I was lucky to hear local author, David Mas Masumoto (author of "Epitaph for a Peach" amongst others) read last Saturday night at the Fresno Art Museum, and it was an amazing event. The drumming, the music, his family--it's a delightful literary experience like I've never seen before. Mas is such a beloved Valley literary treasure, that you don't want to miss his reading tonight at the Respite by the River.

Here's the official event announcement:

Valley author David Mas Masumoto will be speaking tonight at Fresno's monthly Respite by the River reading hosted at The River Center.

Mas will be reading from his new book, "Heirlooms" with his daughter, Nikiko who will play the Taiko drums. This month only, you can make reservations to have dinner with Mas. Tickets are $30 and include a light dinner of summer salads. You could also bring your picnic dinner to enjoy on the River Center lawn, while dinner music plays in the background. After the reading book sales, signing and dessert provided by Bentleys Fresh Market will be available. For dinner reservations please call 433-3190 ext. 3#.

The Respite by the River readings are co-sponsored by CSUF college radio station KFSR 90.7 FM. For more information contact:

Respite by the River
The River Center
11605 Old Friant Road
Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 248-8480
http://www.riverparkway.org/riverCenterPrograms.asp

http://www.csufresno.edu/kfsr/KFSRevents.html

September 20, 2007
6 p.m. music and picnic
7 p.m. reading and talk
8 p.m. signing and dessert

This is a free event.

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His other upcoming events include:

1) Thursday, September 27th, Reedley College, 7 p.m.

2) Saturday, September 29th, Woodward Park Library, 2 p.m.

3) Thursday, October 4th, Modesto Bee Book Club, 7 p.m.

4) Wednesday, October 17th, College of the Sequoia, 7 p.m.

His Web site can be found at:

http://www.masumoto.com