Poets Gary Stein and Jay Hall Carpenter read from their poetry. Includes open mic and literary trivia quiz.

Gary Stein’s poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Poet Lore, Folio, The Sow’s Ear, The Asheville Poetry Review, Atlanta Review, Gargoyle, and other publications. His chapbook, Between Worlds (Finishing Line Press, 2014), was a finalist in the publisher’s annual national competition. His new collection, Touring the Shadow Factory, won the Brick Road Poetry Press’ national competition. Gary’s work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. He holds an M.F.A. from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, served as Book Review Editor of Poet Lore, and co-edited the poetry anthology, Cabin Fever (The Word Works, 2004). Gary has taught Creative Writing, and he currently practices law in the D.C. metropolitan area where he and his wife have raised two sons.

Jay Hall Carpenter has been a professional artist for over 40 years, beginning as a sculptor for the Washington National Cathedral, and winning numerous national awards for his work. His first poetry collection, Dark and Light, Poetry (2012), was followed by 101 Limericks, Inappropriate For All Occasions (2017). His next collection, Model Home, is due out in the spring. He has written poetry, plays, musicals, and children’s books throughout his career and now sculpts and writes in Silver Spring, MD.