Archive

Friends,

below are some great events coming up at the Book Smith at 1644 Haight St. between Clayton & Cole (863-8688)

LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI
book signing for Poetry as Insurgent Art Tue., October 9 at 7 pm

From the groundbreaking A Coney Island of the Mind to the "personal epic" of Americus, Book I, Lawrence Ferlinghetti has, in more than 30 books over 50 years, been the poetic conscience of America. Now in the just released Poetry As Insurgent Art, he offers in prose his primer of what poetry is, could be, and should be. The result is by turns tender and furious, personal and political. If you are a reader of poetry, find out what is missing from the usual fare; if you are a poet, read at your own risk. Lawrence Ferlinghetti is not only a major American poet - he is an international icon. In 1998 he was named Poet Laureate of San Francisco. In 2005, he received the National Book Award's first Literarian Award (recognizing an individual whose life's work has enhanced the literary world as a whole). In 2006, he was named a Commander in the French Order of Arts and Letters. Ferlinghetti has read his poetry and shown his art around the world.

ROBERT ALTMAN
talk, slide show and book signing for The Sixties Wednesday, Oct 10 at 7 pm

altmanphoto.com

Timothy Leary. Allen Ginsberg. Jim Morrison. Neil Young. Abbie Hoffman. Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Janis Joplin. Ram Dass. Dennis Hopper. Jane Fonda. Ken Kesey. Hippies on Mt. Tam. The March on Washington. Anti-war demonstrations. People's Park. Berkeley. Haight Ashbury. Robert Altman's just published book, The Sixties, brings together photographs of the people, events, culture, rock stars, writers, and political figures who made the sixties the most influential decade of the century.

Robert Altman is an internationally acclaimed
photographer who studied with Ansel Adams. He is best known today as a photojournalist for Rolling Stone magazine - Cameron Crowe used many of his images in the film Almost Famous. A leader in embracing digital photography, Altman's recent work appeared in numerous publications including Entertainment Weekly, Mojo, New York Times, People, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

From: Publishers Weekly Review

Those nostalgic for the free love era will revel in this handsome, oversized collection of photographs by celebrated photographer Altman. A master at catching his subjects at the moment of emotional overload-whether they be mischief makers, war protestors or musicians-the black and white photographs collected here are pure nostalgia, making a powerful you-are-there impression that simultaneously highlights the era's distance-chronologically and otherwise-from the current moment.

In addition to period luminaries like Ken Kesey, Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin and Mick Jagger, the compendium highlights lesser-known players on the scene, as well as average attendees at rallies, "be-ins" and festivals.

Altman's particular genius is best showcased in his legendary crowd scenes; what these photos occasionally lack in technical precision, they more than make up in the raw, wild feelings they've miraculously captured. Despite the book's title, images straddle the period from the late 60's to the early 70's (though none of the subjects seem to make much of the distinction), and a fun introduction by longtime Rolling Stone editor Fong-Torres reveals that Altman has always felt his purpose was to depict "the life and times that the Sixties inspired"; he succeeds beautifully with this, an impressive social document and a powerful remembrance (Oct).

WESLEY STACE
reading, a bit of ventriloquism, & booksigning for By George Thursday, October 11 at 7 pm

By George is the new novel from Wesley Stace (aka the singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding), which tells the story of two boys named George Fisher, one flesh, one wood. Weaving the boy's tale and the "memoirs" of a ventriloquist's dummy, Staces' second novel unveils the secrets of four generations of entertainers. Exquisitely tender, By George also tells the story of two boys separated by years but driven by the same desires: to find a voice, and to be loved.

Educated at Cambridge, Wesley Stace (also known as John Wesley Harding) cut short his Ph.D. studies to pursue a music career. He has released 8 solo albums and toured as the opening act for Michelle Shocked, The Mighty Lemon Drops, and Bruce Springsteen. His bestselling novel, Misfortune, was published to great acclaim in 2004.

