SAD to hear that Brisbane poet and performer and winner of the 2013 Thomas Shapcott Prize, David Stavanger, has been forced to cancel his ACT/Sydney tour for health reasons.

Stavanger, perhaps even better known as performance poet ‘Ghostboy’, was to have launched his latest book, “The Special” (UQP), a poetic memoir of surreal poems/flash fiction which was released in August to strong reviews. He tells “Citynews” he hopes to be here next year.

Of course the show, a poetry night, must go on, so There will still be readings by local poets Andrew Galan, Ellie Malbon, and Paul Magee, spoken word by former Australian Poetry Champion Chris Huet (C.J. Bowerbird), sonic musical sets by Fossil Rabbit (ACT) and The Viola Cloning Project (QLD). The night’s MC is Joel Barcham.

Poetry and music, at Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Alinga St Civic, 7pm for 730pm start, this Friday, October 17, $5 at the door.