If there's a heaven for authors, it might look something like a gathering that unfolded Friday night in the Old Pueblo.
Earrings sparkled. Wine glasses clinked and witticisms flew at a dinner and cocktail reception for dozens of writers in town for this year's Tucson Festival of Books.
"This is like the Oscars, for nerds," observed Dave Fitzsimmons, cartoonist and columnist for the Arizona Daily Star.
Some took stabs at telling jokes that began: "So, this author walks into a bar ... "
None succeeded. It was clear these were not comedy writers, a fact which, for some reason, seemed pretty funny.
"Actually, when an author walks into a bar, it's always a joke," quipped Amy Alkon, a California writer with fuschia lips and copper tresses.
People are also reading…
A server in a white tuxedo shirt appeared as she spoke, offering a platter of crostini topped with beef tenderloin. Another soon followed with stuffed mushrooms, then a third with fruit and cheeses.
Later, during dinner in a ballroom at the University of Arizona, 850 or so authors, fans and organizers were treated to a performance the likes of which most had never witnessed.
Pierre Herbineaux of Tucson, better known as "Harmonica Pierre" showed off the skill that landed him a finalist spot on "America's Got Talent." Using a mouth organ, he played 19th-century music by Frederic Chopin in a medley with a Top 10 radio hit by the rock band Train.
It was a scene that seemed made for a novel. Sadly, though, one of the most illustrious novelists scheduled to appear in this year's festival wasn't there to see it.
Crime-writing legend Elmore Leonard was grounded in his home state of Michigan by an airliner with mechanical difficulties, along with his author son Peter Leonard, who also was to appear. Both will be absent from this year's festival as a result.
Elmore Leonard, 85, also missed out on a chance to personally receive a new award bestowed upon him by the festival's founders.
He's the first recipient of the Founders Award for lifetime achievement, to be given each year to an outstanding festival participant.
The author's other son Chris Leonard, a Tucson resident and budding writer, accepted the award on his father's behalf.
"He was thrilled about it," Chris Leonard said of his dad's reaction to the honor.
"Things like that always move him."
Festival chairman Bill Viner said in an interview that while Elmore Leonard's absence is disappointing, there's still a wealth of talent appearing at this year's event.
"It's unfortunate but the show goes on," Viner said.
"The festival will be terrific in spite of it."
Contact reporter Carol Ann Alaimo at calaimo@azstarnet.com or at 573-4138.
If you go
The third annual Tucson Festival of Books is 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today and Sunday on the UA campus.
If you missed Sunday's 64-page festival guide, go online to tucsonfestivalofbooks.org for times and venues for the 400 notable authors, journalists and screenwriters taking part in 300 free presentations, panels, workshops, storytelling and culinary demonstrations.
You'll also find a parking map, mobile apps, a list of the more than 240 exhibits and details on entertainment, children's activities and free stuff, including admission to UA Science: Flandrau during the festival.
Admission to the festival and parking at the UA this weekend are free.
