LoisLowry

During a recent visit to Ann Arbor, author Lois Lowry sat down with us for a brief discussion of her work. She's written over 35 books for children and young adults, amassing countless awards and recognitions along the way.

She's twice been awarded prestigious Newbery Medals for the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children, in 1990 for Number the Stars and in 1994 for The Giver. Ms. Lowry discusses her long-standing connection with Ann Arbor, answers questions submitted via Facebook about her writing, and gives us a jaw-dropping sneak peek into her upcoming project.

If you're a fan of the TV show the Family Guy hopefully you were able to attend our special event with the only female writer on the show, Cherry Cheva and the voice of Lois, Alex Borstein back in November. If you missed the event or you were there be sure to listen to our special podcast interview with these two hilarious and edgy ladies! Alex used to be a writer on the show and it was blast chatting with the two of them about being the only women amongst a raunchy crew of male writers, how they got into comedy and what they're working on now. Cherry is also the is the author of two novels for teens Duplikate and She's So Money. She grew up in Ann Arbor and her family owns the Lotus and Marnee Thai restaurants. family guy

AAFF logo

In this episode, Donald Harrison, executive director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, talks about what we can look forward to in the upcoming 49th Festival, March 22-27, 2011. Donald highlights several of the programs this year, including some of the free public events, family events, special programs and opening night celebrations. He also talks a little about the jury process and what we have to look forward to when the AAFF celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.

The Library has set up a discount code for the AADL community to receive $2 off advance online tickets for the Safe As Milk (Ages 6+) program on Saturday, March 26 at 11:15am at the Michigan Theater. Order advance tickets and use the discount code AAFF49AADL.

The Story Collider

Brian Wecht is a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical particle physics as the University of Michigan. He is also, along with particle physicist-turned-storyteller Ben Lillie, the creator of The Story Collider, a project that aims to get people telling stories about science in their everyday lives. These stories--sometimes funny, sometimes serious--are presented live at storytelling events, through the Story Collider podcast, and on video at the Story Collider Vimeo channel. Brian shares with us where the idea for this project first came from and the plans as the Story Collider becomes larger and continues to draw people from all walks of life to share and listen.

If you like the sound of Story Collider and want to hear some stories of science told live, join us in the Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room on March 11 at 7pm for the first Story Collider event to happen outside New York City.

This episode features 2011's Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads author, Richard Glaubman. Richard spoke with us about his collaboration with George Dawson on Life is So Good, a chronicle of Dawson's inspired personal journey through the tumultuous 20th century, culminating in his learning to read at the age of 98. Richard talks about his experience developing the book's narrative structure and George's voice, as well as his personal friendship with George and the irresistible effect of his optimism and quiet humanity on everyone he encountered. You can also watch or download a video of Glaubman's presentation when he visited in January.

Detroit author and music critic, Brett Callwood, was at AADL recently for a public talk about his book MC5: Sonically Speaking: A Tale of Revolution and Rock 'n' Roll. Prior to this event, I had the chance to chat with Brett about the MC5--their legacy, their significance to other musicians, and the influence of former manager, John Sinclair. Brett also discusses his journey to becoming a music critic and the inspiration behind his writing, most notably his love affair with Detroit and its music.

Popular American rock band The Verve Pipe recently performed two concerts at The Ark, one show targeted for a younger family audience, and one intended for adults. After their performances, we hung out in the green room with lead singer Brian Vander Ark and drummer Donny Brown. They discussed their foray into music for children and young families with A Family Album, music production, cover art, and future projects for the young ones.

Author and journalist Mary McDonagh Murphy recently talked with us about her lifelong passion for To Kill a Mockingbird, which culminated during this year's 50th anniversary of the book's publication with McDonagh's own tribute, Scout, Atticus and Boo: A Celebration of 50 Years of To Kill a Mockingbird--a companion book to the soon-to-be-released documentary, Hey, Boo: Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird. The book gathers together various celebrities' first memories of and favorite passages from the book, along with discussions of the novel's value to society both then and now. We spoke with Mary about the enduring appeal of Mockingbird's characters; its place in the canon of American literature; its enigmatic author, Harper Lee; and the wonderful Hollywood adaptation.

Michael Erlewine

Michael Erlewine, author, archivist, and founder of the All Music Guide recently spoke at the Library about his new book with photographer Stanley Livingston, Blues in Black & White: The Landmark Ann Arbor Blues Festivals. In this interview prior to the public talk, Ann Arbor's old music clubs and coffee shops come alive as Michael takes us on a personal journey of the Ann Arbor music scene circa 1962-1972. He covers a range of musical topics, including the early folk era, when he hitch-hiked with Bob Dylan; the influence of pre-hippie culture on Iggy Pop; the influence of John Sinclair on Ann Arbor culture; and his personal passion for Chicago city blues, which led to the Ann Arbor blues festivals and inspired the formation of his band, The Prime Movers Blues Band, shown below playing at the Schwabin Inn.

You can listen to the interview below. You can also view Michael's public talk at the Library.

kris_carr

As soon as she was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer (Stage IV, with metastases to the lungs), Kris Carr turned on the video camera and started a video journal, documenting her visits to doctors, her occasional emotional breakdowns, and her no-holds-barred commitment to researching and changing what she could--her attitude, her diet and her lifestyle. The result is the funny, candid and helpful 2007 video, Crazy Sexy Cancer, followed by two books, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for your Healing Journey. In our interview, Kris talks about her experience making the film, the people she's met and the lessons she's learned since her diagnosis, and the healing power of Oprah's hugs.

You can listen to our interview with Kris, below, or watch the video of her presentation at the Library on August 17, 2010.