Presented by Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa Office of Performing Arts & Engagement, and The Englert Theatre

Two exceptional and boundary-breaking artists come together in a conversation for University of Iowa students.

Nabil Ayers is a music industry executive, writer, and musician as well as CEO of Beggars Group USA, one of the preeminent global music labels, which has elevated countless independent artists into the larger contemporary music conversation. He has been a drummer in several bands and is the son of jazz-funk luminary Roy Ayers. Nabil will read from his just released debut book My Life in the Sunshine: Searching for My Father and Discovering My Family.

James Spooner is a revered tattoo artist who just released The High Desert, a new coming-of-age graphic memoir. He directed the groundbreaking documentary Afro-Punk in 2003 which explored the experiences and tensions of Black Americans in punk/alternative scenes. Among numerous subjects, the film focused on the late singer/musician Matt Davis who was a member of the Iowa City band Ten Grand.

The conversation will be moderated by André Perry. Perry is a graduate of the University of Iowa’s MFA Nonfiction Writing Program and the author of Some of Us Are Very Hungry Now.