Seattle series keeps a classic genre intriguing, boozy and fun

When you think of “noir” fiction, do you think of something from another time?

Using the term noir, or black, to describe certain types of fiction goes back to 18th century France. It began to be used in the United States to describe the work of writers like Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain.

What’s it all about? Hard-boiled detectives, often. But in a Huffington Post article, writer Otto Penzler summed it up this way: “Look, noir is about losers. The characters in these existential, nihilistic tales are doomed.” He finishes by saying “I love noir fiction. It makes doom fun.”

Fortunately, the noir genre is alive and well in general, and specifically in the Seattle series "Noir at the Bar." The writers you are about to hear bring a modern tone, a healthy helping of doom and plenty of fun to their work and readings.

This "Noir at the Bar" event took place at the Alibi Room in Post Alley on January 10. The writers include Victor Rodriguez, G.G. Silverman, Ashley Erwin, Renee Patrick, Roz Ray, Bethany Maines, Michael Fowles and host Nick Feldman. KUOW’s Sonya Harris recorded the stories.

Please note: This recording contains unedited language of an adult nature.