Paul Krassner to Speak at AAN West
LA Reader Said Krassner Offers "Funniest, Most Intelligent Social and Political Commentary."
By AAN Staff
december 28, 1998 11:51 am
He dropped acid with Ken Kesey and Groucho Marx. The FBI labeled him "a raving, unconfined nut." ABC newscaster Harry Reasoner said he "not only attacks establishment values; he attacks decency in general." When People Magazine called him "the father of the underground press," he immediately demanded a blood test.
In other words, he's the perfect speaker for an AAN event.
"He" is Paul Krassner, and in just a few just a few weeks he will step up to a mic in San Francisco to address a luncheon audience at AAN West.
Perhaps best known for the Realist -- which he published as a magazine from 1958 to 1974, and then reincarnated as a newsletter in 1985 -- Krassner calls himself an "investigative satirist." His style of personal journalism blurs the line between observer and participant. For instance, he once interviewed a doctor who performed abortions when it was illegal, then became an underground referral service. He covered the anti-war movement, then co-founded the Yippies with Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin.
In the past few years, Krassner has published two books and released a pair of comedy CDs.
He rarely works the comedy-club circuit, preferring to perform on campuses, at theaters and in art galleries. Over the years, he has built up a certain cult following that has been gradually sneaking into mainstream awareness.
Reviewing one of his personal appearances, the former AAN paper Los Angeles Reader said: "Krassner delivers 90 minutes of the funniest, most intelligent social and political commentary in town."
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times said: "Krassner makes you laugh and think at the same time" -- which of course may be a problem for AAN West attendees with poor hand-eye coordination, since they will also be eating lunch during Krassner's presentation.
Krassner will speak on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway. All those who register for AAN West are welcome to attend. If you would like more information about registering for the AAN West conference, please click here or call AAN at 202/822-1955.
