Blue Stoop, a nonprofit organization and home to Philly literary community started by two West Philly writers, is holding its virtual winter fundraiser “Words of Revolution; Words of Solace” on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 7-9 p.m. Join Blue Stoop to hear readings from 10 of the most exciting voices writing in and around Philadelphia today: Brittney Cooper, Myriam Gurba, Anne Ishii, Airea Matthews, Trapeta Mayson, Kiley Reid, Nikil Saval, Eric Smith, Amber Sparks, and Elissa Washuta.

This is not another typical Zoom event – in fact, this will be an innovative video program produced by award winning Philadelphia cinematographer Aly Spengler. 

“This year alone, we have witnessed an extraordinary change in how we witness arts and culture,” writes Blue Stoop co-founder and director Emma Eisenberg. “From packed bookstores and literary engagements to streamed lectures and readings through YouTube and Zoom, how we experience creative works, ideas and thought has shifted greatly into a new realm–that often feels both even more expansive and isolating.”

“Blue Stoop strongly believes this is a time when we need both Revolution and Solace–and featured writers at our fundraiser will perform words written by their heroes relevant to these ideas. Our featured readers are international stars and local Philadelphia heroes who have been nominated for the Booker Prize, started national conversations on diversity and inclusion in publishing, won public office in Pennsylvania, served as Poet Laureate of Philadelphia, celebrated gay erotic manga and much more.”

Tickets for this event are $20-$100 sliding scale and can be purchased here. Blue Stoop is also partnering with local Philadelphia bookstore Head & the Hand Books to stock all of their readers’ books on site at Cherry Street Pier as well as online for purchase. Please visit www.theheadandthehand.com for more information.

For more information about Blue Stoop, please visit their website.