On Monday, discussions about gentrification, politics, and post-K New Orleans will happen outside City Hall. The French Quarter's Crescent City Books monthly Black Widow Salon will host a pair of Tulane public intellectuals: historian and author of The Accidental City, Lawrence Powell, and geographer Richard Campanella who recently published "Gentrification and its Discontents."

Lit lovers and anyone on the hunt for new reads should head to tonight’s Black Widow Salon gathering. The monthly event takes place upstairs at Crescent City Books (230 Chartres) and usually invites one or two writers to read and answer questions. Tonight’s reading will offer poetry and prose from five writers with strong connections to South Louisiana.

Tonight, catch the third showing of Hedwig at the Allways, talk puppetry with Pandora Gastelum, or cheer on the Hornets at their home game. On this day in 1967, Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like It Is” made it to number one on the Billboard R&B Chart. Now, more Monday events.

There’s a wide variety of events going on today beginning with Carolyn Hembree’s poetry reading at Crescent City books. Stop by the shop to hear her latest material Skinny and have your copy signed. Later, gallery openings will take place throughout the city for Art for Art’s Sakes. Last but certainly not least The Wild Magnolias perform at the I club tonight led by Big Chief Bo Dollis and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux Seven years ago today New Orleanean singer and actress Linda Hopkins was officially honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

by Michael Allen Zell for Room 220

Bill Zavatsky is a New York poet who has had two of his own books published since 1975. Why so few?  He’s been busy running SUN press and magazine for fifteen years, translating Surrealist poets, teaching, and playing jazz piano. Zavatsky graciously took time to answer a few questions last week in advance of the next Black Widow Salon at Crescent City Books (230 Chartres St.), at which he will be the featured guest.