We’re excited to welcome Bianca Stone, Vermont’s current poet laureate, along with Joe Hall of Buffalo for the next installment of Readings at Snowfort. Both poets bring considerable publication histories and have recently put out compelling new books: The Near and Distant World from Bianca, and Buffalo Free Rapid Transit from Joe.
Along with her own original writing, Bianca has edited The Essential Ruth Stone, collaborated with illustrations for books by Anne Carson and Gertrude Stein, and her work with the Ruth Stone House—hosting awesome printing events like Beer and Broadsides, as well as retreats and classes—continues to make a major contribution to contemporary literary culture. Something like 15 years ago I was on a panel with Bianca at the CUNY Chapbook Festival. Joe studied with Lucille Clifton. His books, published with Black Ocean, are as striking on the stage as they are on the page. We published one of his chapbooks years ago, making this return especially meaningful. He remains one of the most distinctive readers we’ve encountered—intense, precise, and deeply affecting, with a presence that lingers well after the event ends. It’s a genuine honor to host them both here at Snowfort.
Together, Joe and Bianca represent two vital currents in contemporary poetry: rigorous, incisive, and imaginative. This event reflects Snowfort’s ongoing commitment to presenting writers of real consequence in an intimate setting. It will feel like music settling onto a room.
BIANCA STONE is a Vermont-based poet and scholar currently serving as Vermont’s poet laureate. Stone is the author of many books, including the poetry collections What is Otherwise Infinite which received the 2022 Vermont Book Award, and The Near and Distant World, (Tin House in January, 2026). Her poetry and writings have appeared widely in such magazines as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Poets and Writers, and The Nation. In 2013 she co-founded the poetry-based nonprofit, Ruth Stone House, where she organizes events and retreats, teaches classes on poetry and poetic study, hosts the Ode & Psyche Podcast.
JOE HALL is a Buffalo-based writer and educator. He is the author of several books, including Fugue & Strike (2023) and its sequel Buffalo Free Rapid Transit (Black Ocean, 2026). His work has been featured in publications such as The Boston Globe, Poetry Daily, Fence Digital, and The Cleveland Review of Books, as well as in more unconventional venues including an NFTA bus shelter. He has taught community-based poetry workshops for teachers, teens, and workers, and his recent essay “PEN America: Cultural Imperialism’s Avant-Garde” appeared in Community Mausoleum.