Hello Kerouacians! Check out the cool stuff happening at The House in the next few weeks. We will be On The Road for July (i.e. we will not be hosting any public events). We will still give Tours and Overnight Stays until the end of July when our first Artist Residency begin, a collaboration with the Orlando Kerouac Project (more about this later). So these last two events in June will be the last time you can visit Jack’s House until August when our programming resumes.
Storytelling @ the Kerouac House this month will be on Saturday, 06/27 from 7-9pm and will feature Jim Kissane with Darrell Nicholson opening.
Sunday 06/28 from 3-6pm will be June’s Coffee and Poetry at Jack’sfeaturing Gregory Byrd.
Of course, all of the above (and below) will be held at your friendly neighborhood Jack Kerouac House of St Petersburg at 5169 10th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Details and ticket info about each event are provided below and on our Facebook page.
Storytelling @ the Kerouac House feat. Jim Kissane
This month’s Storytelling @ the Kerouac House will be on Saturday 06/27 from 7-9 pm featuring distinguished local author and storyteller Jim Kissane. The opener will be Darrell Nicholson and our own in-house storyteller extraordinaire Victoria Dym will emcee and also tell.
Jim Kissane is an historical author, oral storyteller, and the Executive Director of Suncoast Storytellers, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing America’s industrial and community heritage. Drawing on a lifetime of personal experience connected to the nation’s primary industries, steel, railroads, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, Jim brings authenticity and depth to every story he tells. Based in Lutz, Florida, he focuses on the voices of everyday people whose labor built America, transforming history into vivid, human-centered narrative. He is the author of five published books that explore the grit, innovation, and resilience of America’s working communities. Through live performance, workshops, and digital storytelling, Jim connects past and present, inspiring others to discover and share their own stories.
There will be a storytelling open mic (sign-up with Victoria Dym at the event for a 5-7 minute slot, telling, no reading) and libations and snacks for sale. Limited Seating, Advance Tickets Recommended.
Click for tickets to Storytelling featuring Jim Kissane
Coffee and Poetry at Jack's feat. Gregory Byrd
Don’t miss this chance to hear local poet and educator Gregory Byrd on Sun 06/28 from 3-6pm. Writer, poet, storyteller, comedian, and actor Victoria Dym will emcee and also read.
Gregory Byrd is the winner of the 2018 Robert Phillips Chapbook prize from the Texas Review Press for The Name of the God Who Speaks. His poems have appeared in his book Salt and Iron (Snake Nation Press) and also in Louisville Review, South Florida Poetry Journal, Puerto del Sol, Tampa Review, Cortland Review, among others. He is the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship, a Pushcart nomination and an Individual Artist Grant from Creative Pinellas. Greg grew up in the Florida Keys and was the first featured reader at Kerouac House. He teaches writing and literature at St. Petersburg College in Tarpon Springs. For more info go to gregorybyrd.org
So come on by and grab a cup of joe and complimentary pastries at the historic Jack Kerouac House. The reading starts at 3pm (doors at 2:30). You can sign up to read (limit 2 poems) with our resident poet and emcee Victoria Dym when you get to Jack’s house. Tickets are $10 each plus tax and fees.
Click for tickets to Coffee & Poetry at Jack's featuring Greg Byrd
That’s it for our offerings this month. Don’t forget, the Jack Kerouac House is also available for private events, parties, tours, and overnight stays. Keep in touch by following us on Facebook and Instagram!