Neil Gaiman, the award-winning author of novels, films, and comics including the epoch-changing graphic novel series The Sandman, will take the stage for a benefit appearance on behalf of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2). An "Evening with Neil Gaiman", a paid, ticketed event, will take place on Saturday night, April 17 at 7 PM in the Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
The last time Mr. Gaiman performed theatrical readings was ten years ago on the "Last Angel Tour." On that tour, he crisscrossed the country, giving sold-out readings of stories and poems, both new material and beloved tales, in order to draw attention to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. That was ten years ago. In those ten years, Mr. Gaiman's published such books as American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book. He's made movies and operas. He even started keeping a blog. A generation has grown up who have not seen an evening with Neil Gaiman -- until now.
The "Evening with Neil Gaiman" will be Mr. Gaiman's only public appearance at C2E2. The event will begin at 7 PM with doors opening at 6:30. Tickets will be available both to C2E2 badge holders as well as the general public. (Tickets to C2E2 are not necessary to attend the CBLDF's "Evening with Neil Gaiman", however different pricing applies.)
All fans attending the "Evening with Neil Gaiman" have a choice of Prime Seating or General Seating. Prime Seating is located in the closest five rows to the front of the theater and the stage upon which Neil Gaiman will appear.
A small number of fans will also have the opportunity to attend the "Evening with Neil Gaiman Dream Experience", which includes front center row seats, a limited Meet & Greet mixer with Neil before the event, and a special gift set from The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, in association with Neverwear and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, which features a never-before-published poem presented on a beautiful and exclusive art print, and accompanying fragrance, with other surprises. Truly a rare opportunity, the "Evening with Neil Gaiman Dream Experience" is extremely limited.
Prime Seating, General Seating, and Dream Experience tickets will go on sale at www.C2E2.com beginning at 12 PM Central time on Monday, March 8. Fans are encouraged to order their tickets early, as tickets will increase by $5 at the door -- or, as is very likely the case, will sell out online.
Online ticket prices are as follow:
Prime Seating
C2E2 Badge Holders - $45
General Public - $60
General Seating
C2E2 Badge Holders - $15
General Public - $30
Dream Experience Tickets
$250
C2E2 VIP Badge Holders qualify for an additional discount on Prime and General seating and the option to purchase tickets prior to Monday, March 8. Check your inbox if you're a C2E2 VIP who purchased your badge as of March 4, 2010 for details. For all new VIPs after this date, please contact C2E2 for further information.
ABOUT NEIL GAIMAN:
Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, Anansi Boys (#1 NYT bestseller), and Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett); the Sandman series of graphic novels; and the short story collections Smoke and Mirrors and Fragile Things. He is also the author of books for readers of all ages including the #1 bestselling and Newbery Medal winning novel The Graveyard Book, the bestselling novels Coraline and Odd and The Frost Giants; the short story collection M is for Magic and the picture books The Wolves in The Walls, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, and Crazy Hair, illustrated by Dave McKean; The Dangerous Alphabet, illustrated by Gris Grimly; and Blueberry Girl, illustrated by Charles Vess. He is the winner of numerous literary honors, including the Hugo, Bram Stoker, and World Fantasy Awards, and the Newbery Medal. Originally from England, he now lives in America. Visit him online at www.neilgaiman.com.
ABOUT THE CBLDF:
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was founded in 1986 as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community. They have defended dozens of Free Expression cases in courts across the United States, and led important education initiatives promoting comics literacy and free expression. For additional information, donations, and other inquiries call 800-99-CBLDF or visit them online at www.cbldf.org.
