Poet Logan Phillips to Read from New Collection at Book Release Event in Phoenix

The Arizona Commission on the Arts and the ASU School of Theatre and Film's Performance in the Borderlands will present an evening of poetry and performance commemorating the release of Sonoran Strange, a book-length poetry collection by Tucson poet Logan Phillips, on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. The event is sponsored by AZ Humanities.

Phillips' work explores the deep contradictions of the landscape and culture of his homeland, the Arizona-Sonora Desert borderlands.

In addition to readings by Phillips, the evening will feature a special appearance by Arizona's Poet Laureate, Alberto Álvaro Ríos who will read from his own award winning-work.

"In their own distinctive ways, both Ríos and Phillips are demonstrating the vital role a poet can play in our society," said Casandra Hernandez, Artists Services Coordinator at the Arizona Commission on the Arts. "To have Arizona's most distinguished and accomplished poet engage in this sort of intergenerational dialogue with one of the state's most promising young voices is very exciting."

Performances by dancer Liliana Gomez and musician Gabriel Sullivan (of the Tucson-based psychedelic cumbia band Chicha Dust) will round out the evening.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Arizona Commission on the Arts to produce this vibrant night of poetry and performance for Phoenix's audiences," said Mary Stephens, Producing Director of Performance in the Borderlands. "The Arizona Commission on the Arts is a vital force in sustaining arts across the Arizona. Sonoran Strange is an important example of their diverse public programming and direct support of Arizona artists."

The event will be presented on Wednesday, February 11, from 7:00 to 9:00pm at The Icehouse, located at 429 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007. All are welcome and admission is free.