Take your nose out of that book and geek out with your favorite authors or discover someone new to make your bookstack sing! There are tons of authors writing everything from current events to mysteries to sci-fi and fantasy to the great American novel. Spend time with them as they talk about their latest work, what their writing process is, and join in Q&A to get to know them better.
Iconic chef and world-renowned opera singer, Alexander Smalls chats with Ulysses Owens Jr. about his latest book Meals, Music, and Muses: Recipes from My African American Kitchen, a tribute to his South Carolina heritage and the music that inspired him. Smalls is a restaurateur and co-owner of the celebrated Harlem jazz club Minton’s. As the former chef/owner of Café Beulah, Sweet Ophelia's, Shoebox Cafe, and The Cecil, Smalls has received great acclaim in the restaurant scene—including cooking at the James Beard House and being named one of Zagat’s 19 NYC Restaurant Power Players. His memoir and cookbook, Grace the Table, features recipes from his upbringing of Southern Revival cuisine and his cookbook Between Harlem and Heaven won a James Beard Award.
Ulysses Owens Jr. is the moderator for the chat. Owens is an artist “who takes a backseat to no one” – The New York Times – seems to describe his remarkable ascent as one of today’s premier drummers, or perhaps, his evolution as a producer, composer, educator, and entrepreneur. Owens has established himself as a leader in his generation of jazz artists, admired for his sensitive, fiery, and complex playing, vivid display of textural nuance, and gift for propelling a band with charisma and integrity. Ulysses is the artist director of Don’t Miss A Beat- a local non-profit helping to give “hope” to children through the arts.
We hope you will join Alexander Smalls and Ulysses Owens Jr. for this unique collaborative event as they both share their collective knowledge for what will prove to be an exciting evening full of literacy inspiration, engaging stories, and fun!
Registration is required for this event, and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card and PIN is required for registration. If you do not have a card, click here to obtain one.
A link to the Zoom meeting room will be sent 1 hour prior to the event. Your Zoom name must match your registration name for you to be admitted to the program.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or email JPLPrograms@coj.net.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Authors, Books, and Writing |
TAGS: | Black History Month | Alexander Smalls, Ulysses Owens Jr., Cookbook, jazz | African- American History Month | adult programs |
