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Upcoming Readings and Events

April 28, 2010: Catch Zoe Keithley, author of Crow Song, on Dr. Andy's Poetry and Technology Hour on KDVS, 90.3 FM and KDVS.org, from 5:00-5:30 pm.

June 5, 2010: Roots Salon in Chicago presents an evening with Zoe Keithley and friends; reservations suggested! 8:15 p.m. 4925 N. Leavitt St., Chicago; $15 donation. RSVP: 773.203.7661.

New Publication

We're excited to announce the launch of Visions of Joanna Newsom, a book of essays, poems, and art responding to the singer-songwriter's evocative, controversial work. A tribute to a unique talent, the book is also a testament to the deep reflections and powerful emotions her followers and critics have experienced under her spell. Read on for praise of the volume:

"This fascinating, enlightening, and fun book is a study of an artist who has made two masterpieces and been a success both commercially and with unspeakable music snobs. Joanna Newsom's work will continue to be a must-hear for decades. If for no other reason, get this book because it will be worth a lot of money on eBay one day."

- Hal Willner, legendary music producer and music supervisor of Saturday Night Live

"The exquisite songwriting and ethereal singing of the superb Joanna Newsom are the occasion of this fascinating, celebratory collection of wise essays, astute reflections, and poetic reckonings with this unique artist's work. This is a book for long-time devotees and new initiates both. Buy this book today."

- David St. John, professor of creative writing at University of Southern California and author of The Face: A Novella in Verse

"Serious without being eggheady, playful without being frivolous, Visions of Joanna Newsom is a passionate investigation into one of America's most unique living musical forces. In its determination to rescue Newsom from the lost island of 'quirk,' this sharp, frequently witty collection digs deep into the too-often unspoken question that drives fans and non-fans alike: What is beautiful?."

- Katrina Onstad, columnist for Chatelaine Magazine and author of How Happy To Be

Call for Submissions

Please note extended deadline! We've received a number of excellent submissions to Canuckifornia, an anthology of Canadian writings about California, but are still looking for more. We seek short stories, essays (personal or academic), and/or poems (or groups of up to 10 poems). Poets should be natives of Canada, former or current Canadian citizens, or former or current permanent residents of Canada. The purpose of this collection is to display a range of Canadian reactions to (and appropriations of) the myths and realities of California, a state where many expatriates have gathered. Canadians have migrated to California to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, Silicon Valley, academia and many other fields, and they have brought their own sensibilities to bear on the so-called Golden State. At the same time, California's laid-back image, individualistic ethos, and new mixture of ethnic influences have forced many Canadians to confront and question their own approach to life, both on the professional and the personal levels. Yet California's high cultural profile in North America means that no Canadian with any degree of interest in life abroad can have failed to form a vivid impression of its influence. Thus contributors need not have resided in (or even visited) California to be considered.

Submissions or questions may be sent via regular mail to Roan Press, P.O. Box 160406, Sacramento, CA 95816 (USA) or via email to roanpress@gmail.com Submissions received by May 31, 2010, will be considered for inclusion. The collection will be edited by Dr. Bradley Buchanan, Associate Professor of English at California State University, Sacramento, and a native of Windsor, Ontario.