Spotlighted Literary Events

Apr. 23rd, 7:30 pm: Terry McDermont documents the true story of neuroscientist Gary Lynch's attempt to answer two questions: "What happens in the brain when a human being encounters a new experience so that he or she can recall it at will tonight, tomorrow, in 2025? And what goes wrong when we can't remember?" This event is co-sponsored by the OHSU Brain Institute and hosted at Powell's City of Books on Burnside (1005 W Burnside, Portland).

Apr. 24th & 25th: Stumptown Comics Fest 2010 is invading our town! Featuring everything from book signings to artist talks and DC to zines, this year's festival has something for anyone with a penchant for spandex or sharp writing. The festival costs $6 a day or $10 for a weekend pass. Visit the Doubletree Hotel (1000 NE Multnomah, Portland) to take part in the action!

Apr. 29th, 7:00 pm: Come celebrate in the release party for the Disappearing Book, a reflection on the fragile nature of our different environments. A collection of disappearing things, this book is the product of artist Melody Owen's collaboration with dozens of artists, writers, and musicians. The release party features an exhibit of some of the work documented in the book. This event is free and hosted at the Container Corps Headquarters (1322 N Killingsworth, Portland).

Picture Credit: Container Corps

Don't Miss Stumptown Comics Fest!

The days are getting longer and the cherry trees are blooming all over the place, which can only mean one thing: It's time to get your comic on! That's right, Stumptown Comics Fest is back and promising to be better than ever, April 18th and 19th at Lloyd Center Doubletree. If the idea of a room filled to capacity with all things comic is enough to make you break into song, you're not the only one. "Our goal is, as ever, to take over the world with comics. Help us, won't you?" says the official Web site. I, for one, will sign up for that job.

For more info on the 5th Annual Stumptown Comics Fest, including a list of exhibitors, schedule and the 2007 photo Web site archive, visit http://www.stumptowncomics.com/.

A Perfect Way to Spend April Fool's Day!

MacTarnahan's Brewing Company Presents:
1st Annual Stumptown Comic Fest
"Drink and Draw" Event!

Watch a group of celebrated local comic illustrators working their craft(with a little "liquid courage" of course!), have a pint, and win some prizes! The evenings creations will be auctioned off for charity.

Wednesday April 1st
6pm-9pm

For more information, call 503-228-5269.

MacTarnahan's Taproom
2730 NW 31st Ave
Portland, OR 97210

Spotlighted Literary Events

Date: Tuesday, December 9
Sign up to participate or just kick back and listen to Broken Word Poetry at the Alberta St. Pub. The weekly series has amassed a following of performers and spectators. And it has turned the spoken word into the written word by publishing anthologies of past performers. Every week offers entertainment and inspiration. 21 and over only
Where: Alberta St. Pub, 1036 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211
When: sign-up for performing is 7:00pm; show starts at 7:30pm
Cost: Free
For more info, call 503-284-7665

Date: Wednesday, December 10
The Mission Theater hosts Back Fence PDX, a storytelling series featuring true, unmemorized 8-minute stories told by musicians. This round is based on the theme "Rock the Bells", and performers include Gideon Freudmann of Portland Cello Project, Adam Shearer of Weinland, and Menomena's Danny Seim. Lend your ear to these musicians telling stories, and enjoy the full bar and menu at the Mission.
Where: The Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan, Portland, OR 97209
When: doors open at 7:30pm; show starts 8:00pm
Cost: $10 at the door; $9 online
For more info, visit http://www.backfencepdx.wordpress.com/

Date: Wednesday, December 10
At Looking Glass Books, the late writer and activist Grace Paley will be celebrated on the eve of what would have been her 86th birthday. Paley's friend, Ursula LeGuin, and biographer Judith Arcana (Grace Paley's Life Stories, A Literary Biography) will read along with other Portland writers. There will be good food, good drinks, and good memories to share.
Where: Looking Glass Books, 7983 SE 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97202
When: 7:30pm
Cost: Free
For more info, visit http://www.lookingglassbooks.qwestoffice.net/ or call 503-227-4760

Date: Saturday, December 13
Celebrate the opening of Guapo Comics and Coffee's new location in conjunction with a graphic novel release party. Joining Guapo in the event are Capacity's Theo Ellsworth, Invincible Summer's Nicole Georges, and The Night of Your Life's Jesse Reklaw, all of whom will read from their works. There will also be other cartoonists and multimedia comic readings, as well as refreshments. In the words of Guapo's blogger, the party will be an adventure in the "everyday fantastic".
Where: Guapo Comics and Coffee, 6350 SE Foster Rd., Portland, OR 97206
When: 7:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: Free and open to the public
For more info, visit http://www.guapocomicsandbooks.com/ or call 503-772-3638