In association with Sound Advice Records
Music is a strong thread that runs through the life of the poet Gerald Dawe and was an integral part of his early inspiration. In this fascinating and insightful conversation with songwriter Anthony Toner, the celebrated poet and essayist will discuss the music and influences that forged his awakening as a poet, and his life as a writer. Dawe has recently attracted strong reviews for Looking Through You, the concluding instalment in his acclaimed Northern Chronicles trilogy. The book serves as a lyrical record of his early musical, literary and artistic influences – from The Beatles to Sylvia Plath. Along the way, he and Anthony will also discuss one of the earliest influences on Dawe’s development as a poet, the late Stewart Parker, the revered playwright who also wrote wonderfully on rock music for The Irish Times (collected by Dawe and Maria Johnston in the spirited collection High Pop). The conversation should last about 40 minutes, with time for some questions at the end, and the event will start – and close – with a specially compiled playlist, during which audience members will have a chance to meet the author.