LQ X: Litquake Celebrates 10 Years

Hold on, it’s coming—the next Litquake is set for October 9-17, 2009. Not only that, but it’s our 10th anniversary (Happy anniversary to us), so we’ll be doing lots of celebrating.  Special guests, special events, and all done in the inimitable Litquake style.

In the meantime, we have special events and fundraisers throughout the summer.

Holly Payne’s New Novel to Benefit Litquake

Thursday July 9, 2009
8-10:30 pm
Golden Gate Room, Ft. Mason

In 1994, Bay Area novelist/screenwriter Holly Payne was hit by a drunk driver and spent a year learning to walk again. The driver wrote her a letter of apology, and instead of replying, she decided to write a novel for him, Kingdom of Simplicity, set in her childhood community of Amish Pennsylvania. Holly has graciously offered her San Francisco book launch as a benefit for Litquake! Admission includes a signed copy of the book, silent auction, and live music by the amazing Blame Sally! For more info about the book, check out Holly’s website.

Thanks Holly!

Tickets: $25 (includes signed copy of Kingdom of Simplicity)
Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.

Bodies in the Library: Who Done it at Litquake?

Litquake’s First Mystery Fundraiser 

Thursday July 16, 2009
6-8 pm
Mechanics’ Institute Library, 57 Post St.

Enjoy an intimate evening with Bay Area mystery writers Rhys Bowen, Lisa Lutz, Simon Wood, Kelli Stanley, Louise Ure, Vinnie Hansen, and more. Mingle as the writers engage you with readings, conversations, and insights into the mysterious workings of their minds! The event will also include exciting raffle prizes such as tickets to Litquake 2009 events and becoming a character in a mystery writer’s new book.

Join us at the historic Mechanics’ Institute Library, a proud sponsor of Litquake Festival.

Tickets: $12
One free raffle ticket with each advance-purchase admission; additional raffle tickets 3 for $5 at the event
Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.

They Loved Back in Black!

Goldstar reviews for Litquake’s June 28 presentation of Lewis Black in Conversation with Marc Maron have been amazing! Here are a few samples…

Great event. Funny, refreshing. Lewis is awesome, I would like to see him in SF more!!! I know he’s running around the rest of the world and he was close by recently, but come back to SF Lewis, we love you here! (I thought I’d speak for the City) -First time to see Marc, I was impressed.

I was thrilled to attend, it was hilarious, with even a couple of touching moments-who’d have thought it?!

What a great combination on stage. Marc and Lewis had me laughing for the full 90 minutes. The format of an “interview” was really cool too, because it was basically just watching two really funny people trade stories. Anyways, wish you were there! I would definitely attend an event like this again.

I liked the conversation aspect because in a regular stand up routine you don’t learn much about the person. In between hilarious stories about being on the road, religion, and Glen Beck, there was interesting conversation about how they got to be where they are today.

Good venue. Marc Maron was a nice surprise - we hadn’t even heard of him but found him as funny if not funnier than Lewis Black. It was great to see Lewis Black in a different kind of setting, relaxed and chatting with a friend, and especially sweet to see him laughing when Marc Maron cracked him up. As a bonus, I got my book autographed and a picture of myself with the author.

Lewis Black is a true entertainer story teller social commentator extraordinaire. His wit is lightning quick and intelligent. Before the event I looked up Marc Maron and watched him on YouTube. His acerbic humor tickles my funny bone. His rapport with Lewis Black made for a great evening of two brilliant comedians. I will buy their books and CDs to share with friends.