Woodland Pattern Book Center – a Riverwest-based literary arts nonprofit – will celebrate its 38th anniversary with a gala event on Saturday, Nov. 17 at The Cooperage, 822 S. Water St.

The theme of the evening is "We Exist to Prove the Living Artist" and  features a rare sonic pairing of poetry and jazz. Award-winning poet and novelist Nathaniel Mackey and acclaimed contemporary jazz pianist Marilyn Crispell will collaborate for an improvisational set. 

Both artists have performed at Woodland Pattern in the past, but this marks only their second appearance in collaboration, and their first appearance together in the Midwest.

Milwaukee native and President of the Academy of American Poets Jen Benka will speak on the social importance of poetry in today’s life.

The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction. Programming starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the reception and program are $80 individual or $150 couple; $25 advance / $30 door for the program only. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling (414) 263-5001 or at Woodland Pattern, 720 E. Locust St.

Proceeds from the gala benefit Woodland Pattern’s many activities that support writers, artists and musicians from Milwaukee and beyond.

During the event, Woodland Pattern will honor members of the community who have made the organization’s work possible including Woodland Pattern Board Chair Karen Campbell, volunteer Jean Gurney and philanthropist Lynde Uihlein.