May 9, 2008 - (Charlotte, NC) - Writers, musicians and booklovers will gather on Wed., May 14 at 7 p.m. as NFP’s newest book is unveiled during a festive evening of readings, live music and book signings.

“Making Notes: Music of the Carolinas” was edited by Ann Wicker and showcases more than 50 contributors. It’s a lively, readable sampler of essays, articles and reminiscences about the region that’s famous for being home to musicians as diverse as James Taylor, James Brown, John Coltrane, Doc Watson and Nina Simone.

“Making Notes” is a rollicking road trip through the music of the Carolinas, an amazing collection of memories from people who lived the music life and still remember it like it was only yesterday. It’s a compilation of memories about music – but universal in its appeal,” praises former Rolling Stone publisher Terry Hummel.

Books will be available for purchase. Doors open at 7 p.m., the event will be held from 7:30 – 11 p.m. at the Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave,, Charlotte, NC 28204. (704) 358-9200. FREE!

These musicians are scheduled to appear:

Steve Stoeckel, a writer, musician, electronics technician, and amateur tango instructor who’s best known for his work with N.C. band The Spongetones.

Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, a humorist, musician, columnist, and host of a syndicated radio show, “The Reverend Billy's Rhythm Revival.”

The Local Tomatoes, a group of Charlotte Folk Society members who meet every Saturday morning to play “old-time” music at the Mecklenburg County Market.

These readers are scheduled to appear:

John Grooms, an award-winning journalist, freelance editor, and writer who saw James Brown perform in Charlotte in the early 1960s.

Sheila Saints, an award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked in the Carolina newsrooms of NBC News Nightside, WBTV, WFAE and FOX Charlotte.

Tommy Tomlinson, a Charlotte Observer columnist and a 2005 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in commentary.

Novello Festival Press is the award-winning publishing project of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. Proceeds from book sales support the library. For more information call (704) 416-0706 or visit www.novellopress.org

Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC was named winner of the 2006 National Award for Library Service. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs, from computer and Internet workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration of the joys of reading and learning. With 24 locations, 1.6 million volumes and 28,000 videos, DVDs and CDs, PLCMC is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community.