by Andreas Gripp 
The Harmonia Press Spring Book Launch will take place at Landon Library (downstairs in the Martha Bishop Room), 167 Wortley Rd., on Wednesday May 22nd, 2013 starting at 7:00pm. There will be live music as well as readings from three new books of poetry from a trio of London writers. Afterwards, people are invited to relax at the Wortley Roadhouse for drinks. The books will be available for sale at the launch and they’re also available online at http://harmoniapress.blogspot.ca/p/book-orders.html 
 
The participants:
 
Dorothy Nielsen (“The Persephone Papers”) is a professor of literature and writing at King’s University College. She is also a spiritual director in private practice in London. Her poems have been published in The Fiddlehead, The Dalhousie Review,  Christianity and Literature, and in Ted Goodden’s Perpetual Illuminations  stained  glass  at  Landon library.  This is her first book of poetry.   
 
Carrie Lee Connel (“A Day in Pieces”) has had her poetry published in The Toronto Quarterly, Canadian Stories, and Symposium. Her short fiction has appeared in several magazines including Shadowfeast and Writtle. She has recently completed a Masters of Library and Information Science Degree at Western University. She lives in London and this is her first collection of poems.
 
Andreas Gripp (“The Breakfast of Birds”) has worked with books for 25 years. His poems have appeared in a variety of small press anthologies and literary magazines including Ascent Aspirations, Literary Review of Canada, Carousel, Arborealis, and Quern: An Anthology of Contemporary Poets. This is his 16th book of poetry. He lives in London. 
 
Paterson Hodgson is the lead singer of the London band So Young. She has also performed and recorded solo acoustic work and is a former member of Olenka and the Autumn  Lovers. 
 
Roxanne Andrighetti is a London singer/songwriter with world and folk influences. Accompanying her is accomplished and versatile London musician Charles Innis.


 


 
 

Jack Layton: Art in Action Book Launch
Thursday, May 23, Aeolian Hall, London, ON.

Doors Open: 7 pm, 7:30 start.

From the publisher, Quattro Books:
 Jack Layton: Art in Action is a collection of anecdotes, interviews and thoughts about Jack and his involvement with arts and culture, reflecting his life in politics and beyond. Stories and remembrances in his honour have been contributed by more than 100 “ordinary Canadians” and well-known personalities alike. Jack Layton left an indelible, inspirational legacy for everyone. Jack Layton: Art in Action features some of Canada’s best people’s poets… and peoples’ politicians… and some of London’s best people! We are launching Jack Layton: Art in Action, edited by Penn Kemp on May 23 to celebrate Jack’s ongoing influence. A beautifully produced 300 page book, yours for a mere $25!

 Please  join us in celebrating Jack’s ongoing legacy!

 MP Irene Mathyssen and editor Penn Kemp will co-host the evening with many London and area contributors as well as Quattro’s Allan Briesmaster. Read more on the event here

 The Aeolian, 795 Dundas St. E., London, 519-672-7950,
info@aeolianhall.ca
www.aeolianhall.ca. Contact: Quattro Books,
info@quattrobooks.ca, 647-748-7484 or Penn@pennkemp.ca.

 Jack Layton: Art in Action is a  truly inspiring cornucopia of anecdotes, reflections, poems, and images infused with Jack’s spirit, and with the spirits of many who were touched and motivated by his example. It reveals his life as a work of art capable of igniting us into positive, caring action. “Read this beautiful book about Jack’s passion for the arts. I hope his story will inspire you to live your life based on love, hope and optimism.”– NDP MP Olivia Chow, www.oliviachow.ca

 “What a magnificent and inspirational tribute to Jack, and what a monumental task…a loving portrait of Jack Layton, which should appeal to all Canadians regardless of their political leanings.” – Richard Young, Publisher, www.thebeatmagazine.

 “Jack Layton, more than any other politician I’ve ever known, was able to combine politics, the arts, compassion and uncommon sense into a public life that is a blueprint for public service. I’d recommend this book for anyone who wants to serve as Jack did. And for everyone who votes.” – Thomas  King

(For those who skipped the previous post, we are planning to do an online launch of every book of poetry (or chapbook) released in the London area by all poets who have been previously published in two discriminating journals. The launches will include a batch of their previously-published poems, an interview, a bio and a photo,all posted here on our website  as well as 'promoted' on our Facebook page.

One thing I didn't specify in the main post about the launches was what I meant by local poets. I may as well define that here. Since the whole effort will depend on the time and energy of one person, yours truly, then for the first few months I will limit the area served to London and the immediate surrounding towns, as far out as St. Thomas and Ingersoll. If it turns out that not too many books are being turned out in that area (I think I can handle about one a month on average without going into cardiac arrest), then I will probably expand the area to include Sarnia, Stratford and Woodstock. 

Our very first launch, at least that I know of right now, will be for Penn Kemp, who is launching her next book, From Dream Sequins, at London Open Mic Poetry Night's special National Poetry Month Reading on April 24th at Landon Library. We will precede the event with our online book launch. 

If you, or anyone you know, will be releasing a poetry book or chapbook, definitely get ahold of me. Poets only have to fulfill one requirement, that they have previously been published in two discriminating literary journals. If they are unknown to me they will have to provide evidence that that requirement has been fulfilled. Otherwise, there are no requirements in terms of the book itself. It can be self-published or commercial, online-only or made out of paper. Because, let's face it, not even the best Canadian poets can walk into a big publishing house and expect to be greeted with a big smile. 

My email: burfield@live.com

Stan Burfield, organizer

We are about to begin a new project, one which may be much more useful to the local poetry community than are our monthly events: We are going to do a free online launch of everyone’s new book release. 

The book can be of any kind, real paper or online-only, commercial or self-published. We only have one restriction: The poet must have been published in two mainstream journals, by which we mean journals that are discriminating. 

Our launches may prove to be more effective than are the traditional restaurant or library launches, for several reasons. 

First, we will post a batch of the poet’s previously-published poems so that readers can really sink their teeth into the author’s work, as opposed to only hearing them once as at a normal launch. And these poems will be linked directly to whomever is selling the books - a publisher or the poet’s own website. 

Second, the launch will include, along with a photo and bio, an interview with the poet, which will also be linked to the poems and to the book source.