28th Annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest Announces Celebrity Headliners

CHICAGO, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest presented by Bank of America — the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest – returns for its 28th year with celebrity headlining authors such as Rachael Ray and Dan Rather. Held in the historic Printers Row neighborhood—South Dearborn between Congress and Polk. The festival runs from 10am-6pm, June 9 and 10.

The Chicago Tribune once again celebrates the written word with over 135,000 book lovers during this two-day literary showcase. More than 200 booksellers from across the country display and sell new, used and antiquarian books. Panels and events are held on six stages and at five indoor venues, featuring authors and experts on topics such as politics, sports, poetry, fiction and more. Kids and parents can enjoy storytelling, costumed characters, performances, sing-alongs, and arts and crafts at Lil' Lit Park presented by Riverfront Theater.

Among the approximately 200 authors scheduled to appear, headliners include:

Rachael Ray – "The Book of Burger"

Dan Rather – "Rather Outspoken:  My Life in the News"

Rick Bayless – "Fiesta at Rick's"

Gail Collins – "As Texas Goes...: How the Lone Star State Hijacked the American Agenda"

Frank DeFord – "Over Time: My Life as a Sports Writer"

Kenneth C. Davis – presents "Don't Know Much About Chicago History Quiz"

Barbara Taylor Bradford – "Letter From A Stranger"

Jules Feiffer – "Backing Into Forward: A Memoir"

Sara Paretsky – "Breakdown" (V.I. Warshawski Novel)

Young adult programming will take place on The Mash stage – named after Chicago Tribune's teen publication — where American young adult book author, Veronica Roth, participates in a panel discussion and Chicago Public Library's Teen Volume Project presents popular teen books in partnership with Promethean Theatre Ensemble.

At this year's Lil' Lit Stage, children can enjoy live music by indie song-writer Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Nap Time Players with tunes from their latest Grammy-nominated CD "Jungle Gym". Also on this stage, The Actors Training Center presents selections from ANNIE and Seussical: The Musical!

Lit after Dark, presented by Navy Pier, returns Saturday night from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. with poetry slams, readings and musical performances. Half Naked Productions, a Chicago-based sketch comedy and mixed-medium production group, presents "Missed Connections" on the RedEye Stage, while The Encyclopedia Show will be featured on Center Stage.

Special programming at the 2012 Lit Fest includes the American Heritage Dictionary Define-A-Thon, a test of vocabulary strength, and the second annual Mystery Writers of America Flash Fiction contest with Chicago-based mystery writers Sara Paretsky and Barbara D'Amato as judges. A variety of cooking demonstrations and author talks will take place on the "Good Eating" Stage including award-winning chef-restaurateur Rick Bayless and Food Network Star Daisy Martinez.

Earlier this year, the Chicago Tribune introduced Printers Row, a new membership program for those seeking richer coverage of book reviews, authors, discussions and original stories.  Members receive the Printers Row Journal, a 24‐page weekly supplement with in‐depth interviews, author profiles, book reviews, special reports on Chicago and Midwest writers, and an additional bonus booklet of original fiction.

Membership in Printers Row also provides exclusive benefits such as VIP access to authors and events at Lit Fest.  This year, a special Printers Row Member Lounge will be provided, where members can check in, enjoy complimentary refreshments, obtain festival information and mingle with authors.  Information on how to join Printers Row will also be available.

In addition to Bank of America, sponsors of this year's fair include Riverfront Theater, Navy Pier, C-SPAN, Random House Audio, Columbia College, Acura, Chicago Public Library, Gino's East and Stanley Steemer. CSPAN2's Book TV is scheduled to broadcast live on location during both days of the festival. All events are free, but tickets must be reserved in advance and will be required for entrance into some events.

Chicago Tribune operates Printers Row Lit Fest as part of the company's ongoing commitment to the written word and its support of literacy. For more information about the Lit Fest and a complete list of programs and exhibitors go to www.printersrowlitfest.org

About Chicago Tribune Media Group

Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune. CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago magazine, TribLocal, The Mash, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com and metromix.com. Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.  

SOURCE Chicago Tribune Media Group