Southern Voices 2008 - Magic and Mayhem
February 14-17, 2008

by Amanda Bonner, Hoover Public Library 

Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, no one can argue that the 2008 Southern Voices Conference lineup is pure magic!

Headlining the 2008 Conference, hosted each year by the Hoover Public Library, is celebrated novelist, columnist and investigative reporter, Carl Hiaasen.  Known for his cast of bizarre characters and razor-sharp wit, Hiaasen’s best-selling books include Striptease, Skinny Dip and Nature Girl.  His first novel for young people, Hoot, was a Newbery Award Honor book.  Hiaasen will speak on Friday evening, February 15 at 7 p.m.  A reception and book signing will follow.  Tickets are $25.00.

On Saturday, February 16, the library will host eight contemporary authors whose works vary from nonfiction to inspirational to suspense.  Keynote speaker is Tina McElroy Ansa, whose novels include Baby of the Family and Ugly Ways.  Most recently, Ansa founded her own publishing house, DownSouth Press, to promote enriching literature of African-American people. Other speakers include Darnell Arnoult, Virginia Boyd, Doug Crandell, Pamela Duncan, Frye Gaillard, Charles Martin, Marcus Sakey and Lynn York.  Tickets for this event are $35 and include a boxed lunch.  Book signings will take place at the end of the day.

One of the hottest bluegrass bands on today’s music scene, The Claire Lynch Band will perform on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon to round out the 2008 Conference.

A reception honoring celebrated Birmingham artist Maralyn Wilson will kick-off the weekend on Thursday, February 14 at 5:30 p.m. This reception is free and open to the public.

So mark your calendars for February 14-17!  Tickets go on sale Monday, January 7 at 11 a.m. and may be purchased through the Library Theatre Box Office in person or by calling (205) 444-7888.   For more conference information, visit www.southernvoices.info.