Events

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

Stan Rogal (As Good As Dead), Ruth Edgett (A Watch in the Night), Garry Gottfriedson (Whiskey Bullets), Mike Freeman (Bones), and Camille Martin (Codes of Public Sleep) read at the Lit Live Reading Series in Hamilton. At The Sky Dragon Centre, 27 King William Street on March 3 at 7:30 p.m.

For more info: http://www.litlive.blogspot.co....

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

Stan Rogal (As Good As Dead), Ruth Edgett (A Watch in the Night), Garry Gottfriedson (Whiskey Bullets), Mike Freeman (Bones), and Camille Martin (Codes of Public Sleep) read at the Lit Live Reading Series in Hamilton. At The Sky Dragon Centre, 27 King William Street on March 3 at 7:30 p.m.

For more info: http://www.litlive.blogspot.co....

Mariko Tamaki appears at the launch of Shameless Magazine's latest issue. Mariko will be signing copies of her latest book, Skim (Groundwood Books). There will also be some great performances by Emma McKenna, Lisa Bozikovic, DJ Winnie and others. There is also an exciting list of raffle prizes from Good for Her, Grapefruit Moon, Groundwood Books, Briar Patch Magazine, as well as jewellery, magazines, art, books and more!

Head to the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom on Saturday, March 15 to support your favourite feminist magazine and blog. The party/fundraiser is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

Lyn Hamilton and Rick Blechta will be reading in the final in a six part series featuring Canada's top crime writers presented in association with Crime Writers of Canada. Canada's crime writers are celebrated around the world.

Lyn Hamilton is the author of a successful series of archaeological mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime in New York. The series features Toronto antique dealer Lara McClintoch, who travels the world in search of the rare and beautiful for her shop, finding more than a little murder and mayhem along the way. Each book in the series is set in a different and exotic location and calls upon the past in an unusual way.

To celebrate the release of Mistress Of The Sun (HarperCollins Canada), which tells the tale of Louise de la Vallière, consort to Louis XIV, France’s charismatic Sun King, novelist Sandra Gulland will model an elaborate seventeenth century-style gown designed by Susan Dicks and then peel it off, layer by layer, as she engages in a revealing on-stage conversation with Nathalie Atkinson of The National Post. A This
Is Not A Reading Series event presented by Pages Books & Magazines, HarperCollins Canada, and EYE WEEKLY. At the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. (doors 7:00 p.m.). Free admission.

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

Refuse Locale: An Evening of Surrealism in St. Catharines celebrates the ongoing legacy of surrealism in Canada at the Niagara Artists' Centre, 354 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines on March 5 at 7:00 p.m.

The evening features readings by contemporary surrealist poets Stuart Ross and Beatriz Hausner, and acclaimed Automatist scholar Ray Ellenwood reading from his recent translation of Thérèse Renaud's The Sands of Dream (the first book of Canadian surrealist poetry), the evening will also include surrealist games, films, art, and activities.

Nicolas Dickner (Nikolski), Maureen Jennings (The K Handshape), and Beverley Stone (No Beautiful Shore) read from their new novels at the Harbourfront Centre in the Brigantine Room on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The Frank Iacobucci Centre in Italian Canadian Studies in collaboration with Wilfrid Laurier University Press invite you to an evening with Francesco Loriggio (Carlton University) presenting The Last Effort of Dreams: Essays on the Poetry of Pier Giorgio Di Cicco on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Madden Auditorium, Carr Hall, 100 St. Joseph Street, St. Michael's College. A reception will follow.

RSVP (acceptances only) to 416-926-2345 or email: italian.studies [at] utoronto [dot] ca. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

Christopher Doda, Katherine Govier, and Jeanette Lynes are reading at the Rowers Pub Reading Series on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. Free admission.

New location for March only: Brass Taps at 934 College Street, Toronto.

Christopher Doda is a poet and critic living in Toronto. His first collection of poems, Among Ruins, was released in 2001 by Mansfield Press and his second, Aesthetics Lesson, appeared in the autumn of 2007.

