10/27/08

Dylan, Berlin, Enfield and more

Hey Everyone,

After a looong silence, I'm back and ready to fill you in on some news.

Rather than blather on at length about all that's happened, let me give you some brief previews of updates to come while also filling you in on a couple of readings in a couple of weeks.

First, the previews:

1. I recently returned from my week-long book-tour in Germany. LOTS of interesting stories about German punks, cold war sites and the proper way to spell schisse (shit). Stay tuned.

2. Before Germany I went up to Hibbing, MN, birthplace of Bob Dylan. Not quite Germany, and yet not as far as you'd think. Some truly amazing experiences there -- among them, drinks and chit-chat with Bob Dylan's high-school pal Leroy Hoikkala. For those unfamiliar with Leroy, he was the drummer in little Bobby Z's first band!

3. Speaking of Germany, this past weekend I went to the home of Dresden Dolls front-freulien Amanda Palmer. Amanda wasn't there (on tour in Germany, in fact), but her roomies and guests put on some rock-solid entertainments. In honor of Halloween it was covers night, "undercovers night" to be specific. All the cover tunes dealt with espionage and spies. A perfect rendition of "Secret Agent Man" by the Spy Orchestra--or "Spykestra"--was a highlight of the event. I also got to wear the Lenin medal I picked up in the former East Germany and to dance a near strip to the tune from "The Full Monty." Very scary.

Ok, so much for the previews. Now let me update you on a couple of readings:

I'll be in Western, Mass, Sat-Sun, Nov 15-16 as part of local PBS affiliate WGBY's super-cool book festival. Saturday at 6 PM I'll be at the Barnes & Noble in Enfield, CN, and Sunday at 2 PM I'll be at the Barnes & Noble in Holyoke, MA. Also on hand at 6 PM in Holyoke will be my old MFA pal Pam Thompson, who'll be reading from her fab new novel "Every Past Thing." She's not to be missed.

As much as I'd like to keep blogging, work unfortunately calls.

So, till next time, auf wiedersehen!

s

3 Comments:

Blogger Sam said...

And apparently you've got a big readership in San Diego, too, as it took FOREVER for my number to come up at the library. I've only just started it--mazel tov on your achievement!

I saw Pam this summer--wish I could have seen you both read in the same night. Sounds like you're having a blast.

And hope you're feeling better, too.

November 18, 2008 8:20 PM  
Blogger G-D said...

What, no copies bought for you and yours? I'm sure Peaches would like one! And the folks!! And what about all those "holiday gifts" to send?!!

Seriously, glad to hear from you. You sound like you're doing well. Married, with children, etc. Congrats!

November 24, 2008 3:42 PM  
Blogger Sam said...

You're right, I need to get shopping--your book is perfect for everyone on the list! :)

Really, it's great. And weirdly, it has something in common with my dissertation--teasing the "jewiness" out of a cultural phenom formerly considered secular (maybe that's the wrong word, but...)

Anyway, I've added you to Bloglines now, so I can keep up with your celebrity life. ;)

November 24, 2008 7:07 PM  

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