Casa Feliz Parlor Series

sunshine & Shadows: An Evening of Florida Poetry & Music

Join us in the beautiful setting of Casa Feliz for an evening that explores the Sunshine State through the eyes—and words—of some of its most talented poets.

📅 Thursday, November 5, 2026

⏰ Program: 7 pm (reception following)

📍 Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum

This Parlor Series generously sponsored by:

Reserve your Spot

Limited seating available! Tickets will be available starting Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Event Description

Florida is a land of contrasts—dazzling sunshine and deep shadows, natural beauty and unexpected complexity. Join us for Sunshine & Shadows, a special evening of poetry and music celebrating the many moods, voices, and stories of the Sunshine State.

Three distinguished Florida poets—Susan Lilley, Laura Sobbott Ross, and Alex Gurtis—will share original works reflecting the landscapes, people, and experiences that make Florida such a compelling source of literary inspiration. Musical interludes by Orlando singer-songwriter Bob Carr will add another dimension to this intimate evening of artistic expression.

The program will be emceed by Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan, Kenneth Curry Professor of English at Rollins College, award-winning scholar, author, and longtime champion of Florida's literary and cultural heritage.

Meet the poets

Susan Lilley is a Florida native and former inaugural Poet Laureate of Orlando. Her poetry has appeared in American Poetry Review, Gulf Coast, The Southern Review,and numerous other publications. A recipient of the Rita Dove Poetry Award and a Florida Individual Arts Fellowship, she is the author of Venus in Retrograde, published by Burrow Press.

Laura Sobbott Ross served as Lake County's inaugural Poet Laureate and is the author of six poetry collections. A longtime educator and writing coach, her work has appeared in 32 Poems, Blackbird, The Florida Review, and Verse Daily. Her honors include the Southern Humanities Auburn Witness Poetry Prize.

Alex Gurtis is the author of When the Ocean Comes to Me (Bottlecap Press, 2024). His poetry has appeared in Harpur Palate, The Pinch, and West Trade Review, among other literary journals. A finalist for the ruth weiss Foundation Maverick Poet Award, he earned his MFA from the University of Central Florida and co-founded the Literary Arts Council of Central Florida.

Music & Emcee

Bob Carr, an Orlando native and independent singer-songwriter, will provide musical interludes throughout the evening. Known for his folk and acoustic style, Carr's recordings include Old Guy With Guitar (2024).

Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan is the Kenneth Curry Professor of English at Rollins College and an accomplished author, teacher, and cultural historian. His extensive writings explore Florida history, literature, and culture, making him a fitting guide for this celebration of Florida's poetic voices.