Blue Pants hosts library’s ‘Noir’

Madison Public Library will present “Noir @ the Bar” at Blue Pants Brewery on July 15. Admission is free. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Gents and dames can don their snazziest garb for “Noir @ the Bar.”

Madison Public Library will present this night of literary murder, mayhem and music on the Blue Pants Brewery patio, 500 Lanier Road on July 15. Admission is free. Music starts at 6 p.m. and the mystery at 7 p.m.

Live music will alternate with readings and dramatizations from local mystery authors J.D. Frost, Michael Guillebeau and Kathleen Cosgrove. “Buy a book, and the author will sign the book and buy you a beer,” adults services librarian Amanda Campbell said.

“I’m really excited about the writers we’ve got coming,” Madison branch manager Sarah Sledge said. “Frost writes dark, vivid noir that should be perfect for reading out loud. His first novel, ‘Dollface,’ followed a troubled detective chasing a serial killer in Chattanooga.”

From Nashville, Cosgrove is a former professional comedian; her first book, “Engulfed,” “is a hilarious Florida-weird detective story,” Sledge said. “Madison’s own Michael Guillebeau has written ‘A Study in Detail’ and ‘Josh Whoever,’ a Falchion Award finalist.”

Entertaining live will be local jazz combo Brewin’ in the Taproom, a quintet combo with bass, drums, piano, trombone and trumpet. Their jazz standards include “All of Me,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Take the A Train.”

Blue Pants will purvey its own craft beer and crafty cocktails. Neon Lilly Food Truck will sell their savory menu.

In three rounds of trivia and giveaways, “you can expect questions about the works of major noir authors, including Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler. You may also want to brush up on your noir lingo,” Campbell said.

The final giveaway will be costume contest prizes for “Best Noir Guy,” “Best Noir Doll,” “Best Noir Gang” and “Biggest Noir Gang.”

For costumes, Campbell recommends an over-the-top suit and fedora for guys. “Noir dolls are all about glamour. Think femme fatale: form-fitting dress, pin curls and red lipstick.”

The library will receive a portion of proceeds of all food and beverage sales.