The Switch Reading Series featuring Aaron Simon and Lindsay Ruoff – Sunday 2/21 @IPRC – 7PM

Back in 2010, poet Paul Maziar and painter Jeremy Okai Davis were part of a warehouse artist collective called Switchyard Studios. With all that creative energy abound they decided to start a reading series that showcased writers, visual artists and musicians. Allison Cobb joined the collaboration shortly after by bringing in poets from out of town. The three hosts have kept the series running since then, now focusing on performances that keep the audience engaged in fun and surprising ways, that are not limited to a certain style of artistic expression. The series has been hosted at many different venues since those days, mainly at the Independent Publishing Resource Center. The Switch returns to the IPRC this Sunday with acclaimed San Francisco poet Aaron Simon, local poet Lindsay Ruoff, and very unique musical performance by Jet Black Pearl.

Aaron Simon is the author of several books of poetry including Carrier, Periodical Days, and most recently Rain Check Poems. He studied poetry and philosophy at The New School in New York City, and his work has been featured in Like Musical Instruments: 83 Contemporary American Poets, and many other publications. He has lived between San Francisco and Brooklyn since 1999.

Lindsay Ruoff is a local poet who has graced many an audience with her beautiful delivery. She is the author and creator of the ebook MOOD RING and the very small chapbook MIRACLE ROMANCE. You can see a sampling of her creations at laruoff.tumblr.com.

Jet Black Pearl is a one of a kind accordionist. Originally from Amsterdam, she has been a graphic designer and and street musician in New York, moved to France where she played her accordion on over a thousand stages. She now lives here in Portland, where she will only add to the much treasured weirdness of our city. See what she’s all about at jetblackpearl.com