A Celebration of Storytelling and Song.
A morning poetry book club celebrating black & mixed heritage writers, with live performances + free books Welcome to the third year of the sold out, Live Poetry Book Club, a morning summer book club exploring and celebrating live readings from black + mixed heritage writers, curated and hosted by writer Rebecca Tantony. For those who love nothing more than reading a good book (ones that move us and inspire us and allow us to see the world differently) and for those who adore listening to a writer bring their work into being through performance, at each of these unique events we will listen to the poet read their work in person, then take their collections home to enjoy afterwards.
For our first event of the season we have the incredible Dr Edson Burton. Dr Edson Burton is a writer, historian, curator, and host. Edson began his writing career in 2005 having completed his PhD thesis since then he has become a prolific writer of audio, and live drama. His most recent play includes the listening journey Duppy Hunter produced by Tamasha Theatre, Coney and the Trinity Centre Bristol. His audio dramas include the acclaimed R4 drama series Deacon starring Don Warrington. Edson has won the Tinniswood Prize for best audio drama script in 2025 for his adaption of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. He is the author of the poetry collections, Seasoned, and Witness. He has supported Roger McCough, Simon Armitage, and John Agard. As part of his academic and creative life, Edson has interviewed activists, artists, film makers such Don Letts, Raoul Peck, Saul Williams and Ytasha Womack. A versatile host he can bring the noise at a music festival or balance the energies of an arts conference. Edson’s academic specialisms include: Black Religiosity, Bristol and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Black History in the USA, Cultural Continuities between Africa & the New World, Race and Representation. His numerous television credits include African Queens produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and Netflix 2023. Edson is part of the Bristol Black film collective Come the Revolution, he is a board member of Lyra and Afrika Eye film festivals. He is currently working a new audio drama, a libretto, and various screen writing projects.
And amazing muscian ZENA Ahmed. Fusing the sounds of folk and neo-soul with sharp, relatable lyrics, ZENA has become an ever growing talent on the South-West music scene. With her value placed in poignant and honest lyricism and a love for experimentation with instrumental arrangement and genre mixing, ZENA finds power in connecting with audiences through performance. She’s performed at popular Bristol venues such as Thekla and The Fleece, as well as a range of festivals that includes ValleyFest, Victorius Festival and AnExperience Festival. ZENA has 4 singles out on streaming services, including her whimsical country and pop inspired debut release “The Bedbugs,” written about growing bored of meaningless routine. Her latest release “Where The Dead Things Lay” has been featured on Jazz FM and flourishes as the lead single from collective Bristol album, “Something In The Water.” FFO: Lianne La Havas, Laura Marling, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen 10:30 am-12:00 pm, MMI St Agnes. You can book now via the ticket link on this page. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-live-poetry-book-club-tickets-1987811461592 So come, one and all, join us at the MMI St Agnes for this final very special morning of language. Tickets: £5 (includes refreshments + a free poetry book) Concessions available – no questions asked All ages welcome (please note: some material may not be suitable for very young audiences) Expect an uplifting finale filled with moving performances, thought-provoking readings, and the chance to connect with your community through creativity, conversation, and shared experience. Made possible through Arts Council Uk and Emblaze