About this Event
Poems, Songs, & Stories: Words Aloud - Featuring Laura Valentine
Hosted by storyteller, Sonia Fernández LeBlanc, the evening will entail poems, stories, and songs by community members and our featured guest performance from Laura Valentine.
Laura E. Valentine tumbled into writing poetry in her mid-40’s, a tumultuous and shape-shifting time.
She would be startled awake in the wee hours of the morning by fully formed poems erupting from her mind. Armed with pen and paper at the bedside, she began scratching out line after line until all had emptied from her feverish mind, then collapse into an exhausted, satiated sleep. This sparked a desire to step away from corporate life and dedicate both sleeping and waking moments to writing. And as is the case with sparks, a fire caught in the dry tinder of her being and a year dedicated to the written word is now in its 20th year. Laura continues to enjoy reading and writing poetry, which has expanded to include short stories, prayer (Waiting - Upper Room 2009) and regional magazine articles (Focus MidTenn.)
Birthed into a family of storytellers, Laura embraces the spoken word with equal passion to the written. A native Texan with Tennessee roots, she grew up in Katy, a small farming community 30 miles west of Houston. She is equal parts pioneer woman, shy and retiring Southern belle, and Las Vegas showgirl.
Laura serves as Executive Director at Penuel Ridge Retreat Center, a safe sacred place which nurtures her inner scribe.
Doors open at 6:15, show starts at 6:30 pm. All word-lovers and listeners are welcome. We encourage an enthusiastic and warm audience for both our new and seasoned readers/writers.
Light snacks & tea provided.
$5 suggested donation to support Art & Soul's Words Aloud programming.
Note: Those interested in being a part of the line-up should contact Sonia at [email protected] beginning two weeks ahead of the event. (Use “Open Mic” in email subject line.) Participating writers will be asked to arrive early to confirm their spot, bring an appetizer or dessert to share at the event, and remain until it ends at 9 pm in support of the other performers.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Art & Soul, 4340 Sidco Drive, Nashville, United States
USD 0.00
