What: Vancouver's Monthly Literary Gathering: Hemingway's Birthday Party
When: 7-9pm, Wednesday, July 20th, 2005 (3rd Wednesday of each month)
Where: The Shebeen, behind the Irish Heather, 217 Carrall Street in Gastown
Why: Not? Like you're doing something better on a Wednesday?
Who: Contact lorraine.murphy@gmail.com for more information
How(much)? $20 if you reserve online before July 15th, $25 thereafter

The inaugural Vancouver Literary Gathering was an historic occasion,
featuring the first James Joyce reading in history ever to be
accompanied by the music of a conch shell. Dali, Joyce, who can tell
them apart, eh?

The rest of the classic ingredients for celebrating Bloom's Day (the
day on which James Joyce's masterpiece Ulysses takes place) were
present and accounted for on May 15th (Bloom's Eve): Joyce's favorite
beef and gorgonzola sandwiches, Beaujolais substituting ably for the
now-overpriced Burgundy; a sing-along to Irish poetry; whisk(e)y; many
strange, classic Joyceanisms read aloud; and as promised, and slightly
boozy reminiscences, particularly towards closing time. But, not
content with superlative performance by the evening's presenter, actor
and vocal performance coach Jesai Jayhmes, the assembled multitude
were also coaxed into a group reading of perhaps the most challenging
paragraph in the English language: 286 words, in just two sentences.
Supplemental oxygen was recommended. After that, it was easy to enjoy
the rest of the performance with a new respect for the difficulty of
reading aloud. And of reading Joyce, period!

Vancouver's next Monthly Literary Gathering is Wednesday, July 20th
from 7-9pm at the Shebeen; the theme is Hemingway's Birthday, and
Canadian author James Sherrett will be reading Hemingway-inspired work
from his new book. The event will feature Hemingway's favorite
Daiquiri (no blender in sight!) and an authentically macho, game-based
light dinner. Dress safari or expat; bonus points for epaulettes.
Tickets $20 to July 15th, thereafter $25. Includes light dinner and
first drink. Full menu also available a la carte, and 100+ whiskies!
Reserve @ https://secure.clearpro.com/literary/registration.asp.
Strictly limited to 40 places.

Both props and shout-outs to our sponsors for this month, because
nothing is too good for these people: Beautymark Cosmetics in
Yaletown, the Urban Mixer (they're everywhere!), the Surrey
International Writer's Conference, and TribalGlobe Massage.

For more information, contact: Lorraine Murphy, raincoaster media ltd
lorraine.murphy@gmail.com 604.874.5051