Monday, January 4, 2010

Literary Deathmatch in Boston!

Hi everyone! We just stopped by to let everyone know about this great event occurring in Boston on January 13th! After a stirring (and noisy) debut last April, Opium returns to Boston with a talent-rich lineup to heat up icy New England. The fundraising event doubles as the launch of Opium9: The Mania Issue. See readers Elisa Gabbert (Thanks for Sending the Engine) representing Open Letters, Steven Brykman (Four Stories), Janaka Stucky (Handsome) and a Quick Fiction reader-rep!

Plus, brilliant judges Billy Giraldi (senior fiction editor of AGNI), comedian Lamont Price and a female musician TBA that'll knock your (and our) socks clean off! Hosted by Opium founding editor Todd Zuniga.

Boston Literary Deathmatch
Doors at 7, show at 8:05 (sharp), afterparty: 9:30 at Enormous Room.
Enormous Room, 569 Massachusetts Avenue
Cost: $10 includes a free copy of Opium9, cover price of $12


Opium’s Literary Death Match, co-created by Opium’s founding editor, Todd Zuniga (pictured), Elizabeth Koch & Dennis DiClaudio, marries the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idol’s judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare.

Each episode of this competitive, humor-centric reading series features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern--either online or in print) who perform their most electric writing (in eight minutes or less) before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. After each pair of readings, the judges—focused on literary merit, performance and intangibles—take turns spouting hilarious, off-the-wall commentary about each story, then select their favorite to advance to the finals.


To satisfy your curiosity, here's a short video of an LDM featuring Paco Romane:



Hope to see you there!

Literary Deathmatch in Chicago, IL!

Hi everyone! We just stopped by to let everyone know about this great event occurring in Chicago on January 14th, 2010. The Literary Death Match returns for LDM Chicago Ep. 4, an epic mid-winter battle that will electrify (and thus, somewhat, heat) the Windy City. The fundraiser event doubles as the midwest launch of Opium9: The Mania Issue. See readers James Kennedy (The Order of Odd-Fish) representing Featherproof Books, Rebekah Silverman representing Artifice, Andy Farkas representing Subito Press and Davis Schneiderman!

Plus, a trio of all-star judges that includes Kathleen Rooney (featured in Opium9), Girls Guide to Rocking scribe Jessica Hopper and Shawnimals genius Shawn Smith. Hosted by Opium founding editor Todd Zuniga.

Chicago Literary Deathmatch
Upstairs at Fizz, 3220 North Lincoln Avenue
Doors at 7, show at 7:30, afterparty: downstairs at 9
$10 (includes a free copy of Opium9, cover price of $12


Opium’s Literary Death Match, co-created by Opium’s founding editor, Todd Zuniga (pictured), Elizabeth Koch & Dennis DiClaudio, marries the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idol’s judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare.

Each episode of this competitive, humor-centric reading series features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern--either online or in print) who perform their most electric writing (in eight minutes or less) before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. After each pair of readings, the judges—focused on literary merit, performance and intangibles—take turns spouting hilarious, off-the-wall commentary about each story, then select their favorite to advance to the finals.


To satisfy your curiosity, here's a short video of an NYC LDM featuring Gavin McInnis & Todd Barry:



Hope to see you there!

Literary Deathmatch in Dallas, TX!

Hi everyone! We just stopped by to let everyone know about this great event occurring in Dallas, Texas on January 15th, 2010. After a dazzling Texas debut at the Texas Book Festival on Halloween, the Literary Deathmatch returns to the Lone Star State for LDM Dallas, Ep. 1 at the Dallas Museum of Art (as part of their Arts & Letters Live series). The event brings together a Texas-sized roster of talent with each reader representing a different urban center. See Amelia Gray (Austin), Will Clarke (Dallas), William Razavi (San Antonio), and Katherine Center (Houston). All to be judged by a trio of all-stars in author Ben Fountain (Brief Encounters with Che Guevera), actress Tina Parker, and Owen Egerton (How Best to Avoid Dying). Hosted by Opium's founding editor Todd Zuniga.

Dallas Literary Deathmatch
January 15th, 2010
Doors at 7, show at 7:30.
Dallas Museum of Art, Horchow Auditorium, 1717 North Harwood Street
Tickets are included with the cost of General Admission to the Museum and can be reserved in advance.


Opium’s Literary Death Match, co-created by Opium’s founding editor, Todd Zuniga (pictured), Elizabeth Koch & Dennis DiClaudio, marries the literary and performative aspects of Def Poetry Jam, rapier-witted quips of American Idol’s judging (without any meanness), and the ridiculousness and hilarity of Double Dare.

Each episode of this competitive, humor-centric reading series features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern--either online or in print) who perform their most electric writing (in eight minutes or less) before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. After each pair of readings, the judges—focused on literary merit, performance and intangibles—take turns spouting hilarious, off-the-wall commentary about each story, then select their favorite to advance to the finals.


To satisfy your curiosity, here's a short video of an NYC LDM featuring Gavin McInnis:



Hope to see you there!

Wheeler del Torro, Wheeler's Frozen Dessert Co. @ The 19th Annual Boston Wine Expo 2010

Hi everyone, we are pleased to announce that we are exhibiting at the 19th Annual Boston Wine Expo this year! The largest trade and consumer wine event in the country takes place on January 23-24, 2010 at the Seaport World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel. No other event in New England, or the whole country for that matter, offers as wide a variety of wines to tantalize your palette. Over 450 wineries from around the globe pour over 1,800 wines for you to sample. It’s simply the biggest and the best!

"America's largest consumer wine expo might also be its best wine-tasting deal." --Food & Wine Magazine, October 2006


Meet your favorite winemakers in this special feature area returning in 2010 and learn the secrets of their wines. Sample wines from over 450 international wineries in one location. Some 1,800 wines in all!

Watch over 15 celebrity chefs in action on two stages, taste samples, and bring their recipes home with you. Learn something new at 26 continuous seminars with topics for both the novice and the connoisseur.

Pamper yourself by visiting the ultra-special Grand Cru Wine Lounge. The Lounge is located in a private setting away from the show floor for your enjoyment. Sample the best of the best and relax in this intimate area. Featuring an al-new lineup of vintages!


Boston Wine Expo
January 23-24, 2010
Seaport World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel
Visit their website for more info!


The Boston Wine Expo makes a significant impact on the non-profit community in New England, generating valuable philanthropic dollars for many organizations. Over $700,000 has been distributed by the Boston Guild of Oenophilists, Inc. to over 27 charitable entities since the event's inception.

Hope to see you there!

Attn: Washington D.C.!

Hi everyone, we are happy to announce that we will be participating in the NBC Health and Fitness Expo in Washington D.C. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on January 16th and 17th of 2010. To find out more information about the event, please visit their website: NBC Health and Fitness Expo. Hope to see you there!