Villa Montalvo introduces a distinguished lecture series
Diane Ackerman and NPR's Terry Gross to speak in autumn
Villa Montalvo in Saratoga has launched a new lecture series titled "The Expressionists" that includes in-depth talks by distinguished speakers, question-and-answer sessions, complimentary refreshments and opportunities for audience members to have the speakers sign their favorite books. Although the series does not begin until this fall, tickets are already on sale for the following programs:
* Diane Ackerman, Sept. 20. Ackerman is a naturalist, essayist, poet and best-selling author of A Natural History of the Senses and Deep Play. The Washington Post describes her as "a master of the startling, substantial and fascinating digression."
* Anne Lamott on Oct. 29. Author of five novels and three best-selling books of nonfiction, including Traveling Mercies, Bay Area writer Lamott speaks about subjects to which she gives capital letters, including Motherhood and Alcoholism. She is known in literary circles for combining self-effacing humor with blunt honesty.
* Terry Gross on Nov. 9. In her more than 25 years in radio journalism, Gross has conducted 9,000 interviews; among her interviewees are subjects as different as John Updike, Elvis Costello, Sonny Rollins, Alan Ginsburg, Nancy Reagan and Marilyn Manson. She currently is heard on the award-winning National Public Radio show Fresh Air.
* David Levy on Feb. 4, 2001. Using slides, music, art and poetry to accompany his talk titled "Astronomy at the Millennium," Levy will reveal the secrets of the night sky. He is the author of 21 books, including Skywatching, and is a co-discoverer of many comets, including Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with Jupiter in 1994.
* Billy Collins on March 8, 2001. Collins calls poetry "a form of travel writing" that he uses to allow readers a door into his imagination. His last three poetry collections, including his most recent, Question About Angels, have broken many sales records for poetry among people of all backgrounds and ages.
* Bailey White on April 5, 2001. A storyteller, bestselling author and National Public Radio commentator, White transports her audiences to rural Georgia with her tender, eccentric and humorous tales. Her most recent novel is Quite a Year for Plums.
Tickets prices and program times vary. All proceeds benefit Villa Montalvo, a nonprofit organization that promotes the arts and humanities through various community- and school-related programs, concerts and other events. Tickets are available through the Villa Montalvo box office at 408.961.5858, or through Ticketmaster at 408.998.8497. Villa Montalvo is located at 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
