Raven Bookstore plans three readings, signings

The Raven Bookstore, 6 E. Seventh, is having three readings and book signings in June.

Larry Karp, a mystery writer whose books include “Midnight Special” and “Scamming the Birdman,” will appear from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday.

Michael L. Johnson, a Kansas University professor and author of “From Hell to Jackson Hole,” an award-winning book of poetry, is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday. His book recently won the Ben Franklin Award for Poetry and Literary Criticism.

Rusty Monhollon, a KU graduate and professor of history, will read and sign copies of his “This is America? The Sixties in Lawrence, Kansas” from 7:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. June 17.

Poet, novelist to read from works

Kansas City, Mo. Two writers will read from their works in June on “New Letters on the Air,” which is broadcast at 5 p.m. Sundays on KCUR-FM 89.3.

Joanna Catherine Scott will read today from her novel “The Lucky Gourd Shop” and her companion chapbook of poetry, “Birth Mother.” She also will discuss her source of inspiration: the birth mother of her three adopted Korean children, whom she searched for but could not find.

British punk rock journalist and controversial columnist Tony Parsons will read from his novel “Man and Boy” on June 16. Parsons will discuss the public’s surprise when his image transformed from a cheeky, candid rocker to a sensitive novelist in his book about a father thrust into single parenthood.

Country Stampede lines up entertainers

Manhattan The Country Stampede, slated June 27-30 at Tuttle Creek State Park, will feature a number of country singers. The lineup includes:

June 27: Dustin Evans Band, Trick Pony, Montgomery Gentry and a karaoke contest, gates open at 4 p.m.

June 28: Heartland, noon; Dustin Evans Band, 1:30 p.m.; Bellamy Brothers, 3 p.m.; Blake Shelton, 5 p.m.; Lonestar, 7:15 p.m.; and Alan Jackson, 9:30 p.m.

June 29: Shevy Smith, noon; Larry the Cable Guy, 1:30 p.m.; Phil Vassar, 3 p.m.; Jamie O’Neal, 5 p.m.; charity auction, 6:30 p.m.; Trace Adkins, 7:15 p.m.; and Kenny Chesney, 9:30 p.m.

June 30: Kelli Hake, 12:30 p.m.; Emerson Drive, 2 p.m.; Sara Evans, 4 p.m.; Aaron Tippin, 6 p.m.; charity auction, 7:15 p.m.; and Toby Keith, 8 p.m.

Until June 26, tickets range from $40 a day to $65 for a weekend. At the gate, tickets range for $45 a day and $85 for the weekend. Reserved campsites are $80 until June 26, and $100 at the gate.

To order tickets go to countrystampede.com or call (888) 464-2626.

Arts and Crafts show at Topeka mall

Topeka The Strawberry Junction Arts and Crafts Show will be from noon to 6 p.m. today at West Ridge Mall, 21st and Wanamaker Road.

Artists from Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Nebraska and Arizona will display handcrafted work.

The event is free and open to the public.

Exhibit explores how the Hubble works

Kansas City, Mo. “Hubble Telescope: New Views of the Universe,” an exhibit with video, artifacts, images and hands-on activities, is showing through Sept. 2 at the Science City in Union Station, 30 W. Pershing.

Visitors can learn about the telescope’s history, design and purpose and learn about the planets, stars and galaxies.