Sometimes, groups of people get together to try to save the world. Every time, they fail. Usually, they both do great stuff and screw each other up. Thank goodness for art, the best tool ever for composting the stinky guck of utopia-gone-wrong into fertile soul-soil—the other black gold.

This summer, author Helen Zuman (Mating in Captivity: A Memoir, She Writes Press 2018) and vocalist Kyra Gordon—both veterans of Zendik Farm (1969-2013), a pseudo-revolutionary communal cult that aspired to use honesty, cooperation, and artistry to end lying, competition, and ecocide—are mounting the first ever Zendik Reunion Tour: a celebration of the fruits of a painful, joyful, and transformative experience.

This edition of Composting Utopia comprises two parts: The first, an Official Bookend Event of the Brooklyn Book Festival, featuring a multi-author panel discussion of “Civilization and Other Stories,” will run from 7 to 8:30 P.M.; the second, a concert by Kyra, with a dash of book flavor, will run from 8:30 to 10. Feel free to show up for either or both! Helen will be selling and signing books; Kyra will be selling CDs. Donations toward the costs of the tour and the space, and the artists’ thrival, are greatly appreciated!

Please RSVP via Facebook—or just show up!