Tarleton to host sixth annual Langdon Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 3, 2009


STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS—Poetry, creative writing, short fiction, history, film, drama, music — Langdon Weekend has it all.

Tarleton State University will host the sixth annual Langdon Weekend, Sept. 9-12 both at its Stephenville campus and at the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural and Education Center, located just off the Granbury Square.

Langdon Weekend is held annually to celebrate the publication of the “Langdon Review of the Arts in Texas.” The publication showcases the works of Texas dramatists, nature writers, artists, photographers and literary offerings of poetry and prose. From the art of the 1940s Fort Worth School of artists to the Latino poetry of Carmen Tafolla, Langdon Review also celebrates the diversity of Texas. The sixth volume will be released Sept. 9.

A change this year will bring the entire first day’s activities to Tarleton’s main campus. On Wednesday, a creative writing workshop for approximately 80 students from nine area high schools kicks off Langdon Weekend. Texas author Mike Kearby will conduct the workshop, sponsored by the university’s English department.

A Langdon Review Launch Party will begin at 7 p.m. in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center Ballroom B.

According to Dr. Marilyn Robitaille, Langdon Review co-editor with Dr. Moumin Quazi, Volume 6 will showcase a veritable “chapbook” of poems by each poet, a practice that defines the editors’ commitment to bring readers a unique perspective. Many well-known Texas writers have been published in the last four volumes including four Poets of Laureate of Texas.

Wednesday will conclude with a readers’ theatre by members of SceneShop, a Fort Worth organization that promotes the dramatic arts in North Central Texas. The event will begin at 8 p.m. in the Thompson Student Center Ballroom A.

On Thursday and Friday, the event moves to Tarleton’s Langdon Center in Granbury as writers, many from universities and community colleges across the state, read and collaborate with each other and the community.

On Friday afternoon, Dominique and Charles Inge invite attendees to their garden for literary reading and a picnic. Texas Poet Laureate Paul Ruffin will read selections of his poetry under the spreading live oaks of Brazos House Gardens.

Friday evening’s events begin with dinner at Café Nutt on the Granbury square with the music of Dallas musician Rahim Quazi. Friday will conclude with a film screening at the cinema in Granbury. This year’s film, “St. Nick,” was selected for special recognition at the AFI Film Festival in Dallas. Director David Lowery will be on hand after the screening for a question-and-answer session.

The festival will conclude Saturday morning with a brunch on the Langdon Center lawn and will feature renowned poet Naomi Shihab Nye with music by Jessica Quazi, a University of North Texas film student and musician.

All evening events are free and open to the public. One-day registration is $50 (including a copy of Langdon Review), and full weekend registration is $75 and includes Saturday brunch and a copy of the book. Picnic and movie screening tickets are sold separately. Additional brunch tickets are $12.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.tarleton.edu/~langdonreview or call (254) 968-9545.

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