HARRY SHEARER
reading & booksigning for Not Enough Indians Wednesday, October 17 at 8 pm The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco

Harry Shearer - the voice of the Simpson's - is an actor as well as a satirist, musician, radio host, playwright, and now author. His first novel, Not Enough Indians, is a bitingly funny satire about a down and out town that tempts fate by having themselves declared a sovereign Indian nation - and opening a casino. Funny, smart, antic and scathing, Not Enough Indians is also a hilarious send-up of the American dream. Don't miss this special event.

Harry Shearer is first and foremost an actor - as well as an author, director, satirist, musician, radio host, playwright, and multi-media artist. For nineteen years, he has enjoyed enormous success with his voice work on The Simpsons, where he plays a stable of characters including Mr. Burns, Smithers, Ned Flanders, and Rev. Lovejoy. He is the host of the nationally syndicated NPR program, Le Show, and helped create and also appeared in such films as This Is Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind.

HOOKER'S BALL
Pier 23 on the Embarcadero a benefit for St. James Infirmary - Margo

PAUL DRUMMOND
reading & booksigning for Eye Mind Wednesday, October 31 at 7 pm The Booksmith, 1644 Haight St, S.F.

The 13th Floor Elevators (who for a time resided in San Francisco) released the first "psychedelic" rock album in America - and helped transform pop culture in the 1960s and beyond. Eye Mind: The Saga of Roky Erickson and the 13th Floor Elevators, The Pioneers of Psychedelic Sound tells the remarkable and at times tragic story of this trailblazing band. Join us for a special Halloween event with author Paul Drummond and secret special guests.

The 13th Floor Elevators - incidentally, one of Thomas Pynchon's favorite bands - are revered as a formative influence on Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Patti Smith, Primal Scream, R.E.M, and Z.Z. Top, among others. Musician Julian Cope called Eye Mind "One of the most exhilarating and important rock 'n' roll stories ever told." Paul Drummond is a British journalist, set designer and art director. He can be seen in the documentary, You're Gonna Miss Me: A Film About Roky Erickson.

MICK ROCK
talk, slideshow & booksigning for Psychedelic Renegades, Thursday, November 1 at 7 pm

By the time he passed permanently into the next dimension, Syd Barrett’s life had developed into something far more significant than he could ever have imagined. The man who turned his back on fame, fortune, Pink Floyd, and the entire rock music scene over thirty years ago became an involuntary legend. Was he a genius or just a madman? Mick Rock’s new book about his long-time friend, Psychedelic Renegades attempts to unravel the enigma that was Syd Barrett.

Mick Rock is one of the most widely recognized and prolific music photographers working today. His list of subjects is a virtual history of rock music. Rock’s earlier books include the just released Classic Queen, Glam! an Eyewitness Account, Raw Power: Iggy & The Stooges, and Moonage Daydream: The Life & Times of Ziggy Stardust.

3 NORTH BEACH ARTISTS: AGNETA FALK, GEORGE LONG, JAMES REDO

FINE PRINTING SALON, 225 7th ST (Between Howard & Folsom) MAKING IMPRESSIONS (415-621-5999) FRI. NOV 2nd OPENING RECEPTION FOR SAT: NOV. 3rd OPEN 12 TO 12 WITH MUSIC BY RENOWNED GUITARIST JONATHAN RICHMAN

THE SUMMER OF LOVE 40th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT SPECIAL KBWB-TV20 - Channel 20 - Cable 13 - San Francisco 8:00 PM Pacific Time SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4th

KHALIL BENDIB
talk, slideshow & booksigning for Mission Accomplished: Wicked Cartoons by America's Most Wanted Political Cartoonist Thursday, November 8 at 7 pm

In an increasingly Manichean geopolitical world, Khalil Bendib happens to be both "Us" and "Them," American and Muslim, a walking oxymoron - a "Clash of Civilizations" made flesh. He is - by many accounts - the only American political cartoonist with an in-your-face non-Eurocentric perspective. Bendib is a voice of the voiceless. Join us for a discussion and slide show for Mission Accomplished: Wicked Cartoons by America's Most Wanted Political Cartoonist

The son of survivors of the Algerian war of independence, Khalil Bendib was born in Paris during the Algerian revolution and grew up in Morocco and Algeria before coming to California at the age of 20. After an eight-year stint with Gannett Newspapers, Khalil resigned over increasing censorship of his work. His cartoons have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle and elsewhere.

