Ossining Stories: An Evening of Poetry and Music with Nikki Grimes and Kendall Buchanan

A rare opportunity to meet two of Ossining’s finest - in a collaboration of poetry and music.

A New York Times bestselling author, Nikki Grimes’ writing journey began in Ossining. Her brother, bassist Kendall Buchanan, was a key influence. Together, they will create a magical evening featuring poetry from Nikki’s memoir Ordinary Hazards and other books, with musical assist from Kendall. There might even be some reminiscing about Ossining’s golden years, and an opportunity to ask them questions!

This very special event is free to attend; books will be available for purchase and signing afterward.

Please let us know you’re coming, so we can plan accordingly.

P.S. Nikki will also be joining us in the morning for a guest Read Aloud featuring her newest picture book, A Cup of Quiet. More information here.

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About Nikki Grimes

New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes was inducted into the Black Authors Hall of Fame in 2023. Her honors include the CSK Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the ALAN Award for significant contributions to young adult literature, the Children’s Literature Legacy Medal, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.

Author of the Coretta Scott King Award-winner Bronx Masquerade, and five Coretta Scott King Author Honors, she won the Printz Honor and Sibert Honor for her memoir Ordinary Hazards. Her latest titles include Garvey’s Choice:The Graphic Novel, a School Library Journal 2023 Best Book; Lullaby for the King, one of Book Riot’s 25 Best Christmas Books of All Time; Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems; and A Walk in the Woods, recipient of 8 starred reviews, and 11 Best Book listings for 2023, including the New York Times, NPR, and Smithsonian Magazine.

Ms. Grimes lives in Corona, California.

About J. Kendall Buchanan

Following an early foray into broadcast radio, bassist Kendall Buchanan has built an impressive resume of musical performance at such venues as The Urban Arts Corp in New York City, Medgar Evers College, Avery Fisher hall, the JVC Jazz Festival, and The Ed Sullivan Theater. He has recorded with jazz legend Sonny Shamrock, and has toured the U.S. and Europe with his bass guitar. Kendall continues to perform in and around the Hudson Valley with his band Sundad.