2/29 – "Call of the Wild" History Walk & Reading with CWC Writers
On February 29th, we’re excited to celebrate the release of The Call of the Wild, a new movie based on Jack London’s classic novel, with an outing for our club! An author talk, a history walk, and a reading at the place where Jack London learned to write will showcase our club. Get some friends together and see the show before or after!
Prior to the 1:20pm screening, Dirk Wales will be present at the theater to display, discuss and sell his book, Jack London’s Dog, about the animal who inspired Call of the Wild. Dirk Wales is the author of several children’s books, including the best-selling A Lucky Dog.
At 4pm (time may change slightly), we’ll gather at the Jack London statue near the movie theater, and walk the wolf tracks to Jack London’s cabin.
CWC Historian Linda Brown will lead us in a walking tour of Jack London Square
Learn the History of the Film in the Location Where It was Inspired
As we walk to Heinolds’ First and Last Chance Saloon (48 Webster Street, Oakland), CWC Berkeley historian Linda Brown will provide details on the life of Jack London.
(If you’re not familiar with London’s work, this is a great chance to learn about the complicated man who was a strident socialist, animal rights activist, union organizer and founding light of the California Writers Club.)
A piece of history, Heinold’s was built from the remnants of a whaling ship and the bar is tilted from surviving the 1906 quake. Known as “Jack London’s Rendezvous,” it was in this bar that Jack London that decided to be a writer, and Heinold helped pay his tuition.
Hear the Writers of Today at Oakland’s Most Legendary Bar
After the walk, grab a beer and enjoy a literary reading featuring local writers who are members of the California Writers Club with pieces focused on California history, animals, and adventure.
Schedule of Events
1pm: Appearance by Dirk Wales, author of Jack London’s Dog in the Jack London Cinema Lobby
1:20: First showing of The Call of the Wild
4:00: Meet at the Jack London Statue by Lungomare restaurant. Dirk Wales reads from Jack London’s Dog before CWC Berkeley historian Linda Brown’s History Tour.
4:30: Beer & readings at Heinold’s Saloon. Author book sales!
7:00: Evening showing of The Call of the Wild
Getting There
The Regal theater is at 100 Washington Street, Oakland.
The Statue is on the waterfront near the seating are
Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon is at 48 Webster Street, Oakland (Jack London Square).
Call of the Wild Trailer
The film stars Harrison Ford, trailer below.
Come hear today’s voices!
Featured readers include:
Henry Hitz
Terry Tierney
Fred Dodsworth
Judith Offer
Keith Mark Gaboury
Kristen Caven
To learn more about Dirk Wales’ books, go to www.greatplainspress.com
Karma is president and web mistress for the Berkeley California Writers Club. She runs Future Is Fiction Communications, where she helps authors and other creatives spread the word about their projects. She writes poetry, and essays. She loves writing about music and politics.
Linda Brown February 21, 2020 (8:20 am)
I’ll be there. I am inspired by Jack and his quote “I would rather be ashes than dust.” I am proud of Oakland, a City that has attracted writers for over 160 years.
MIyo Tatsumi Harvey February 21, 2020 (2:32 pm)
Personal msg – do not post!
I would like to RSVP to this and bring 1 or 2 people with me. (Nonmembers all). Is this possible? And how much each?
cwcbb February 24, 2020 (9:12 pm)
Just show up at 4pm at the Jack London statue! We’ll all go see the movie before at the 1pm show, or after for the 7pm show. It’s free! But we do hope you buy some books by local authors. 🙂