U or T Bookstore Reading Series presents an evening of conversation with
Jim Lebans, award-winning producer at Quirks and Quarks, and author of the book The Quirks & Quarks Guide to Space (McClelland & Stewart), and Bob McDonald, CBC’s science reporter, author, and Quirks and Quarks host. A question and answer period with the audience will follow the interview.

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is pleased to announce its participation in the inaugural U of T Festival of the Arts, which celebrates a rich range of creative talent across all three campuses during three weeks in March. (www.arts.utoronto.ca).

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

Neruda Productions and The New Quarterly present DESEO: An evening of music and poetry. Reading by Souvankham Thammavongsa (Found).
Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8:00 p.m. at the Waterloo Entertainment Centre, 24 King Street N., Waterloo.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and available at Earthwinds in Uptown Waterloo, Eco Coffee at Your Kitchener Market and the Waterloo Entertainment Centre.

For more info: (519) 502-9677

Julie Wilson, Peter Richardson (Sympathy for the Couriers) and Steve Venright (Floors of Enduring Beauty) are reading at the IV Lounge reading series, 326 Dundas Street West, Toronto, on March 7 at 8:00 p.m.

Deborah Ellis's acclaimed young adult novel, The Heaven Shop, a story about the human impact of the AIDS pandemic in Africa, is being adapted into a play entitled Binti's Journey. It is the story of Binti Phiri, a 13-year-old African girl, who loses her home and family to AIDS. It is about her journey to her grandmother's village and her discovery of a deeper understanding of family and community.

Binti's Journey, directed by acclaimed poet ahdri zhina mandiela and adapted by Marcia Johnson, was commissioned and developed by Theatre Direct.

Author and social activist Rozena Maart will be in town to read from and discuss her new novel, The Writing Circle (TSAR, 2007). Rozena will discuss the themes in her novels, specifically the topics of women's rights and violence against women, with special focus on the violence and social injustices in South Africa. On Saturday, March 8 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapters - Square One, 189 Rathburn Road West, Mississauga. This event coincides with International Women's Day.

The Writing Circle
A Novel

Shelley Falconer and Shawna White, authors of Stones, Bones & Stitches (Tundra Books, 2007) will be at the Burlington Art Centre, 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, for Family Day and a book launch on March 9 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Shelley Falconer is director of exhibitions and programs and senior curator for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and a member of the University of Toronto’s adjunct faculty in Museum Studies. Falconer has contributed, as a writer and editor, to many exhibitions and new media publications, and her recent projects include the extensive reinstallation of the McMichael’s permanent collection galleries.

Brick Books, Canada’s premier publisher of poetry and publisher of five current and former Poets Laureate, will bring together some of Canada’s top poetry talent and showcase the power of poetry in early 2008 with Coast to Coast to Coast: On the Road with Two Poets Laureate, a cross-Canada literary tour. Poets Laureate Agnes Walsh (St. John’s, Newfoundland) and Lorri Neilsen Glenn (Halifax, Nova Scotia) will travel across Canada to read from their poetry collections, lead writing workshops and team up with Poets Laureate in other cities in January and March, 2008. For there complete schedule, visit the Brick Books website.

What is the nature of time? How much of our lives do we spend having sex? Or waiting in line? Bestselling author Christopher Dewdney will engage in a contemplative conversation about such mysteries with noted editor, critic and writer Darren Wershler-Henry at the launch of Dewdney’s book, Soul of the World: Unlocking the Secrets of Time (HarperCollins Canada). A This Is Not A Reading Series event presented by Pages Books & Magazines, HarperCollins Canada and EYE WEEKLY. At the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto. Wednesday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. (doors 7:00 p.m.). Free admission.

a.rawlings, author of Wide slumber for lepidopterists (Coach House Books, 2006) will read and talk about her work at York University's Canadian Writers in Person lecture series in Accolade West Building, Room 206 on Thursday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Stan Rogal (As Good As Dead) is reading at WordStage on Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. At Cervejaria, 842 College Street, Toronto.

