On Saturday, Oct.12, Susan Lane Foundation will welcome award-winning writers from around Michigan to Alpena for the sixth installment of north45east reading at Art in the Loft from 5 to 7 p.m. The nonprofit has chosen Art in the Loft year after year for its smooth ambiance, central location and state-of-the-art sound system.

SLF co-founders and siblings Anne Bastow Heraghty and Joe Bastow are gearing up for another powerful event.

“We have been thrilled with the support from the community and attendance in the past and are really hoping to capture some new people,” Heraghty said. “We want people to experience the excitement of a reading first-hand and learn that north45east is not a stuffy, academic event to suffer through. It is dynamic, casual and captivating. By design, we invite several unique voices each year to ensure there will be something everyone can connect with. These are real people reading their works about real life.” 

The Susan Lane Foundation began with the intention of expanding literary opportunities in Northeastern Michigan, and this event certainly does its part to satisfy that mission.

Returning poets, playwrights and essayists include: David James, Keith Taylor, Christina Kallery, Robert Fanning and Dennis Hinrichsen. Live music will be provided by celebrated homegrown artist Conor Larkin.

“We are very excited to have this caliber of writers willing to donate time and travel to share their work with our community,” Bastow said. “All are bringing new materials since they were here last, including the first chapbook by Kallery, Adult Night at Skate World. These authors are at the height of their abilities, and we are extremely fortunate to have them visit Alpena.” 

Books will be on hand for purchase, and authors will be available for conversation and signing throughout the evening.

“It’s awesome to share the power of words with our community. It’s a bonus that it will take place surrounded by the Loft’s LIGHT exhibit,” Heraghty said.

Tickets can be purchased ahead for $10 at Art in the Loft, the Local Basket Case or reserved by emailing the Foundation at www.susanlane.org. Snacks will be provided along with a cash bar.

The event will also reveal the winners of the 2019 Heritage Haiku contest. The contest was started in conjunction with the Heritage Route 23 Discovery Tour. Five winning haiku will be transferred to lawn signs and displayed throughout the area alongside previous years’ winners.

“It was an amazing idea from former board member Carol Lund,” explained Heraghty. “We were all feeling inundated with political signs, and Carol’s idea of putting something purely positive and creative roadside was a great one. We had a record number of submissions, so choosing winners was challenging.” 

Whenever people gather to hear powerful stories in an amazing setting, lasting memories are made. SLF’s north45east is a wonderful opportunity to experience just that.

For more information, email susanlanefoundation@gmail.com.