Episode Details

QED's Jim Cunningham ventured to City of Asylum's campus to speak with their recently appointed Executive Director, Andrés Franco, about his transition, the organization's mission, and their 2026 Jazz Poetry programming.

Andrés previously served as the organization's Executive Director from 2020-2023, and comes back to City of Asylum after wrapping up his role as Executive Director of Attack Theatre. He recounts the story of the global City of Asylum movement, which was started by writer Salman Rushdie, and the founding of its Pittsburgh chapter. City of Asylum is currently presenting their Jazz Poetry month, a long-standing tradition which combines the improvisational nature of jazz music with multi-cultural poetry readings. Performances are at 7:00pm on May 7th, May 14th, and May 21st.

You can learn more about City Asylum on their website. Tickets to all City of Asylum programs are free; RSVP to the Jazz Poetry performances and more here.

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