PAUL MYERS
talk & booksigning for It Ain't Easy: Long John Baldry and the Birth of the British Blues Friday, November 9 at 7 pm

Long John Baldry is one of the little-known legends of rock n roll. Considered the father of British blues, Baldry knew, influenced, and worked with Elton John, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, John Mayall, Mick Fleetwood and others. Drawing on intimate anecdotes from Baldry's legendary friends and lovers, Paul Myers uncovers the man behind the myth. It Ain't Easy: Long John Baldry and the Birth of the British Blues traces the musician's extraordinary life from birth during the London Blitz to the musical, social and sexual upheaval of the 60s and 70s. Paul Myers' presentation will include rare film clips of Long John Baldry and other musicians.

Paul Myers is the author of Barenaked Ladies: Public Stunts, Private Stories. As a broadcaster, he has appeared on American and Canadian television. His journalism has appeared in publications in the United States, Canada and England.

"COUSIN BRUCIE" MORROW
talk & booksigning for Doo Wop: The Music, the Times, the Era Monday, November 12 at 7 pm

Join us for a special evening with the legendary NYC disc jockey "Cousin Brucie" Morrow - who will be on hand to discuss Doo Wop: The Music, the Times, the Era. This new book, which takes a look back at the tail-finned 50's and early 60's, captures the spirit of the times through spectacular visuals and informative text. Few know the subject as well as Morrow, one of the pioneering radio personalities behind doo-wop and rock n roll.

"Cousin Brucie" Morrow has been one of the most famous names in broadcasting for almost half a century. In August of 1965, he had the distinction of introducing the Beatles during their historic Shea Stadium concert. Morrow was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, among others. In 1994, part of West 52nd Street was named "Cousin Brucie Way." Today, he can be heard on Sirius Satellite Radio.

BRYAN RAY TURCOTTE
talk & booksigning for Punk Is Dead: Punk Is Everything! Friday, November 30 at 7 pm

Sure to be as successful as his 1999 bestseller, Fucked Up + Photocopied, Bryan Ray Turcotte's just published Punk Is Dead: Punk Is Everything! (hardback, $40.00) broadens its scope to expose the lasting impact of "punk" on visual culture worldwide. Described as the "last organically incubated oppositional youth movement" of the pre-MTV era, punk slipped quietly under the cultural radar before rising again to inspire new generations of creative and idealistic artists and musicians.

Bryan Ray Turcotte is a music producer and author. His Fucked Up + Photocopied is considered one of the definitive reference books on the North American Punk scene. In 2000, it won the Firecracker Alternative Book Award for Music.

SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL
author booksignings, Saturday, December 1

Join The Booksmith at the historic Castro Theater as we celebrate the art of silent film. In between the day's three programs, we will be hosting booksignings with Anthony Slide, author of Incorrect Entertainment and Now Playing: Hand Painted Poster Art, Matthew Kennedy, author of Joan Blondell, and others. More information, including a schedule of films, is available at www.silentfilm.org

ANTHONY LAPPE & DAN GOLDMAN
talk, slideshow & booksigning for Shooting War
Monday, December 3 at 7 pm

Shooting War is the "scary-smart," "must read" online graphic novel (a bold, irreverent, unflinching spoof of the network news, the war in Iraq, and the burgeoning "citizen journalism" movement set in the near future) started by Anthony Lappé and Dan Goldman at www.smithmag.net, where it generated fantastic attention from Rolling Stone, the Village Voice, etc…. At its peak, Shooting War received over a million unique visitors a day, and was nominated for a 2007 Eisner Award for "Best Digital Comic." Now it's a book. Anthony Lappé, an executive editor at Guerilla News Network, is a journalist who produced a documentary with footage he shot while he covered the war in Iraq. Dan Goldman, artist and designer, is a founding member of the daily online comics anthology Act-i-vate, and the coauthor of the political fiction graphic novel, Everyman: Be the People.

