A Cappella Books has been a beloved Atlanta institution for 1989. I did an event there a few years ago, talking with fellow drummer Steve Gorman about his memoir (which you should all read), but this was my first time appearing there for one my own books. I admit I was a little worried that, well, no one would show up, since I had so many lovely people come out for the launch in April. Two minutes before go time it looked like my mother and sister and spouse would make up the entire crowd--but then, lo and behold, the perfectly-sized space filled up.

This time I was in conversation with Jessica Handler, author of three books of her own (all of which you should read; I have a bias for THE MAGNETIC GIRL, myself). The great thing about this format is how different each discussion is. At the launch, Jeff Calder and I talked a lot about my own musical history, changes in the Atlanta musical landscape over the past forty years, and how all of that shaped KING CAL. Jessica focused more on the process of writing the book, including how I managed to finish, what themes may or may not be in there, and why any of us would do this whole "write novels" thing in the first place. There were some great questions from the audience, too, including my first question about drummers in the book, or, more specifically, the absence of drummers. I have nothing against drummers, I swear--some of my best friends, etc., etc. But I did understand Calvin's frustrations with finding the right one, and his need, at this stage of his career, to have as much control as he could. Also, drummer jokes are fun to write.

And there was music! Jeff Jensen rambled over the few blocks from his house, with special guest stars Halley O'Malley and Franny Jensen along for the fun. It was the first time Jeff and Franny had performed together since the fifth grade, I hear! And the a cappella ending of "My Dear Friend, Mr. Heineken," made it more beer gospel-y than ever, and yes, that's a good thing.

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