One Small Press for Mankind
By
March 13, 2009
March is upon us once again, and with it, the annual Small Press Month. We’re sure you’ve been waiting with bated breath for roomfuls of perfectly rumpled literary hipsters—thick-rimmed glasses, scruffy beards, eye-obscuring bangs, and the like. Then there are, of course, the books, with authors from small presses reading at venues around New York City and sponsoring talks and panel discussions. Spearheaded by the New York Center for Independent Publishing, the events are a must for anyone concerned with the endurance of print and the success of up-and-coming literary starlets. Here’s a round up of some of the highlights coming this month.
On March 12, Brooklyn Independents presents the graphic novels of Ben Katchor (Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer), Dan Goldman (Shooting War), and Youme Landowne. They will speak about the New York environs featured in their work, and navigate the treacherous territories between comics and novels. The next day, check out the Earshot Reading Series at Rose Live Music in Williamsburg. Readers include Idra Novey, author of the recently published The Next Country, a critically acclaimed book of lyric poetry.
On March 15 experience an evening as a literary scenster with novelists John Reed (All The World’s A Grave) and Amy Koppelman (I Smile Back) as well as poet Elizabeth Skurnick (Check-In). The three will read selections from their recent works in the famed literary haunt. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Bengal Curry for a bite and to hear the Phoenix Press Reading, where authors such as Mary Orovan, who has performed around New York City at venues such as the Bowery Poetry Club, will read from their work before a poetry open mic.
Slice Magazine hosts a literary trivia showdown on March 23, at Dixon Place on the Lower East Side. The teams include writers like Brooklyn’s beloved Jonathan Lethem (The Fortress of Solitude) and innovative graphic designer-cum-novelist Chip Kidd. On March 24, there’s FIELD Magazine‘s 40th anniversary reading at The New School. The famed magazine has been publishing contemporary poetry for four decades. Poets reading at the event will include Marth Collins (Blue Front) and Angie Estes (Chez Nous). If poetry isn’t your scene, check out The Publishing Future, the finale of a lecture series about just that.
And on the March 28, marginalized at the end of the month is the Rainbow Book Fair, where you can find your favorite LGBT books, magazines and collections for sale all day at queer community center The Center—as seen on MTV’s Real World. Three of the Brooklyn season’s castmates interned there. Fingers crossed for a reunion.
March 12, Brooklyn Independents at the Central Library (Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn); 7pm. March 13, Earshot Reading Series at Rose Live Music (345 Grand Street, Brooklyn); 8pm. March 15, Reading at KGB (85 East 4 Street); 7pm. Admission free. Gival Press Reading at Bengal Curry (65 West Broadway) 5:30. $3 suggested donation. March 23, Slice Magazine Trivia Night at Dixon Place (161 Chrystie Street); 6:30-9:30. March 24, FIELD Magazine anniversary reading at The New School (66 West 12 Street); 7pm. The Publishing Future at the General Society Library (20 West 44th Street b/w 5th and 6th Aves.) 6:30pm. March 28, The Rainbow Book Fair at The Center (208 West 13th Street b/w 7th and 8th Aves) 11 AM–6 PM.
