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Recently, I caught up with Christopher Reilley about his new book of poetry Pour Decisions. Reilley writes: “Whether you come for the poems, the drinks, or the stories, this is a celebration of bars as civic spaces and bartenders as witnesses to contemporary life.” I think I will hoist one for this fine collection.

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Keith Tornheim, a biochemistry professor at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, has six recent books, The Sacrifice of Isaac; I Am Lilith, Dancer on the Wind; Spirit Boat: Poems of Crossing Over; Can You Say Kaddish for the Living?; Fireflies; Spoiled Fruit: Adam and Eve in Eden and Beyond. His poems have appeared in Ibbetson Street, The Somerville Times, Boston Literary Magazine, Muddy River Poetry Review and Poetica.

Idle Hands Collective is partnering with Partridge Haus, a queer art, design, and culture collaborative known for transforming traditional spaces into nightclub-museum hybrids, to present HAUS PARTY 003 on Friday, May 15, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Somerville Museum.

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‘Slice of the City’ events are early evening, drop-in style meetups at green spaces in each of Somerville’s wards. The mayor, City Council, and city staff will be present to mingle with residents. Join us to celebrate Somerville’s open spaces, engage with the city outside of formal meetings, and, of course, enjoy some pizza.

PorchFest got me doing things I never expected, including performing The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” this year with the LBK crew at Whitfield. Huge thanks to Emily and Brian for hosting us, and appreciation to the whole band crew for the energy, patience, and good vibes. PorchFest is one of the best reminders of what makes Somerville special, neighbors, music, chaos, community, and a little courage to get on stage.

— Will Mbah, Somerville City Councilor At Large

Celebrate Somerville’s community and honor Haitian Flag Day by joining a Haitian Flag raising ceremony on May 18. Hosted by the City of Somerville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA), in partnership with the Haitian Service Providers Coalition (HSPC), all are invited to attend. The event celebrates Somerville’s Haitian community and honors the history and enduring spirit of Haiti. Attendees will hear from Mayor Jake Wilson and SOIA and HSPC staff.

This year’s PorchFest takes place on Saturday, May 9, throughout the city.

Hear great tunes right in your neighborhood. Community members are invited to Somerville’s PorchFest on Saturday, May 9, an annual event that transforms porches and stoops across the city into mini-stages for a day of free, live musical performances. Hundreds of bands at more than 500 locations will be performing music ranging from indie, punk, and hip hop to Latin, jazz, country, and world music. Travel across the city or stay in your area to connect with neighbors (it is the Year of the Neighbor in Somerville after all).