Citywide Blackout

Rhode Island Comic-Con, Episode 1

In the first episode of Citywide's coverage of Rhode Island Comic-Con, the show opens with Jane Zei, creator of the popular webcomics Pigeon Gazette and Genji Cat. Jane talks about how these comics came to be, where the inspiration comes from, and how she powers through events like the RICC.

Cosplayer Dezcreepcore and I spoke at last fall's Keystone Comic-Con, and this weekend we got to catch up on what she's been up to, new cosplays that she's done, and the work it takes to make it into a career.

Michael Terracciano, the writer behind the Star Power comic series, is another familiar face, whom I spoke to in January. He talks about the upcoming volume five of the series, as well as some of the conventions he and artist Garth Graham will be appearing at.

The character of Vortex Man has become something of a staple at conventions in the New England area, with that larger than life green statue and a booth that commands attention. We take a deep dive into the character's history, the series' immense cast, and the goal of encouraging a positive change in people's environmental actions.

It wouldn't be a comic-con without some gaming, and so this episode is closing with Clark Huggins, co-creator of the Reckless Deck card game. In this game, you make the hero—literally. By choosing a combination of characteristics, including weapons, items, and abilities, you craft a unique individual that is brought to life through your story.

 

A tale of love, second chances, and Harley-Davidsons

Austin-based author Mary Jane Black shares the touching true story in her book, “She Road a Harley: A Memoir of Love and Motorcycles,” which chronicles her escape from a harsh marriage and discovery of new love with a Texan named Dwayne. They fall in love, get married, and rebuild a Harley together. However, the greatest test of their love and their strength will be Dwayne's cancer diagnosis.

Mary talks about how it felt sharing her life in this book, the reaction from readers, and the message she hopes is shared through this story.

Rhode Island Author Expo pre-show podcast, Episode 1

In this podcast series, I speak to several of the authors who will be part of the upcoming Rhode Island Author Expo. In this installment, Michael Squatrito talks about the fourth and final installment in his “The Overlords” series.

After that, Coral Isabella Aurora and I chat about horror movies that we love, all of which ties into her new book, “The Teenager’s Guide to Surviving a Horror Film.”

The final interview in this episode is Pete O'Donnell, who has transformed a collection of short children's stories into a popular podcast series, “Ill-Advised Stories,” which features himself, his wife, and daughters in the cast.

Separate Charm show what's best about the Nashville scene

The country duo Separate Charm [Melissa Ramski & Lizzie Miller ] have been on my mind a lot since I first heard their new single, “Me Time.” We talk about the origins of this great tune and the response from radio and podast hosts and their plans for more music. Melissa and Lizzie are from the Nashville area and give us an in-depth look on life in the city and some of their favorite venues.

Following this, enjoy their single, “Me Time,” which they describe as a sassy tune, and that's very accurate.

The Cast Irons talk about their new EP and gear fandom

Boston-based The Cast Irons and I nerd out on audio gear and they consider the possibility of grave robbing their band members for their best stuff....no, seriously, we do that. But that's just the passion that this foursome brings to the table, and you can hear it in their new EP, “The Longest Night.” We also talk about some of the places they've played at and some upcoming shows later this fall.

After that, enjoy these two songs from the EP—“Good Haunting” and “Breathe”

Ghostly Beard talks new music and the ins and outs of audio engineering

Montreal-based singer-songwriter Ghostly Beard and I have been talking for months about new music, so this one seems long overdue. We nerd out about audio recording gear, so for you tech heads, there's likely a few things to learn in this discussion. He also talks about the recent shift in his career, going from releasing albums and music videos to a more mellow pace, but beginning to review the work of other musicians and doing interviews.

After this, enjoy the newest song from Ghostly Beard, “Its a Hurt,” which touches on how love can be both wonderful and painful at the same time.

Diane Dewey explores the lives of her birth parents in new book

Author Diane Dewey joins me to talk about her book, “Fixing the Fates,” in which she speaks about how she met her birth parents and all that she learned. Just months after the passing of her adopted father, Diane was contacted by her biological father. Their meeting sets the scene for the unraveling of the complete story surrounding Diane’s birth and biological family. Her quest to understand her family’s past and reveal what her father has been hiding all these years captured in this book.

Following this, I give you “No Regrets” from North Carolina-based pop/dance artist Anna Cole. She's two years into her career and definitely has a lot of potential as an artist.

Red Tan on loss, perseverance, and a new career in music

Red Tan's music career began in the Philippines and has taken her to the U.S. and London, building her electronic/pop style to what it is today. Her late husband convinced her that she had what it took to make it in the music industry, starting with a competition in Los Angeles in which she won several award.

She recently released a new song called “Don't You Dare,” which tells the tale we've all heard time and again—you aren't good enough. Red turns this negativity on its head, thanking detractors for giving her the drive to succeed.

Following this, I give you two songs from Red Tan, "Don't You Dare" and "Don't Let Go."

Jamie Hart speaks on her break from music and new releases

Boston-based Jamie Hart joins me to talk about her new release, “Get Closer.” But before this happened, Hart almost quit music in 2017. She took a deep dive into her spiritual practice, and worked to understand herself and disillusionment with the music industry. In 2019, came a pivotal moment: “What would you do if you only had a month to live?” Jamie asked herself. The result of this is her return to music with much in store, and a new perspective and goals.

Lina Cooper talks about Boston shows and New York plans

Boston-based musician Lina Cooper joins me to talk about her relationship-themed concept album “Damned” and the incredible story behind it. She shares some of the best lessons learned as a student at Berklee College of Music and what's she's been taught being on stage. She also shines the spotlight on The ArtHouse Collective, a combination band and live music venue.

 

After that, chill out to two of her songs, “A Good Year” and “Ethereal.”