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Left Bank of the Hudson

In the Shadow of Poor Richard

Earlier this year, I received an invitation from a librarian at the Philadelphia City Institute to speak about my book, Left Bank of the Hudson (Fordham University Press). I didn’t need to consider my calendar or conflicts: I quickly accepted. Philadelphia remains a special city for me. I lived there in the early 2000s. The…

DJ Trouble and I chatting. (Courtesy of Kirk Howle)

Little City Books: An Evening in Hoboken

On the evening of April 4, 2018, Little City Books in Hoboken, New Jersey invited me to talk about my book, Left Bank of the Hudson (Fordham University Press), and its larger themes of artists, cities, and gentrification. DJ Trouble from WFMU (91.1FM) served as a sharp and engaging moderator for the event. (Fun fact:…

(Courtesy of New York Public Library)

Snow Day! Tonight’s Event Postponed

Last night, I prayed for the snowstorm to pass. For the first time in my life, I did NOT wish for a snow day. However, mother nature continued with her plans.

Interior LCB

March Events: Busy Days for an Author

March is looking to be a busy month. I’ll be appearing at two different events this week alone. On Wednesday, March 7th, I’ll be discussing my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artist of 111 1st Street, at Little City Books in Hoboken, New Jersey. The event starts at 7:00 p.m.

Spotted in Jersey City: Evidence of 111 1st Street

While waiting for the light rail at Exchange Place in Jersey City earlier this month, I looked down at the platform decorated with a map commissioned by New Jersey Transit. Notable historic dates and places in Jersey City and Hudson County dotted the public art piece. Suddenly, I saw a very familiar name: Lorillard Tobacco…

wfmu

Live Radio! This is the Modern World

On February 8, 2018, I appeared on This is the Modern World on WFMU (91.1 FM)–a legendary listener-supported independent radio station–to discuss artists, cities, gentrification, Jersey City, and my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: 111 1st Street and the Artists of 111 1st Street (Fordham University Press). 

Backroom Broadsides. Sponsored by Riverview Neighborhood Association. Hosted by Fox & Crow. (Courtesy of Perfume Professor)

A Neighborhood Crowd: Backroom Broadsides

The New Year started right. My neighborhood association invited me to read from Left Bank of the Hudson at its monthly open-mic and author series, Backroom Broadsides, on January 2, 2018. The event took place in the atmospheric parlour of the Fox & Crow, a favorite local pub and a popular spot for live music…

My book cover image featured on the Fordham University Press Fall 2017 catalog.

Left Bank of the Hudson: Year-End Reflections

On October 3, 2017, nearly three months ago, my first book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, was published by Fordham University Press. The publication marked the conclusion of a five-year effort and an achievement of a lifelong dream of becoming an author. You could say it…

My First Podcast! A Conversation with PolyPsych

PolyPsych, a new podcast based in Charlotte, North Carolina, recently invited me to discuss artists, cities, gentrification, and my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, with their audience. The PolyPsych hosts and I enjoyed a smart and fun conversation. You can listen to the podcast here.

Emmy F., Kirk Howle, and his art. (Courtesy of Perfume Professor)

Art, Drinks, and Conversation: An Evening at Virile

On Small Business Saturday, November 25, 2017, Virile Barber & Shop invited me to discuss Left Bank of the Hudson with guests over drinks and food (courtesy of Wurstbar) in downtown Jersey City. Before cable news and social media, people visited barbershops to trade gossip, debate politics, and discuss events of the day. This tradition…