NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College English professor David Swerdlow has released a new poetry collection, “Empty the River,” which explores societal collapse in a fictional city ravaged by illness. 

In Swerdlow’s fifth publication he shares the tales of survivors living in a fictional riverside city that has been overrun with disease and death. “Empty the River” joins the apocalyptic literature genre that challenges the nightmares of past and present to create the dream of a better future. The stories are told by the citizens who remain and their tales of what they experienced and how they coped. 

The project originated during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, when Swerdlow encountered images of Hart Island, a New York City burial ground historically reserved for unidentified or indigent individuals. During the pandemic, the island was used for mass burials as deaths surged. 

“New York City was sending up to 100 bodies a week to the island for burials in mass graves,” Swerdlow said. “I was so moved by this situation and this image that I began to imagine a fictional city on a river besieged by infection. I imagined its citizens and their stories, and over time their stories emerged as poems in the voices of many.” 

“Empty the River” was published by Broadstone books and is Swerdlow’s fourth collection of poetry. His latest work has been nominated for an Ohioana Book Award, and one of the poems has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, which recognizes outstanding literary work published by small presses. 

Paczki, Polka and Piwo at Kravitz Deli

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio – PolishYoungstown will present its annual Paczki, Polka and Piwo event at Kravitz Deli, 3135 Belmont Ave., from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.

It’s a traditional Polish way to celebrate the final day before the start of Lent, the season in the Catholic church calendar in which practitioners practice fasting.

Paczki are the rich filled doughnuts that are a seasonal staple of Poland. Piwo means draft beer.

The event will include live music all day and the sale of Polish beer, paczki, the Paczki Slider (a grilled kielbasa sandwich on donut), vodka specials and other food.

A Polish happy hour will take place from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. featuring music by Polonia.

The paczki will come in three flavors: rosehip jam, homemade custard and apricot. The PYTown paczek will also be sold, mixing rosehip jam and custard.

The donuts are $3.50 per paczek, or $19 for six. Preorders are not being accepted.

Funny Farm Finds New Location

WARREN, Ohio – Funny Farm Comedy Club has relocated to Cafe 422, 4422 Youngstown Road SE.

Lou Santini will perform at the club at 8 p.m. Friday and at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday.

For tickets, go to FunnyFarmComedyClub.com or call 330 759 4242.

Country Singer Ian Munsick Coming to Packard

WARREN, Ohio – Country music singer-songwriter Ian Munsick will come to Packard Music Hall on April 17.

Tickets will go on sale Friday at Ticketmaster.com.

Mark Farner Coming to Robins Theatre

WARREN, Ohio – Mark Farner, founding member, lead singer and guitarist of Grand Funk Railroad, will return to the Mahoning Valley on June 20 for a concert at Robins Theatre.

Tickets will go on sale Friday at RobinsTheatre.com and the theater box office, 160 E. Market St.

 Auditions for ‘Urinetown’ at Playhouse

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Auditions for the Youngstown Playhouse’s production of “Urinetown” will take place from 6-9 p.m. March 5 and 6 at the theater. Callbacks will be March 7.

Director Nate Beagle is seeking strong comedic actors, singers and dancers age 18 and older. Experience in improvisation, stand-up comedy, drag performance, performance art, playing a musical instrument or any special performance skills are a plus but not required. Performers attending the auditions should prepare a short comedic monologue of their choice and 32 bars (one minute) of a contemporary musical theater song or something in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided; auditioners can also use karaoke tracks with no voices. 

For a full character breakdown and to sign up for an audition slot, click HERE. The role of Penelope Pennywise has been cast; all other roles are open. Rehearsals will begin March 29.

Dance Performance at Westminster

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster College Dance Theatre invites the campus community and the public to step back into the glittering world of 1970s disco with its annual Spring Showcase, “Dance Theatre Gets Down Tonight.” 

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, and 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in Orr Auditorium on the college’s campus.

Inspired by the iconic disco era, this year’s showcase will feature 25 dance numbers choreographed by 14 student choreographers. The show opens with a six-minute mashup of classic 1970s disco hits.

Dance Theatre, in its 48th year, is a student organization open to student dancers of all skill levels. 

This event is open to the public. Tickets are $3 for Westminster College students, $5 for Westminster College faculty and staff and $10 for the general public. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Pictured at top: David Swerdlow, professor and poet.