Today@Sam Article
Live Readings, Music To Celebrate Poets George Drew, Paul Ruffin
Nov. 11, 2016
SHSU Media Contact: Teddi Cliett
The Vortexan will buzz of live music, hearty meals and readings from the works of poets George Drew and the late Paul Ruffin on Thursday (Nov. 17) as a celebration of their contributions to literature.
The readings will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Evans Complex Room 212, followed by a $20 dinner and live music at The Vortexan, located at 1215 19 St.
The event is sponsored by the Sam Houston State University Department of English, Texas Review Press and SHSU’s English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta.
According to Kim Davis, assistant to the director at the Texas Review Press, the event will be casual and comforting, like having a conversation with an old friend.
“The works of both Drew and Ruffin are witty and wise in a comfortable, accessible way,” Davis said. “They question the world around them with humor in their voices and bring lofty concepts down to living room level.”
Drew has been published widely, with poems, reviews and essays appearing in journals around the country. His work also has been anthologized, most recently in “The Southern Poetry Anthology, II: Mississippi,” “Down to the Dark River: An Anthology of Poems About the Mississippi River” and “The Great American Wise Ass Anthology.”
Drew has printed three books of poetry under Texas Review Press and is donating the proceeds of any book sales to the press in memory of his friend, Ruffin. Ruffin’s works will be available for sale at the reading as well.
Ruffin, once referred to as “arguably America’s greatest little-known author” by Transfuge Magazine, was a Texas State University System Regents’ Professor and a distinguished professor of English at SHSU.
His works include a collection of “Ruffin-It” essays, “The Segovia Chronicles,” “Here’s to Noah, Bless His Ark,” and many more. He passed away in April of this year.
Sigma Tau Delta will offer baked goods prior to and immediately after Drew’s reading.
Dinner tickets will be available until the day of the event and can be purchased through the English Department, Texas Review Press office or by calling 936.294.1992.
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