Barnes and Noble welcomes authors, book groups
WEST BLOOMFIELD – On Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m., Lives & Times: The Biography Book Group will feature Nigel Nicolson, the son of Virginia Woolf's sometime lover, Vita Sackville-West, and author of a new biography about Virginia Woolf.
On Thursday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m., Barnes and Noble welcomes Elliot Feldman, signing his first novel, "Sitting Shiva."
Feldman's novel explores the coming-of-age story of Charlie Fish, after his estranged father is found dead in a hotel room. The novel is set in the 1950s in the Motor City.
Also on March 20 at 7:30 p.m. is the meeting of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Group, in which the group will discuss Connie Willis', "Remake."
The novel touches on the Hollywood of the future wherein anything can happen and anyone can be star, as long as you don't mind a bit of technological interference.
All events are open and free to the public.
For more information, contact Kim Lombardini at (248)865-7391 or by email at [email protected].
Rites of spring dance
WARREN – Rainbow Unity of Renaissance Unity is sponsoring a fundraiser evening and dance for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society titled the "Rites of Spring," on Saturday, March 22, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
The evening features dancing with a DJ, a deluxe sweet table, a place where photos can be taken, a silent auction, psychic readers and non-alcoholic daiquiris and martinis.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information call Robin at (586) 790-8560.
Slam poet team heads for nationals
YPSILANTI – On February 27, the Ozone House Youth Drop-In Center in collaboration with local area youth poets hosted the First Annual Ypsilanti Area Youth Poetry Slam. Twenty-two youths between the ages of 14 and 19 competed at Mugg's Hideout in Ypsilanti for seven spots to represent the Ypsilanti Area at the 5th Annual National Youth Poetry Festival in Chicago, Ill., April 24-27.
Mayor Cheryl Farmer, local Ypsilanti business owners and family members were some of the more than 180 spectators that came to show support and to see the creativity of area poets.
Sulaimon Abdur-Rahman, Charles Cheeks, Katie Gallegos, Chelsea Harper, Troy Hubanks, Keena Mills, and Krystal Phillips were the seven finalists chosen to represent the Ypsilanti Area in Chicago.
Every Thursday from 6-8 p.m., the Ozone House Youth Drop-in Center, located at 30 N. Huron St. in Ypsilanti, hosts the "Lyricist Lounge." During the "Lyricist Lounge" teens are encouraged to use their voices to speak personal truths and listen to the truths of others. This poetic forum opens up a space where teens can build bridges across diverse ethnic, racial and socio-economic lines.
For more information, call (734) 485-2222.
PFLAG conference slated for Jackson
JACKSON – A day-long PFLAG conference exploring ways to bridge religious, sexual, gender and racial gaps in our communities will be sponsored by Jackson on May 3.
Speakers include Michael Gibson-Faith of the American Friends Service Committee and Ruth Seymour, senior editor at Between The Lines newspaper.
A panel discussion will be hosted with PFLAG Family Reunion. Mike Neubecker, of PFLAG Downriver, will be moderator.
For more information, contact [email protected] or phone Lorraine at (517)750-3045.
The circle will take place on May 3 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, located at 1505 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
April 15 is the pre-registration deadline. The cost is $25 for individual, $20 for each additional family member and $15 for students and seniors.
On-site registration will cost $25.
Mail check or money order to: PFLAG Jackson, Box 4065, Jackson, MI 49204
Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery brings in colorful irises
FERNDALE – Join Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center at the Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery in March for "Rainbow Eyes," a mixed media exhibit by Vy Reed.
The exhibit runs from March 3-27.
Proceeds of art sales benefit Affirmations. There is no fee for this exhibit, however donations are welcome to help keep the Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery looking its best.
The Pittmann-Puckett is an exhibition and performance space intended for the presentation of work by lgbt artists. The gallery is available to established and emerging artists, especially those whose work speaks to or about the lgbt community.
The Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery is a space for artists to exhibit and sell their work, for presenting benefit exhibits, lectures and workshops, meditation sessions, and as a comfortable meeting place for many of our support groups.
Recently rededicated in memory of Susan Pittmann and Christine Puckett, two devoted members of Affirmations who fell victim to a hate crime 10 years ago, the gallery is where we may all celebrate life through art.
The Gallery welcomes submissions of work from all artists and media for upcoming shows. Please send a sample of your work as slides or color photographs and a brief statement to: Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery, C/o Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center, 195 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220
Or call Michael Larson, Director of Program Services, at (248) 398-7105 x 23.
Sodomy panel put together
DETROIT – The Wayne State Gay & Lesbian Law Caucus Presents: A Legal, Social, and Political Examination of Sodomy Laws (hosted by John Corvino and including a variety of local legal scholars) on Monday, March 24 from 7 – 9 p.m.
The event will be held at the Wayne State University Law School in the Spencer M. Patrich Auditorium.
For Further Info please email: [email protected].
