Burning Desires: An Afternoon of Love Poetry & Song

If poetry and jazz can dispel the chill of the season, this will be a dangerously hot afternoon. The Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art’s Valentine’s Day tradition, which has been burning since 1993, attracts lovers of poetry and anyone else who wants a little inspiration, or warmth, during this dreary, chilly month. Poets and musicians come together every year to celebrate love — comic, profound, eternally hopeful, tragic, lusty, neurotic and otherwise wild. This year’s fire is stoked by poets Toby Altman, Shelia Burks, Carlton Evans, Kim Griffin, Jay Artemis Hull, Tari Muniz, Jan Shoemaker, Ruelaine Stokes, Terry Terry and “a mysterious Dr. Mojo.” The hot jazz trio features Hank Horton, Jeff Kressler and Larry Ochletree, with Mike Eyia on vocals. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Parking is available on the street and in the large lot at the intersection of César E. Chávez Avenue and Turner Street.