Last month, two local literary minds joined forces for the release of a two-pronged poetry collection, Versus. The text, featuring the potent voices of Mark Flanigan and Nick Barrow, marks a dark, scathing, humorous and insightful form of poetic storytelling that becomes even more expressive via live performances. Join the writers for an evocative evening of readings and performances of works from Versus, followed by equally incendiary music from Anti-Punk local band Pillowbiter and Short Form Noise Pop from Seven Speed Vortex. Free. 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28. The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside. aurorepress.com.