If you roll around Sonoma County long enough, you’re likely to encounter an affable poet and storyteller named Tom J. Mariani.

He has been published both online and in print, and often participates in poetry readings around the area.  Tom’s always smiling, and after you listen to him for awhile, you will be, too.

The man has a lot of good stories to tell, both in poetry and prose. A fifth-generation California native, he frequently draws on family history for material.

He’ll appear as part of Juanita Martin’s monthly “UniverSoul” series from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at Barking Dog Coffee Roasters, 18133 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, near the Sonoma Mission Inn.