Citywide Blackout

The secret origin of Dragonflyman Day

I go live on the Citywide Blackout Instagram page with Tom Peyer, Editor-in-Chief of Ahoy Comics, to talk about the unprecedented announcement that June 16 will be hereafter known as Dragonflyman Day. This is in recognition of the bookstore publication date of the upcoming trade paperback release of DRAGONFLY & DRAGONFLYMAN—the prequel to THE WRONG EARTH—by writer Tom Peyer, artist Peter Krause, colorist Andy Troy, and letterer Rob Steen.

Along with this, we see how Ahoy has weathered the pandemic, which along with most other businesses, shuttered countless comic book stores. We also look at the numerous cancellations of comic-cons across the country this year.

Teacher publishes a love song for biology

In this episode I'm joined by author David Parrish for his new book “The Gyroscope of Life,” available through Pocahontas Press. He describes the book as a love song to biology, but for those of us less science-savvy (like yours truly), it's broken down for your reading enjoyment. It goes deep into the history of biology, and David touches on a lot of related subjects, such humanity and our impact on the planet, and the roles of genders and how in the plan and animal world, it's less of a “either/or” and more of a spectrum.

 

 

Sabrina Maria talks new music and past shows

Originally from the UK and now living in Italy, singer/songwriter Sabrina Maria has a new album out, “Life Is A Journey, Not a Destination.” We talk about her own journey as a musician from her days gigging and how she's evolved to the point where she is now.

Her new album takes the listener on a journey of positivity and hope with upbeat, motivating songs and she talks about the stories behind them.

Following this, enjoy the tune “Go Out There and Get It,” from the new album.

Boston author begins at the end

Author Christine Meade joins me to talk about her new book, “The Way You Burn,” available through She Writes Press. The book opens with, well, the original ending as David returns to his New Hampshire cabin to find it on fire, with his girlfriend Hope the likely person behind it. This book explores David's attempts to understand the complicated pasts of his loved ones by unraveling the vast webs of secrets they’ve kept hidden.

We talk about the many changes this book underwent since Christine first wrote it as well as setting it in Boston, where she lives and the fun she got to have with that. We also look at releasing a new book amidst the pandemic and how that entire process has had to change.

I hope you're digging the new opening and closing tracks, provided by the amazing Sarikaiden. Be sure to check out his music and his podcast, Mumble the Owl.

Learning about a life in Hell

In this episode, author Rex Hurst and I talk about his new book, “What Hell May Come,” which will be published on June 12 by Crystal Lake Publishing and based on the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. Rex was already pretty familiar with this by reading a lot of books on the subject and talks about the story behind the Panic. We look at the main character, Jon St. Fond, and what happens after discovering that his his parents are part of a secret occult religion with hidden ties all across the world.

"Lost on Planet Earth" explores a new path

Writer Magdalene Visaggio and artist Claudia Aguirre join me to talk about the new series “Lost on Planet Earth,” available on ComiXology Originals. We delve into the story of Basil, a young woman living in the year 2381. Her only goal in life is to become a captain for the Interplanetary Fleet, but will that really make her happy? It's one of the many elements to this brilliant story and we talk about how it all came together and the team behind it.

ComiXology is $5.99 a month and gives access to over 25,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more, along with exclusive discounts.

Boston bands release benefit compilation to help venues

Boston's music venues have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic and it's unclear when local shows will return. To help the venues, David HD of the band Circus Battalion helped create “Quarantine Age Wasteland,” a 30-song compilation album to benefit the Midway Cafe, O'Brien's Pub, Once, and The Jungle.

He and bandmate Mike McMahon join me to talk about the impact to the local scene and their thoughts on some of the long-term effects. Circus Battalion also has a new album out called “Scumming Attractions,” dedicated to The Great Scott, which recently announced that it would not be reopening.

Following this, I've got “So Far So Good,” from Carissa Johnson, on “Quarantine Age Wasteland,” followed by “Blackout” from Scumming Attractions.

Punk artists talk about their work in children's music

In this episode, Lindsey Loogie and Nemi of the band The Sewer Buddies talk about their newest releases, Butt Brains and Pizza Butt. The Sewer Buddies is a collective of various Massachusetts musicians, founded by Lindsey, that collaborate to create comedic children's punk music. We talk about the creative process and the shows that the band has played as well as what they want the kids to get out of their music.

After this, enjoy four songs from the band—Doggy Dance, Mud, Popcorn Octopus, and The Pizza Song.

The expanding creative world of Jeremy Flagg

In this live Instagram broadcast, I'm joined by author Jeremy Flagg to talk about the many new things he has going on. This includes Superhero-Fiction, a consortium of authors that focuses on writers who specialize in the novelization of superheroes. They've also got a virtual convention happening May 18-22, with panels scheduled for each day.

If that wasn't enough he's also working on a new comic with Amanda Kahl, known for her title, “Age of Night.” We also do some serious nerd chat on what we're doing to fill the extra time in the midst of the pandemic.

Stephanie Mathias talks about always reaching for your goals

Singer-songwriter, violinist, and pianist Stephanie Mathias has a lot to be happy about—she recently released a new single, “It's My Thing,” along with an amazing music video. The video has an interesting story involving the production process and some late changes that had to be made. Stephanie also talks about her musical family, which includes her husband and their daughter. Though the pandemic has caused a lot of her plans to be sidelined, she's continuing her art, putting out a new music video for Mother's Day.

Following this enjoy three songs from Stephanie, “Fragile” “My Thing,” and “Sweet Baby.”