On March 2 before his lecture at the Granada Theatre, author Bill Bryson joined UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) Leadership Circle members and their guests for a reception and dinner in the Founders Room. Bryson is the author of A Walk in the Woods; A Short History of Nearly Everything; his latest book about which he was speaking, The Body, A Guide for Occupants; and numerous other popular books.
Bryson mingled with the 45 guests during an extended cocktail hour, before everyone was seated for the program and enjoyed a buffet dinner from the always stellar Kay Bowman Catering. Bryson lauded A&L for its impressive assortment of events, noting how rare it is for a community to have offerings such as those Arts & Lectures presents. He extended his gratitude to the donors for enabling A&L to host these artists and lecturers.
The program consisted largely of the sweet opportunity for guests to ask Bryson anything on their minds. In response to a question about his next project, Bryson replied “retirement,” where he looks forward to spending time with his kids and 12 grandkids and doing some traveling.