Tag: Colorado Springs literary events

Nearby Universe Poets to Read at the Historic Satellite Hotel

Brook Bhagat

I’m thrilled to share that the first event for my new book will be with three poets from my writers’ group, The Nearby Universe, on Friday, December 4. We’ll be reading in the VIP room at the historic Satellite Hotel, alongside longtime member M.R. Hyde‘s art show opening at the Satellite Gallery. Poets will read from 5- 6 p.m., with book signing to follow; the gallery opening will run until 8. Refreshments will be served.

I’ll read from my brand-new collection of poetry and short stories, Exodus with Red Delicious, to be released just three days before from Unsolicited Press. M.R. Hyde‘s new books are The Reluctant Poet and A Prayer From the Driven: Poems by a Christian.

Amie Sharp will read from her latest collection, Formations of the West, from Main Street Rag Press, and Amber Ridenour Walker will read from her new chapbook, Suburban Gothic, from Bottlecap Press.

Located at 411 Lakewood Circle near South Academy Boulevard and Airport Road in Colorado Springs, the Satellite Hotel has been a mid-century modern landmark since 1969. I’m a Colorado Springs native, and I’ve seen this groovy building since I was a kid. Come to find out it’s even cooler on the inside, with thriving businesses and funky Jetsons-style vibes everywhere. And we’re going to be in the VIP room!

The Nearby Universe is the creative writers’ group for Pikes Peak State College faculty and staff, founded nine years ago by yours truly. We hold monthly workshops and at least one write-in annually. I am forever grateful to them for their support, honest feedback, and friendship, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the release of Exodus with Red Delicious. Hope to see you there!

Brook Bhagat
Brook Bhagat
M.R. Hyde
M.R. Hyde
The Reluctant Poet by M. R. Hyde
Exodus with Red Delicious by Brook Bhagat
Suburban Gothic by Amber Ridenour Walker
Formations of the West by Amie Sharp
Amber Ridenour Walker
Amber Ridenour Walker
Amie Sharp
Amie Sharp

Queer Lit Night is On at Pikes Peak State College

Brook Bhagat

I’m happy to share that Queer Lit Night has been rescheduled for Wed, Nov 12 from 5-7 pm at the Pikes Peak State College Downtown Learning Commons, 100 W. Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs. The evening will feature readings and performances from two amazing queer writers, Poet Laureate Ashley Cornelius and Nico Wilkinson. I’m the host/organizer/MC, and I’ll read my work as well.

Next, we’ll open up the mic to all LGBTQIA+ voices from PPSC and the larger Colorado Springs community (3-5 min. each- sign up at 4:45 pm). Book signings & sales to follow- meet the authors and learn about student clubs. This event is free and open to the public.

The purpose of Queer Lit Night is to celebrate the creativity and joy of the queer community at PPSC and beyond, and give these voices a platform. Art in all its forms serves to crystallize emotions: when we listen to music or poetry or stories, it becomes easier to laugh, to cry, to hope or rage or dance. Art helps us feel, and it reminds us that we all feel the same things, that we are not alone. 

LGBTQIA+ folks, especially young people, suffer higher rates of abuse, addiction, suicide, and hate crimes. Self-expression through visual art, music, writing, theatre, etc. is a kind of magic—it makes us feel alive and helps bring meaning to life. Sharing that art brings the magic to another level and creates community. Seeing queer role models like Ashley Cornelius, Nico Wilkinson, and faculty members sharing their work can be inspirational, showing ways to thrive in a world that does not always welcome us.

Students can share on the mic or just listen and make connections at this event. Ashley and Nico each run local organizations—Poetry 719 and Keep Colorado Springs Queer, respectively—that hold events and gatherings that encourage self-expression. There will be tables where students can learn about PPSC clubs like Spectrum and Queer Empowerment as well. All these organizations provide ways to deepen and maintain connection and community.

Violence is always a failure; it means people have failed to see each other’s humanity. The killing of Charlie Kirk was one such failure. In the wake of this tragedy, which happened just two weeks before Queer Lit Night was planned in September, our event was postponed, like other local and national events, out of an abundance of caution.

Conversely, rescheduling Queer Lit Night feels like a small triumph. It is a sign that we are once again on the path of finding common ground, recognizing and celebrating the light in each of us, the building blocks of making this world a better place.