Celebrating the Saint John Launch of Lift

As the year wraps up, I wanted to take a moment to commemorate the wonderful launch of Lift in my hometown of Saint John, New Brunswick. Yes, the launch happened in September and it’s taken me three months to post these photos, but it’s still technically 2019, so I’m going to call that a win.

It meant the world to bring my small book home. The night was emceed by my friend and wonderful performer Kizzy Kaye, and we were lucky enough to use the Saint John Theatre Company performance hall at 112 Princess Street as our venue (thank you, SJTC!). The two opening readers were current UNB Saint John students Jessica Raven and Katrina Pridgeon, and they were both brilliant—I can’t wait to hear what they get up to next in life! The evening was sponsored by the Lorenzo Reading Series and the UNB Alumni Association, and I’m so grateful to both organizations for their enthusiastic support. Jazz was provided by the Jazz Loyalty Program (courtesy of my dad on bass and my brother on saxophone), and snacks were available thanks to my mom—it was a family effort all around.

Guests included many faces I knew, and many others I was thrilled to meet. Only in a place like Saint John could I have stood in a room with so many people who have made me possible.

Wishing you and yours the very best of 2020. This year has been one for the books.

Emily

P.S. Endless gratitude to Mark Hemmings for the photos!