The literati in the Twin Cities came out in full force Tuesday evening and gathered at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul to honor and help one of their own, local literary legend Dan Odegard. Odegard was diagnosed in January with multiple myeloma (plasma cancer). The tribute and fundraiser, called “Our Friend Dan,” included readings by local memoirist Patricia Hampl and poet Deborah Keenan. All proceeds from the event will go to cover medical costs for Odegard.
Odegard opened Odegard Books in St. Paul in 1978. The bookstore was a beloved local icon until it closed in Jan. 1992. After the store closed, Odegard remained a fixture in Twin Cities book world before switching industries and becoming a mental health counselor: he owned two other independent bookstores in Minneapolis, started up a short-lived book publishing company (Prodigal Publishing), ran his own literary agency in the Twin Cities for seven years, and directed the trade publishing division at Hazelden Publishing from 1995-1998. Odegard is currently director of administration at Project Pathfinder in the Twin Cities.
Stu Abraham, who heads Abraham Associates, an independent publishers rep group based in the Twin Cities, attended the event and reported afterwards: “The event was a resounding success and wonderful tribute to Dan. There were about 250 people in attendance at the Landmark, including many from Dan’s bookselling days and from the publishing world. There were also colleagues there from his three years as administrative director at the Minnesota Waldorf School, and colleagues from his work as a counselor. The program included readings by Patricia Hampl and Deborah Keenan as well as musical performances, a silent auction and a lovely reception with champagne and appetizers. Dan spoke eloquently about his his life and work and family and friends.”
