When I toured in rock bands in the '90s and 2000s, I was the drummer with an afro who was afraid to step out of our van in the southern states. It's been two decades since I've driven those roads, and now I have a reason to return. As my book tour continues, I'm drawn to the places where I’ve found roots and connections. Ever since I discovered my enslaved ancestors who lived in Mississippi and Alabama, I’ve wanted to head to the south. Beginning on February 19, I've scheduled a week-long lecture tour of universities, record stores, and one amazing museum. Please join me and please tell your friends who live in these cities. More details HERE.
I’m thrilled to have recently published an essay in the New York Times, in which I told the very odd story of eating ice cream with my aunt Shannon in a Brooklyn park when a woman asked if she could use my phone. Things unraveled from there. Update: Jeni’s Ice Cream loved the story, and they’re sending a care package.
2023 looks like it might be even busier than last year. Below is the schedule so far, and there’s more coming together (Minneapolis! DC! Cleveland?). Details and updates can always be found HERE.
Fri Jan 27: Moscow, ID @ the University of Idaho Forge Theater. 12:30pm
Wed Feb 1: Newport Beach, CA @ Newport Beach Public Library. 7pm
*Southern Book Tour:
Sun Feb 19: Atlanta, GA @ Criminal Records / in conversation with TaRessa Stovall. 5pm
Mon Feb 20: Athens, GA @ the University of Georgia. 5pm
Tue Feb 21: Tuscaloosa, AL @ the University of Alabama. 4pm
Wed Feb 22: Nashville, TN @ Grimey’s Records / in conversation with Allison Russell + Eric Slick DJ set. 5pm
Thurs Feb 23: Memphis, TN @ STAX Museum of American Soul Music. 6:30pm
Wed Mar 22: New York, NY @ the New York Society Library / in conversation with Jami Floyd
Sat Mar 25: Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Festival
Tue Mar 28: Rancho Mirage, CA @ Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory. 2pm
My memoir My Life in the Sunshine is out now. I’d love it if you picked up a copy at your local independent bookstore. It’s also available at all the big places, and for your Kindle as well. There’s an audiobook that I spent 20 hours of my life reading (it’ll only take 7 hours to listen). You can listen to the 5-minute intro for free on Spotify.
Happy new year!
Nabil Ayers / Brooklyn
Slick DJ set!