I suspect that it’s not uncommon for most readers of the New Yorker who find themselves reading the magazine outside of the five boroughs to experience the occasional pang of being left out. The first section of the magazine is dedicated to all of the art, cultural, and dining opportunities that elude your participation by the unfortunate circumstances of geography. Mid-September brings more regrets as the magazine advertises its NYC festival packed full of literary and journalistic superstars, sitting around in salons, interviewing each other, and generally basking in the glow of one of the best American magazines.

For a few days this week, some of the sting of west coast readership will be ameliorated when the magazine packs up some of its finest for a college tour. Tuesday through Thursday bring the New Yorker to the University of Washington. The three-day schedule is jam packed with rewarding and mostly free programs to warm your east coast literary establishment loving heart: cartoonists, a cartoon art exhibit, comedians, novelists, political writers, film previews, and a musical performance/interview with Stephen Malkamus. Hendrik Hertzberg, who manages to write biting commentary of the administration without making you feel like giving up on America (I’m pointing a finger at you, Lewis Lapham!).

The whole schedule is posted online: New Yorker College Tour. Check it out and make plans to show up early, all of the events except for Malkamus are free and first come, first seated.

update: The festival could use a few volunteers to keep things running smoothly. If you’d like to help, and possibly run into nice staffers, editors, or writers along the way, call Kelly Owens (917/680-5504) to sign-up for a shift. More details after the jump.

volunteer information

• The magazine needs two people to staff an outdoor information table / hot cider tent, on the HUB lawn, from 11AM to 2 PM, Tuesday through Thursday.
• Also needed are three more people to meet and greet students, provide information about the Tour, and handle some other assorted tasks at our “student lounge” located in the HUB, on these same days. Hours are 11AM to 8PM.
• You need not sign up for all three days. We would be glad to have you for one or two shifts, if that’s all you can manage.