Vincent McGillivray, ARR’s Treasurer and Secretary started off the night with his self-deprecating humour and a poem called “The Sound of Fucking Up.”

Kathryn Bjornson, ARR’s poetry and non-fiction editor read poems that make the ordinary extraordinary.   Kathryn sees the poetry in all things, even in peeling a pomegranate. 

Kat Kruger asked the audience to picture her as a 17 year old boy as she read from her first YA novel.  We knew it it was heading somewhere good when she started off with “I bit a kid.  Hard.”

Stephen Vernon has a way of drawing in his audience and bringing his stories to life on the stage.  He was animated and hilarious when he read his “Dive Poem” in honour of our homey setting and also from his newest book “Sinking Deeper.”

mat robinson is Senior Editor at ARR has been a mentor to the team.  His poems talked about life in Halifax and how Citadel Hill is always in the way.

Thank you to everyone who came out to read or to listen and support ARR.  Our goal is to help promote original artists and encourage creative expression. This event was a great way to do that.

Atlantic Canada is awash in incredible talent and the Book Festival is a great way to celebrate our local authors and get people pumped about reading their stories.  The authors on this year’s shortlist are the people who are capturing our East Coast culture and history.  The Book Festival is a great opportunity to hear what they have to offer and learn how we can start sharing our own stories.  Besides, the shortlist is a great place to get titles for your reading list. 

It’s unfortunate that we often overlook books published in our own backyard.  But  Atlantic Canadian authors create some of the most impacting, funny and well written books on the market.  And the best thing about reading local books is that you just might learn something about yourself.

Ungar will be reading excerpts from his novel and all proceeds will be donated to Phoenix House.  Phoenix is a non-profit community based organization in Halifax that offers help to homeless and at risk youth and works to address issues that lead to youth homelessness like poverty, housing, discrimination and literacy.

Come out to support a good cause and treat yourself to a new book.

Open Heart Forgery has been publishing monthly for almost a year now.  Like ARR, its mission is to support new and emerging artists and show off our local artists.  If you missed it, check out The Coast’s article about Open Heart Forgery at http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/authentic-forgery/Content?oid=2390039.

When: November 18, 5:00–7:00 pm
Where: The Company House
2202 Gottingen Street, Halifax
Free admission (donations gladly accepted)

We’re gearing up to print the 2009 issue of the journal, and we’d like your help. That’s why All Rights Reserved will be hosting a silent auction at Pogue Fado (1581 Barrington Street) on October 4th, between 5:00 and 9:00. Lots of amazing items on the block, so be sure to get there nice and early.

Hope to see you all soon!

Your friendly ARR editors.