Odd Fish Author Brings Book To Life

By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 16, 2010 6:00PM

It's no secret we're fans of James Kennedy fantastic young adult novel The Order of Odd Fish. As we said last year, the novel is "a rollicking tale in the fashion of Roald Dahl and Douglas Adams," using a surreal sense of humor that appeals to adults as well as younger readers. But we're also fans of the way Kennedy has engaged with his fans. Rather than politely accepting fan letters and moving on, Kennedy has used his blog as a means to not only communicate with fans of the book, but to share their love of the book as well, including fan art. In a time when it's so easy to be cynical about things, Kennedy's attitude and enthusiasm has been refreshing. Check out this great interview he did with WBEZ's 848.

Now he's taking the fun one step further with this weekend's DOME OF DOOM, an art-show/costume party/interactive event he's putting on with local arts group collaboraction. The group will be decorating the loft space to look like scenes from the book, there will be a gallery of fan art open before the party starts at 9 p.m., and costumes are strongly encouraged. Perhaps the most compelling part of the event is the, "battle-dance in a raucous competition reminiscent of the climactic scenes of Odd-Fish." Who doesn't like a dance battle that promotes reading and creative arts? Take that, Quidditch leagues.

The catch? You need to make donations/purchase tickets by 5 p.m. tomorrow. So go ahead and make the move for a fun, exciting evening of art, music, and the celebration of literature.

Dome of Doom, Saturday, April 17, Gallery opens at 7 p.m., Dance Party starts at 9 p.m., "fights" at 10 p.m., 437 N. Wolcott, $25 - $150, Donations required to attend, 21+