Thursday, November 1
7-9 p.m.
Opening reception, Downtown Cocktail Room, 111 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Hosted by Vurb magazine.)
Friday, November 2
Author sessions
(All author sessions take place at the El Cortez, 600 E. Fremont, in the second-floor ballroom. Free parking is available at the hotel parking lot with entry on 7th Street.)
10-11:30 a.m.
“Las Vegas: American Bauhaus”
Alan Hess
“The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister”
Chris Nichols
This session explores the vernacular architecture of Las Vegas with Alan Hess looking at its critical role in interpreting culture; Chris Nichols celebrates the genius of architect Wayne McAllister, an unsung hero of some of Las Vegas’ most iconic places.
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
“Down and Out in Las Vegas: The Struggle to Survive in Sin City”
Matthew O’Brien and Kurt Borchard; moderator, Geoff Schumacher
Two authors examine the terrain of the homeless—one on the streets of Las Vegas and the other through the storm drains of the valley.
1:30-3 p.m.
“Traveling Through the Americas”
Tom Miller
The accomplished travel author (The Panama Hat Trail, Trading with the Enemy, Jack Ruby’s Kitchen Sink) will share his experiences.
3:15-4:45 p.m.
“Old Vegas, New Vegas: Everything Old is New Again”
Norm Clarke and Heidi Knapp Rinella; moderator, Mike Weatherford
The Review-Journal staffers discuss the role of celebrities on the Las Vegas scene.
6-10 p.m.
First Friday
The book festival takes center stage at First Friday with a night of literary-themed events, including spoken-word performances, readings, book signings, author tents, comics arena, music and exhibitions. Casino Center and California. Local poet Dayvid Figler hosts; performance by The Clydesdale.
Saturday, November 3
10-11:30 a.m.
Comics Workshop with Kim Deitch
One of America’s great underground comix artists hosts a “how-to” workshop.
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
“Life Through the Prism of Popular Culture: A Discussion with Chuck Klosterman”
Pop-culture guru Chuck Klosterman spins a tale of living through the prism of popular culture.
Noon-4 p.m.
Target Children’s Book Festival
An afternoon of learning, reading, theater and music at Centennial Plaza Downtown; free books and free refreshments (while supplies last), face painting, balloon artists, caricature artists, book exchanges, literacy information and a full range of special programs.
1:30-3 p.m.
“The Future of Urban Culture: When the Suburb and the City Change Places. A Conversation with Norman Klein.”
Los Angeles writer and media historian Norman Klein looks at the American city.
3:15-4:45 p.m.
“How I Learned English”
Tom Miller
The author leads a discussion with (local) panelists for whom English is a second language and explores how learning English has changed lives.
7-8:30 p.m.
“A Evening with Sarah Vowell”
Author Sarah Vowell presents the festival keynote. The event is free and open to the public. Book signing following. Location: Las Vegas High School, original auditorium, 9th and Clark.
9 p.m.
Closing reception, 861 Bridger Avenue.