Writer Diana Uyen Chang, based out of Columbia, Missouri, will make a featured guest appearance at Warrensburg’s Old Drum Open Mic this week.  Her presentation is made possible through a grant from the Warrensburg Arts Commission. Old Drum Open Mic is scheduled for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Tranquility Shop, located at 128 N. Holden St. in downtown Warrensburg.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD DRUM OPEN MIC Diana Uyen Chang

Chang was born in Vietnam and grew up in Hawaii.  Having traveled the world, she now calls the “Show Me State” her home.  Writing is her attempt to capture what was lost in the haze of war in her native country, and she hopes of reconciling what life in the land of the free means, according to an Old Drum Open Mic news release.  She will be reading from a collection of prose and poetry from a compilation titled “12 Ounces of Gold.”  Individual pieces on her slate include “The Dragon of Lament,” “Thuong,” and “Sex Ed in ESL.”

As for her home life, Chang no pets, but five rice cookers and eight grills, but her inner drive is more complex. “I have within my embrace incredible stories that span continents and ages.  I feel compelled to share them,” she said.

Diana Chang and other area writers and composers will present works at the Old Drum Open Mic.  The Old Drum Open Mic series occurs the first Thursday of each month.  The programs are free and open to the public.  Seating is limited.

For more information, contact Mark Pearce at 660-747-2684.