A new book being released on Penmanship Books of New York. The book is called “Moonwalking.” It’s a collection of poems regarding the life, career and influences of Michael Jackson, The King of Pop. Blair will be reading poems from the manuscript and then his band Blair & The Boyfriends will play a full set and very special guest Dee Matthews, straight from her 2nd place showing at Women of the World Poetry Slam, will open the show.

“Moonwalking,” is about the life, career and influences of Michael Jackson, The King of Pop. To discuss Michael is to discuss race, gender, sexuality, poverty, super-stardom, abuse of self, child abuse, justice etc. This book… is about America .

Blair will read poems published in The Pedestal Magazine, University of Alabama ’s Punch Journal, Metro Times, Dispatch Detroit , Between the Lines Newspaper and Critical Moment as well as poems from a forthcoming manuscript, Where The Mothership Landed, poems for and about Detroit .

Blair is 2010 Seattle Haiku Slam Champion, 2009 Metro Times Best Urban Folk Poet, Seattle , Washington’s BENT Writing Institute 2008 Mentor of the Year Recipient, 2003 Real Detroit Reader’s Poll Best Solo Artist, 2002 National Poetry Slam Champion, a published poet and seven time Detroit Music Award Nominee. His new book and CDs will be available for purchase.

The Park Bar
2040 Park Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226-1620

Sunday, Dec. 20
12:00-4:00 PM
River’s Edge Gallery, Wyandotte

River’s Edge Gallery owner, Pat Slack, is presenting a showcase of self-starting local authors and illustrators who have put their own work into print rather than waiting for the elusive Yes from a publishing company.

On Sunday, December 20th, the gallery will present a signing event attended by the following local, self-published children’s book authors, organized by gallery director Jeremy Hansen.

Minnie and Melvira by William Ball

Denise Marshall, who wrote and illustrated The Adventures of Hip Hop and the Yellow Hat, the first book in a series of children’s books based on a bunny that Denise rescued, who in return inspired her.

Cheryl L. Zemke, the author and illustrator of Defenders of Naturion. This book takes you on an adventure with Lucas and his two friends, Charles and Torie, as they attempt to save the princess of Naturions.

Donald Henkel , who wrote the original story of Fred Claus, Santa’s brother, and now follows up with Painted Treasures, a story of tree gnomes. Both books were illustrated by Donald’s son, D.B. Henkel.

Pamela Frucci, who co-wrote a book with her granddaughter, Emily, who takes a trip through time to find out about her great great grandfather and his twin brother titled A Visit to My Great Grandpa, illustrated by Nancy Pitel.

William and Lisa Ball , who penned:
Minnie & Melvira, a children’s book by William Ball, in which Minnie learns that finding a good friend can be hard, but that she can always start by friending those that show kindness to her, and to others.

Booze House, a dramatic novella by Lisa Ball. The story of a young girl fighting to navigate a path to normalcy amidst the turmoil of a family held hostage to alcoholism, betrayal, autism, and pain.

The Worm & The Caterpillar, a children’s book by William Ball. This story draws a comparison between the worm & the caterpillar, both of whom begin life as crawling forms, but in the end wind up very different. The book affirms that the power of belief coupled with the will to try is an immeasurable force making any transformation possible.

Episodes of the Norm, an eclectic anthology of donated shorts, rants, slams, essays, and poems from various authors across the states. Fifty percent of the proceeds are donated to the Autism Society of America.

River’s Edge Gallery is located at 3024 Biddle in downtown Wyandotte.
For more information, contact 734-246-9880 or riversedgegallery@wyan.org.