Kamiiso Whispering Prairie Press is excited to partner with Prospero’s Parkside Books for a unique reading Tuesday, July 16th from 7-8 pm.Janet Sunderland’s father was a farmer and an elder in the church; Jesse Barnes’ father was a minister. These backgrounds gave both artists a lasting foundation of faith and family.
Janet Sunderland will read from her recently released book of poems, “At the Boundary,” and Jesse Barnes will perform the music that was integral to both their childhoods.
Janet Sunderland grew up on a farm in Kansas and drifted like a cottonseed throughout the USA, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, before moving to Kansas City with her husband, Cliff Kroski. She holds a BFA from Kansas State University, an MA from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, and an M.Div from Sophia Divinity School. Her work has appeared in a variety of venues. She’s a member of The Kansas City Writers Group and sits on the executive board of Whispering Prairie Press. She’s also a professional actress, a member of SAG, and an adjunct professor at MCCKC. Her chapbook, At the Boundary, was released by Finishing Line Press in May of 2013. http://janetsunderland.
Jesse Barnes has spent the majority of his adult life involved with non-profit organizations and museums. A native of Wichita, Kansas, he is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and holds an MA from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Currently, he’s the Executive Director of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum. As a former museum curator and library media specialist, Jesse has been a consultant, keynote speaker, and lecturer for many venues. He is also a writer and collaborated with his sister, Prisca Nicole Barnes on the children’s book The Magic Tooth. A trained vocalist he enjoys singing during his spare time. He is married to Mary Barnes.
We hope to see you at 208B N Highway 7, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Prospero’s Parkside is a great local book store featuring local talent and supporting our Arts community. They have a great selection of books for sale. Kansas City Voices and At the Boundary will be available for purchase as well.