Save the Short Story

Luminato, Toronto’s annual Festival of Arts and Creativity, is a 10-day arts and cultural extravaganza that will run from June 6 until June 15, 2008. I always think it’s cute when organizations tack on the “annual” label during its fledgling years. It’s so hope-filled.

This year, Luminato will be throwing its spotlight on The Festival of Short Stories. David Bezmozgis, author of Natasha and Other Stories, Dara Horn, author of The World to Come, Shyam Selvadurai, author of Funny Boy, Jaspreet Singh, author of Chef, along with other writers, will lead readings and discussions.

Luminato will also host a literary cabaret to launch TOK: Writing the New Toronto, Book 3, an anthology of short stories, poetry and drama created by Toronto writers. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Luminato Musical Side Note: Dan Zanes, who used to be the lead singer for the garage-band The Del Fuegos, will be creating a “Woodstock for Kids.” I’m not sure if kids need their own Woodstock. I am already disturbed whenever I see babies wearing their The Clash onesies. Babies, although very cute, are not punk rock. I only know of The Del Fuegos from the Juliana Hatfield song, “My Sister.”

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