Black History Month
First, thanks to the many folks who’ve called or e-mailed to say they’ve seen “Souled American” in PEOPLE magazine (the January 16th issue, page 45), and to offer their congratulations and support. Now February’s Black History Month offers an opportunity to back up and basically re-launch the book, so toward that end, you’ll be able to see, hear, or find cyber evidence of those efforts from the following places:
Nationally, I appeared with Tavis Smiley on his NPR program, “The Tavis Smiley Show” on Christmas Day. It’s archived to hear on his website, which is easily Googleable (for lack of a better word) by entering — in quotes — both “Kevin Phinney” and “Souled American” in Google’s search field, then scrolling down to Tavis Smiley. It’s very well produced, and Tavis asks some very pertinent and pointed questions.
Coming up in Seattle, I’ll be with Megan Sukys and Dave Beck on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. as their guest on KUOW’s “The Beat.” And on January 31 at 7:30 p.m., I’ll be reading and signing at Seattle’s best-known indie bookstore, Elliott Bay I’m in Portland, Oregon at Powell’s bookstore, the largest indie bookstore in that city, on February 13. Check Powell’s website for the exact time.
Also in the works for February are reviews or features around the country, including an appearance with an old friend, Michael Calleri, on his new radio program, “The Newsroom,” in Buffalo, NY. There’s a distinct possibility of something appearing in my former home of New Orleans in the Times-Picayune from Keith Spera, in Detroit from my college entertainment-writing colleague Doug Pullen, and a few words from the local paper in Lubbock, The Avalanche-Journal, where one of my first inspirations in journalism still abides, William D. Kerns. (For those of you who don’t know, I attended Texas Tech in Lubbock, where I sat behind would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley in magazine writing class.)
On a side note, I found both Doug and Bill Kerns while trying to track down my college journalism prof, Steve Monk. I did reach his wife, Gaye, who let me know Steve passed away six years ago after a bout with lung cancer. Steve was such a genial spirit, and so sharp with both his tongue and a No.# 2 pencil that I found it nearly impossible to satisfy him and irresistable keep from trying. You simply couldn’t have asked for a more encouraging or more involved mentor. I’m deeply saddened that he’s gone, and that I’d fallen so far out of touch as not to know until now. Gaye and his kids are soldiering on, and she was both upbeat and gracious in our brief time together on the phone.
Back on the hustings, look for these big doings: I’m still in negotiations to appear in Memphis at the Stax Museum in February for Black History Month, still speaking with the folks in western Washington at WSU in Pullman about appearing there — and perhaps attending the Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest in nearby Moscow, Idaho at the end of February. And I’m pleased to say that Cleveland radio host Bobby Jackson and I are working on a multi-houred series on “Souled American,” which we rather ambitiously hope can be on the airwaves, yes, in time for Black History Month.
Last but far from least, I’m looking forward to a possible return to Austin in March for South By Southwest 2006. With Neil Young as the keynote speaker, it ought to another fascinating four-day Death March from one hotel or pub to another. I’m waiting to find out if there’ll be another panel on race and music — if so, and I’m invited, I could never resist the opportunity to listen and learn.
More detail as these events and/or articles firm up.
