Lowell Celebrates Kerouac has planned another rollicking birthday celebration for its hometown hero, Jack Kerouac. This year it's a one-day event occurring on his birthday, March 12. It happens to be a Saturday, making it possible for working stiffs like me to attend. Click here for the schedule, but I have also posted it below for convenience.
This is literally less than 3 weeks away, yet I have not made up my mind about attending. It's only a thought percolating in my mind right now.
FYI, the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center has no vacancies on that date. This has become a typical scenario during LCK events and is a major drag since it's the only option in downtown Lowell. Your next best bet is the Courtyard by Marriott in Chelmsford. It's close but not walkable to LCK events. The solution is to cab into the city or drive and park for free at the National Historical Park Visitor Center.
If I do attend, I will have a copy of my book with me and will award a signed copy to the first person who comes up to me and uses the word "lackadaddy" (stand-alone or, better yet, in a sentence). Prior winners are not eligible. If I don't attend, you can always click here and get a copy directly from Amazon.
Jack would have been 94 on his next birthday. Come celebrate with like-minded Kerouacians in beautiful downtown Lowell this coming March 12!
Schedule of Events:
2016 Jack Kerouac Birthday Celebration
March 12, 2016
10:00 am: Downtown Walking Tour of Lowell Kerouac Sites.
Begins at the Kerouac Commemorative at Bridge and French Streets and ends at
the Pollard Memorial Library. Led by Roger Brunelle.
12:30 pm: Pollard Library Tour.
This Library played a pivotal role in shaping Kerouac’s literary consciousness, and
now houses a “Kerouac Corner.” Led by Bill Walsh. The Pollard Library is located
2:00 pm: “Woody and Jack: Two American Icons.”
A presentation comparing the lives and legacies of Jack Kerouac and Woody Guthrie by Steve Edington. Steve is a member of the LCK Committee and the author of The Beat Face of God
and Bring Your Own God—The Spirituality of Woody Guthrie.
Books available for signing following the presentation.
Visitors Center Theater at the Lowell National Historical Park. 246 Market Street.
4:00 pm: Open Mike at The Old Worthen.
141 Worthen Street.
8:00 pm “The Moody Street Sound” at the UnchARTed Gallery.
With Special Guest David Amram. 103 Market Street.
A $5.00 donation is requested to support Lowell Celebrates Kerouac.
94... he lived half of that, sad. I was still full of life at 47, but ol' Jack had had enough. Damn critics killed 'em. Richard Marsh
ReplyDeleteP.S. It's looking more and more like I'm going to be at the birthday bash, so get the secret word ready (if you're eligible).
ReplyDelete