Media Advisory: Steve Lopez, Author of "The Soloist" to Speak at UB Oct. 28

Journalist and novelist Steve Lopez will speak at the University at Buffalo at 8 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009) in Alumni Arena on the North Campus as part of UB's Distinguished Speakers Series.

Lopez's columns for the Los Angeles Times about his relationship with schizophrenic cello virtuoso Nathaniel Ayers, once a promising student at Julliard, inspired the film, "The Soloist" and his book "The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music."

Lopez is the 2009 "UB Reads" author. As part of the "UB Reads" program, UB's Office of Student Affairs distributed more than 5,000 copies of his book to UB student, faculty and staff.

In addition, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and again immediately following Lopez's lecture, UB will host a Community Resource and Engagement Fair on the first floor of Alumni Arena, which will focus on services available to the homeless and to people who face mental health issues.

The public is invited to visit the fair and talk with vendors to learn about ways to help such individuals in our community, and about the programs and services available to them. In addition, UB Human Resources will conduct a canned goods drive at the fair, with donations benefitting the Buffalo City Mission and Friends of the Night People.

During Lopez's lecture, audio and/or visual photography, as well as still photography, will be limited to the first five minutes of the program.

Working media may reserve tickets for the program by contacting Christine Vidal in the Office of University Communication, at 645-4607 no later than noon today (Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009). Reserved tickets may be picked up at the will-call window in Alumni Arena prior to the lecture. Media may be required to show press credentials in order to be admitted to the lecture.

Press arrangements: Christine Vidal onsite at 697-2935.