Pittsburgh’s own award-winning entertainer and writer Billy Porter launches the inaugural Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books May 14 in East Liberty.
Porter is among more than 30 authors and poets presenting a daylong series of readings and discussions at six venues in East Liberty sponsored by KDKA-TV. The festival opens at 10 a.m. and closes with a program of jazz honoring Mary Lou Williams and Lena Horne, legendary entertainers with Pittsburgh ties.
Porter will discuss his 2021 memoir, Unprotected, at noon in the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and sign copies of the book Amazon called his book a “powerful and revealing autobiography about race, sexuality, art and healing.”
Published by Abrams Press, Porter’s book is ‘the life story of a singular artist and survivor in his own words. Before he was an acclaimed artist, Porter was a young boy who didn’t fit in. Endlessly bullied, he came of age in a world where simply being himself was a constant struggle. As a young man, Porter’s unbreakable determination led him through countless hard times.
Also appearing are:
Historian Nathaniel Philbrick, graduate of Allderdice High School, whose latest book, “Travels with George,” chronicles the early years of George Washington’s presidency.
Poets Toi Derricotte, former University of Pittsburgh professor and winner of the Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime achievement in poetry among her many awards and Lynn Emanuel, also an award-winner and retired Pitt professor.
Novelists Jennifer Haigh, Cambria County native, whose latest novel, “Mercy Street,” was praised by Richard Russo in the New York Times; Kathleen George, author of “The Blues Walked In,” a fictional account of entertainer Lena Horne; and Pittsburgher Stewart O’Nan whose 18th novel, “Ocean State,” was published in March. He’ll appear with fellow Pittsburgh novelists Clare Beams and Tom Sweterlitsch
Maxwell King, biographer of Fred Rogers and painter John Kane, and Katie Booth, biographer of Alexander Graham Bell.
Environmental writers Eliza Griswold (“Amity and Prosperity”) and Kris Maher (“Desperate.”), books about problems in Appalachia.
Jonah Winter and Jonathan Auxier are among 12 writers of books for young readers [ed: including Littsburgh’s Nick Courage, if you want to come say “hi!”], part of a daylong series of programs for children featuring storytelling, artwork and puppet shows.
Festival fact sheet
What: All-day free programming to celebrate the region’s literary tradition with featuring authors, writers, poets, children’s story times, book sales, author signings and music.
Where: East Liberty: Bakery Square, Carnegie Library, duolingo, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater and the Maverick Hotel.
When: May 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Registration begins April 1 at www.pittsburghbookfest.org
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