The Friends of the South Pasadena Library and The South Pasadena Public Library proudly present renowned artist and historian J Michael Walker, for a free Author Night program on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by Vecinos de South Pasadena. The program will take place in the Library Community Room at 1115 El Centro Street and no tickets or reservations are necessary.

J Michael Walker is the author of the highly acclaimed new book, All the Saints of the City of the Angels: Seeking the Soul of LA on Its Streets. Many of its paintings and the stories can be experienced in a held-over exhibition in the Autry National Center’s Museum of the American West in Griffith Park. The book and the exhibit have been the subject of recent articles in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, and The Tidings.

J. Michael Walker’s stunning book is a poetic and artistic tour de force through Greater LA, exploring the ways in which our multi-cultural heritage is illuminated via the hundred-plus streets bearing the names of saints. Combining historical research with the saints’ legends, the Highland-Park-area author explored his subjects for eight years, searching for the convergence of myth and history.

Participating in more than 100 group exhibitions in the United States and Mexico, Walker has enjoyed solo shows at Harvard, Yale, and the Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares in Mexico City, among others. He has received eight ‘Artist in the Community’ grants from the Department of Cultural Affairs of Los Angeles.

The show will open with live music from accomplished flamenco guitarist Gabriel Reyna. A professional guitarist and teacher --and a native of Los Angeles-- Gabriel Reyna’s music is fiery and emotional. Gabriel has studied with some of the finest flamenco guitarists in the field, such as Ramon Jimenez from the Teatro Espanol de Madrid and Jose Valle Fajardo (Chuscales). His talents have also been showcased at the LA Marathon, in Old Town San Diego, the Ramona Pageant, and during many college concert dates.

The event will conclude with a signing, and autographed books and notecards will be for sale. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and refreshments will be provided by Vecinos. Special thanks to Heyday Books.