All About the Book, Levon Helm and More

All About The Book

Sapphire

This is a big week for bibliophiles. Four visiting authors will be in Fayetteville this week.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, author J.R. Thompson of Florida will discuss his novel “From the Wilderness” at the Fayetteville Public Library. “From the Wilderness” is the story of a part German Shepherd, part wolf pup named Buster. After being shot by aerial hunters, the dog was adopted by a family of four. The animal was devoted to his family, but was also wanted by those in the dog-fighting business. In addition to reading from his book, Thompson will also discuss the removal of the Timber Wolf from the Endangered Species List.

At 4 p.m. Sunday, former Fayetteville resident Steve Yates will return for a booksigning at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street. Yates graduated from the University of Arkansas creative writing program and worked at the University of Arkansas Press from 1994 to 1998. His new novel “Morkan’s Quarry” is set in the Ozarks during the Civil War. Michael Morkan and his son, Leighton own a limestone quarry and are among the many people who did not want to be part of the war-the middle ground, hard working people caught in the maelstrom. But if you didn’t choose sides in the Ozarks, a side chose you. Quarry owners had black powder, so Michael is forced to give his up to the Missouri Confederates and then captured and imprisoned by the Federals. Leighton joins the Federal Home Guards in hopes of freeing his father.

The late Donald Harington called the novel “one of the most powerful war novels of modern times, swift as a battle, unforgettable, and a tribute to all those whose loyalty to place has surmounted loyalty to cause.”

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sapphire will speak at the Fayetteville Public Library. Sapphire is the author of “Push.” The award winning film “Precious” was based on “Push.” Sapphire was part of the poetry slam scene in New York in the late ’70s. “Push,” her first novel, was published in 1996.

Michael Walsh, winner of the inaugural Miller Williams Arkansas Poetry Prize, chosen for his poetry collection, “The Dirt Riddles,” will be at Nightbird Books from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Minnesota writer will not be reading, but will be available to sign books. Walsh’s lyrical poems present a snapshot of a closeted young man, his parents, their dairy herd and the flora, fauna and objects that populate this surreal garden.

Levon Helm And More

The big show in town this week is native son Levon Helm, April 22 at the Arkansas Music Pavilion at the Northwest Arkansas Mall. The popular drummer, an original member of The Band, will be joined at the AMP by his longtime friends and collaborators, The Cate Brothers. Tickets are $24.50 to $79.50 and good seats are still available.

Another noteworthy show will be the Songs in the Ville show tonight at the UARK Ballroom on Dickson Street. Host Effron White is welcoming singer songwriters Bill Erickson of Talequah, Okla., Jubal Lee Young of Muskogee, Okla. and Claude “Butch” Morgan of San Antonio, Texas. Morgan played Main Stage at Kerrville Folk Festival last year and was given a double encore.

He has played with the likes of Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, U2, Hank Williams Jr., Nick Lowe and others. Young, who honed his craft in Nashville, was heralded by The Tennessean as one of Nashville’s most “buzzedabout-up-and-comers.” Erickson is an integral part of the Red Dirt music scene. Pat Green recorded Erickson’s song “Count Your Blessings” for his Grammy nominated album “Three Days.” Tickets are $5 at the door.

And, if you want to enjoy some music in a beautiful setting, head to Withrow Springs State Park near Huntsville on Saturday for a 5 p.m. show by Kathy Cole & 4 Guys Named Moe.

Dowsing & Healing Energies Convention

Fayetteville is the site of the Dowsing & Healing Energies Convention, which will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the Clarion Inn in Fayetteville. The event is hosted by the Ozark Research Institute.

ORI conducts research on the power of thought, mind phenomenon and healing techniques. Fea-

tured speakers at the convention are hypnotherapist Delores Cannon and Dr. C. Norman Shealey, who will speak on “Retraining the Plastic Brain.”

Other presenters will speak on topics like dowsing, dreams, numerology and herbs. The cost ranges from $55 to $190.

For information go to www. ozarkresearch.org.