Dave Daniel and Steve O’Connor last night successfully launched their new books at the Old Court pub with the help of more than 200 people who came armed with good will, good humor, a good thirst, and a good appetite for literature written by somebody they might see in the local supermarket. “Hey, there’s Dave Daniel the author buying apples. What d’ya know?” Both authors gave brilliant readings on the small stage upstairs at the pub, offering short selections from the new books.

Who was there? Everybody. At least everybody who wasn’t at Boarding House Park to hear The Taj Mahal Trio open the Lowell Summer Music Series—and some of those folks stopped in to buy books after the concert.

David Daniel’s “Coffin Dust” is available from Sons of Liberty Publishing, and Stephen O’Connor’s “Smokestack Lightning” is available from Loom Press.