APRIL has arrived. A festival of small press and independent publishing takes root in Seattle

“Authors, Publishers and Readers of Independent Literature” March 22-31, 2012

The seeds of APRIL can be found in the 2010 Small Press Bookfest, an ambitious project of the late Pilot Books. APRIL aims to harness the spirit that made Pilot Books a community space and locus for daring and innovative writing.

The goal of the festival is to connect readers with independent literature and the authors and publishers of this relevant and vitalizing work. The festival aims to celebrate independent writing and publishing and to foster community amongst the artists and appreciators who help make it thrive.

With a successful Kickstarter campaign behind them the organizers have put together a wide range of events that is sure to have something of interest for everyone. From a chapbook-making workshop to a slew of readings to a book arts exhibit to a independent press book fair and there’s even a competitive story-telling event with drag queens!

So put down your device and and go spend some time with real life writers, publishers and independent ambassadors of the printed word.

 Here is the full schedule of events.

(Events are free unless otherwise noted)

• Thursday, March 22: Opening Party, 8 p.m. at Sole Repair ($7). Featuring readings by
Christopher Frizzelle and Rebecca Brown and a DJ Set by Jon Francois
(DUG/DREAMTONE).

• Friday, March 23: HOARSE Release Party 7 p.m., the Hideout. Readings from the latest
issue and top-secret covers sets by LAKE (K Records), Blue Light Curtain and Tenderfoot.

• Saturday, March 24: [PANK] Invasion, details TBA. A reading with [PANK], lauded as one
of the ten best literary magazines in the country by the New York Times Magazine.

• Sunday, March 25: Chapbook-making workshop at ZAPP (Richard Hugo House), 2 p.m.

• Monday, March 26: A Poet, a Playwright and a Drag Queen, 8 p.m. in the Sorrento Hotel’s
Fireside Room ($7). Competitive storytelling event: Featuring Debra Di Blasi (Jaded Ibis
Press), Noah Benezra (Washington Ensemble Theater), and the incomparable Jackie Hell.

• Tuesday, March 27: Paper and Words at Cullom Gallery, 7 p.m. Curated reading by
Summer Robinson (Pilot Books), books arts by Sharon Alexander. Heather Folsom, will
read; art by Martine Workman, Garek Druss, Jesse Lortz and Alexander on display.

• Wednesday, March 28: “A Jello Horse” at the Hedreen Gallery, 8 p.m. Music, multimedia
and a reading from Seattle’s own Matthew Simmons. Musical performers include Levi
Fuller and others.

• Thursday, March 29: Readings from Ryan Call and Chelsea Martin, 8 p.m. at Porchlight
Coffee and Records

• Friday, March 30: Seattle LitCrawl, starting 7:30 p.m. at Bluebird Microcreamery and
Brewery on Pike, with further locations TBA. An evening of readings scattered throughout
Capitol Hill.

• Saturday, March 31 — Recto Verso: an Independent Press Expo, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the
Richard Hugo House. The first twenty people get a free APRIL tote bag. Readings
throughout the day, and panel discussion on “What is Independent Literature?”

• Closing Party, 8 p.m. at Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar. Come close out APRIL with fine
drink and hobnobbing.

CONTACT INFO:
http://aprilfestival.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:
http://www.facebook.com/APRILFestival
http://aprilfestseattle.tumblr.com/