All Things Harry Potter featuring Steve Vander Ark

When: Thursday, July 23, 2009
Time: 7pm
Where: The Wealthy Street Theater
1130 Wealthy Street, SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Synopsis:

Join noted Harry Potter expert Steve Vander Ark as he explores the world of Harry Potter. Vander Ark, author of The Lexicon: An Unauthorized Guide to Harry Potter Fiction and Related Materials" will review the mysteries and magic of the books and films, including a reminder of the "story so far" leading up to the sixth film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince". Then Steve will share some of his experiences touring around Britain, looking for places like the ones in the books. Journey from the streets of London to the hedgerows of Devon and the highlands of Scotland, discovering just how close you can come to the magic of Harry Potter's world. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

This benefit for the Right to Write Fund, a West Michigan based non-profit defending free expression, will be the perfect way to celebrate the books and films for Potter fans of all ages. Attendees will receive discount coupons for concessions items, when they attend the new Harry Potter movie, "Half-Blood Prince," at a Goodrich Quality Theatre. The presentation at Wealthy Theatre will feature several brief snippets of Harry Potter movies leading up to the current installation, giving away no spoilers about "Half-Blood Prince" or any books beyond this summer's movie release. Steve Vander Ark is a sought-after speaker about the Harry Potter books and films. He is the webmaster of the Harry Potter Lexicon, and has also written "In Search of Harry Potter". Steve has been interviewed by the BBC, Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Guardian, The Sunday Times of Scotland, and many others, and has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning Texas, and other shows. He appeared in an A&E television special called "The Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter" which is featured on the DVD of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The new Right to Write Center being established at Grand Valley State University is an educational repository and clearinghouse for 21st century freedom of expression and "fair use" issues writers and publishers encounter when moving between the worlds of print, internet, film, fine arts and new media. The organization focuses on best practices in Fair Use that avoid litigation. When necessary, Right to Write also provides litigation support for creative artists and helps arrange pro bono legal defense in fair use cases. For more information visit www.righttowrite.org or call (510) 595-0595. The Right to Write Fund is a non-profit 510 (c) (3) organization.

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I have seen the sea lashed into fury and tossed into spray, and its grandeur moves even the dullest man; but I remember that it is not the billows, but the calm level of the sea, from which all heights and depths are measured.

-James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States