Sid Marty Launches New Book in Fernie

On the evening of May 25, Sid Marty returns to Fernie to launch Oldman’s River: new and collected poems (NeWest, 2023), his latest volume, at Bramasole in the Garden Venue.

For almost 20 years, Sid has been part of the writing and musical community in Fernie. Sid was a favourite workshop leader at the Fernie Writers’ Conferences. Since that time, he launched his books and performed in town every chance he’s had. His environmental and conservation writing strikes a chord with every Fernie resident. Once banned from all Alberta Provincial Parks for his position and opposition on land use by the province, Sid is not one to sit on his laurels. He rallies the community and leads the charge.

A three-time nominee for the Governor General’s Award, numerous Banff Mountain Book Awards, and the recipient of Alberta’s Grant MacEwan Literary Arts Award for lifetime achievement, Sid is a powerhouse of words and song. For over 50 years,  Sid’s books have brought to life the trails, the sweep of lands spreading from the Rockies, and the people that live there. Sid characterizes the land in words, in people, and in person. 

These are our lands. These are our people.

The evening will be a mix with an interview, a poetry reading and music, a little-known aspect of Sid’s career. Long a musician, most of his gigs are in his home neighborhood around the Livingston Range in southern Alberta. We are lucky to have him bring his guitar over for the night.

An appropriate outdoor setting, the new Garden Venue is perfect for welcoming him back.

Reading/Leading 
by Sid Marty

Reading poetry aloud
Don’t weep
among the people there
if your own words
break your heart

It’s not your heart
that needs to answer

Don’t make 
self
the focus

or tears, that satisfy no thirst
in a land of drought

Stay on the word
Lead the way

Stay on the path
to the spring