Doug Nufer is one of the most important writers in Seattle. It's not just that he's always publishing bold, experimental works of literature—if you haven't read him before, try We Were Werewolves, The Mud Flap Man, or his newest, By Kelman Out of Pessoa—he's also a hub for Seattle's best writers. He's a proud cheerleader of the community and a vital influence for some of our best writers. Tonight, he celebrates the release of Kelman, his Emerald Downs–set horse-racing epic, with music from a local jazz legend, the delightfully named Wally Shoup. (Gallery 1412, 1412 18th Ave, 329-4224, 7:30 pm, $5)