Over the Moon about My Book Launch

When I chose the date for my book launch party—July 16, 2019—I hadn't considered its historic significance: it marked the 50th anniversary of the launching of Apollo 11, the spacecraft that first landed humans on the moon.

As I told the audience Tuesday evening at the Grand Event Center in Northfield, it turned out to be a fitting coincidence because I was "over the moon" about the launch of my nonfiction book Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters: The Story of a Minnesota Music Man (Nodin Press). And I continue to feel like I'm floating above the ground, having the best dream of my life.

The book is about the career and legacy of my paternal great-grandfather, G. Oliver Riggs, a renowned Minnesota band director. It's also about the power of music to transform lives and connect people across generations.

#CakeGandMe

The book launch party was even more fun than I'd anticipated. The big surprise for me was the premiere of the "G. Oliver March," composed by Sam Dwyer and performed by Sam and his crackerjack band of musicians (most of whom either just graduated or are still in high school). I knew the band was going to play several numbers, but I had no idea Sam had composed a march for the occasion.

The premiere of "The G. Oliver March"

It meant a lot to me to have a student group perform because one of the themes in my book is the importance of music education, and how formative it is for young people to participate in a music ensemble. I know G. Oliver would have been touched and honored by the tribute.

Steve took a video of the performance: you can watch it here.

It also meant a lot to me to have so many family members and friends attend the party. Although I'm not sure exactly how many people came—some left early, and others arrived later—my guess is the total attendance was at least 100. I do know that Content Bookstore sold 67 books at the event, which is thrilling.

I was too busy talking and signing books to think about taking pictures during the event; fortunately, several people did and shared them with me directly or on social media. Here are just a few:

Mom, Dad, Giant G, Steve, and me; #GandMe

My musical family leading the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to the book

Cake from the Sugar Rose Bakeshop in New Prague

My next book event is tomorrow—Saturday, June 20, 2019—from 1-3 p.m. at Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery in Park Rapids, Minn. It's also the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle landing on the moon, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin aboard.

Although my visit to Park Rapids isn't a giant leap for mankind, it is my first of several out-of-town book events I've scheduled for this summer and fall, which is a big step in my life as a published author. To find out where I'm appearing, or to contact me about scheduling an appearance near you, visit my website, www.joyriggs.com.

Let's keep the music going!