Join Jay’s Conversations for a night of live jazz and blues music, author talks & signings, local businesses, community resources, & delicious Food

Jay’s Conversations Bookstore at the Culdesac – Tempe (2036 E Wildermuth Avenue, Unit 1248) is hosting its first book festival on October 17, 2026, from 6-9pm, free to the public. The Sinners Book Fest brings together dozens of local businesses, authors, community organizations, and more.

The event centers around the concept of the juke joint, a gathering place where Black folks would eat, dance, drink, and engage in community. It served as a source of escape from the horrid conditions of slavery and then living in the Jim Crow South. Why does this matter now? Even when times are troubling, it’s important for us to come together and experience joy so we have the energy to get up the next morning and continue the fight.

“With the massive success of the Sinners movie last year, we hope this event will continue the conversations about resistance and joy through music, dance, food, and the importance of building community,” owner Jalen Layfield said. “We have built a solid base of supporters here in Tempe. To have that support system in times like this is such a great thing.”

Jay’s Conversations LLC is a Black, queer-owned media company dedicated to building community and sparking fun and thought-provoking conversation through our podcast, book clubs, and bookstore. We explore the intersection of community, culture, and intellectual thought, bringing out hundreds of customers weekly.

You can learn more about Jay’s Conversations at JaysConversations.com.