An Evening of Readings with Three Local Authors
Acknowledging the advent of Spring and National Poetry Month, The Friends of the Jamestown Library present an evening of poetry and short fiction from writers Jay Primiano and James Geary, cornerstones of the Rhodeo Poets Group, and Wayne Cresser, author of the 2021 chapbook, Here Comes Herodotus, Again! (and other microhistories).
About the writers:
Wayne Cresser is a writer and editor who lives in Jamestown with his wife Nancy, dog Jimmy and boundless fresh sea air. He co-created the online literary journal, Shaking Like a Mountain (2007-2012), where he served as chief editor and occasional contributor. His fiction has appeared in eight print anthologies, most recently Spank the Carp 2020, online at Review Americana, Jerry Jazz Musician, Open: Journal of Arts & Letters and Story, and in such print journals as The Ocean State Review and SLAB. His chapbook, Here Comes Herodotus, Again! (and other microhistories) was published as part of the Open: Journal of Arts & Letters 2021 Chapbook Series.
James Geary currently resides in Matunuck, where he enjoys body-surfing and walking. On occasion, he writes a poem, rather than ride a wave. He lived nearly two decades in Southeast Asia. Deeply influenced by his experiences there, he wrote a series of eighty-one poems embodying contemplative suggestions, work inspired by decades of reading Lao Tze. Ultimately, he created a text called Ways of Waves and Spiritual Calisthenics. James has taught a bunch of subjects to a wide range of students. Additionally, he completed a doctoral dissertation entitled “Questions of Spirituality in Education.” His poems are always trying to approach and interrogate simple things, really Just One Thing.
Jay Primiano is an author of Young Adult fiction, having co-authored, Swim That Rock, 2014, Candlewick Publishers, with acclaimed (Caldicott Honoree) children’s picture book author and illustrator John Rocco. The book received the Rhode Island book of the year award and was a finalist for New England book of the year. Primiano co-created the poetry group, “The Rhodeo Poets,” derived from concepts driven by Primiano and the poet James Geary, along with support from the Jamestown Philomenian Library Director and the Friends of the Library organization. The Rhodeo Poets are a group of Rhode Island based poets that present twice monthly, once online virtually and once each month in person at the library. Primiano, who enjoys sculpting in his free time, is married to Lisa Primiano, resides in Jamestown, Rhode Island, and has two adult daughters and a dog called Clouseau, who responds only to poor impersonations of a French accent.