At this past MLA conference in New Orleans, representatives from eleven 19th-century single-author societies gathered for an inspiring three-day discussion about our collective future. The Byron Society of America joined colleagues from the Keats-Shelley Association of America, the Dickens Society, the Melville Society, the Edith Wharton Society, and many others to share our experiences and explore new possibilities for collaboration.

Rather than dwelling on challenges, our conversations were marked by enthusiasm and creativity. We celebrated successful innovations that have emerged since COVID—including virtual poetry readings where communities gathered to read works like Byron's "Vision of Judgement" and Coleridge's "Christabel"—mentorship programs connecting established and emerging scholars—with events like the K-SAA's 1819 Social that bring graduate students and early-career researchers into meaningful dialogue with established voices in the field—and innovative in-person connections like the Edith Wharton Society or Wordsworth-Coleridge Association (among so many others).

The most significant insight came when we shifted from asking "why are we doing this" to "what would we lose if we stopped." The answer was clear and unanimous: community. These societies provide irreplaceable spaces for connection, discovery, and shared passion that extend far beyond purely academic boundaries.

Moving forward, we're committed to finding new ways to communicate the value of membership while reaching beyond traditional academic circles to welcome all enthusiasts and community members who share our love for these remarkable authors—and for one another. The energy and optimism from these discussions reinforces our belief that single-author societies remain vital spaces for literary engagement and scholarly community in the 21st century.

• Kaila Rose

Jonathan Gross exemplifies the rich, multifaceted lives of our scholarly community. Not only is he a wonderful mentor and teacher, a former Joint President of the International Association of Byron Societies, and an innovative scholar with a surprising talent for impressions, but he also leads another remarkable life as a professional jazz musician.

This past January, Jon performed with his band Lush Life Jazz at The Jazz Playhouse in New Orleans, where a dedicated group of Byronists made the pilgrimage down Bourbon Street to support him. While the broader audience may not have fully appreciated his opening remarks welcoming fellow Byron enthusiasts, his skill as an entertainer and virtuosity as a pianist captivated everyone in the room. We found ourselves dancing in our seats (and some even ventured onto the floor) as he delivered incredible classics perfectly suited to the historic venue.

Lush Life Jazz specializes in timeless classics from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, along with contemporary jazz infused with rock and pop elements. Jon brings years of experience from his time with City Rhythm in New York and various Chicago bands including Jimmy Lane Blues Band, XL, and Breezin'. The group has graced stages at prestigious venues like the Preston Bradley Center and the Cliff Dwellers Club, with recordings available of Duke Ellington interpretations and music from the Harlem Renaissance.

His musical partner Vince Buoncore contributes forty-five years of performance experience across the Midwest and Eastern coast, having studied at the American Conservatory of Music and DePaul University. Vince's extensive background includes work with numerous ensembles from the Harvey Kay Orchestra to the Chicago Groove Kings, and he currently performs bi-monthly at the Chicago Cultural Center.

This beautiful intersection of literary scholarship and musical artistry reminds us that our community members have extraordinary depth and creativity in everything they pursue, whether interpreting Romantic poetry or bringing jazz standards to life on stage.

Check out their website to learn more: https://www.lushlifejazzmusic.com/

• Kaila Rose