A free public event featuring poetry readings and musical performances will introduce something “new and different” to Windsor, says philosophy and English student Alexei Ungurenasu.

The city’s youth poet laureate and chair of planning for the BookFest Windsor literary festival, Ungurenasu is the organizer of BookFest Equinox, an outdoor live show in Lanspeary Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 22.

The lineup includes several talents with ties to the University, including:

• Kate Hargreaves (BA 2010, MA 2012), author of Leak, Jammer Star, and Talking Derby;
• Nick Hildenbrand (BA 2018, MA 2021) and Jovan Stefanov (BA 2019), who recently launched their collaborative collection titled The Marshwood Songs;
• music student Madeline Doornaert; and
• songwriter Ruby Mckinnon (BFA 2021), who performs under the name Flower Face.

Ungurenasu is grateful for the opportunity to lead BookFest’s activities this year.

“It’s a very important time for Windsor’s literary community as we’re starting to have in-person events again, and we want BookFest Equinox to mark this return to live poetry and music shows. The Literary Arts Windsor team and I have been doing our best to put together a safe and engaging event that can showcase Windsor’s literary and musical talent and give people a small taste of the festival that we are planning for October.”

Vendors will be on hand selling food as well as works by the featured artists. Organizers encourage attendees to dress for the weather and bring seating if they so desire.