The popular Brooklyn Book Festival kicked off today and will include four days of nearly 30 expanded “Bookend” literary-themed events.
Highlighting the sixth annual event over 260 top national and international authors Sunday will join literary organizations, booksellers and bibliophiles for the main festival at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Columbus Park, St. Francis College, St. Ann’s Church and the Brooklyn Historical Society.
Headlining the Festival will be Larry McMurtry, Terry McMillan, Eoin Colfer, John Sayles, Joyce Carol Oates, Craig Thompson, Walter Mosley, Adrian Tomine, Amitav Ghosh, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Jean Valentine, Jules Feiffer, Rachel Hawkins, Jon Scieszka and Jacqueline Woodson, among others. 2011 Brooklyn-based Pulitzer Prize recipients Jennifer Egan, Jesse Eisinger, Clifford Levy and Jake Bernstein are also scheduled to attend and a panel will discuss Brooklyn’s prominence in Pulitzer competition.
The Brooklyn Book Festival “Best of Brooklyn” or BoBi Award for outstanding contributions to literature will be presented this year to Pulitzer Prize recipient Jhumpa Lahiri. In 2010 Lahiri was appointed as a member of President Barack Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Lahiri will be in conversation with book critic Liesl Schillinger at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Church on Sunday, September 18.
“Whether you’re a voracious reader or someone who just likes to pick up the occasional ‘good read,’ make sure you ‘book it’ for our Brooklyn Book Festival this fall,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who created the event. “As the ‘Creative Capital of New York City,’ Brooklyn is the perfect host for one of the world’s most prestigious free literary festivals, and that’s why I officially re-name our borough ‘Book-lyn’ not just for the Festival on September 18, but for the four days of incredible Bookend events this year—from BAM and the Brooklyn Public Library to Brooklyn Bowl and the Bushwick Book Club—all celebrating the character and characters of our diverse literary community.”
“Now in its sixth amazing year, the Brooklyn Book Festival is, without question, one of the premier literary destinations in the world,” said Johnny Temple, chair of the Brooklyn Literary Council. “From our award-winning authors to our publishers big and small, from musicians and comedians to humorists and graphic novelists, the Brooklyn Book Festival represents our growing literary universe—and this year’s expanded four days of events will be our biggest and best celebration yet.”
The Brooklyn Book Festival and AT&T announced that the first ever “AT&T Fan Fave Contest” will take place from September 15-18, to run simultaneously to the 2011 Brooklyn Book Festival and Bookend Events. Fans of each of the 260+ Book Festival authors can vote for their favorite author at www.brooklynbookfestival.org/bbf/attfanfave.
The three authors with the most votes will receive cash prizes to be donated to the literary or literacy charities of their choosing. The first place author will receive $3,500; second place, $2,500; third place, $1,500. Fans may vote for any of the 260 authors participating in the Brooklyn Book Festival. The author with the most fan votes will be announced during the week after the completion of the Festival.
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BOOKEND EVENTS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Bookforum’s Fall 2011 Issue Release Party
For an innovative look at today’s most compelling writing, join Bookforum as it salutes the 2011 Brooklyn Book Festival! Mix and mingle at BookCourt Bookstore, one of Brooklyn’s top independent bookstores, and celebrate life, literature and Bookforum’s Fall 2011 issue.
Location: BookCourt, 163 Court Street (btw. Dean and Pacific Sts.)
Time: 6:30 pm
Price: Free
Websites: http://www.bookcourt.org; http://www.bookforum.com
City Tech and Willie Perdomo Present Picnic & Poetry on the Plaza: An Evening of Spoken Word
Spoken word poetry is thriving in Brooklyn! Hear acclaimed poet Willie Perdomo read from his work and witness the fresh talent of City Tech students as they perform.
Location: Brooklyn War Memorial in Cadman Plaza Park
Time: 6:30 pm
Price: Free
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/citytechbookfest/
powerHouse Arena Opening Night Party for Bookends
Celebrate with the powerHouse party to celebrate bookends! Get in the literary groove with Electric Literature and Tin House and enjoy readings by Kelly Link, and Marc Basch with a presentation of Matt Kisch’s Moby Dick in Pictures, live music, and more!
