JACK KEROUAC 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
MARCH 8-11, 2012
SPONSORED BY LOWELL CELEBRATES KEROUAC AND
THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT LOWELL
[To help defray the costs of this weekend, a $5.00 Donation is requested by those taking the Kerouac Tours. Thanks!]
THURSDAY, MARCH 8TH:
4:00 p.m.: Introduction to Kerouac’s recently released novel, The Sea Is My Brother.
Book-signing & talk by book’s editor Dawn Ward.
UML South Campus, O’Leary Auditorium #222
FRIDAY, MARCH 9TH:
5:30—7:00 p.m.: Exhibition Opening: Jack's Serious Exuberance: Paintings and Drawings, Abstractions of Jack Kerouac's The Scripture of the Golden Eternity by Barbara Gagel; Ayer Lofts Gallery, 172 Middle St. (Exhibition runs from March 8 to 30.)
6:00—7:30 p.m.: Kerouac’s Downtown Lowell Walking Tour. Led by Roger Brunelle. Meet at Kerouac Commemorative at Bridge and French Streets. Visit some of the places Kerouac writes about in his Lowell novels and experience the town that first shaped his literary consciousness.
7:30--9:30 p.m. (And beyond?) “Let’s Talk About Jack!” Readings and Discussion led by Nomi Herbstman. Kerouac’s body of literature resonates with many people in many ways. We’ll gather and share how Kerouac’s writings resonate with you. Bring your memories of how you were pulled into the Kerouac circle, and how your image of Lowell is shaped by his Lowell novels. Share your favorite JK passages. Not an open mike so much as it is an opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow Kerouac aficionados and discuss his writings.
LCK will provide some food for munchies; feel free to contribute snacks of your own
White Eagle Cafe,.585 Market St.
SATURDAY:
1:00---2:30 p.m.: “Kerouac at 90” panel to discuss his life and influence. Panelists include: Steve Edington, Past President of LCK and author of The Beat Face of God; scholar John McHale of Salem State University; and Marilene Phipps-Kettlewell, award-winning author and painter, who is presently editing Kerouac's poetry for the Library of America edition. UML professor of Beat Literature Todd Tietchen will serve as moderator; Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Event Center. Foot of John St.
3:00--4:30 p.m.: Socio-Linguistic Origins of Kerouac. Tour and talk led by Roger Brunelle at St. Louis Church-School compound at Boisvert and 6th Streets in the Centralville neighborhood
5-:00—7:00 p.m.: Kerouac Pubs of Lowell Tour, Part 1. Begins at Ricardo’s (Formerly Nicky Sampas’ Bar) at 110 Gorham St. and goes to Cappy’s Copper Kettle and Major’s Pub. Led by Mike Wurm.
8:00—12:00 p.m.: “Jazz for Jack” LCK 90th Birthday Celebration with local jazz musicians at Back Page, coordinated by Judi Stadelmaier. The Back Page is at 15 Kearney Square behind the Blue Taleh Restaurant. A $5.00 Donation is requested.
9:00 p.m. (approximately) Also at The Back Page: Dramatic readings of “Jack’s Last Call” play by writer Patrick Fenton and actor Jerry Bisantz.
SUNDAY:
1-4 pm: “Walking Jack” 90th Birthday Loop Walk from Kerouac Commemorative at Bridge and French Streets to significant boyhood homes and sites on both sides of the Merrimack River, ending along Merrimack /Moody Street corridor, being led by Mike Wurm and Bill Walsh with special guest readings
4-6 pm: Kerouac Pubs Tour, Part 2, Merrimack St. area & a taste of old Moody St. bars. Begins at Charlie’s Pub at 14 Cabot Street, and goes to The White Eagle then to The Old Worthen. Led by Mike Wurm.
Others Kerouac Birthday Related Events:
* David Amram event, March 16, sponsored by ComeToLowell.com. Check this website for further details.
Also at Ayer Lofts Gallery, “Jack’s Serious Exuberance” art exhibition by Barbara Gagel:
Wed., March 14, 7:30-8:30: Panel discussion with local writers and poets,
Wed., March 28, 7:30-8:30: “A Lesson from Jazz,” a musical interpretation