Last week we went to New York City for a reading at Abiola’s Kiss & Tell. It was an excellent reading with a great crowd. Abiola’s Kiss & Tell Live takes place at Madame X, a bar downstairs and a cozy upstairs room, complete with dark red love seats that could just as easily fit in a bedroom.

The night is less of a reading and more of a live revue. It combines comedy, music, and stories of love and sex that will leave you both laughing and crying. It began with a hilarious musical/comedy routine by Jessica Delfino. Each month an artist is honored, this month was Kola Boof, a prominent author from the Sudan. She spoke of her (unwanted) affair with Osama Bin Laden and her portrayal in the media. The generous Kola even handed out copies of one of her novels to everyone who got there early!

It was also the celebration of the launch of Robot Hearts. Shawna Kenney read her introduction, then throughout the night readers from Robot Hearts read in between other performers. Carrie Cohen, Caroline Bryant, Trudi Taylor, David Henry Sterry and Cara Bruce each read their stories. Everyone did a fantastic job!

Urban Erotika pioneer Mo Beasley read a poem about being the Headmaster.  Writer Deborah Collage Grison performed her piece beautifully and virgin reader Tamela J. Gordan had the crowd rolling with her essay about queefing. The last performer was Kali “Kittie” Troy of VH1’s Let’s Talk About Pep  who told a funny story about the filming of one of her shows, and the unfortunate man who was there with her.

The evening was hosted by the fabulous Abiola. Overall, it was a wonderful night for everyone!