3 April 2013

Jorian takes the reins for Smith's Alternative (Bookshop)

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Smith’s Alternative Bookstore is closing it’s doors for the next three weeks or so in order to complete its metamorphosis into Smith’s Alternative. No Bookshop. Except it still will be a a bookshop.

Jorian Gardner and Domenic Mico, the minds behind the gone-but-not-forgotten Multicultural Fringe Festival have taken the reins of Smith’s Alternative They are closing the doors for a bit to begin the process of gutting and rebuilding Smith’s with an eye to making it a more dedicated theatre/event space.

The book store will still run, albeit with a smaller selection. The store will now have a stronger focus on being a venue. Jorian has said that he hasn’t released a program yet, but did promise regular comedy, poetry, music, and burlesque nights. The always fabulous April’s Caravan will also be selling its wares there.

While it’s sad to think that most of those lovely books will be disappearing this done make sense. It occurs to me that I’ve never actually bought a book from Smith’s, but I have been to a great number of wonderful arts events and drunk quite a few beers there. Jorian and Domenic seem to be changing Smith’s to better fit what it has already become, a great place to see a show and share a drink in the afternoon, and maybe buy a book.

The store is set to re-open in the last week of April. I’ll see you guys there.

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Bassman1977 said :

…the gone-but-not-forgotten Multicultural Fringe Festival.

Since when is it gone, it was a part of the multicultural festival this year?

yes, but we’ve forgotten that…

…the gone-but-not-forgotten Multicultural Fringe Festival.

Since when is it gone, it was a part of the multicultural festival this year?

Mr Evil said :

When Jorian is mentioned as becoming involved with a bookshop, why do I suddenly picture Bernard from “Black Books”?

Bernard without the talent or the ability. Lets see how long Mr Gardner can keep this afloat shall we? Going off his previous record Smiths will be a Starbucks before too long.

This town needs people like Jorian, much as most people would be loath to admit it.

When Jorian is mentioned as becoming involved with a bookshop, why do I suddenly picture Bernard from “Black Books”?

“Smith’s Alternative Bookstore is closing it’s doors for the next three weeks or so in order to complete its metamorphosis”

If you’re going to mis-use apostrophes, at least be consistent.

“Jorian has said that he hasn’t released a program yet, but did promise regular comedy, poetry, music, and burlesque nights.”

No upskirting?

HiddenDragon10:48 am 03 Apr 13

“While it’s sad to think that most of those lovely books will be disappearing this does make sense.” – +1 – of the remaining bookshops in Canberra, Smith’s actual/potential customers are probably the most likely to get their books from internet booksellers, or go for e-books, so this may be a better use of the space. I really hope it works for them – Book Lore and Tilley’s at Lyneham is a good combination, Beyond Q at Curtin has a cafe and some live entertainment, and Canty’s at Fyshwick have coffee and eateries nearby (but as to entertainment, ahem).

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