February 27, 2002 For Immediate Release

Poetry, drama and fiction lovers of the North are invited to Prince George March 13-23 for a new writer's festival called Just West of Unruly. Performances are free and will be hosted at a variety of venues throughout the city. The schedule of events is posted below.

What makes a writer's festival featuring 20 poets and writers from around Canada Just West of Unruly? Just ask event organizer Dr Rob Budde, an Assistant English Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia:

"The writer's festival exists to provide the people of Prince George with a wide and unruly variety of literary performances. There's no theme to the writing being presented-each poet or writer is unique in their own right," said Budde.

Just West of Unruly will feature a number of local writers including Barry McKinnon, Donna Kane, Jacqueline Baldwin, Lynda Williams, Bal Sethi and Michael Armstrong. In addition to local talent, the writer's festival will import inspiration from other parts of Canada: Lorna Crozier, Jay Ruzeski, Margaret Sweatman, bill bissett, Eden Robinson, Uma Parameswaran, Aritha van Herk, and Dennis Cooley will all give readings from their latest books. Performances will be held at UNBC, Mosquito Books, Art Space, the Civic Centre, and the Two Rivers Gallery.

"I see Just West of Unruly as the perfect tonic after a long winter. Thanks to generous funding from the Canada Council and the University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George will continue to build on its rich literary culture," said Budde.

For interviews and photo opportunities with authors, contact:
Clea Ainsworth (250) 562-9602

Schedule of Events: Just West of Unruly

Wednesday March 13,
7:00 pm - Ken Howe @ Mosquito Books

Friday March 15,
1:30 pm - Drew Hayden Taylor @ UNBC
7:00 pm - Jazz/Poetry/Sweat @ UNBC Winter Garden

Saturday, March 16,

1:00 pm - Lynda Williams, Derryl Murphy, Alison Sinclair @ Art Space
8:00 pm - Donna Kane, Dennis Cooley, Ashok Mathur, Lorna Crozier @ Civic Centre Rm 208

Monday, March 18
1:30 pm - Dennis Cooley @ UNBC

Thursday, March 21
8:00 - Michael Armstrong, Barry McKinnon, bill bissett @ Art Space

Friday, March 22
8:00 - Uma Parameswaran, Margaret Sweatman, Eden Robinson @ Two Rivers Gallery

Saturday, March 23
8:00 - Heather Harris, Bal Sethi, Jacqueline Baldwin, Aritha van Herk, Jeannette Armstrong @ UNBC