Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Session 4.11 The Environment and Literature
Presentation #1 Title
Mountain Poets Jim Webb & Bob Henry Baber, an Introduction and Reading
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Scott Goebel, (also Convener) will offer a contextualized introduction of Baber & Webb, focusing on their collaborative efforts and their place in the Appalachian Renaissance. Baber & Webb were key figures in the publication of Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Strokes, MUCKED, Old Wounds, New Words, The Soupbean Anthology, and other important works. With the publication of Get In, Jesus (Wind 2013), the important poetry of activist, poet and playwright, Jim Webb is reaching a broader audience and will read from this work. Jerry Williamson wrote: [Jim Webb] knows an Appalachian Stepinfetchit when he sees one….[He] writes some of the most sardonic and arresting lyrics that can be found in the Appalachian renaissance.” Baber, a member of the Soupbean Collective (Antioch Appalachia) and an important voice the Appalachian Renaissance, will read his poetry and from his novel, Pure Orange Sunshine. Both writers will read in tandem from their seminal collaborations Strokes and MUCKED. Twenty minutes will be reserved for audience discussion.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Scott Goebel is a founding member of the Bad Branch Institute, an active member of the Southern Appalachian Writers Cooperative, and former editor of Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel and Red Crow. He recently edited Jim Webb's Get In, Jesus--New and Selected Poems (2013 Wind Publications).
Presentation #2 Title
A Contextual Introduction to Mountain Writers Bob Henry Baber & Jim Webb
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Jim Webb has been an instrumental member of the Southern Appalachian Writers Cooperative since 1974 and his work has appeared widely in the region’s literary journals. Considered by many to be the most iconic Appalachian poem of our time, Webb’s poem “Get In, Jesus” adorns hundreds of T-shirts and his book Get In, Jesus--New and Selected Poems was recently published by Wind Publications.
Presentation #3 Title
Jim Webb Poetry Reading
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Bob Henry Baber is a Kellogg Fellow, a 2007 recipient of the Hero Award of the National Wilderness Society, co-editor of Heroes Among Us, a book on West Virginia Vets, and an accomplished Appalachian poet and artist.
Presentation #4 Title
Bob Henry Baber Poetry Reading
Mountain Poets Jim Webb & Bob Henry Baber, an Introduction and Reading
Harris Hall 303
Scott Goebel, (also Convener) will offer a contextualized introduction of Baber & Webb, focusing on their collaborative efforts and their place in the Appalachian Renaissance. Baber & Webb were key figures in the publication of Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Strokes, MUCKED, Old Wounds, New Words, The Soupbean Anthology, and other important works. With the publication of Get In, Jesus (Wind 2013), the important poetry of activist, poet and playwright, Jim Webb is reaching a broader audience and will read from this work. Jerry Williamson wrote: [Jim Webb] knows an Appalachian Stepinfetchit when he sees one….[He] writes some of the most sardonic and arresting lyrics that can be found in the Appalachian renaissance.” Baber, a member of the Soupbean Collective (Antioch Appalachia) and an important voice the Appalachian Renaissance, will read his poetry and from his novel, Pure Orange Sunshine. Both writers will read in tandem from their seminal collaborations Strokes and MUCKED. Twenty minutes will be reserved for audience discussion.
