You have to be wary with Ohio State fans. When quarterback Braxton Miller suffered a season-ending injury last month, dashing Heisman trophy and National Championship hopes, Buckeyes everywhere were crushed.

No worries, though. Vijay Seshardri, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, as the son of a Buckeye chemistry prof, won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry - and we're steadfast in the conviction that a Pulitzer trumps a Heisman every time. Even better: Seshadri reads Friday night in the season's inaugural program of the Arts Café Mystic music and literature series. "The Long Meadow" is the Pulitzer winner, and it follows two other highly lauded Seshardi collections.

In a less whimsical context, particularly on the anniversary of 9/11, it's resonant to remember that The New Yorker, in its commemorative issue on the tragedy, selected Seshardi's "The Disappearance" to run on the back cover. Powerful, majestic stuff.

The musical component of Friday's bill is provided by vocalist Nora Fox and cellist Ethan Philbrick - and promises a superb and empathetic journey through the American songbook.

- RICK KOSTER

The Arts Café Mystic, 7 p.m. Friday, Mystic Arts Center, 9 Water Street, Mystic; Vijay Seshardi with Nora Fox and Ethan Philbrick; $10, students 21 and under free; (860) 912-2444.