Michael Patrick Welch debuts two new books on August 28 at the AllWays Lounge benefitting the BOOKMOBILE!

Defend New Orleans presents a launch for two new books by Michael Patrick Welch at 9 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at the AllWays Lounge (2240 St. Claude Ave.).

Welch is the author of The Donkey Show and New Orleans: the Underground Guide. His new book Transport Instinct is the biography of storied 9th Ward icon, Chauncey the goat, who was born just before he evacuated Katrina, and died only recently. The story of his life in between describes, in a special way, New Orleans since the flood. Listen 2 This!, a collection of the best rap lyrics, hilariously mean album reviews and other writing by Welch’s after-school students, will also make its debut at the event.

The release party will feature live music by Lil Current. Several of Welch’s goats will be on hand for petting and photos. Mr. G. from Jealous Monk will lead a class called The Rap Game where the audience will compete for a bar tab by writing raps. Comedian and author Paul Oswell will serve as host.

The event will benefit the BOOKMOBILE!, an independent project of one librarian from the International School of Louisiana, Laurence Kopelovitch. The hardest part, she says, is keeping the BOOKMOBILE! stocked with books to give away to neighborhood children. The entry fee for the party is either $5 or three children’s books.