Michael Klam and Jimmy Jazz Present–Shawna Kenney, Brenda York, eyegato, People’s Choice–P&A @ SDAI, Aug. 8

Shawna Kenney is the author of award-winning memoir, “I Was a Teenage Dominatrix” (Last Gasp).  She is also co-author of “Imposters” and a new anthology entitled, “Book Lovers: Sexy Stories from Under the Covers” (Seal Press). Kenney will read from the anthology with select contributors: Chelsey Drysdale (OC), Danielle Bauter (OC) and Laura Roberts (SD).  Kenney’s work has appeared in Ms., Bust, Playboy, Creative Nonfiction, Juxtapoz, xojane.com and The Rumpus, among others.  She lives in Los Angeles and teaches creative writing in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.

Abstract figurative artist Brenda York is the author and creator of “Big Little Paintings | Short Little Stories” She will read from the book and present images on screen.  The paintings are rich and vibrant in color; the stories wonderfully twisted.  Her characters are strange people painted with a sense of sophistication. The backgrounds of her paintings are typically thick, saturated pigment applied with a palette knife. She then draws back into the paint by writing or etching in symbols and words.  Her work is in galleries and collections across the country.

Artist eyegato will install and exhibit some of his latest pieces.  A student of Brian Dick who recently returned from a year immersed in San Francisco street art, eyegato’s outlandish, mind-popping work ranges from installationto painting to stencil and line art. 

DJ Gill Sotu will provide music throughout the event. Sotu has opened for Grammy-nominated legend Sheila E, and partnered and performed with the San Diego Symphony.  He has been commissioned to create numerous poetry pieces for the United Way of San Diego and performed for TEDx San Diego in December 2013. Sotu has been featured on NBC 7’s Art Pulse TV and was named the 2012 & 2013 San Diego RAW Performing Artist of the Year.

The People’s Choice Poem Performance Award – All participants read/perform one poem under three minutes long. Audience members choose (by secret ballot) their favorite poem based on content and performance. Props, artwork, singing, music, dancing, all accompaniment is allowed and anything goes. Top poem performances (the poems that receive the most votes) win $50. Audience members will be encouraged to hoot for their favorites and try to influence the rest of the audience.

Writers/artists who would like to participate in the People’s Choice Poem Performance Awards can get their names in the hat ahead of time at mkklam@gmail.com or sign in on the night of the show.

There will be goodies and wine as always. Bring beverages or snacks/desserts/dishes to share and get in free. Please contact host Michael Klam with any questions: 619-957-3264 (cell) or 619-236-0011 (museum).

Visit us online at sandiego-art.org.