2Books and a Song is a Strange Name
You may be asking yourself “2Books and a Song”? What a strange title for a book reading/storytelling/music event at a venue that is rich with history and has hosted musicians such as Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Ani DiFranco, and has been a stage for poets like Jay Rogoff, Suzanne Rancourt, and Mike Jurkovic.
Should it be “Two Books” and not “2Books”? Grammatically yes! But I wanted the title of my event to stand out. It’s coined to be eye-catching and interesting because this show will be interesting. I promise!
I will tell you stories about my work in environmentalism, sustainability, and governance investing (ESG investing). How I have been on this path for over 40 years and why it’s important now more than ever, that we take this seriously. There will be stories about my interactions with the poetic, rhapsodic, and impressionistic Tom Wolfe and stories of the infamous Lotus Club, one of the oldest literary clubs in the United States. The club was started by a group of writers, journalists, and critics and took its name from the poem “The Lotos-Eaters” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. At the time, it started off as a gentlemen’s club, but has since changed their ways and started inviting women.
You will hear stories about my basketball playing and the people I’ve met through the sport. How I dreamed of being a professional player like basketball greats, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and Kobe Bryant. I was a pretty good player back in the day and still love shooting hoops. But have you ever wondered how those players can change the way you look at your own work? Or look at your own goals?
I list music as part of my 2Books and Song event. No, you won’t see me play a guitar, the piano, a baritone saxophone, the drums, or sing. I love music but as a listener and not a performer, though some would say I have a wonderful singing voice. For all of us, music is a soundtrack in our lives that can be in the forefront of a memory, or in the background of a family moment. My friend Connelly Akstens will be joining me on stage to provide the music that will create the soundtrack for my afternoon engagement with you, and even help become part of my stories. She has been someone I’ve known for many years and she is a wonderful musician. Connelly has performed on the Caffè Lena stage in the past and I am honored that she will be joining me on January 8th.
You can read more about Connelly here.
The event will also include a book reading from two books I’ve written, plus I will talk about being published by a big company vs self publishing. Why I decided to become a writer and how I write my books.
This isn’t necessarily a post about promoting my upcoming show at Caffè Lena, though I will be posting a link on how you can reserve a ticket or watch anywhere in the world through a livestream. This post is about me trying something new. It’s about embracing the exciting unknown in the same way a brand new parent would, or a newly drafted athlete going from college to professional sports. I think of what Bob Dylan was thinking when he was a young musician traveling from NYC to play Caffè Lena’s for the very first time. Traveling to a new country for the first time, or just deciding to be a book writer knowing that it’s a risk!
I have stood in front of large companies and their leaders talking about my work, stared at the hoop when there were only seconds left, sat down to write a book not knowing if people would guy it, and I’ve faced that unknown of being a parent for the very first time. All of it was exciting, at times humbling, and more importantly it was life changing.
I look forward to sharing all of this with you on January 8th. If you live in or near Saratoga Springs, NY, please join me by reserving a seat for the show. It’s free, all ages, and I promise you, it will be fun!
You don’t need to reserve a seat if you are joining the livestream. Only Just use this link here to watch from your computer or mobile device.
