Officials with the Ozarks Heritage Research Center (OHRC) at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will host a special presentation, “Listen to Poetry, Song Lyrics and Contemporary Songs,” featuring poet and screenwriter Dave Malone at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St., in West Plains.

Malone’s multimedia presentation will feature short verse poems and song lyrics he has written, along with audio recordings of his lyrics set to music by Minneapolis-based musicians. Attendees will explore a unique form of verse poetry, hear song lyrics, and listen to recorded songs.

More about Malone

Inspired by a writing challenge from Press 53, a literary press based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Malone’s poetry often draws from everyday objects and nature, including postage stamp quilts, scarecrows and barn swallows. His work also ventures into the world of art, referencing figures such as Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol and Klaus Nomi.

For the past two years, Malone has participated in a singer/songwriter challenge group on Facebook, crafting lyrics for multiple songs. He will share the lyrics for “No Imitation,” “Sweet as Clementine” and “Clark Gable If You’re Able,” as well as play audio recordings of his lyrics turned into songs, including “Down” by Matthew French, “Evangeline” by Doyle Turner and “Let’s Let This Never End” by Sarah Morris.

A former instructor at MSU-WP, Malone taught composition and film courses. He holds degrees from Ottawa University and Indiana State and has authored several poetry collections, including Bypass (Aldrich Press, 2023). His work has been featured on NPR and in journals such as Midwest Review, San Pedro River Review, The Cape Rock, and Elder Mountain: A Journal of Ozark Studies.

The event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the event, contact Rebekah McKinney at 417-255-7949 or RebekahMcKinney@MissouriState.edu.