FREE VERSE: Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean
Walker Art Center, January 11th, 2007
The amazing duo of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean dazzled a full house at the Walker for our first event of 2007—Dave showed both still and moving pictures from his amazing body of work, Neil read poems and related juicy tidbits about the pair's long collaborative friendship, then both men conversed with each other and with the audience about everything from depictions of violence in comics to current and upcoming projects. See the webcast here. Also, listen to an interview with Neil and Dave on MPR.
Michael Lesy
Minnesota Center for Photography, Monday, February 26, 2007
Photographic historian Michael Lesy gave a fantastic presentation about his new book Murder City: The Bloody History of Chicago in the Twenties, an engrossing portrait of violence in the heartland of America. Lesy introduced the audience to the many sordid characters involved in criminal mayhem. The event was co-presented by the Minnesota Center for Photography.
Michael Friedman & Anselm Hollo
Rogue Buddha Gallery, Thursday, March 29, 2007
A great crowd braved gray skies to hear these two extraordinary and humorous authors read from recent works. Friedman read from his prose poems in Species and his new novel Martian Dawn. Hollo read from his newest collection of poems, Guests of Space.
Clayton Eshleman
Magers & Quinn Booksellers, Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Celebrating the completion of a lifelong translation odyssey, poet and translator Clayton Eshleman read stunning selections from the recently released The Complete Poetry of César Vallejo as well as stirring poems from his own latest poetry collections, An Alchemist with One Eye on Fire and Reciprocal Distillations.
FREE VERSE: Kevin Young
Walker Art Center, May 3, 2007
Kevin Young gave a stirring presentation and reading in conjunction with the exhibition Kara Walker: My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love, presenting racially charged images of daguerrotypes and stereotypes and discussing the use of these images in Walker's art. Young also read poems from his powerful collections including To Repel Ghosts and For the Confederate Dead, as well as new poems from a series of odes. Click here to view the webcast of this reading!
Austin Grossman and Douglas Wolk
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Thursday, June 28, 2007
Comics enthusiasts gathered at MCAD to hear a super-powered presentation! Douglas Wolk, author of Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean gave a powerpoint presentation of the state of comics today, declaring we are entering a new "golden age." Austin Grossman read from his riveting novel Soon I Will Be Invincible, taking on the voice of his evil mastermind Dr. Impossible with remarkable aplomb. Joining our heroes was MCAD Comic Art professor Barb Schulz in a discussion of their books and the state of comics in general.
FREE VERSE: Jerome Rothenberg
Walker Art Center, September 6, 2007
Esteemed poet and translator Jerome Rothenberg presented an historical context for Picasso's writing and gave a rousing reading of the great painter's poetry from The Burial of the Count of Orgaz and Other Poems. Rothenberg also read from his own work influenced by modernist artists and writers, including poems from That Dada Strain and The Lorca Variations. Click here to view the webcast of this reading!
2007 Twin Cities Book Festival
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Thousands flocked to the one-day celebration of the written word! The Festival included an exhibit featuring an excellent array of publishers, literary organizations, magazines, and authors, as well as readings and panels scheduled throughout the day. Special guests this year included Chris Abani, Gina B. Nahai, Diane Williams, Bin Ramke, Laura Moriarty, Linda Spalding, Andrew Helfer, David Lubar, and terrific children's activities in the Children's Storytelling Circle! Click here for more info on this and other past Festivals.
Joe Sacco
Walker Art Center, Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Internationally acclaimed cartoonist and journalist Joe Sacco attracted nearly 300 comics aficionados and other intrigued people to hear him discuss the inspiration and experiences behind his award-winning books such as Palestine, Safe Area Gorazde, and The Fixer. Sacco also answered many questions posed by the engaged audience. This special event was co-presented by the Walker Art Center in conjunction with their Brave New Worlds exhibit. If you missed it, click here to listen to the webcast!
Ron Padgett
in conversation with Garrison Keillor
Virginia Street Swedenborgian Church, Sunday, November 18, 2007
Eager enthusiasts packed the pews on a Sunday afternoon to hear New York poet Ron Padgett read from his newest collection of poetry, How To Be Perfect. Padgett was introduced by radio personality Garrison Keillor, who engaged the author in an on-stage conversation for the remainder of the program, resulting in lively banter about Padgett's unique take on the nature of poetry. The event was co-presented by Common Good Books.