A. D. Carson has been a leading member of Springfield’s literary, educational and musical communities for years. He published the novel Cold in 2011, followed by The City, a book of shorter pieces, this past October. Carson has been writer-in-residence at Benedictine University and an English teacher at Springfield High School. He is also a prolific musical artist, with five albums and an EP released since 2000. In addition, he has been a reliable, energetic performer and curator at many, many poetry workshops, open mic nights and other events. It is safe to say that Springfield’s cultural scene would not be the same without him.
He is also leaving town.
Carson will depart Springfield soon to pursue a Ph.d. at Clemson University in South Carolina. Tonight will be your last chance to see him locally for some time, as Expressions in the Dark will be hosting a farewell celebration in his honor, featuring Carson himself reading from his work. The show will also include a selection of other performers and will be hosted by Decatur’s very talented violinist and poet Tebe Zalango.
The festivities are from 9pm to 1am at Beautiful Change, 600 S. 11th St. Admission is $10.
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This article appears in Jul 4-10, 2013.
