The Akbar Reading Series has two goals: Showcase entertaining readers in the Indianapolis area and make literary readings fun. The readings are set in a bar, the line-up is energetic and talented, and there are chances to win free beer. The untraditional reading series is organized by a small group of writers with ties to the Butler MFA, and is marketed through word of mouth and facebook.
The fourth reading was held at Bent Rail Brewery and received a great turnout. The line-up included MFA alum and current Butler professor, Chris Speckman who read poetry about love and cats. Butler adjunct professor Lili Wright read from her new novel, Dances with Tigers. The book is receiving great reviews, and we’ve just learned the movie rights have been purchased. The final reader of the night was best-selling young adult writer John Green who read from his new work-in-progress. He was just as charming, energetic, and kind hearted as we all dreamed he’d be.
Part of The Akbar’s charm is the mystery around it. What is an Akbar? Who will show up to read next time? Why are the trivia questions impossible? Is it affiliated with Butler MFA or officially disavowed? Who is the secret committee who plans the Akbar?
Dan Barden, the champion of The Akbar, refused to answer any of those questions, but he did answer a few.
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How the heck did you get John Green, the second most earning author of 2015, to read at your bar reading series?
“He’d been emailing us and begging to read for months. After he submitted a sample, I met with my secret committee and decided we’d have to let him read or he’d just keep nagging us.”
But seriously?
“I just emailed him and asked,” Dan said. “People like supporting the Butler MFA.”
Who is going to read next?
“Ask Mindy,” Dan said.
Mindy Dunn, the brains of The Akbar, said, “You’ll have to come and see because you never know who will show up at the Akbar.”