Location: powerHouse Arena, 37 Main Street (at Water St.)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.powerhousearena.com
Jay McInerney at Brooklyn Winery
Join critically acclaimed, best selling author Jay McInerney (Bright Lights, Big City; Bacchus and Me and A Hedonist in the Cellar, among others) at the Brooklyn Winery for an evening of wine and literary talk. Currently the wine columnist for the Wall Street Journal, McInerney will be joined by Thomas Matthews, executive editor of the Wine Spectator. Author books for sale and signing. Limited seating. RSVP to Brooklyn Winery.
Location: Brooklyn Winery, 213 North 8th Street
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Price: No cover; cash bar
Website: http://bkwinery.com/brooklyn-book-festival-bookend-event-wine-edition/1434
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245590435476454
The Bushwick Book Club presents Songs of Literature
A rap inspired by Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein? Beat boxing to Madame Bovary? A tango for Anna Karenina? Every title, author and genre is fodder for songs written and performed by local musicians including Corn Mo, Phoebe Kreutz, Franz Nicolay, Sweet Soubrette, Dan and Rachel and Natti Vogel, inspired by Keith Richards’ autobiography. Hosted by Susan Hwang.
Location: Goodbye Blue Monday, 1087 Broadway
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.bushwickbookclub.com
The Poetry of Performed Science and Sound: The Tracie Morris Band and Tyehimba Jess
Euclidian space, history, geometry and poetic form? Explore the interconnections and reflections of each aspect on the other through the interpretative work of the Tracie Morris Band featuring Tracie Morris (voice/poetry) Val Jeanty (electronic drums) and Marvin Sewell (guitar).
Location: ISSUE Project Room, 232 3rd Street, 3rd floor (at 3rd Ave.)
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: $10.00
Website: http://www.issueprojectroom.org
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Cooking Demo and Tasting with Chef and Author Jamie-Lynn of Jamie-Lynn’s Kitchen
Chef and author Jamie-Lynn of Jamie-Lynn’s Kitchen will present an appetizer cooking demo and tasting with wine. Attendees will receive a signed copy of her book. Afterward, to keep the culinary and literary delights flowing, shuttle service is included to Jamie-Lynn’s Kitchen for a pre-fixe dinner with a free glass of wine and a show by BrooklynONE Theater. RSVP at 718-680-5881.
Location: Boulevard Books & Café, 7518 13th Avenue
Time: 6:00 pm
Price: $22.00 (includes signed book copy); $40 pre-fixe dinner
Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144876072269000
PEN American Center’s Literary Pub Quiz
Are you ready for Round Two? PEN American Center is pleased to announce the return of its popular Literary Pub Quiz at DUMBO’s St. Ann’s Warehouse. Don’t miss the chance to compete with (and against!) your favorite authors. We’ll bring the paper and pencils; you bring your literary smarts!
Location: St. Ann’s Warehouse, 38 Water Street
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.pen.org
Race and Place: RingShout, a Celebration of Black Literary Excellence
Join Ringshout for its 2nd Annual Reading Series – a special evening of readings by three acclaimed African-American women writers who combine reportage and personal narrative to explore rich geographic landscapes of black culture. Featuring Catherine McKinley, Emily Raboteau and Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts.
Location: MoCADA 80 Hanson Place (at South Portland Ave.)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Price: $5.00
Website: http://www.theringshout.com
Ripple
BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn presents an evening of readings, music and more. Join three influential artist writers from BRIC’s 30-year contemporary art exhibition history responding to the landscape of Brooklyn—Alan Gilbert, Tracie Morris and Jen Bervin. Then, jam to the beat of Bill Brovold, Billy Ficca, Peter Zummo and Ernie Brooks, all members of “downtown” band Strange Farm. Projections by visual artist Larry Racioppo.
Location: BRIC Rotunda Gallery, 33 Clinton Street (off Pierrepont Street)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.bricartsmedia.org/contemporary-art
Hot Authors Project
Join Canteen magazine for the launch of its Hot Authors project. Author Garth Risk Hallberg leads the night’s discussion – “Marketing Literature in the Age of Gawker”-with input from authors Fiona Maazel and Tao Lin, literary agent Erin Hosier, and Christopher Koulouris, founder of Scallywag & Vagabond. The night doesn’t end there – live bands and an open bar are also part of the fun!
Location: 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave (btw. Stagg and Meadow Sts.)
