Rain Taxi, a nonprofit literary organization, has announced that its twentieth annual Twin Cities Book Festival will be held virtually. Renowned for its annual one-day gathering at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, this year the nonprofit is designing an innovative platform to embrace the leap to cyberspace, and will be presenting a three-day, virtual festival in October. This brand-new version will be more accessible than ever and will include a digital book fair, a variety of online author events, and unique web content commemorating this special 20th year of the TCBF. Valuing community means keeping everyone safe and connected, and this fun, fresh take on the Festival will do just that. Rain Taxi is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and will publish its 100th print issue this December. Info: twincitiesbookfestival.com.
Literature
POSTPONED: Button Poetry Live April: featuring Patrick Roche
Join Button Poetry Live at their new venue, Honey, located at 205 E. Hennepin Ave. on Monday, April 6 for “Button Poetry Live,” featuring award-winning poet, Patrick Roche. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm. They’re open to all audience and competitors, however, they do not censor the content that happens on stage, please be advised. Get your tickets at bit.ly/buttonlive0420. For additional information, contact events@buttonpoetry.com.
Sick Lit: Writing Workshop
A free and open writing workshop for those interested in writing and reading about chronic illness, Friday, Feb. 28, 11 am-2 pm, Northeast Library, 2200 Central Ave. NE. Info and RSVP: MplsWritingWorkshops@gmail.com.
Author Reading and Discussion: Steve Atkinson
Local author Steve Atkinson will read from his recently published book “In Liberating Strife: A Memoir of the Vietnam Years,” on Monday, Feb. 25, at the St. Anthony Library, 2941 Pentagon Drive NE in the St. Anthony Shopping Center, at 6:30 pm. The book is an account of his days as a student at the University of Minnesota during the escalation of the US intervention in the war, followed by his service as a soldier in the US Army in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.
In addition to his own experiences, he devotes particular attention to local events during the height of the antiwar days. The second half of the program will be an open forum for discussing that era and reflecting on its impact on our nation today. Any and all recollections and opinions are most welcome. The book is available in two volumes from the Hennepin County Library, at Amazon in both paperback and e-book formats, or by order from your local bookseller. It will also be available for purchase at the event. For additional information, contact the Hennepin County Library at 612-543-5669.
Steve Atkinson Author Reading and Discussion
Local author and Northeast resident Steve Atkinson will read from his recently published book, “In Liberating Strife: A Memoir of the Vietnam Years,” Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Southeast Library, 1222 4th St. SE, (Dinkytown), at 6:30 pm. The book is an account of his days as a student at the University of Minnesota during the escalation of the U.S. intervention in the war, followed by his service as a soldier in the U.S. Army in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970.
In addition to his own experiences, he devotes particular attention to local events during the height of the antiwar days. The second half of the program will be an open forum for discussing that era and reflecting on its impact on the nation today. Any and all recollections and opinions are most welcome. The book is available in both paperback and e-book formats on Amazon, or by order from your local bookseller. It will also be available for purchase at the event. Info: contact the Southeast Library at 612-543-6725.
Meet and greet with author Jim Studer
Jim Studer, a retired St. Anthony Village High School English and speech teacher, had his second book published. This one is fiction, a collection of short stories: “The Mystery of Tony the Goat and Other Tales.” He will be at the Bru House in New Brighton, 1431 Silver Lake Rd. NW, on Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 am-2 pm.
The stories are a reflection of growing up, teaching and traveling. Many of the stories are set in Central Minnesota; they are drawn from local history and folklore. Some of the stories are set in the classroom. Others take place in South America, including one featuring the Falkland Islands. Stop in for coffee and leave with a collection of tales to share with friends.
Book Release: “It’s Never Going To Work,” by Jamie Schumacher
“It’s Never Going To Work,” a new literary work by Minneapolis author and arts advocate Jamie Schumacher, shines a spotlight on the Northeast Arts community, community nonprofits, and Altered Esthetics gallery. The book features origins of Altered Esthetics gallery, founded in 2004, and its role in the growing Twin Cities art scene. Schumacher candidly shares the struggles and triumphs of starting a nonprofit in a new city, maintaining sustainability, and transitioning away from a healthy organization as it continues to thrive. The book is as much a love letter to Minneapolis as it is a compendium of encouragement to anyone who’s ever been told, It’s Never Going to Work. This light-hearted memoir offers real-life insights on founding a collaborative art space, and provides critical resources to those engaged in, and struggling with, grassroots development. Vignette-style chapters energize the story, and reflect Schumacher’s own infectious optimism and drive. The book also features illustrations by Minneapolis-based artist Athena Currier.
The release event will be held at Eat My Words Bookstore, 214 13th Ave. NE, on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 7-8 pm, including a curated pop-up exhibit featuring past Altered Esthetics artists. Both author and illustrator will be present. Info: jamie-schumacher.com.
Poetic Hallows Eve at the Casket Arts Building
Friends of the Northeast Library present Poetic Hallows Eve, Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 p.m.-midnight at the Casket Arts Building (backlot) 618 17th Ave. NE. Bring some genuine reserves of fear, anything you need to calm your nerves and whatever needs reciting. There will be s’mores and more.
Salon Nordeast presents “HerShelf”
On the eve of a game-changing election for women, Salon Nordeast presents “HerShelf,” a panel discussion about writing and publishing in a male-centric industry. Sponsored by Friends of the Northeast Minneapolis Library along with Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA.) The discussion will take place Sunday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m. on the third floor of the Solar Arts Building, 711 NE 15th Ave. Panelists will be Sarah Chandler, Stephanie Wilbur Ash, Heather Beatty, Wendy Webb and moderator Sarah Stonich.