As Good As Dead is a cautionary tale about an unknown writer "living in the bowels of anonymity" who suddenly hits it big with a novel-turned-movie deal. On his quick trip to fame, Vic stops along the way to comment on celebrity, marketing machines, the notion of banging out an overnight success on one's typewriter, and the act of becoming a legend.

Mariko Tamaki appears at the launch of Shameless Magazine's latest issue. Mariko will be signing copies of her latest book, Skim (Groundwood Books). There will also be some great performances by Emma McKenna, Lisa Bozikovic, DJ Winnie and others. There is also an exciting list of raffle prizes from Good for Her, Grapefruit Moon, Groundwood Books, Briar Patch Magazine, as well as jewellery, magazines, art, books and more!

Support your favourite feminist magazine and blog! The party is at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto, on Saturday, March 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Book Launch for Once Upon a Time in Bollywood: The Global Swing in Hindi Cinema and Gods in the Bazaar: The Economies of Indian Calendar Art at David Mirvish Books on Art, with Duke University Press and TSAR Publications.

Once Upon a Time in Bollywood: The Global Swing in Hindi Cinema
Edited by Gurbir Jolly, Zenia Wadhwani, Deborah Barretto

Clara Blackwood (Subway Medusa), Rudy Fearon (Noise In My Mind) and Maureen Hynes are reading at the Art Bar Poetry Series on March 18 at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free (voluntary donations appreciated).

Kathy Kacer, award-winning children’s author of The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser, Hiding Edith and others is giving a talk and celebrating the launch of her new book, The Diary of Laura’s Twin on Wednesday, March 19th, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies, 5075 Yonge Street, Suite 902.

At a joint launch, Canada Reads 2008 winner Paul Quarrington will celebrate the release of his eagerly anticipated new novel, The Ravine, by singing the blues with Pork Belly Futures, who will debut their self-titled CD. A This Is Not A Reading Series event presented by Pages Books & Magazines, Random House Canada and EYE WEEKLY. At the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street West. On Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. (doors 7:00 p.m.) Admission free.

The launch for Maureen Jenning's latest book, The K Handshape (Dundurn Press), is at The Sleuth of Baker Street on Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Jennifer Lovegrove will interview Sally Cooper about Tell Everything on "In Other Words" on CKLN 88.1 fm on Tuesday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m. Click on LISTEN LIVE in the top right corner at www.ckln.fm.

Steven Skurka, author of Tilted: The Trial of Conrad Black, will be signing copies of his book at Indigo at Bay and Bloor in Toronto.

Steven Skurka is the legal analyst for CTV. A practising defence attorney, he has defended such landmark cases as the Dee Brown racial profiling case, the Hells Angels anti-gang law case, the Maple Leaf Gardens sex abuse scandal and the Guy Paul Morin Inquiry. He is a widely regarded and frequently quoted legal analyst and his blog, "The Crime Sheet," has been cited by major publications.

Read an excerpt from Tilted in Open Book's Spring Magazine.

The ROM Friends of South Asia welcomes William Dalrymple as he speaks about his critically-acclaimed book, The Last Mughal: The Eclipse of a Dynasty, 1857. On Wednesday March 26 at 6:30 p.m. At Signy & Cléophée Eaton Theatre, Loblaws School Entrance (South Side), Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park, Toronto.

The Last Mughal is the tragic story of Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar: learn about this pivotal time in South Asia's history from a uniquely human perspective, and meet the world-renowned author at the book signing.

Copies of The Last Mughal will be available for purchase at the lecture.

This event launches FSA's Save the Painting fundraising campaign to restore and display a 15th century Tibetan painting.

This month Comics Industry Night is proud to celebrate the launch of two great books featuring talented Canadian comic artists.

