Friends of the Shepherdstown Library will hold its 12th annual “Left of the Bank” Magical Evening of Poetry and Music on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the intimate setting of Casa Carlos e Isabel at 202 South Princess Street, Shepherdstown, next to the Jefferson Security Bank.

This popular cultural event celebrates poetry and this area’s fertile poetry scene. This year’s “A” List showcases the beautiful music of Laura First and Don Oehser, and the following incredible poets whose work run the gamut of contemporary poetry: Tucker Riggleman, a Shepherd alumnus, Appalachian writer, and a founder of Big Bullet Records; Steve Altman, FOSL board member and novelist in sonnets; Hope Snyder, Poet Laureate of Shepherdstown and founder of Somondoco Press; Heidi Hanrahan (reading from Emily Dickinson), associate professor at Shepherd; Katie Quinnelly, Shepherd senior creative writing major; and Ed Zahniser, co-founder and poetry editor, Shepherdstown’s Good News Paper.

On commenting on why she supports Left of the Bank, Associate Producing Director of the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) Peggy McKowen said, “One year I actually read some work some slam poetry and play text from Sam Shepard’s work. It was so wonderful to share another side or an artist’s work with a group of people that appreciated the skill required to journey between writing poetry and writing plays.

“It is truly an impressive event and community a literate bunch that treasures the artistry of the written word. I give credit in part to the Library for engaging our community and creating value for the importance and beauty of storytelling and words.”

Guests will enjoy tantalizing appetizers and delectable desserts, with a fine beer and wine selection or soft drinks. Doors open for refreshments at 7 p.m., and the two-hour program starts at 7:30. All proceeds fund programs and materials for the Shepherdstown Public Library.

“Left of the Bank is like Harry Truman,” Master of Ceremonies Ed Zahniser says. “We got our start in a clothing store on German Street. Now we hold forth in Shepherdstown’s former school bus garage with its purple roof on Princess Street. I missed one year for a funeral. Don Oehser missed one year for a wedding. FOSL demanded written excuses.”

Lex Miller, a long-time supporter of the event, added, “We are blessed with many magical experiences in Shepherdstown. Among them are The Rumsey Radio Hour and Left of the Bank. Each displays the talents of our friends and neighbors and supports our very special local library. And, thankfully, unlike the magic of Brigadoon, you don’t have to wait a 100 years for their return, nor wear a kilt to enjoy them.”

Tickets are $35, and this event is limited to 90 attendees, so hurry to Shepherdstown Library to get one now! If there are any tickets left on the night of the event, they will be available at the door of 202 South Princess Street. Free parking will be available that evening next door at the Jefferson Security Bank.