Matthew Parsons
March 16, 2024 | 3 pm @ Johnson City Public Library
Johnson City Public Library hostsa poetry reading with Matthew Parsons, an eastern Kentucky-based writer and musician, on Saturday, March 16 at 3 p.m. in the library’s Jones Meeting Center.
Parsons reads selections from his debut collection of poetry, “Mountain Roosters,” and play original songs. “Mountain Roosters” was published by Pine Row Press in January 2024, and will be for sale at the library’s event.
The poet, singer-songwriter and farmer has spent his life in Appalachia. He grew up in Southern West Virginia and East Tennessee, and lives with his wife and kids in the farming community of Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Parsons’ new book delves into themes of masculinity, societal expectations and cultural identity in modern rural Appalachia. He explores these topics through the lens of his own evolving relationships with men who have been influential in his life, including his father and stepfather.
Award-winning author and fellow Kentuckian Silas House praised “Mountain Roosters,” writing, “There is so much music within the pages of this debut collection...The book also contains wordplay, wit, history and deep insights into Appalachian culture...It is rare for such a young writer to possess so much wisdom but it shows up throughout ‘Mountain Roosters.’”
Parsons’ poetry has been featured in print and online journals such as Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Rattle and Still: the Journal. He is also a professional musician and songwriter who has toured domestically and internationally.
Parsons can be found on Facebook at @mattsidneyparsons and on Instagram at @miraclematts. Call Jonathan Burchett at 423-434-4356 for more details about Parsons’ library talk.
Visitjcpl.org, call 423-434-4450 or drop by 100 W. Millard St. to use the library. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates.
Category: Literature