NEGATIVE BURN #17 features the graphic novella "Growing Up With Comics" by Ron Kasman and R.G. Taylor. It tells the story of the comic book culture in Toronto in the 1950s, 60s and 70s then on into the present day. Touching on many Toronto comics landmarks, the story is like a walk down memory lane for long-time comics fans and an introduction to Toronto’s rich comics history for newcomers to the medium. NEGATIVE BURN #17 is a long-lived anthology of comics work published by Desperado Publishing LLC., out of TX, USA.

Meet Kimberly Keiko Cameron (aka "Skim"), a not-slim, would-be Wiccan goth, and the protagonist of the graphic novel Skim (Groundwood Books), by cousins Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki. Life for Skim at a private girls' school is not easy at the best of times, but when her classmate Katie Mathews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself because he is (maybe) gay, Skim's world turns upside down. Writer Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Jillian Tamaki will show slides from Skim and discuss this remarkable book with novelist Jessica Westhead (Pulpy and Midge).

A launch for Kristyn Dunnion's new book, Big Big Sky is on March 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Ben McNally Books, 366 Bay Street at King. Kristyn will also have her latest video playing on computers throughout the store.

Self described saucy tart, Kristyn Dunnion is the author of novels Missing Matthew and Mosh Pit. Her short stories are published in numerous collections. She is also the trash talking, audacious MC and macho femme, Miss Kitty Galore.

Lillian Necakov reads from The Bone Broker (Mansfield Press) at Srbica Books at 2465 Dundas West (just north of Keele subway), Toronto, on Friday, March 28 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event is hosted by Mansfield poetry editor, Stuart Ross.

Jennifer McCartney (Afloat), Katerina Fretwell (Shaking Hands with the Night) and Mike Freeman (Bones) are reading at the IV Lounge Reading Series at 326 Dundas Street West (across from the AGO) on March 28 at 8:00 p.m.

Linda Granfield and Jennifer Herbert, author and illustrator of What Am I? (Tundra Books, 2007), will be reading at the Locke Branch of the Toronto Public Library at 10:30 a.m. on March 29.

Linda Granfield is the award-winning author of nearly twenty-five nonfiction titles for young readers. Granfield’s writing brings history to life with such works as In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae, High Flight: A Story of World War II, and the acclaimed Amazing Grace: The Story of the Hymn. Linda Granfield grew up in a big family north of Boston, Massachusetts, and now makes her home in Toronto.

Catherine Graham will be teaching, "Life Writing at Discovery Landing: Where imagination and the real world meet", at The Observatory at Burlington's Discovery Landing. Find out more about the workshop at the City of Burlington website.

Catherine Graham's third collection of poetry The Red Element will be published by Insomniac Press in 2008. She is the author of Pupa (Insomniac Press, 2003) and The Watch (Abbey Press, 1998). Her poetry has appeared in literary journals in North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland and has been frequently anthologized. Her website is http://www.catherinegraham.com....

Book Launch for A Case of You (RendezVous Press) by Rick Blechta at The Black Swan Pub, 154 Danforth Avenue, 2nd floor.

Rick Blechta is a crime novelist and musician living in Toronto and has twin passions in life: crime writing and music. He's had five novels published and the sixth, A Case of You, has just been released. His 2005 novel, Cemetery of the Nameless was a finalist for an Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel. He was also a recipient of the CWC's Derrick Murdoch Award in 2000. Rick's website is www.rickblechta.com.

Catherine Graham will be teaching, "Life Writing at Discovery Landing: Where imagination and the real world meet", at The Observatory at Burlington's Discovery Landing. Find out more about the workshop at the City of Burlington website.

Catherine Graham's third collection of poetry The Red Element will be published by Insomniac Press in 2008. She is the author of Pupa (Insomniac Press, 2003) and The Watch (Abbey Press, 1998). Her poetry has appeared in literary journals in North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland and has been frequently anthologized. Her website is http://www.catherinegraham.com....

Book launch for Nila Gupta's The Sherpa & Other Fictions at the Victory Cafe, 581 Markham Street, Toronto, on Monday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. The launch will feature readings, dance performance by Sanskriti Arts (original dance piece based on "The Sherpa"), Indian snacks and specially priced books for sale.