April 2, 2008

For Immediate Release
To: Associated Press
Re: Frank Messina, featured poet at Ron Whitehead's 2008 Insomniacathon
April 11, 12, 2008 at the Rudyard Kipling, 422 West Oak in Louisville, KY

Kentucky, Here I Come!

Ron Whitehead and Frank Messina in New York City. (photo: Jeremy Hogan)

I first met Ron Whitehead back in May, 1994 at the 24-Hour non-stop poetry and music Insomniacathon he produced at New York University's celebration of the Beat Generation. Who is this wildman, this renegade from Kentucky and what's he doing in my backyard in downtown New York City?

After a handshake and a few exchanged words, I soon realized that Ron Whitehead was for real. But what I didn't realize is that after fourteen years of touring, recording and sharing the stage with Ron, I would say that his passion for poetry, the arts and the power of the creative spirit makes him the most valuable advocate for poetry in the world.

Now, at my ripe age of forty, with requests from publishers, television networks, agents and journalists piled high on my desk, I've decided to unplug the phone, shut down my email and head to my favorite city in the south. Making my fifth appearance at the Rudyard Kipling, I'll hit the stage with my new spoken word pieces never shared with an audience before; dedications to baseball, Americana, crazy women and the road less travelled. I'll also break out some old time favorites and also be joined by secret, surprise guest musicians.

I am delighted to be returning to Louisville for Insomniacathon 2008! Hope to see you there.

Frank Messina

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