FIGHTING WORDS
Music may have gone hand in hand with poetry back when Orpheus strummed his lyre, but contemporary poets don’t often set their words to auditory accompaniment. Ken Waldman bucks that trend. The Alaska-based scribe alternates his spoken verse with fiery Appalachian-style fiddle playing that subtly evokes both backwoods independence and frustration at inept world leaders. (The former college prof’s most recent book, As the World Burns, is a collection of satirical sonnets written in the voice of George W. Bush.) Waldman brings political commentary and music to a house party hosted by Charlotte guitarist Sallie Mack, then joins Mack and Hinesburg multi-instrumentalist Rik Palieri for a Champlain College performance commemorating the sixth anniversary of September 11.

Ken Waldman, Sunday, September 9, call for Charlotte location, 7 p.m. $10. Info, 425-6212. Tuesday, September 11, Hauke Conference Center, Champlain College, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 338-1980. www.kenwaldman.com