This broadcast features the exhibition "Pressing Poetry: From Broadsides to Book Arts" on view at the Janet Turner Print Museum at Chico State (through March 14, 2026) with special guest Bob Blesse, former director of Black Rock Press. The playlist is inspired by broadside ballads, the historical roots of contemporary poetry broadsides.
Historical broadside ballads (for reference):
A New Mad TOM of Bedlam, / OR, / The man in the Moon drinks Claret. Mid 17th century. The tune is Grayes Inne Mask. University of Glasgow Library
A Lamentable Ballad of Little Musgrove, and the Lady Barnet, circa early 18th century. British Library
Installation shots of "Pressing Poetry":
