Poetry off the Shelf: A Literary Cabaret

An evening of performance featuring readings by poets Robyn Schiff and Philip Jenks, a collaboration between Toronto-based poet Damian Rogers and Chicago-based Drag City artist Azita Youssefi, and interstitial entertainment by Sally Timms of the long-standing punk band the Mekons. 

Poet Robyn Schiff was born in New Jersey. She earned an MFA at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop and an MA at the University of Bristol. She is the author of the poetry collections Revolver (2008), a finalist for the PEN Award, and Worth (2002). Her work has been featured in several anthologies, including Women Poets on Mentorship: Efforts and Affections (2007) and Legitimate Dangers: American Poets of the New Century (2006). 

The son of an Episcopalian minister, Philip Jenks was born in North Carolina and grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia. He earned a BA from Reed College, an MA in creative writing from Boston University, and a PhD in political science from the University of Kentucky. His books of poetry include On the Cave You Live In (2002), My First Painting Will Be “The Accuser” (2005), Disappearing Address (2010, with Simone Muench), and Colony Collapse Metaphor (2014); and the chapbooks How Many of You Are You? (2006) and Little Visceral Carnival (2009, with Simone Muench).

Damian Rogers was born and raised in suburban Detroit and now lives in Toronto, Canada. She earned a BA at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and an MFA at the Bennington Writing Seminars at Bennington College. Her first book, Paper Radio, was published by ECW Press in 2009.

Sally Timms was born in Leeds, England. In 1985 she joined the Mekons as a full-time member and has regretted it ever since. Unfortunately, the only way out of the Mekons is in a box, so she's still there. Known as one of the laziest women in show business, she frequently calls in favors from her more talented and successful friends so that she can dedicate more time to watching television and eating bananas. Despite her fondness for off-color commentary on virtually every aspect of popular culture, she possesses a truly magnificent voice.

Azita Youssefi is an internationally performing singer/songwriter with four releases on Chicago's Drag City label. Before embarking on her solo career, she was lead vocalist and bassist for Chicago bands The Scissor Girls and Bride of No No. She has been an active member of Chicago's music community since 1991, composing, recording and performing her own music and collaborating with some of Chicago's most well-regarded musicians in live and studio settings.