How did Vermin on the Mount get started?
We were tired of hearing how Los Angeles has no literary scene, but often complained that there were too few occasions for writers and readers to hang out and revel in books. Once it dawned on us that this was somewhat of a contradiction, we got off our ass and did something about it.
Does L.A. need another reading series?
Absolutely. We love going to readings, but are dispirited by how predictable they can be. On some nights, the brightest light in the literary firmament can’t coax us into an overcrowded bookstore or stuffy auditorium, and when we do go, there’s often a certain sameness to the proceedings that is the opposite of inspiring. This isn’t necessarily the writers’ fault, but sometimes it is. Somewhere along the line it became okay for writers to show up, shush the crowd, and read from a book for half an hour. This is unsatisfactory.
So what makes Vermin so special?
Four reasons. One, Vermin on the Mount is held at the Mountain in Chinatown. It’s dimly lit, beautifully exotic, and serves alcohol. Second, we favor eclectic line-ups. L.A. doesn’t have a literary scene: it has several and we draw from all of them. We’ve had novelists, zinesters, journalists, punk rockers, bloggers, and so on. Local and out-of-town talent. Indie and mainstream writers. Emerging and established artists. When you come to a Vermin on the Mount event, you never know what to expect. Three: free stuff. People come for the readings and stay for the raffle. We give away books, posters, t-shirts, you name it. Four: did we already mention the booze?
Why don’t you do this more often?
Each Vermin on the Mount reading is a unique event, never to be replicated, not to missed. Besides, in the immortal words of SSD, how much art can you take?
Who’s responsible for this?
Vermin on the Mount wouldn’t be possible without the help of lots and lots of people. Without Mark McManus at the Mountain we’d have nowhere to go, and his excellent staff keeps our cups full and our hearts glad. A different artist provides the artwork for each reading, and we encourage you to view their work. On the technical side, Larry Hart does a lot of the design work, Rusty Sanchez builds logos, and Allison “A-Bomb” Hoppe provides intermittent assistance. (You don’t want to mess with A-Bomb, so don’t even think about it.) We’d also feel remiss if we didn’t thank Chris DeBolt, Mark Sarvas and Julianne Flynn for their tremendous encouragement in the early stages. Most of all, we’re indebted to Angelenos who love books and are willing to leave their homes to support those who make them.
When was the first event?
August 15, 2004
Does the phrase "I could give a rat's ass" hurt your feelings?
Yes, very much so. Thanks for asking.
