Line up: M. L. Liebler & The Neu Magic Poetry Band with Ted Nagy, Patrick Prouty & LouDLou

John Jeffire

John Jeffire was born in Detroit. In 2005, his novel Motown Burning was named Grand Prize Winner in the Mount Arrowsmith Novel Competition and in 2007 it won a Gold Medal for Regional Fiction in the Independent Publishing Awards. Speaking of Motown Burning, former chair of the Pulitzer Jury Philip F. O'Connor said, “It works. I don't often say that, but it has a drive and integrity that gives it credible life....I find a novel with heart.” In 2009, Andra Milacca included Motown Burning in her list of “Six Savory Novels Set in Detroit” along with works by Elmore Leonard, Joyce Carol Oates, and Jeffrey Eugenides. His first book of poetry, Stone + Fist + Brick + Bone, was nominated for a Michigan Notable Book Award in 2009. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine calls the book “a terrific one for our city.”

Patrica Barnes 

Pat Barnes is a native Detroiter with a solid appreciation of this great city's lively communities of artists, writers, storytellers, puppeteers and musicians. Her latest book, “Cup of Home”, is featured at Color/Ink gallery in Hazel Park along with an exhibit of her mixed media art. Pat is an active member of Springfed Arts, Poetry Society of Michigan, National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Downriver Poets, and the Detroit Poetry Salon. She lives in Wyandotte where she writes, makes art and watches the river flow.