Time: 7:00 pm
Price: Free
Websites: http://www.canteenmag.com; http://www.3rdward.com
The Brooklyn Indie Party! With A Public Space, Akashic Books, Archipelago Books, Black Balloon, BOMB Magazine, Electric Literature, Ig Publishing, Litmus Press, Melville House, powerhouse Books, Tin House, Ugly Duckling Presse, Umbrage Editions, Vulgar Marsala and others.
Brooklyn’s best independent book and magazine publishers throw a Brooklyn-sized kickoff party celebrating the spirit of literary independence in Brooklyn! Food and drinks will be provided, along with music courtesy of DJ Johnny Temple (musician, publisher of Akashic Books, and chair of the Brooklyn Book Festival Council).
Location: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton Street (corner of South Portland)
Time: 7:30 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.greenlightbookstore.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Books to Film for Children
A series of short films based on children’s books for ages 5-8, followed by a Q & A and book signing with author Doreen Cronin (author of Click, Clack Moo and Giggle, Giggle, Quack).
Location: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave. (btwn Ashland Pl. and St. Felix St.)
Time: 10:30 am
Price: $12.00 Adult; $9.00 Children/Seniors
Website: http://www.bam.org
Stranger Danger
Boulevard Books welcomes Sensei Adami from Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to teach kids about stranger danger in a supportive and effective way. He will begin with a reading of The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers followed by Q&A and a brief practice exercise. No reservations required. All ages are welcome!
Location: Boulevard Books & Café, 7518 13th Avenue
Time: 11:00 am
Price: $5.00 (includes book)
Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=259519707404020
The Brooklyn Local
Where culinary meets literary, and all for a good cause. City Harvest launches its first annual artisanal marketplace, The Brooklyn Local, featuring some of the region’s finest purveyors and signings by Brooklyn chefs and authors: Melissa Clark, In the Kitchen with A Good Appetite; Marja Vongerichten, The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen; Frank Castronovo, Frank Falcinelli and Peter Meehan, The Frankies Spuntino Kitchen Companion & Cooking Manual; Rachel Wharton, Edible Brooklyn: The Cookbook, and Dana Cowin, Food & Wine Magazine’s Best of the Best.
Location: The Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn Bridge Park, 38 Water Street
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: $5.00
Website: http://www.cityharvest.org/thebrooklynlocal
Remember the VIN FIZ! 100th Anniversary Commemoration, Presented by the Brooklyn Book Festival with the National Parks Service
Commemorate the historic first trans-continental flight made by Cal Rodgers in his Wright Brothers plane named the Vin Fiz, which took off from Brooklyn on September 17, 1911, 100 years ago on this day! Enjoy staged readings from books about this record-setting flight across the nation and special guest, Smithsonian author, Eileen F. Lebow (Cal Rodgers and the Vin Fiz). Then take a fascinating tour of Hangar B, with its collection of historic aircraft. Tour led by members of the Historic Aircraft Restoration Project.
Location: Floyd Bennett Field, Hangar B, 3159 Flatbush Ave.
Time: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/this-week-at-jbu.htm
Collages with Author/Illustrator Nina Crews
Let your child (or the child in you) be inspired by author/illustrator Nina Crews (The Neighborhood Sing-Along; Jack and the Beanstalk) as she showcases examples of collage art that inspire her. Each child is invited to take a nursery rhyme or song and create their own illustration using magazines, paper, and drawing. Space is limited. First come, first served.
Location: Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza (Eastern Pkwy and Flatbush Ave.)
Time: 12:30 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
The New Black Aesthetic: Twenty Years Later
Trey Ellis wrote the essay, “The New Black Aesthetic” in 1989, showcasing a new breed of black artists unafraid of trading in unflattering images and borrowing as heavily from the dominant culture as their own. Now, over two decades later, how has the debate changed? Is there still a debate or has American culture melted so thoroughly that black culture and dominant culture are nearly indistinguishable? Ellis will discuss this possibility of a New, New Black Aesthetic in literature, art, film and music.
Location: Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza (Eastern Pkwy. and Flatbush Ave.)
Time: 2:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
Community Bookstore: 40th Anniversary Party
Community Bookstore of Park Slope celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a reading and reception with renowned authors Paul Auster, Siri Hustvedt, Mary Morris, and Jon Scieszka, plus special guests. Reading held at Old First Reformed Church (across from the bookstore); reception and signing to follow at Community Bookstore.
Location: Reading: Old First Reformed Church, 729 Carroll Street (at 7th Ave.); Signing: Community Bookstore, 147 7th Avenue (btwn Carroll and Garfield Sts.)
