MDC’s Miami Book Fair Opens with One-of-a-Kind Signature Events featuring Dan Rather, Maria Dueñas, Jimmy Sierra, and much more Nov. 12

Space is limited for ticketed events; early registration is encouraged. Book Fair runs Nov. 12 -19!

Miami, Oct. 30, 2017 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) world-renowned Miami Book Fair (MBF) opens its star-studded 34rd edition at the Wolfson Campus with a remarkable and exciting program featuring renowned journalist Dan Rather, acclaimed Spanish author Maria Dueñas, filmmaker and writer Jimmy Sierra, delicious food, games, and great music.

“Opening Day of the Fair is the most exciting day of the year. We get to see all the work and dedication bear fruit and the smiles of the people who come to the events is our prime reward. Our team works countless of hours to bring you the best of the literary world,” said MBF’s Programs Director Lissette Mendez.

Author Programs on Opening Day:  

2:30 p.m., MDC Wolfson Campus, Room 2106 (Bldg. 2, First floor)

MBF presents Diccionario cultural dominicano, written by filmmaker and author Jimmy Sierra.  Former Dominican Republic President Dr. Leonel Fernandez, who wrote the prologue, will be in attendance. The book offers an overview of the Dominican Republic’s culture world from its origins.  It explores music, dance, literature, painting, architecture, sculpture, cinema, folklore, and much more.

4 p.m., MDC Wolfson Auditorium (Room 1261)

The opening session of the Ibero-American Authors Program features renowned Spanish author María Dueñas.  After two decades dedicated to academia, Dueñas entered the world of literature with El tiempo entre costuras, followed by Misión olvido, both novels became instant international bestsellers.  This year, she presents La Templanza (Atria), a story of courage in the face of adversity and a destiny forever altered by the force of a passion. The conversation will be moderated by Pulitzer Prize journalist, Mirta Ojito.  This event will be free of charge, in Spanish with English translation.

6 p.m., MDC Chapman Conference Center (Bldg. 3, Second floor)

With a storied career that has spanned more than six decades, Dan Rather has earned his place as one of the world’s best-known journalists. Rather joined CBS News in 1962. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1981, assumed the position of Anchor and Managing Editor of the CBS Evening News—a post he held for twenty-four years. His reporting across the network helped turn 60 Minutes into an institution, launched 48 Hours as an innovative news magazine program, and shaped countless specials and documentaries. With his latest book, What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism (Algonquin Books), Rather has written the book to inspire conversation and listening, and to remind us all how we are ultimately united. In this collection of wholly original essays, the venerated television journalist celebrates our shared values, and shows us what patriotism looks like. Tickets for A Conversation with Dan Rather cost $35 and includes a copy of the book.

 

“Experiencing the excitement of the people who have waited all year for the Fair to start again is our most cherished reward”, said MBF’s Director of Operations, Delia Lopez.  “The support of the College community and the people of South Florida who volunteer, donate funds, and contribute in many other ways is key to the success of this community event.”

Social Events on Opening Day:

At 4 p.m., The Porch, MBF’s Most Chill Spot, opens with music, food trucks, giant outdoor games, the Wynwood Coloring Book, a community coloring wall, silent poetry disco curated by the Academy of American Poets, and much more.

5:30 p.m.,   Happy Hour start the MBF off right with the music of legendary DJ Le Spam, beers from Biscayne Bay Brewing, and poems on demand, brought to you by the Miami Poetry Collective.

After your author sessions, celebrate Opening Day at the Fair with a community BBQ on The Porch at 6 p.m.  featuring the Knight Arts Challenge-winning photo exhibit BBQ Men and Women of Goulds.

6:30 p.m., Circ X – “One part circus, two parts burlesque, a pinch of class and a dash of trash,” will delight all book lovers.

7:30 p.m., Fairgoers can enjoy an electronic descarga and distinct blend of Latin, funk, and electronic music with Spam Allstars.

The 2017 Miami Book Fair will take place Nov. 12-19 at the Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami and promises to be another exceptional and literary event!

Visit Miamibookfair.com for full schedule.  #MiamiReads #MiamiBookFair2017

Miami Book Fair

Widely recognized as the largest and finest literary gathering in the U.S., the Miami Book Fair’s eight-day festival features readings and conversation with the world’s most renowned authors and more than 200 booksellers and exhibitors across various genres and interests. Book lovers are also treated to culinary presentations, live music, dance and theater performances, interactive art projects, fun and educational activities for children, and more! In addition to the annual festival, the Miami Book Fair builds community and promotes reading and writing throughout the year with activities open to all, including creative writing courses taught by local and visiting authors, literary gatherings and happy hours and Read to Learn Books for Free, a partnership with The Children’s Trust that distributes more than 160,000 free books a year to children in Miami-Dade County.

Miami Book Fair is made possible through the generous support of the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Miami; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Miami Downtown Development; and the Friends of the Fair; as well as many corporate partners. Miami Book Fair: Building community, one reader at a time.

Miami Book Fair media contacts: Lisa Palley, 305-642-3132 lpalley@bellsouth.net or Deyanira Navarrette, 305-495-7168, deyanavarrette@gmail.com