Episode 91 - Poet Kavon Cortez-Jones

Kavon Cortez-Jones loves Milwaukee. The poet and lifelong
resident calls the city the "Paris of the Midwest" in his new
book, Club Noir. Cortez-Jones' debut release is bursting with
references to local landmarks, area musicians, and beloved
regional institutions. The majority of the book—which features
works written between the ages of 18 and 21—comes from a place of
love and appreciation, but through acknowledging some of the
difficulties faced while growing up on Milwaukee's north side,
some poems also indirectly shed a light on the city's issues with
segregation.


Host Tyler Maas caught up with the up-and-coming Milwaukee poet
at Riverwest Public House. Cortez-Jones talked about his
introduction to this often-overlooked art form, the upbringing
and experiences that inform his work, and why he holds Milwaukee
in such high regard. Oh, and they talk about Cheetos for a while,
too.