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ALOUD

Contrapposto: Dave Eggers and Jim James of My Morning Jacket

Date: Thursday, Jun 18, 2026
Time: 7pm
Location: Ralph Freud Playhouse
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25 years ago, Dave Eggers gave us A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, a remarkable bestselling memoir. Now five years since he’s published his last book, he’s coming to the ALOUD stage to talk with Jim James of My Morning Jacket about his highly anticipated forthcoming novel about friendship, love, and the lifelong pursuit of art, Contrapposto. Moving and witty, the book examines the rules and the market forces of the art world, but chiefly it’s about two friends who believe they can change the world and bring new meaning to it.

Featured Speakers and Moderator:

Dave Eggers

Dave Eggers is the author of The Circle, The Monk of Mokha, A Hologram for the King, What Is the What, and The Museum of Rain, among other books. He is the cofounder of 826 National, a network of youth writing centers, and Art + Water, a nonprofit visual art hub on San Francisco’s waterfront. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Eggers has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award, and is the recipient of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and the American Book Award. In 2024, The Eyes and the Impossible was awarded the Newbery Medal.

Jim James

For over 25 years, Jim James has served as lead singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist of My Morning Jacket, captaining the band through seismic transformations and restless explorations as they grew from wide-eyed misfits to one of the most acclaimed and beloved bands of their generation. Hailed by The New York Times as “the kings of expand-your-mind, religious-experience rock,” My Morning Jacket has released 10 studio albums, which received three consecutive GRAMMY® Award nominations and #1 on a Billboard songs chart. In addition to his work behind the board with My Morning Jacket, James has established himself as a producer in his own right, as well as lending his voice to albums by The Roots, Brandi Carlile, and John Fogerty; appearing in director Todd Haynes’s 2007 Bob Dylan-inspired film, I’m Not There; and a 2016 alliance with NASA for the launch of its Juno mission to explore Jupiter. At the same time, James has been crafting an ever growing body of work currently spanning five diverse solo LPs. Along the way, the band has earned a reputation as a dynamic, life-altering live experience, building a devout worldwide fanbase through sold-out headline tours and top-billed festival sets. My Morning Jacket’s most recent release, 2025’s is, sees them once again elevating their artistry to unprecedented heights.

Frequently asked questions

For questions related to the venue, please visit the event registration page.

Visitor parking is located in North Parking Structure 3, 215 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Once inside, turn right and look for parking spaces marked with a green circle and a white “P”.

The night rates for weekday after 4 pm is $3.00 – $6.00 (1 Hour – 2 Hours).

Pay stations are located on each level. Follow the instructions on the machine to obtain your courtesy parking permit. You’ll need to enter your license plate number using the number pad. Retain the permit as your receipt.

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What is your refund policy?

All books are non-refundable. Thank you for supporting the Los Angeles Public Library.

Where can I pick up my book?

Book purchases will be only available for in-person pick-up at the event. Please note: We strongly encourage you to purchase your book(s) in advance of the event; we cannot guarantee quantities available for sale at the event.

Where should I park?

We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is available at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. If you park at the Westlawn Garage, 524 S. Flower Street lot, there is a $8 charge if you exit after 9:00 PM ($1 with Library card validation before 9:00 PM).

Where can I get a parking validation?

Patrons can obtain validation upon presenting a valid library card at the Central Library’s Information Desk (first floor) BEFORE the program. For more information, visit the Central Library’s website: LFLA.org/Parking

What if a program is full?

You are welcome to come as a standby guest. Standby numbers are distributed one hour before the program on a first-come, first served basis. Admission is subject to availability.

What is your reservation for free programs?

As this program is free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program your free reservation may not guarantee admission. We recommend arriving early. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at the start of each program.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact the Public Programs office at programs@lfla.org or by calling 213.292.6254.

Mask Policy

Masks are no longer required in city libraries; like in other indoor places, masks will be strongly recommended.

 

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Stacy-Lieberman_headshot_President-and-CEO_LFLA

Stacy Lieberman

As President and CEO of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA), Stacy Lieberman is an innovative and inclusive leader whose career dwells at the intersection of arts and culture, lifelong learning, storytelling, and equitable access. Stacy guides the Foundation’s philanthropic and public-facing priorities to serve the Los Angeles Public Library, embracing the notion that libraries are beacons of democracy where everyone is welcome. She works intentionally with community leaders, donors, and internal and external strategic partners to raise awareness and resources for the Library and its life-changing initiatives.

With more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive, Stacy has left an indelible mark on iconic L.A. arts, non-profit, and educational institutions such as The Broad, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Skirball Cultural Center. Building on an early career in book publishing, she has dedicated her professional life to sharing stories and broadening the reach of public institutions to welcome visitors and students of all ages and backgrounds to experience educational, arts, and cultural opportunities.