This Could Go Boom! is partnering with the DC Chapter of the Bushwick Book Club to present a show of new works inspired by Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki at Bladensburg Library on July 23rd at 6:00 PM. The show is free and open to the public.

Light from Uncommon Stars is the story of Shizuka Satomi, a violin virtuoso who’s made a deal with the devil, Katrina Nguyen, a young trans runaway who may become Shizuka’s next prodigy/sacrifice and Lan Tran, a retired starship captain and interstellar refugee. Oh and there are donuts, so many donuts. It was described by Publishers Weekly as “a dark but ultimately hopeful sci-fi exploration of the threats faced by queer people of color [and] a love letter to immigrant culture and the power people have to save each other ... a beautiful, satisfying story of redemption and families of choice.”

It could not come at a more needed time.

Participating artists include 50' (music), Ari Voxx (music), Cat Van Glide and Sam Lee (music), Kerri Sheehan (animation), Mya Byrne (music), Sarah Azzara (music), Sea GriƯin and Sanjay Arora (music) and Susan Hwang (music and Bushwick Book Club founder)! This Could Go Boom! is a grassroots nonprofit organization with the mission to promote diverse
musical voices and equitable opportunity in the music industry through community building, learning experiences, performances, advocacy, and record label services centering women, nonbinary, and gender expansive people. This Could Go Boom! Fest has events running the week of July 21st-26th, culminating in an all-day concert at Bladensburg Waterfront Park on July 26th! Check out their website for updated info.

The Bushwick Book Club was started in 2009 by Susan Hwang in Brooklyn, NY, and there are now eight active chapters around the world including London and Malmo. The DC Chapter started in 2022. Last year, the DC Chapter was honored to be the closing event for Georgetown Public Library's year-long Baldwin Centennial Celebration. They’ve also partnered with Baltimore's City Lit Project to present a show at the MeyerhoƯ Symphony Hall. Bushwick Book Club is the joyous intersection of indie artists and book nerds!