JAMES GURNEY
talk, slideshow & booksigning for Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara Tuesday, December 4 at 7 pm

In the spirit of Marco Polo and Gulliver's Travels, James Gurney's new book Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara recounts the adventures of explorer Arthur Denison and dinosaur Bix through the exotic eastern realm of the imaginary land of Dinotopia. "I thought the first two books in the Dinotopia series could not be topped, but I was proved wrong. Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara takes the adventure to a whole new level and new dimensions." – Ray Harryhausen James Gurney's fantasy art has appeared on the covers of more than 70 books, and his art has appeared in National Geographic and other magazines. He is the author and illustrator of the various Dinotopia books, each of which has become a bestseller. The original, Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time, was a publishing sensation as a New York Times bestseller, with more than two million copies sold in eighteen languages in more than thirty countries.

DANIEL MERRIAM
talk, slideshow & booksigning for The Art of Daniel Merriam: The Eye of a Dreamer
Thursday, December 6 at 7 pm

From the brush of acclaimed artist Daniel Merriam comes The Art of Daniel Merriam: The Eye of a Dreamer, a new collection of paintings where dreams in color invite the viewer to join a journey into the imagination . . . where worlds of reality and fantasy collide in an explosion of shapes and symbolism. For more about this fantastic artist, visit www.danielmerriam.com - Born in 1963, Daniel Merriam is a much loved and much collected San Francisco artist. His work is included in the public collections of The Riverside Museum of Art in California, The Gesundheit Institute in Virginia, and the Manhattan Club in New York. His work has also been featured in The World & I, Art News, Arts & Antiques, and New Art International.

JASON BROWN
reading & booksigning for Why the Devil Chose New England for His Work
JERRY STAHL
reading & booksigning for Love Without, Friday, December 7 at 7 pm

Jason Brown's exquisitely crafted second collection of short stories, Why the Devil Chose New England for His Work, will certainly establish him as one of the most important new voices in American fiction. From Jerry Stahl, the bestselling author of the memoir Permanent Midnight and the novel I, Fatty comes Love Without, a long-awaited collection of short stories. Join us at the Booksmith as these two remarkable authors come together for a singular night of short fiction. Jerry Stahl's 1995 memoir, Permanent Midnight (detailing his life as a drug-addicted TV writer), and three novels (I, Fatty is the most recent), have won him a fan base that shares his glee for the comically deviant. Jason Brown was a Stegner Fellow and Capote Fellow at Stanford University, where he now teaches. He has been published in Best American Short Stories, 25 and Under/Fiction, Mississippi Review, Georgia Review, Story, Epoch, TriQuarterly, and DoubleTake.

LEMONY SNICKET & LISA BROWN
talk & booksigning for The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming Tuesday, December 11 at 6 pm**

Latkes are potato pancakes served at Hanukkah, and Lemony Snicket is an alleged children's author. For the first time in literary history, these two elements are combined in one book (with illustrations by Lisa Brown). A particularly irate latke is the star of The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming, but many other holiday icons appear and even speak: flashing colored lights, cane-shaped candy, a pine tree. Santa Claus is briefly discussed as well. The ending is happy, at least for some. Unfortunately, elusive author Lemony Snicket is the author of a series of books whose joining title is "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Lisa Brown is an illustrator and author. Her books include How to Be and the popular "Baby Be of Use" series from McSweeney's. - **Please note special start time!

Dear friends and neighbors,

We hope that you will be able to attend:

3rd Monthly Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Peace Vigil

Place: San Francisco: Masonic between Oak and Fell

Time: Friday Dec. 21st, 6:00-8:00PM

One issue focus - end the war in Iraq. Support our troops and the Iraqi people by ending the war now.

Everybody welcome. Bring candles and signs if you have them, they will also be provided, along with cookies.

Peace, love, and cookies

---

home