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.communitybookstore.net
My Soul to Take: A Literary Salon and Book Reading and Discussion with Tananarive Due
The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College’s Literary Salon features American Book Award-winning novelist Tananarive Due, author of The Living Blood, Joplin’s Ghost, My Soul to Keep and the forthcoming My Soul to Take. Enjoy light refreshments and a complimentary book.
Location: MoCADA, 80 Hanson Place (at South Portland Ave.)
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Price: $10 or $25 (with book purchase)
Website: http://www.centerforblackliterature.org
Librarian Mingle with Marilyn Johnson
Join fellow librarians and author Marilyn Johnson, This Book is Overdue: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All, as she tackles current issues in librarianship, such as digitization, eBooks, and how the constant threat of funding cuts affects decisions about collections and public service.
Location: Dweck Center, Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza (Eastern Pkwy and Flatbush Ave.)
Time: 3:30 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
Beer is Culture
Join Slice Magazine and give a toast to the joining of beer and culture! Sixpoint’s new line of cans sport literary quotes, adding a cerebral flair to a night filled with drink specials and literary prizes.
Location: Franklin Park, 618 St. John’s Place (btw Classon and Franklin Aves.)
Time: 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Price: Free
Websites: http://www.slicemagazine.org; http://www.franklinparkbrooklyn.com
Craig Thompson in Conversation
WORD presents an evening with graphic novelist Craig Thompson (Blankets). Starting with a cocktail party, the informal evening unfolds with a presentation, interview and Q&A. Advance tickets recommended; attendance limited to 50; attendees receive a copy of Thompson’s latest book, Habibi.
Location: WORD, 126 Franklin Street
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: $40.00 (includes book, drinks and hors d’oeuvres)
Website: http://www.wordbrooklyn.com
Reading by Charles Bernstein
In conjunction with the exhibit “Gladly Will I Sell For Profit, Dear Merchants of the Town, My Hat Laden With Snow,” artists Aeron Bergman and Alejandra Salinas have invited noted poet Charles Bernstein to read from his recent works. The exhibition and reading explore the themes of permanence, value and transference.
Location: DUMBO Arts Center, 111 Front Street #212 (btw Washington and Adams Sts.)
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.dumboartscenter.org
Chaos Manor
Sam Stephenson, Chris McElroen, and A Public Space present a multimedia theatrical event based on Stephenson’s acclaimed book The Jazz Loft Project: Photographs and Tapes of W. Eugene Smith from 821 Sixth Avenue, 1957-1965. Featuring audio recordings from Smith’s archives, photographs, live music, and performances from the text.
Location: The Invisible Dog Art Center, 51 Bergen Street (btwn Smith and Boerum Pl.)
Time: 8:45 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.apublicspace.org
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 (AFTER THE FESTIVAL)
Opera Grows in Brooklyn
Author and composer Daniel Felsenfeld curates an evening of cutting edge music from contemporary composers based on works by living Brooklyn writers, many of whom will be in attendance. Presented by American Opera Projects (AOP) and Opera on Tap (OOT). Discussion with critic Robert Levine about his new book, Weep, Shudder, Die: A Guide to Loving Opera.
Location: Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main St. (corner of Water St.)
Time: Discussion: 6:00 pm Discussion; Showtime: 7:00pm
Price: $20/$15 advance
Websites: http://www.galapagosartspace.com; http://www.operaprojects.org/operagrowsinbrooklyn.html
HOME, A film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand presented by Beautiful Earth Group at Brooklyn Bridge Park
HOME explores the beauty and fragility of the earth through a series of astonishing aerial images and commentary narrated by Glenn Close. The outdoor screening will be introduced by director Yann Arthus-Bertrand and followed by a Q&A. Bring a picnic basket and lose yourself under the Brooklyn night sky.
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier One
Time: 7:00 pm
Price: Free
Website: http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org
Brooklyn Book Festival Closing Night Party
Celebrate the 2011 Brooklyn Book Festival Closing Night Party with author DJs Kevin Young, Colson Whitehead and others. Plus, The Tokens will lead a group sing-along of their classic hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The fun continues with literary cocktails and, of course, great conversations after the festival’s panels, discussions, and readings…and maybe even a lucky strike on the side for a festive end to a memorable weekend?
Location: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue
Time: 8:00 pm – til!
Price: No cover, cash bar
Website: http://www.brooklynbowl.com