For Immediate Release
Contact: Nicole Hernandez
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Aspen Writers’ Foundation
970-925-3122, ext. 2# | Nicole@aspenwriters.org
Aspen Writers’ Foundation Announces
Aspen Summer Words Literary Festival Schedule
Single Tickets Now on Sale
Aspen, CO, June 4, 2010 – The Aspen Writers’ Foundation (AWF), a program of the Aspen Institute, is pleased to announce the official schedule for the Aspen Summer Words Literary Festival, which will be held at the Doerr-Hosier Center from June 20-25. The schedule of events is available for viewing at www.aspenwriters.org. Single tickets and Festival passes are on sale now through the Belly Up box office by calling 970-544-9800 or visiting www.bellyupaspen.com. More details on how to purchase different tickets are listed below.
Aspen Summer Words 2010 will highlight the American South and its legendary writers during the five-day Festival under the banner, “Crossroads: A Literary Intersection of the American South.” Confirmed authors include:
- Ernest J. Gaines: the elder statesman of Southern letters, author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated A Lesson Before Dying, and the recipient of the 2010 Aspen Prize for Literature
- Kathryn Stockett: breakout author of the #1 New York Times bestselling novel, The Help
- Dorothy Allison: finalist for the National Book Award and bestselling author of Bastard Out of Carolina
- Richard Bausch: past chancellor of the fellowship of Southern Writers and Pen/Faulkner nominated author of Peace
- Ron Rash: critically acclaimed poet and author of Serena, The New York Times Notable Book of the year
- Nikky Finney: award-winning poet and the recipient of the PEN American Open Book Award
- Randall Kenan: prize-winning author of five books including Let the Dead Bury Their Dead
- Walter Isaacson: president and CEO of the Aspen Institute and the author of three works of historical nonfiction
In addition, the AWF is pleased to present two performances of John Wesley Harding’s Cabinet of Wonders featuring Festival authors and the AWF’s 2010 Writer-In-Residence, Colum McCann. Harding’s Cabinet of Wonders will appear at the annual AWF Benefit Dinner on Wednesday, June 23 at 6pm at a private home and again on Thursday, June 24 at 7pm at the Belly Up.
The Details
- Aspen Summer Words Festival passes (guaranteed entry to all Festival events) are $150 for retreat students and members of the AWF and Aspen Institute, and $200 for individuals, and may be purchased through the Aspen Writers’ Foundation: www.aspenwriters.org or 970-925-3122.
- Single tickets are $15-$20 and are available through the Belly Up box office: www.bellyupaspen.com or 970-544-9800.
- Tickets to the annual Benefit Dinner are $300 and may be purchased through the Aspen Writers’ Foundation: www.aspenwriters.org or 970-925-3122.
- Tickets to John Wesley Harding’s Cabinet of Wonders public performance at the Belly Up are $25/$28 the day of the show and may be purchased through the Belly Up box office: www.bellyupaspen.com or 970-544-9800.
- For a list of currently confirmed speakers, schedule of events, and passholder information, please visit www.aspenwriters.org.
- Discount lodging for all Summer Words participants is available at the Aspen Meadows: http://www.dolce-aspen-hotel.com or 800-452-4240.
The Aspen Writers’ Foundation, Colorado’s oldest nonprofit literary organization and a program of the Aspen Institute, has been bringing readers and writers together since 1976. The organization’s mission is to provide programs that encourage writers in their craft and readers in their appreciation of literature. Through its repertoire of ten year-round programs and projects, the Aspen Writers’ Foundation annually serves 100,000-plus literary enthusiasts of all ages.
The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also has an international network of partners.
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