For the very first time in 30 years, leading Lao American poets, playwrights, rock stars and filmmakers from across the country will gather July 14, 2010 at the historic Loft Literary Center for a one-night-only reading and performance of art, culture, memories and dreams. Seats are limited, but there will be free refreshments and door prizes. This event is free to the public and starts from 7pm to 9pm at 1011 Washington Ave. S, Minneapolis.
The National Lao American Writers Reading is August 14th, and features over a dozen performers gathered from across the country, including California, Washington D.C., Tennessee, Illinois, New York and Vermont to celebrate the literary journey of the Lao community over the last 30 years. Among the artists who will be speaking include the Oscar/Emmy-nominated Thavisouk Phrasavath, award-winning poet Saymoukda Vongsay, Lao American rock and roll artist Kestsana, Philadelphia-based spoken word artist Catzie Vilayphonh of Yellow Rage and many others. Many are meeting face to face for the very first time. The theme of this historic gathering is Laos In The House.
Over the years, The Loft has served as a gathering place for Lao and Asian American writers to hone their craft through countless readings and workshops. Among the Asian American writers who’ve performed and spoken here are writers such as Bao Phi,Maxine Hong Kingston, Lee Herrick, Li Young Lee, Ha Jin, Ed Lin, May Lee Yang, U Sam Ouer, Gene Yang, William F. Wu, Barbara Jane Reyes and many more. The Loft Literary Center is the nation’s largest independent literary center. The Loft supports the artistic development of writers, fosters a writing community, and builds an audience for literature.
