Last year, I went to the Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens for an event they call Book and a Beer. It's pretty much what it sounds like: I read from my book while people drank beer. Then I signed my books while I drank beer. Then I ate dinner and had some more beer. Then we drove around looking for another seafood restaurant. Then we went fishing.
I had a lot of fun, filled a lot of growlers with Arrogant Bastard, Double dry-hopped IPA, Barleywine, and some other stuff I'm told I really enjoyed not sharing with the rest of the class a few days later. In fact, I had so much fun, I'm going back next week to do it all again … only this time, IT'S PERSONAL!
Wait. That's not what I was going to say. I mean, yes, it's personal, but that's not what's awesome about this time. What's awesome about this time is that I'm just the opening act for Rifftrax! They're doing The Matrix: The One That Really Sucks Out Loud And Makes You Want To Punch Babies. (No, not that one, the other one.) For the six of you who don't know: Rifftrax is a few of the guys from MST3K doing that thing they do so well, only this time they're doing it LIVE. I think it's safe to say that it'll be awesome.
I start at 6pm. I plan to read for either 20 or 40 minutes, depending on how many people show up, and what they're in the mood to hear me read. I'll be prepared with stuff from Happiest Days of Our Lives, and stuff from Memories of the Future. I'll also be prepared to stare into an empty space, wipe a single tear from my eye, and go drown my sorrows in beer. (That, by the way, is one of my default settings and is not specific to this event. It is a class feature, if you will.)
I plan to bring a few copies of some of my books with me, but due to bad planning, I'm very low on stock at the moment, and the string is all in three-inch lengths. However, if you come to the Bistro with your own copies of my books, I'll be happy to sign them for you. I will also sign …other things… within reason.
MY DETAILS! LET ME SHOW YOU THEM:
Why: Really?
When: Thursday July 23rd, 6pm-8pm.
Where: Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens
Address: 1999 Citricado Pkwy. Escondido, CA 92029
Pleasepleasepleaseplease come and hang out. It'll be a lot of fun, I promise. If you are coming, would you sort of RSVP in the comments?
Well shit. I guess if I’m on your home turf, I have to come! I think I can stand to miss another viewing of Dr. Horrible, as I watch it often enough already. Not to mention… BEER!
Wish I could but that night I have to go to a country club and listen to a real mensch talk about MS while eating a really excellent free meal and drink iced tea. Man it sucks being me. ; )
Are you going to be super entertaining such that I want to drive up the 15 during rush hour to spent my birthday with you? 😉
Probably not. It’ll be recorded, though, if I can get my H4 to work properly, so you’ll be able to hear it after the fact.
My buddy Scott is trying to lure me there with an offer of a free bday beer. I may decide to go for it. Now if I could just learn to double-check spelling before posting (spent instead of spend)… *sigh*
I will be there. I missed you last time. It sounds like fun.
I may be able to make it. I dont like drinking but I am only about 15 min away and it would be cool to hear a reading after following you since the “Where is my burrito” days.
This is my 1st post. I have been lurking for years. I came out of hiding since you did ask for RSVP’s 🙂 My husband and I will be driving from Sacramento. I called the Brewery and they seemed a bit confused. Do I need reservations?
I too would love to attend, but am another victim of THE CON. Working!
Will you be hanging out after Wil? There’s a beer in it for you if I can make it by… but I don’t think I can make it until after the event. sad face
WOOHOO! I just grabbed tickets for my lovely lady and me for SDCC Thursday, and we’re planning on coming to this event Thursday evening.
I may be more excited to finally get to one of your readings than she is to see Robert Pattinson at the Twilight panel. Maybe.
I’ll be there +1.
[E]
I dunno about people who’re trying to avoid traffic, but it’d sure make me less tragically late, since I can’t get out of SDCC until 5:30. Why can’t my one and only panel be earlier in the day?!
I’m planning to come, but one question…do they serve anything other than beer? Not a big beer fan. Sorry, Wil.
~Linda~
Yeah, they have all kinds of non-alcoholic drinks. I think there’s a menu online if you check the website.
Looks like I’m going to attend after all – the offer of a bday brew from my friend Scott plus my friend Linda driving down from OC overwhelmed the traffic on the 15 North. 🙂
Fun and frivolity with my friends plus Wil plus MST3K awaits!
Just in case you don’t see the inline reply, looks like I’m going to attend after all – the offer of a bday brew from my friend Scott plus my friend Linda driving down from OC plus you overwhelmed the hassle of traffic on the 15 North. 🙂
Fun and frivolity with my friends plus Wil *and* MST3K awaits!
I have been to the future! It was an exquisite event, for all involved (that’s what I heard from another time traveler anyway; I got there early and had one too many before you started,and yadda, yadda,yadda). I would wish you luck, but you don’t need it.
By the by, just feel free to ignore that one drunk guy who keeps fiddling with his zipper while shouting “I got your d20 right here!”).
Hi Wil,
I sure will be there. I was watching the “Final Mission” with my little boy (3 1/2) last night and he was so excited when i told him I’ll be there with you at the reading today. He wanted to come but it would be past his bedtime; plus he does not drink beer.
The evening was a blast! I hadn’t read your books, but I’m going to rectify that!