I lived in Jersey for my first eighteen years, and have been back to visit New York countless times, but I have never actually spent the night in Brooklyn. Since I was taking the King Cal Road show to Nyack, Brooklyn, and Jersey, I hunkered down in Williamsburg for three days—and Brooklyn sure did win me over. It has all the great pizza and parks and people-watching, but a fraction of the tourists, and none of the Times Square glitz. The Penny Hotel even had this lovely balcony I camped outto write in the morning, surprisingly-good-for-free coffee in hand.

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I was just a few blocks from McCarren Park. Each morning I strolled down there to join the throngs of locals who run around the track, quickly learning that dogs and running clubs and Lululemon tights are very popular in Brooklyn. I also become well-versed in the G train, which took me to different parts of the city to visit friends and eat good food, and a big fan of the Citymapper app. Anyone who knows me knows that my sense of direction is not my strongest sense, and even though I took this trip without my Spouse, who does have a good sense of direction, I didn't get lost once. I even made it from JFK to Williamsburg on mass transit. Really!

The three book events themselves were all fun and productive, in different ways. Remember, it is best for all touring-type artists to have a very holistic a definition for "Success." When the attendees hit double digits at a book event you're nearing capacity, and if you sell some copies, sign some for the store to stock, and entertain those who do show up—including/especially the staff—it's a "success."

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First up was Nyack. It's a beautiful town, with the Hudson eager to greet you. And yes, the weather was like this every day I was there.

Big Red Books is owned by my friend, and fellow author, Richard Fulco. He hosted me and Michael Amos Cody, whose STREETS OF NASHVILLE should be on your reading list. Michael plays guitar and sings, and this was our first chance to work up some songs to include in our future joint appearances. He brought his guitar and his great voice, and a cajon for me to play. He played two songs that connect with STREETS, and even learned a few songs off the KING CAL soundtrack (not to mention a fine version of "Year of the Cat").

The next night was Brooklyn, at WORD. I was in conversation with Jacob Slichter there, whose SO YOU WANNA BE A ROCK & ROLL STAR is the best rock memoir I have ever read. From Jake's opening question—which compared being drummer in a band to a goalie on a hockey team—I knew I was in good hands. I love walking away from a conversation having new ideas about my own work, and writing, and artistic pursuits in general. Having a book event in Brooklyn had always been a goal of mine, so thanks to WORD and Jake and Trouser Press for making it happen, and making it happen so perfectly. It was the biggest crowd of the three events, and even had some people I didn't even know! And they bought books!

For the last stop I returned to Jersey, visiting a book store in Millburn, just a half hour or so from where I grew up. The city is a perfect example of those NJ cities on the train line. You can't tell from this shot, but the place was indeed hopping on Saturday afternoon.
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This time I was in conversation with Bob Fenster, perhaps the only musician/podcaster who is also in the Teachers Hall of Fame. Bob has also been a loyal Beta-Reader for all three books, making each book better with each reader. Smaller crowd than Brooklyn, sure, but we filled all the seats the store put out, so I'm calling it a capacity crowd. Bob had great questions, as did the lovely attendees, and afterwards I had a grilled cheese with bacon at a Jersey diner. Is there a better way to end the leg of a book tour? Nyet.