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April 24-26, 2026

Word of South

Andrew Epstein

Andrew Epstein

Andrew Epstein is the Caldwell Professor and the Chair of the English Department at Florida State University. He is the author of three books — The Cambridge Introduction to American Poetry Since 1945; Attention Equals Life: The Pursuit of the Everyday in Contemporary Poetry and Culture; and Beautiful Enemies: Friendship and Postwar American Poetry – […]

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Mandy Stringer

Dr. Amanda (Mandy) Stringer has been CEO of the TSO since 2010. Under her leadership the TSO has greatly expanded its reach into the Tallahassee Community, and has achieved budget growth of 233% through increased annual fund donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Mandy is active in the industry’s national association—the League of American Orchestras (LAO)—and […]

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Pat MacEnulty

Pat MacEnulty is the author of a historical novel series, crime novels, memoirs, a short story collection, children’s plays, and most recently, the historical coming-of-age novel, Cinnamon Girl (Livingston Press, Sept. 2023). She has a Ph.D. in English from the Florida State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida, where she […]

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Amythyst Kiah

Amythyst Kiah

On her new album Still + Bright, Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah explores the vast expanse of her inner world: her deep-rooted affinity for Eastern philosophies and spiritual traditions, a near-mystical connection with the natural environment, the life lessons learned in her formative years as a self-described “anime-nerd mall goth,” and much more. Produced by Butch […]

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Kaleb Thompkins

Kaleb Thompkins

Kaleb Thompkins is an emerging bassist from Tallahassee, Florida, whose musical journeybegan in his family’s church. His musical DNA is a fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, gospel, and hip-hop—each influenced by legends like B.B. King, James Brown, Donny Hathaway, Christian McBride, and Marvin Gaye. Currently pursuing a graduate degree in Jazz Performance at Florida State […]

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Mark Hinson

Columnist Mark Hinson, who is a fifth generation North Floridian, has written for the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com, both part of the USA Today Network, for more than 25 years. He has covered the arts and entertainment scene in the Capital City for the same amount of time. Over his long career, Hinson has interviewed […]

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