A fun night last night at the Vimy Brewing Company as friends and patrons of Rob McLennan gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his above/ground press. Launched with the D.I.Y., independent aesthetic of the early 90's, the press became a focal point for small press in Ontario, carrying the torch of a similar movement that happened in the early 60's with Coach House and House of Anansi in Toronto. The press quickly took on talent from all over Canada and points beyond and is now accepted as one of the premier small press publishing entities of Canadian arts and letters.
Emcee'd by Rob with his open-ended and friendly goofiness, 9 diverse poets took the mic and presented a broad spectrum of poetic styles and subjects, from international and gender politics to concrete and sound poetry, to multimedia, to metaphysics, to the lighthearted poetic punnery. All involved had a story of their involvement with the press and with Rob himself, and it was clear that there is a deep appreciation in the community for both. Rob's tireless work and constant support has brought many talents to light and it was a night to celebrate and appreciate what Rob and above/ground press has done for Ottawa, Canada and the poetic community in general.
Thank you, Rob.
About Me
- Kees Kapteyn
- Most recently, Kees Kapteyn has self published an e-novella 'individe' which can be found on Amazon. He also has a flash fiction chapbook entitled "Temperance Ave.", published by Grey Borders Press. He has also has been published in such magazines as flo., Wordbusker, In My Bed, blue skies, ditch and other literary journals. He lives in Ottawa, Ontario where he works as an educational assistant.
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