, and Solan Jenson

Poets Joshua Marie Wilkinson and Abraham Smith with banjoist Solan Jenson stopped in Lafayette last night to read and perform at The Blue Moon Saloon, as part of the 2010-11 Deep South Reading Series at UL Lafayette. Smith read, rhythmically, intensely, powerfully--steeped in the pathos of Hank Williams' life, channeling the songwriter's fever/furor. His new collection Hank is published by Action Books. Next Joshua Marie Wilkerson stepped up, accompanied by the strange, sweet lyricism of Solan Jenson's banjo improvisations, performing haunting renditions from Wilkinson's new Selenography. A gorgeous, poignant experience -- well worth catching if you can. You can find a list of all the stops on his reading tour here.