As someone who has spent several years working in a bookstore can attest to, readers of the romance genre are some of the most dedicated and voracious readers one will come across.
Which means it’s no surprise that these same readers and writers would be fervent supporters of literacy and want to do something to ensure needed resources are available to all.
Fans of the genres and believers in the power of reading won’t want to miss the annual Romance Writers of America’s 28th annual Readers for Life autographing in support of adult literacy. The event will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel, 1550 Court Place, downtown.
“Readers will have the chance to meet their favorite authors, find authors who could be their new favorites, and be around hundreds of other readers who love the same books they do, all while supporting a great cause,” said Jessie Edwards, marketing and public relations manager with the Romance Writers of America. The group is a nonprofit trade association whose mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers.
More than 300 romance authors, including Sylvia Day, Beverly Jenkins and Suzanne Brockmann, will meet with and sign books for fans. Copies of the books have been donated to the event by publishers and authors. One hundred percent of proceeds from book sales benefit ProLiteracy and the Colorado Literacy Coalition, helping these groups create lifelong readers.
According to information provided by the Romance Writers, the raised funds have supported 28 U.S. literacy programs and Laubach Literacy Canada, have supplied 18,882 adult educational materials to adult learners, and have helped provide training for an estimated 930 tutors annually.
“Increasing adult literacy is a cause that reflects one of the essential tenets we stand for — that literacy is individually and culturally vital,” Edwards said.
“To date, we’ve raised more than $1 million for this cause and are proud to have helped an estimated 40,800 adult learners gain high-school educations, get jobs, and support their families.”
For more information, visit www.rwa.org/literacy.
Parker celebrates the King of Pop at Schoolhouse Theatre
The world lost Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, a little over nine years ago. In the ensuing years his musical stature has only grown, and people are still clamoring to experience his music live.
Fans can get a taste of the live show at the Michael Jackson Tribute Experience Event at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at the PACE Schoolhouse Theatre, 19650 Mainstreet in Parker.
Based in Colorado, the nationwide touring company has already had sold-out shows in the state, including Denver, Salida, Pueblo, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Lafayette and Boulder. Colorado native Sonny G. will be playing Jackson. He is a national touring entertainer and portrays several artists.
To get tickets, visit www.parkerarts.org.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Third Eye Blind at Hudson Gardens
There are some songs that you never forget the lyrics to, no matter how many years pass since you’ve last heard them. For a while there, that’s all Third Eye Blind knew how to write.
The band was responsible for radio staples like “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Never Let You Go,” and “How’s It Going To Be,” and I can still sing along without missing a line. And I do anytime I hear them out in the world.
If you’re anything like me, you’re not going to want to miss Third Eye Blind at Littleton’s Hudson Gardens and Events Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 22.
To purchase tickets, visit www.hudsongardens.org.
Tattered Cover celebrates Harry Potter’s birthday
Witches and wizards in the metro area are going to want to dust off their fanciest robes and make sure their wands are in good shape, because it is a certain famous wizard’s birthday.
To mark the occasion, the Tattered Cover Book Store, 2526 E. Colfax Ave., is celebrating 20 Years of Magic with Harry Potter. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 28.
The evening will feature a range of activities, including Harry Potter trivia, try-outs for Quidditch, and more magical fun.
The event is free but signing up is required in advance. Visit www.tatteredcover.com/celebrating-20-years-magic-harry-potter to save a spot.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. A community editor with Colorado Community Media, he can be reached creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com.
