A Series of Book Appearances

Now that my nonfiction book Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters: The Story of a Minnesota Music Man (Nodin Press) is published and out in the world, I've been working diligently to line up events where people can learn more about the book and buy signed copies.

The first big event is the book launch party, set for Tuesday, July 16, from 7-9 p.m. at the Grand Event Center, 316 Washington St., in downtown Northfield. The event is open to the public. We'll have live music, snacks, and delicious cake from the Sugar Rose Bakeshop in New Prague. Copies of the book will be available for purchase through Content Bookstore, and rumor has it that Giant G will make his debut appearance (#G&Me photo ops encouraged).

Poster by Louisa Lawler, based on a concept by Steve Lawler

Sebastian with Giant G

I'm so excited for this event I can hardly stand it. First of all, it's taking place at the historic former Ware Auditorium (now the Grand Event Center), which opened in 1899 — around the time that my great-grandfather, G. Oliver Riggs, was establishing his musical career in a different opera house in the northern Minnesota town of Crookston (sadly, that Grand Opera House is no longer standing). Second, we'll have live music provided by a group of crackerjack student musicians. And third, did I mention the delicious cake? It will have edible frosting made to look like the cover of my book— how cool is that?

I don't recommend eating the actual book cover, pictured here

If you can't attend the launch party but would like to order a book, don't worry. Stop in at Content Bookstore, or call or email the store and ask the friendly staff members to ship a book to you for only 99 cents (if you want it signed, let them know).

Or, you can also attend one of the other events I've lined up so far. For updated event information, visit my website, www.joyriggs.com.

Visiting my books at my local independent book shop, Content Bookstore

• Saturday, July 20, 1-3 p.m.: book signing at Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, 112 Third St. W. Park Rapids, MN

• Friday, Aug. 2 & Saturday, Aug. 3, 1-5 p.m.: book signing at the Vintage Band Festival tent in Bridge Square in downtown Northfield

• Saturday, Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m.: book signing at Cherry Street Books, 503 Broadway St. in downtown Alexandria, MN

• Thursday, Aug. 15, 6:45-7:20 p.m.: book talk/signing before the 7:30 p.m. St. Cloud Municipal Band concert in Barden Park, 720 5th Ave. S. in St. Cloud, MN

• Thursday, Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m.: book reading at Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka, MN

• Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: book signing at the Deep Valley Book Festival, Loose Moose Saloon and Conference Center, downtown Mankato, MN

• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 9-10 a.m.: Breakfast Club presentation at the Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave., St. Cloud, MN

• Saturday, Oct. 19, 2-3 p.m.: book talk/signing at Leithold Music, 116 4th St. S. in La Cross, WI

• Wednesday, Nov. 6, 3-5 p.m.: book signing at Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Ave., Duluth, MN

I'm also hoping to line up an appearance soon for the Des Moines area; check my website for details.