Lots of fun to be had in the ATL this week with your favorite independent purveyors of awesome. Check it out:
Tonight, indie booksellers Wordsmiths is hosting a reading by John Brandon, who will be reading from his book Arkansas. Arkansas is published by McSweeney’s, one of our favorite independent publishers, so it’s double the indie goodness. I saw Brandon begin to read from his book at a McSweeney’s event at Criminal Records/Aurora Coffee, but I had to leave just as he got started (you may remember this parenting highlight). I’m glad that I have a second chance to catch him. In true indie spirit, in addition to being a novelist Brandon is also a steel worker, and he continues to work his day job. It’s sorta like Flash Dance. What a feeling! The evening is free, starts at 7:30 PM, and will include free pizza (compliments of McSweeney’s) and beverages. Cheap date.
Friday night, Herschel Walker, former University of Georgia football player, Heisman Trophy Winner, and independently crazy guy, will read from his book Breaking Free: My Life with Dissociative Disorder at the Carter Center. They’re obviously expecting a HUGE crowd. If you want to check it out, you’ll need to pre-order the book from indie booksellers A Capella Books. Herschel kicks off (get it!) the event at 7PM.
All day Saturday, Criminal Records will be celebrating Record Store Day with a full day of events. There will be free live music all day long on two stages. Acts performing will include Anna Kramer and the Lost Cause, The Coathangers, Dead Confederate, and Hope for Agoldensummer (must see!). Many of your favorite independent labels have created Special Record Store Day-only releases for the event. There will be a vinyl swap meet, and you are invited to bring your old records down. Pabst Blue Ribbon is a sponsor. It looks like I may have another opportunity for excellence in parenting at Casa Crim. Sweet. And it’s free. Check out the Record Store Day goodness near you here. And because we’re all about the books, here’s what Nick Hornby has to say about your friendly neighborhood record store and why it matters:
Yes, yes, I know. It’s easier to download music, and probably cheaper. But what’s playing on your favourite download store when you walk into it? Nothing, that’s what. Who are you going to meet in there? Nobody.
Where are the notice boards offering flatshares and vacant slots in bands destined for superstardom? Who’s going to tell you to stop listening to that and start listening to this? Go ahead and save yourself a couple of quid. The saving will cost you a career, a set of cool friends, musical taste and, eventually, your soul. Record stores can’t save your life. But they can give you a better one.