Southern Voices 2009 ― Beyond the Landscape ― February 19-22

From small coal-mining towns in southwest Virginia to country estates in Victorian England, the rich, exotic and varied landscapes of this year’s Southern Voices artists provide a perfect setting for the February conference.

Headlining this year’s conference, hosted each year by the Hoover Public Library, is bestselling novelist Adriana Trigiani. Known for her heart-warming and humorous stories, Trigiani’s works include Big Stone Gap, Lucia Lucia and Rococo. Trigiani will speak on Friday evening, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. A reception and book signing will follow. Tickets are $25.00.

On Saturday, February 21, the library will host seven contemporary authors whose works include mystery, romance, history, fantasy and more. Keynote speaker is Greg Iles, best-selling suspense writer of novels including Third Degree and Turning Angel. Daniel Wallace, acclaimed author of Big Fish, will give the closing address. Other speakers include Tasha Alexander, Mary Kay Andrews, Daniel Black, Patti Callahan Henry, and Ronald Gauthier. Tickets for this event are $35 and include a boxed lunch. Book signings will take place at the end of the day.

Touted as a “new Bob Dylan,” Loudon Wainwright III will perform on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon to round out the 2009 Conference.

A reception honoring the vivid and rich art of Pamela Watters will kick-off the weekend on Thursday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. This reception is free and open to the public.

So mark your calendars for February 19-22! Tickets go on sale Monday, January 5 at 11:00 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.