I have two spectacular (and very different) events to kick off the year (since January was something of a write-off for many of us)…

Lady Marlene presents My Vicious Valentine

Shake off the sugar of the the Saint’s day itself with some vicious, vermicious Valentine’s venom at in West End on Feb 17. I’ll be performing some vile love poems — and even, perhaps, brandishing my singing voice — with the Ragtag Band and Lady Marlene’s bevy of burlesque belles. Consider it my cabaret debut. Bookings are essential — dine in or nab a seat at the bar. The Loft, Feb 17, 6.30pm.

Riverbend Poetry Series 1

On the deck at my favourite Brisbane bookshop, I’m very fortunate to be able to read alongside Anthony Lawrence and Vanessa Page. Julie Beveridge, Carmen Leigh Keates, Chris Lynch and Cindy Keong will also launch their Choose Your Own Poetry Adventure amplified e-book. I’ll be previewing poems from the manuscript I completed recently at Varuna, in the Blue Mountains. Bookings are essential. Riverbend Books, Feb. 19.