‘City of Stairways’ Reading - September 23

Join the young authors of “City of Stairways” at our upcoming multi-genre event at the Red Poppy Art House (one of the many sites mentioned in the book)! Part travel guide and part literary anthology, “City of Stairways” was written by students in WritersCorps. This 7×7 inch book is packed to the brim with original poetry, photography, artwork, maps, and tips on the places to see and be seen in San Francisco. “City of Stairways” offers an intimate look at some of the most memorable sites and neighborhoods in San Francisco, and gives residents and visitors alike a unique, vibrant perspective on being a youth in an urban neighborhood.

Aside from our young authors, tonight’s event features local musicians who will be performing work in response to the poems in “City of Stairways.” The artists include rapper/emcee Hopie Spitshard, global avant-garde songstress Tbird Tall Flame Luv, and indie rock luminaries, The Invisible Cities. Don’t miss it!

About Our Guest Performers:

Hopie Spitshard independently released her debut album, “The Diamond Dame,” in July 2008, immediately garnering national attention and a nomination for URB’s Next 1000. Now, as the ink on her law degree dries, Hopie is again returning to the music scene with an eclectic body of work, her second full-length album, “Raw Gems.” To date, Hopie is self-taught &/or classically trained in violin, voice, music composition, spoken word, drums, & guitar.

Tbird Tall Flame Luv, aka Tonya Ridgely, is a great integrator of many talents. With a contemporary avant-garde approach, her accessible global style blends the magical aspects of acoustic, ambient and indigenous music with edgy and soulful undertones of blues and indie rock. Building on a solid classical music foundation at Carnegie Mellon University and a world music and dance foundation at Cal Arts, Tbird’s deep connection to the spiritual purpose of music has lead her to train in healing modalities.

After charming fans with albums “Watertown” (2004) and “Houses Shine Like Teeth” (2009), The Invisible Cities have spent the past couple years web-casting house concerts and taking advantage of Jet Blue’s all-you-can-fly pass to tour. Their video for their new song, Bulldozer, played at several film festivals and won a couple audience awards (Thank you audiences!). They are finishing up work on an EP and trying to be more twittery.

WHAT: City of Stairways Reading/Performance

WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, Sept. 23, 7-9pm

Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom Street

COST: $5 - $10 sliding scale (suggested donation of $10 for adults)