Village Books Blog

Another Great Evening With Chuckanut Radio Hour

I had a great time last night with the Chuckanut Radio Hour.  Our special author guest was our long-time friend Ivan Doig, who was interviewed by Floyd McKay about his latest novel, The Eleventh Man.  The rest of the show was great fun as well -- the ongoing comic serial, The Bellingham Bean, provided us another twisted tale; guest essayist and outdoors writer, Mike McQuaide, regaled us with a laugh-out-loud remodeling saga; Emily Warn shared her work in the Poet's Corner and the Quickdraw String Band provided some lively, lovable music.  One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing our recently deceased friend, Tom Hunter.  Governor Gregoire had pronounced yesterday, October 24, Tom Hunter Day: A Day for Singing in Washington State.  After Dee read the proclamation, Matt Novac of the Quickdraw String Band and his friend Jenny Woods sang Tom's song, Beautiful Nighttime.  It was a touching moment, watching some in the audience mouth the words as others reached for their handkerchiefs.  The song was beautifully rendered and was a great tribute to a remarkable life.

Keillor Launches "Liberty" with Chuckanut Radio Hour

Oh what a night--not just the full moon and the wonderful warm breeze that made the plaza at WWU feel nearly enchanted--but the entire evening.  Garrison Keillor launched his novel Liberty tonight on the Chuckanut Radio Hour on the PAC's Mainstage (the book just went on bookstore shelves today).  He was stupendous.  What a charming, generous soul.  Courtney Fortune sang like only she can and the Senate was amazing.  Alan Rhodes delivered one of the funniest (and most apt) comic essays I've heard him do and the Bellingham Bean script was great--Garrison certainly added his rare touch there.  And, of course, when Garrison unleashed his inimitable monologue the 1000+ audience went into hysterics.  The event raised more than $10,000 for the Pickford Film Center and more than 1000 happy folks walked away with Keillor's latest tome, which he signed for more than an hour and a half.