Today I am going to talk about the Twin Cities Zinefest and the Minneapolis Indo Xpo.

Some of you more astute readers may have noticed that for some time now there has been a little list in the right column of this website that mentions these events.  That’s because I’m going to be tabling at both of them this summer.  I’ll be selling copies of my minicomics, ALL FOUR ISSUES OF BURN BOOK, and a hodge podge of whatever other homemade goodies I can throw together.  I’m really looking forward to it, not just because it’s a chance to sell my comics, but because these both seem like really great events.  Here’s a few words on each:

Twin Cities Zinefest: Saturday, July 10, Stevens Square Center for the Arts

I’ve never been able to go to Zinefest before because it falls on the same weekend as the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and you guys know how much my family loves that.  But this year we’re not going, so I finally get to give Zinefest a try!   It was founded in 2004; the current coordinator is Sarah Morean, who, get this, , makes and loves comics, lives in Minnesota, and writes for the Daily Cross Hatch!  We met in person for the first time at that Indy Comics Week event in December, but I’d been aware of her awesomeness for some time before that.  In her hands, Zinefest has no option but to succeed.

Minneapolis Indie Xpo: Saturday, August 21, The Soap Factory

This year is the first year ever of the soon-to-be-legendary MIX.  Unlike Zinefest, MIX is devoted exclusively to independent comics. The coordinators of this event are Sarah Morean (what do you know!) and Andy Krueger, founder of the St Paul Craftstravaganza, an urban art fair and another neat opportunity for Twin Cities artists. Sarah has written up a wonderful post on the Cross Hatch about the goals of MIX. I defy you to read it and not be inspired. Also inspiring is Sarah’s Flash video about MIX on the MIX website’s front page. So watch that too.  Be inspired.  So inspired that you’ll head straight to MIX on the morning of August 21, buy lots of local art, and then make your way to the MIX after-party at Altered Esthetics, where you’ll be able to check out lots of original art by those involved with Lutefisk Sushi.

It’s a great summer for comics and Minnesota!