The Bloom Stage, in collaboration with Poetry in the Boro, will present a special edition of its traveling, multi-genre storytelling show in Historic Rugby.
Audiences are invited to gather Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Rebecca Johnson Theatre, 1331 Rugby Parkway, for Savor, an evening inspired by the Friendly City Books anthology Savor: Poems for the Tongue.
This special Historic Rugby show is made possible through the support of a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. This expanded collaboration will feature select poets from the anthology sharing their work live on stage.
“Almost every one of my favorite memories is made around food or the table — so this theme feels like a natural pairing for our stage,” said Kara Kemp, founder and co-producer of the Bloom Stage. “And it’s made even sweeter by bringing in some of my favorite artists and friends. Savor is a chance to slow down, to taste every moment, and to share in the beauty of words that linger like a good meal.”
Friendly City Books, based in Columbus, MS, will be on hand with copies of the anthology available for purchase.
The performance begins at 7 p.m. EDT, with doors opening at 6:30.
Themed around the sensory joy of taste, language, and shared experience, Savor invites audiences to relish not only the spoken word, but the rich connections between story, poetry, music, and community.
“When Friendly City Books published Savor: Poems for the Tongue, they served up a delicious intersection of literature and sensory memory,” said Kory Wells, co-producer of the Bloom Stage and founder of Poetry in the Boro. “I’m delighted to have work included in the anthology and even more delighted to expand the reach of this book and theme through this show.”
The evening’s program will bring together a mix of artistry and conversation. Contributing poets from Savor: Poems for the Tongue will share their work alongside musical performances by Kibbs McWilliams and thematic pieces from Knoxville legend Amy Hubbard and Murfreesboro’s Laura Schlesinger.
Livingston, TN, visual artist Mitchell White will join Luke Anderson for a conversation that will consider how to artistically savor even unsavory moments in place and time. Guests will have the chance to meet the artists, connect with fellow audience members, and purchase signed copies of the anthology.
In addition to curated performances, a few open mic slots will be available during the event for poems or stories related to the theme. Interested participants are encouraged to inquire about a four-minute slot by emailing poetryintheboro@gmail.com.
Following the show, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments and conversation in the theatre lobby.
Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support Historic Rugby’s preservation and arts programming. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Visit https://karajkemp.org/bloom-stage-storytelling/ for more information.