An Evening of Art, Music, and Social Commentary with Cartooning Legend Peter Bagge on July 11 at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery

June 30, 2009 - SEATTLE, WA. Celebrated cartoonist Peter Bagge's diverse talents are featured in an art exhibition and book signing at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery followed by a musical performance at nearby Jules Maes Saloon on Saturday, July 11 in Seattle's lively Georgetown arts community. This event marks the debut of his newest book Everybody Is Stupid Except for Me and Other Astute Observations, a collection of cartoon reporting on social, political and cultural issues for Reason magazine.

Everybody Is Stupid Except for Me chronicles the artist's Libertarian leanings in comics published in the party organ Reason. Bagge, a longtime resident of liberal Seattle, is hardly dogmatic. Many of the pieces undermine traditional Libertarian party lines in favor of a personal, rational and informed approach to controversial issues that will force partisan Democrats and Republicans alike to rethink them. Bagge's well-researched comic strip "essays" crackle with the same colorful energy and wit that propelled him into the collective Gen X consciousness with his amazing comic book series Hate. As always, his work remains seriously funny.

To celebrate the publication of this thought-provoking book, Bagge will be on hand from 7:00 to 9:00 PM for an exhibition of his original comics art and to sign copies of the new anthology. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.) only minutes south of downtown. This event coincides with the Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack featuring exciting visual and performing arts presentations throughout the historic neighborhood.

Following the reception, guests are invited to a free performance of Peter Bagge's latest power pop combo, Can You Imagine?, at neighboring nightclub Jules Maes Saloon. Featuring prominent Northwest musician and producer Steve Fisk, this delightful band combines elements of anachronistic new wave, girl-group pop and punk to create an accessible and exciting sound. The evening's musical entertainment will feature a special reunion of Bagge's 1990s sensation The Action Suits whose members include current and former Fantagraphics staffers. Also on the bill are current projects by Action Suits members: Eric Reynolds' Fox Hollow and Andy Schmidt's group Hank Adams. Jules Maes is located at 5919 Airport Way South, just one short block north of Fantagraphics Bookstore.

Listing Information

PETER BAGGE
EVERYBODY IS STUPID EXCEPT FOR ME and Other Astute Observations
Opening reception and book signing
Saturday, July 11, 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Exhibition continues through August 5, 2009

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale Street (at Airport Way S.)
Seattle, WA 98108
206.658.0110
Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM
www.fantagraphics.com

Don't miss the free after-party action at neighboring Jules Maes with arena rock by

Hank Adams
Fox Hollow
Can You Imagine?
... with a special reunion of The Action Suits!