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Saturday 14 November 2015

James Deahl book launch: back to his roots at Main Street Library


November 14, 2015





Dear Chris and Chase,



         Here is the info on my book
launch, including the PR done by
the Toronto Public Library (attac
hed).





November 14, 2015

Dear Chris and Chase,

         Here is the info on my book launch, including the PR done by the Toronto Public Library (attached).

         The reason for the Main Street Library is that 30 years ago you hosted the book launch of my No Cold Ash there. (And later that night the Canadian Poetry Association was founded.) With my new book I thought it would be fun to return to my roots.

         . . . James


The Toronto Public Library

Main Street Branch
137 Main Street 

presents the launch of:

Unbroken Lines: Collected Poetic Prose1990 - 2015
by James Deahl

 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015  7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free

Featuring James Deahl & special friends:

Norma West Linder

Michael Mirolla


Patrick Connors


for more info & directions:

416 – 393-7700



                                            ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~

Hi James,
Thanks for the info on your book launch this Thursday - I learned about it thru a phone chat with Terry a couple of nights ago. I immediately knew why you had chosen the good old Main Street Library - yep, somehow 3 decades have slipped by since I founded the poetry series there (Nov. 15, 1979!). After I got your email I started reminiscing, which led to opening the guest book for the series, which I kept from day one.

It seems like a dream now, esp. later that night (Jan. 16/85) when we stumbled down to the Beaches to celebrate at The Balmy Arms Pub. I remember slapping a fiver on the beer soaked table and announcing that the Canadian Poetry Association (R.I.P.) was officially founded, and you, Shaunt, Wayne Ray, Carol, Terry etc. slapping your bills down as well ... and ... well, we done did it, for whatever it was worth ;  )

Some other tidbits of historical interest from that night. Your co-reader was Doug Stewart, who was retiring as the head publicity person for Toronto Public Library. Marty Singleton was one of the 7 readers in the open set (the only other reader listed in the guest book whom I clearly remember was Dennis Chiasson).

Anyway, Congrats & best wishes for a successful launch, and altho it's unlikely, I hope a pint or two is hosted after the event at The Barmy Arms (if it's still there).

peace & poetry power!
Chris ... & Chase Wrffffffffffffffffffffffffffff!

another memory ... I'm pretty sure I got you on the Canada Council readers list with this book launch. I also got Robert Priest, Bruce Hunter and a number of other poets I featured at Main Street on the Canada Cow list in the 1980s.

here's the blog posting on Riffs & Ripps (don't know why the large, bold type came up):


                                                    ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~


On 2015-11-19, at 1:55 PM, Henry Martinuk wrote:

Hi Chris,
I'm attaching several photos from James Deahl's book launch at the Main St. Library last night. The rain didn't keep people away and the branch librarian made us feel welcome with tea & timbits.
    In his intro, James talked about his time at Main St. & mentioned that it was 30 years since his last book launch at the branch. He spoke about the glory years when Chris Faiers was active in the community and organized the many readings that the branch was famous for.
    When the host librarian welcomed the audience, he mentioned that he wants to encourage author events in the branch. Great words to hear!
    James introduced his "friends" as they read, including Patrick Conners, Norma West Linder & Guernica Editions publisher Michael Mirolla. The audience responded warmly to the authors. James acknowledged that his three daughters and their significant others were at the book launch.
    A good way to spend a Wednesday evening!
cheers, Henry

p.s. give dear Chase a good pat from me! Thanks!

<2 Main Library Librarian intro DSC01531 .JPG><4 Patrick Connors DSC01536.JPG><5 Norma West Linder DSC01541.JPG><6 Michael Mirolla - Guernica publisher DSC01545.JPG><7 James Deahl Unbroken Lines DSC01546 .JPG><8 James Deahl UnbrokenLines DSC01550.JPG>




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