A voice of the American civil rights movement; a central figure in Black gay literary history; a self-confessed maverick – James Baldwin was one of the towering figures of 20th century American literature. In a night of live jazz and conversation, Cheltenham’s expert panel transport you to Baldwin’s America to explore his extraordinary legacy and influence on a generation of young creatives, and his deep connections to Black music. The event is hosted by acclaimed author and longtime Baldwin admirer Colm Tóibín, critic James Campbell, whose friendship with Baldwin is detailed in his biography Talking at the Gates and author of the blistering debut novel The Prophets Robert Jones Jr. – who cites Baldwin as his spiritual Godfather – on live link from New York.

Fri 15 Oct 9:30pm – 11:00pm

Cheltenham Town Hall, Pillar Room

£12 *plus booking fee

N.b. This event goes on sale to members on Fri 03 Sep at 10:00am.
Public booking opens on Fri 10 Sep at 10:00am.