L-Vis Live! At Victory Gardens

By Maggie Hellwig in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 22, 2012 6:00PM

After the bell rang and Chicago's Louder Than A Bomb slam poetry festival was let out to recess for another year, Kevin Coval picked up his mic and went to rehearsal. As one of the founders of LTAB, a huge advocate for spreading the festival nationally, and a successful poet himself, Coval is one of Chicago's favorite non-stop showmen. From March 27-April 14, Victory Gardens is releasing Coval's one man expo: L-Vis LIVE! based on his new collection of poetry.

Coval's poetry has often been political in nature, playful in banter, and agilely humorous. Last September, Haymarket Books released Kevin's fourth book of poetry: L-Vis Lives!: Racemusic Poems. The book is a tour through history, highlighting on the use of music originally written by black individuals for the adoration of white pop culture. The poems leave the reader with a somber mind, an ironically light heart, and a benign inkling of embarrassment for not noticing the things that Coval acknowledges; for not being as alert or cultured in our observations.

We're excited, and needless to say curious, about the performance. Here's a taste of the book and perhaps what we can expect to see. However, as is often the case with Mr. Coval, there will always be an element of surprise.

(Note for you office workers--you might want to slip on those headphones.)