“Xtra Tuf” and “Scam” Zinesters Moe Bowstern and Erick Lyle Talk at Olympia Timberland Library Oct. 13

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Veteran zine writers and activists Moe Bowstern and Erick Lyle will be at the Olympia Timberland Library on Saturday, October 13 from 7 to 8:45 p.m. to talk about their writing and experiences. Bowstern writes Xtra Tuf, a zine about her work as a commercial fisherwoman and Lyle (aka Iggy Scam) edits and self-publishes Scam zine. He also wrote the book On the Lower Frequencies: A Secret History of the City.

In addition to six issues of Xtra Tuf, Bowstern has published three other print zines and released two CDs. Most of her writing has been financed out her wages as an itinerant deckhand, jobsite laborer, gardener and housecleaner. In 1997 Bowstern was invited to read at the first Fisher Poets Gathering in Astoria, Oregon, where she found a home among other people who wrote and sang about their lives in the commercial fishing industry.

Bowstern has also performed at the Seattle Folklife Festival, Kodiak Out Loud, the Cordova Salmon Jam, Fisher Poets On The Edge in Newport, Oregon, the Radar Reading Series in San Francisco and many other places, including Leeds, England and Aberdeen, Scotland. She was the founder of the Amalgamated Everlasting Union Chorus and performed in 2001 at the first Ladyfest in Olympia. Bowstern now lives between Portland, Oregon and Portknockie, Scotland and works mainly as a writer and performer.

Lyle has edited Scam since 1991 featuring personal writing, politics, reports on protest events and interviews with activists and punk bands. He recently released Scam #9. He’s been a frequent contributor to the San Francisco Bay Guardian and to numerous punk zines.

Scam is equal parts introductory guide on how to get things for free and punk memoir—youths experiencing train hopping, house shows and cross country tours that sought out swimming holes. From 1998 to 2003, Lyle worked at the Coalition on Homelessness San Francisco, an experience that informs much of his writing and political beliefs. Lyle is also a drummer and guitar player and recently closed Streetopia, an exhibit he co-organized at two venues in downtown San Francisco and the Tenderloin. It featured art, a free café and  free public events throughout the city.

The writers’ publications will be available for purchase. Bowstern’s website is www.moebowstern.com. It includes information about her writing and other activities, and a great review by Ursula K. LeGuin. Lyle’s website is http://onthelowerfrequencies.com, covering his writings and activities.

The Olympia Timberland Library is a 313 8th Avenue SE, Olympia. For more information, call the library at (360) 352-0595 or go to www.TRL.org.

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