Weekend spotlights: Literary Death Match and Dessa

JAHNA PELOQUIN | Updated 8/17/2012

Dessa will lead a Nobel Peace Prize Forum discussion on "Ethics and Hip-Hop"

Literary Death Match

Introverted writers get a chance to take their musings, witticisms and bon mots to the proverbial soapbox with this nationally syndicated competition. Readers include Martin Kihn ("Bad Dog: A Love Story," Showtime's "House of Lies"), Sarah Stonich ("Shelter," "The Ice Chorus"), Coffee House Press rep Kao Kalia Yang, and Tristan Jimerson. Judges include filmmaker Emily Goldberg, Ian Rans of "Drinking With Ian" and Vita.mn's own Alexis McKinnis. Writers are typically a dry, salty bunch, so expect to chuckle into your beer -- if not a good knee-slapping -- at least a few times.

Dessa: 'Ethics and Hip-Hop'

This year's Nobel Peace Prize Forum -- three days of speakers including world leaders, business leaders, artists and other changemakers of international renown -- is being held at our own Augsburg College. But you don't have to be a scholar to attend "Ethics and Hip-Hop," a discussion led by Doomtree's Dessa on issues facing hip-hop artists today. The eloquent rapper, singer and writer will discuss censorship, social and moral obligations to the audience, and regressive attitudes toward homosexuality and women. The talk will be followed by an interview and a short set by Dessa and her band.