MORE LITERARY EVENTS THIS WEEK

[November 5th, 2008]

Wordstock’s huge book fair is Portland’s biggest deal this weekend. But there are other high-profile literary events taking place, too. We know you love nothing better than to curl up at home with a good book, but with festivities like this going on, you may need to put your reading life on hold…at least for a couple of days. MATTHEW GRAHAM.

Thursday, Nov. 6

Literary Arts Presents: W.S. Merwin

W.S. Merwin is arguably the most distinguished of all living American poets (eat it, John Ashbery). He won awards and admiration as a youth from the likes of W.H. Auden and Sylvia Plath, and now, at an age when most people have settled comfortably into their retirement life, the 81-year-old just keeps on working. 2008 saw the release of The Shadow of Sirius, hailed as his best work in over a decade and some of the best of his career. Going back to the time Eisenhower took office, his verse has covered everything from war to love, from death and religion—in other words, all the Big Literary Themes. And unlike most professional poets in the 20th century, he’s never joined the academic literary establishment. A true independent voice, when he’s not writing, he busies himself at his property in Hawaii, practicing Zen meditation and restoring the former pineapple farm to its original, tropical rainforest state. The Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 7:30 pm. Tickets $12-$15 at Ticketmaster or PCPA Box Office. 503-224-4400 or 866-866-4502.

Wordstock Poetry Slam!

Literature is usually a solitary activity. Sure, maybe you discuss the books with your friends, perhaps you’re even part of a reading group that meets every month to try and figure out, “What does this mean?” Communal activities like these are great, but regardless, whether you’re reading or you’re writing, it’s something you do when you’re alone. But literature doesn’t have to be that way. Enter the poetry slam. Slams have gotten a bad rap over the years as being the place where no-talents go to find an audience for their pretentious ramblings. In most cases, this description is probably warranted. But how good are Anis Mojgani, Karen Finneyfrock, Buddy Wakefield, Jodie Knowles, Derrick Brown and Tara Hardy? Comparing them to your typical slammer is like comparing your nephew’s JV basketball squad to the Trail Blazers. Watch them throw down for $1,500. You’ll never look at poetry the same way again. Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd. 9 pm. $15. Tickets at brownpapertickets.com.

Saturday, Nov. 8

IPRC Text Ball

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. The second Annual Text Ball is the Independent Publishing Resource Center’s way of celebrating Portland’s literary weekend in style. Guests are encouraged to dress up in costumes that incorporate text in the design—and please, try to come up with something a little more creative than a white T-shirt with the words “Nike, Just Do It” plastered across the chest. Judges will be handing out awards for the “most artistic and/or grammatically correct costumes.” The IPRC will also honor their Zine of the Month award winners, and the Pete Krebs Trio gypsy jazz ensemble will provide music for the festivities. Show up early for the cocktail hour and auction. Leftbank Building, 240 N Broadway. 6-11 pm. Tickets $5 for students and Wordstock attendees, $10 for IPRC members and $15 for non-members. Tickets available at IPRC offices, the IPRC Wordstock booth, Reading Frenzy and at the door. Also available at brownpapertickets.com. More info at iprc.org.

Live Wire!

Like everything else in Portland this weekend, Live Wire! will be tied in to Wordstock. Guests will include cartoonist Lynda Barry, expert and minor TV celebrity John Hodgman and two-time U.S. National Individual Poetry Slam champion Anis Mojgani. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., 233-1994. $25.

Sunday, Nov. 9

22nd Annual Oregon Book Awards

There are a lot of writers who say they’re only in it because they love the craft. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure writing is the most satisfying thing in the world for these people, but there’s always a little bit of a lie in that statement. Who doesn’t love a little recognition? It may make you feel embarrassed, awkward, and like a total phony, but it’s great to be told, “Good job,” no matter much of a Pynchon-like recluse you may be. To that end, Literary Arts is putting on the 22nd edition of the Oregon Book Awards to honor the state’s most exceptional writerly minds. In a profession where anonymity is the norm, don’t you think exalting these folks for one evening is the least we can do? For those who can’t make Saturday night’s ceremonies, many of the nominated authors will be giving readings Sunday afternoon as part of the final day of activities at Wordstock. Portland Art Museum, Mark Building, Fields Ballroom, 1119 SW Park Ave. 7:30 pm. $15. brownpapertickets.com. More info at literary-arts.org.