“Matter” release party

This Friday, a local publication still in the fledgling stages

will host a catered benefit to celebrate the release of their

fourth publication. Four different bands will play at the New

Belgium Brewery Co., 500 Linden St., in Old Town.

Todd Simmons founded “Matter” after he noticed a need for local

writers and artists to express themselves. “Matter #4” is a

132-page book of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and photography. It

includes a diverse variety of all of these genres with an eye

toward the experimental. The theme of issue #4 is “Wonder.”

“It’s truly amazing to create something out of nothing,” said

Simmons, who works at Starry Night coffee shop to fund the

publication.

“Matter” was first published in March 2003 and the first three

issues were printed in magazine form on newspaper. In November of

last year, Simmons shifted the layout from newspaper to book form

in order to include more pieces of literature as well as

photography. Issue #4 of “Matter” will be launched at the benefit

on Friday and will include 35 submissions from local artists who

vary in ages.

“We have quite a few CSU students who have submitted, as well as

a few that are 50-plus, so it’s a wide range of creativity,”

Simmons said.

Simmons and his crew of devoted editors have spent much of their

free time putting out the publication in addition to planning their

inaugural fundraising event.

Erin Morrill, associate editor, who will be donning a tutu at

the event, feels that “Matter,” “enhances the community of writers

present in the Front Range.”

The release party for “Matter” will take place Friday from 7

to10 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing Co. and will mark the magazine’s

launch into the world.

It is $15 to attend the event, which includes a copy of issue

#4, the limited release “Matter” CD, drinks, food and live music by

Gypsy Rhythm and Matson Jones, as well as live spoken word. The

dress code is eclectic swank, and it promises to be a bit of a

carnival.