23 October 2008—Steinbach, Manitoba

Today’s issue of The Carillon (published in Steinbach, Sam W’s birthplace) included a well-written piece by Doris Penner re: her impressions of Gray Matter Graffitti and the poetry reading and book-signing event at the Mennonite Heritage Village museum two weeks ago. Read or download a PDF of the article (176 KB) here.

11 October 2008—Steinbach, Manitoba

Sam W. returned to his birthplace yesterday for a poetry reading and book-signing event at the Mennonite Heritage Village museum in Steinbach. An appreciative audience (including the Bard’s parents and brother) was in attendance, and “avuncular Sam” held forth in style—for the most part more sacred than profane. Earlier in the day he made appearances on both Mix96 and CHSM radio. Thanks to Dr. Lawrence Klippenstein of Steinbach for all local arrangements and to the museum for the evening’s fine venue.

Dr. Lawrence Klippenstein introduces… you know who.

10 October 2008—Victoria, British Columbia

If you’re in the vicinity of Victoria, you won’t want to miss this… plan to attend ‘A Night of Live Art and Good Coffee’ in the cozy lounge of the church by the lake on Friday, 7 November, 7pm — 5363 Patricia Bay Highway (across from Elk Lake, travel instructions here). Father John Hainsworth, the priest at All Saints of Alaska Orthodox Church in Victoria (aka Sam. W’s son-in-law Kaleeg) is hosting the evening—and it’s likely the Bard’s reading will be featured on one of the popular Paradosis podcasts.

9 October 2008—Winnipeg, Manitoba

You can now experience a selection of poems read by the Bard on YouTube, here. Enjoy…

8 October 2008—Morden, Manitoba

Morden’s Pembina Hills Arts Centre (in the town’s splendid old historic clock tower-turned-gallery) was the venue for last night’s reading and book-signing. Arranged by local impresario Grace Warkentin (a resident of this prairie town for the past four decades), a small but enthused group of attendees took in Sam W.’s readings from Gray Matter Graffitti (along with some snacks and libations).

Sam W. Reimer looms large at the historic Pembina Hills Arts Centre.

7 October 2008—Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Bard really shone last night at Winnipeg’s official book-launch and poetry reading at McNally Robinson’s Prairie Ink Restaurant at Grant Park. An appreciative audience lingered afterwards as Sam W. signed books and answered questions from those in attendance. A selection of the night’s poems may now be viewed on YouTube, thanks to Adrian Shum (more about this evening here).

Images: Sam W. Reimer with “agent provocateur” Grace Warkentin; the Bard holding forth in the Prairie Ink Restaurant.

1 0ctober 2008—Winnipeg, Manitoba

Travel details are confirmed, and the Poet is making final preparations for his trip to the prairies. For anyone in the Manitoba area, here are the dates, times, and venues of Sam W. Reimer’s confirmed book launches, poetry readings (and signings) during the second week of October:

Winnipeg – 8pm on Monday, 6 October,
McNally Robinson’s Grant Park store,
(The Prairie Ink Restaurant).

Morden – 7pm on Tuesday, 7 October,
Pembina Hills Arts Centre (wine & cheese, etc.).

Steinbach – 7:30pm on Friday, 10 October,
Mennonite Heritage Village museum.

Look for a book review by Doris Penner in The Carillon later this week… and we’ve heard rumours that Sam W. (who many around Steinbach might remember as “Wayne” Reimer) might be heard on the radio some time later next week—on CHSM (more information will be posted here as it becomes available).