I'm hoping of the approximate 19,490,297 New Yorkers that at least a handful of them make it to the New York Book Fair at P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City, Queens on October 2-4. This event is being presented by Printed Matter, Inc., the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of publications made by artists. With over 150 international presses, DIY bookmakers, artists, dealers, and more, this is going to be a massive creative gathering force assembling for 3 days only. Events include a special exhibition of emphemra, books, and posters by Richard Price and the Contemporary Artists' Books Conference, along with a fundraiser hosted by Deitch Studios on October 1st. All of this, and more!, can be experienced by anyone with a love for books and transportation to Queens. If anyone were to pick up some kitschy limited edition print and send it to lil' ol' me, I wouldn't be disappointed!
San Diegans! Living in such a hub of culture while still maintaining the laid-back, small town feel that so many millions of people love is a tough job! Still, if you have any inkling of what is going on in the land of shoes, you've heard of TOMSshoes. Buy one, give one pair away? Great stuff for activists and just shoe-wearin' folk alike! Be sure to check out their event at Mint Shoes in Hillcrest one week from today. Bring a book to the book drive to enter a chance to win a TOMS prize pack! As a new TOMS customer, I can attest to the comfort and fashion points you will glean from wearing these cozy lil' things. If that doesn't get you excited, they promise to have refreshments also. What's not to like??
I'm pretty sure any and all of the Richmond readers are familiar with the BFD escapades of years past, but this year carries on the tradition of being bigger, better, and more badass than the year before! Best Friends Day 8 is poised to blow all years out of the water, returning to its 4-day glorious extravaganza of bands, buds, and beer!
Thursday, August 20th, kicks it all off at Plaza Bowl, where they are welcoming us back after a 6-year hiatus. Young Widows, Ultra Dolphins, The Measure, Future Virgins, and Pysched to Die will rock your face off starting at 7 pm.
Friday things get into full swing with the annual Scavenger Hunt starting at 12 noon at Vinyl Conflict in Oregon Hill- but be sure to get there early to sign up your team! That night, prepare to have your mind blown at Alley Katz, where for $12 at 6 PM the show goes on with Strike Anywhere, None More Black, Off With Their Heads, No Friends, Blotto Ringers, and Gatorface. A not-to-miss show.
Saturday your mind will continue to be blown at the free Magrudergrind show in the parking lot of Fine Foods before heading to the main event- Hadad's Lake! The centerpiece of the weekend, if you can only make it to one event, I'd say this is the place to be (except for the None More Black show because they are awesome.) Don't get drunk too early or you risk missing the group picture! 12-7, with bands like Torche, Pink Razors, No BS Brass Band, Gull, Lemuria, Wasted Time, Tubers, and Sexy Crimes.
Sunday be sure to drag your hungover ass to the Bike Lot to see the final event at 1 pm, Asshole Parade, Cannabis Corpse, Snacktruck, Monikers, Virgins, and Constrictor. FBM bikes will also be hosting a world class event- a bike jump contest over the world's biggest plate of nachos! This event will be MC'ed by Oderus Urungus of Gwar, so DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!
RVA was good enough to put out the promo video with Tony, Shelley, Ward, and (insert dude's name here because I'm not cool enough to know it)...
UCLA is hosting a weekend-long book festival at the end of the month that is FREE!!! Nothing in LA is free, but somehow this is (however, parking is not). The Los Angeles Festival of Books will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 on the UCLA campus in West LA. There will be book readings, signings, and local authors on hand peddling their wares. Click the link above to get more information on what's happening and who will be attending. Tickets are free but required to enter some of the events and panel discussions.
All images and words used are copyrighted beth demmon 2008. Any theft or plagarism will result in criminal charges and possible castration. P.S. Any images that I use from another source will be credited as much as possible; they are only used to further expand creative horizons for everyone.
