The popular Bookface Book Swap Brunch returns this Saturday, May 7, with a treat for music fans, as Paul English, the author of new Deacon Blue book To Be Here Someday , will be the main guest.
The Bookface book swap brunches take place on the first Saturday of each month in Glasgow's Glaschu restaurant and bar, and have become a popular fixture in the city’s literary calendar.
Recent events featured the multiple Emmy and BAFTA award-winning filmmaker and photographer Doug Allan and Sophie Gravia, the author of ‘A Glasgow Kiss’.
The events are the brainchild of avid reader, and former Coatbridge High pupil, Heather Suttie after she set up an online book group during lockdown and which now has more than 2000 members globally.
Readers are encouraged to bring four books of any genre to swap, enjoy tea and coffee to kick off, followed by a glass of Prosecco, brunch, and a French aperitif from Lillet, followed by a Q&A with Paul English, hosted by Jan Patience, arts journalist, and broadcaster.
This is Deacon Blue’s first official book and is packed with features and extensive interviews with the band, as well as key members of their crew over the past 35 years, along with fans’ memories of gigs, singles, and albums.
Paul English said: “We all have our bands as teenagers. They’re as much a part of our identity-building as the clothes we wear and the company we keep.
“In a house with two big sisters and parents who all loved music, my taste was formed somewhere between the Stones, The Smiths, and the Cocteau Twins.
"But the first band I could call my own, sometime in 1988 as a 12-year-old boy, was the one I’d heard singing about ships called Dignity, Chocolate Girls, and Real Gone Kids. Deacon Blue would be my band.
“Thirty odd years later, I was given the opportunity to write the band’s official history, Deacon Blue: To Be Here Someday.
"It sent me back to 1986, and the early days of one of the most popular bands in Scotland, telling their story from then to now - as remembered by the band, their associates, and their fans, in “pictures, songs and words” to pinch a line from one of their best songs.
“Writing the book was a labour of love, and I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with the Bookface members”.
Heather Suttie said: “Bookface is all about sharing great book and podcast recommendations; proper page-turners, memorable memoirs, cracking cookbooks, super self-help titles and coffee table treats.
“This event is a brilliant opportunity to hear about all the backstage and behind the scenes look at how a book like this comes together from the initial idea to when it hits the shelves.
“Dignity is one of my favourite songs, and if like me you’re off to see Deacon Blue at The Hydro tonight, this is an ideal way to start your day and make sure you’re there in time to see the support band, Interlopers!”
The event runs this Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm at Glaschu, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow and is supported by Lillet.
Tickets for the Bookface Book Swap Brunch are priced, £30, includes booking fee, tea/coffee, brunch, a glass of Prosecco and Lillet cocktail, visit https://bit.ly/38GWwiV
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