By Jessica Hincapie
This past weekend was a whirlwind of events, but there was one in particular that we here at The Barn were anxiously awaiting. On Saturday we helped Bethany Hegedus celebrate the release of her first picture book, Grandfather Gandhi. Over 150 people came out to Book People for the event and the result was awesome! If you happened to miss it, here’s a quick recap.
The event started out with traditional Indian music by Ustad Nizami, a “17th-generation Pakistani sitar scholar who’s performed for every foreign dignitary from Nelson Mandela to Queen Elizabeth.” Guests could listen to the musical stylings of Ustad and his son while enjoying an array of Indian treats. The samosas from Asiana were out of this world and did not last long.
There were henna tattoos and prizes for the kids, along with featured artwork done by kids from the Khabele School here in Austin, TX. A few of those students got to participate in a Readers’ Theatre, performing, Grandfather Gandhi for the audience, followed by a signing. And did I mention the cake! Akiko White, a San Antonio-based illustrator and cake-maker extraordinaire made the coolest-looking cake for the party. It was also pretty delicious.
The event was a great success. Special thanks to photographer Dave Wilson for helping us capture the awesome event, and a thank you for all the people who showed up and made the afternoon truly memorable. If you haven’t already picked up your copy of Grandfather Gandhi, you really should–it is a beautiful book with a lesson people of all ages can appreciate.