LA PALABRA CLOSES ITS DOORS
After recently hosting an overdue Grand Opening party, the creperie/art space/ film resource center/printing press La Palabra (48th and NE Garfield) has decided to close up shop, after barely a year of operation. "I have spent every cent and every ounce of my energy keeping the dream alive," reads an email from owner Krista Marshall Arias. "Sometimes the most difficult thing is to recognize when to let go." The space has been host to cool events for groups like the Cereal Box Review and Sniffy Linings Press, but ultimately couldn't fund its ambitious blend of artistic resources. The cafe will have weekend sales throughout the rest of March, then say good-bye.
* Make Your Own Damn Movie
Your wacky friend and filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman presents his new book on makin' movies. See My What A Busy Week, pg. 17. Powell's Books on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 238-1668, 7:30 pm, free
The Contortionist's Handbook & Happy Baby
Two books about messed up kids. Craig Clevenger's Handbook is the tale of John Dolan Vincent, a child prodigy who goes to the hospital a lot due to migraines. Stephen Elliot's Happy Baby takes the perspective of a 36-year-old, looking back on his childhood as a ward of the state. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
Duwayne R. Anderson
A Mormon who isn't in denial. Anderson, an engineer, is the author of Farewell to Eden: Coming to Terms with Mormonism and Science. Reed College, Vollum Lecture Hall, 3203 SE Woodstock, 777-7755, 6:30 pm, free
Elana Dykewomon
Dykewomon's Lambda-winning Beyond the Pale is a tapestry of the lives of several Russian lesbians. In Other Words, 3734 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 232-6003, 7 pm, free
* Kevin Sampsell's Word Circus
As part of the traveling art show Drawing Resistance (which leaves Portland on March 14), good writer/indie press honcho Sampsell presents an evening of wacky literary performance. The haiku spouting, tea drinking, karate chopping group Haiku Inferno will throw down, as will performance poet Lisa Radon, quirky travel writer Bob Gaulke, and Las Vegas NPR contributor Dayvid Figler. Liberty Hall, 311 N Ivy, 503-249-8888, 8 pm, $5
* I Had Brain Surgery, What's Your Excuse?
The very witty and clever Suzy Becker presents her illustrated account of her experience with brain surgery. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
Chang-Rae Lee
The much hailed, burgeoning novelist shares from Aloft, his new book about an affluent Long Island man who likes to fly his private jet, and has to deal with the engagement of his daughter. Annie Bloom's Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy, 246-0053, 7:30 pm, free
* Paul Muldoon
One of the greatest poets in the English language shares his work. With you. Poetry Downtown at Wieden & Kennedy, 224 NW 13th, 227-2583, 7:30 pm, $18
* Mary: A Flesh & Blood Biography
You'll see a lot of Jesus' flesh and blood in Mel Gibson's new violent movie, but very little, if any, of his mom's. Lesley Hazelton's new book explores a flesh and blood Mother Mary, and discovers a real person who gave birth to Christ when she was only 13! Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free
