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For years there were only two names to call on when looking for black writers of science fiction or fantasy -- Samuel R. Delany and Octavia E. Butler.  Almost by themselves the two of them blazed a trail that by the dawn of the 21st century is followed by scores of other African-American writers, increasing daily.  Many were brought to prominence for the first time in Sheree Renėe Thomas' groundbreaking and definitive anthologies of African-American science fiction, past and present: "Dark Matter" and "Dark Matter II: Reading the Bones".   For many readers of all races it was their first look at how the field had grown for all writers of color, and for many, it was inspiration to add their voices to the choir.
 
Other anthologies followed, like Brandon Massey's "Dark Dreams 1-3", collecting new stories of horror and suspense by African-American writers.  It's become clear by 2010 that many of the restrictions on what writers of color can write and get published have been lifted, largely by freeing themselves from expectations previously put on them, and by the ever-changing nature of the publishing industry.
 
For just as long, the popular image most people have had of a black vampire was "Blacula", nobly and fiercely played by William Marshal in the original feature film and its sequel "Scream, Blacula, Scream".   Despite Bill Gunn's avant-garde "Ganja and Hess", Grace Jones in "Vamp" and Eddie Murphy in "Vampire of Brooklyn", Blacula may well be the first black vampire our guest writers and their readers ever encountered.  Much has changed since then, and in the midst of a vampire literary renaissance, a growing number of fantasy and horror writers of color have been steadily adding their own new and unique perspectives to the growing popular canon.   The creations of this event's panel bear little resemblance to the seventies' Hollywood movie monster, taking us far Beyond Blacula.  The four writers in this premiere event bring us four very different takes on the modem vampire myth.
 
Linda Addison, one of the first contributors to Dark Dreams, brought her take on the post-Blacula myth to the New Blood, and Dark Thirst anthologies.   L.A. Banks' twelve volume Vampire Huntress Legends have mixed the supernatural with action, mystery and political intrigue to create a bestselling series.   Alaya Dawn Johnson put the world of her Spirit Binders trilogy on hold long enough to take us to the 1920s for Moonshine.  Terence Taylor's multi-generational Vampire Testaments trilogy is a much-lauded urban epic with a cast of human and inhuman characters as diverse as the noir New York it's set in.
 
They are just a few of the many new voices rising in volume and power.  This evening of readings and discussion will be a taste of what has been done and what is to come from these exciting writers.
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The New York Review of Science Fiction Reading Series provides performances from some of the best writers in science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, etc.  The series usually takes place the first Tuesday of every month, but maintains flexibility in time and place, so be sure to stay in touch through the mailing list and the Web.
Admission is free, but for this special event we are suggesting a $10 donation.  
After the event, please join us as we treat our readers for dinner and drinks nearby.

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The SoHo Gallery for Digital Art  (www.sohodigart.com)  is dedicated to re-establishing SoHo as an international center for the development of new artistic forms, concepts and ideas.  A screens-instead-of-canvases approach allows a wide selection of art from around the world which would otherwise never make it to the City.  The SGDA is available for private gatherings and events of all kinds.  For bookings call (800) 420-5590 or visit http://sohogallerynyc.com .

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WHEN:
Tuesday, 10/26
SPECIAL TIME:  Doors open at 6:00 -- event begins at 6:30
 
WHERE:
The SoHo Gallery for Digital Art
138 Sullivan Street  (between Houston & Prince St.)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=138+Sullivan+St.+New+York+NY+10012
 
HOW:
By Subway
6, C, E to Spring St.; A, B D or F to West 4th; 1 train to Houston St; or R, W to Prince St.  There are many convenient bus lines that come within a couple of blocks of the gallery.  Use the link above for an interactive transit map.
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LINKS:
http://hourwolf.com/nyrsf
http://nyrsf.com
http://sohodigart.com
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To join our infrequent mailing list please send a note to NYRSF_Readings@hourwolf.com.
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