Boston Asian American Film Festival celebrates 15 years

The Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF) is an event that will always have a special place in my heart. It was among the first events that we covered on this show, and I loved the diverse assortment of films that were shown.

From its early days hauling the films in a box from venue to venue, BAAFF has grown a lot over the years, showcasing films from around the globe by some of the best in the business. Now, in 2023, it’s entering the 15-year mark, and doing so with works in every genre, from Oct. 12-22. Festival Director Susan Chinsen joins me for a rundown of the event, which will include both in-person and virtual screenings.

Susan and I talk about some of the names you’ll see at the festival, as well as its growth over the last decade and a half. She shares some of the early memories as well as what she sees as BAAFF’s impact on the film world after all this time.

 

David Behling kicks off his comedic sci-fi universe

David Behling

By Max Bowen

You can’t say that David Behling isn’t ambitious.

In early October, he will release “Josh & Sen Save the Multiverse: The Path of One,” part one of a 15-book series. Yep, you read that right.

In this interview, David talks about what kicked off this book, how his own background factored into the worldbuilding, and who Josh and Sen are.

The book will be released on Oct. 3 through Cadence Group. You can learn more at https://joshandsen.com/.

I read that this book is the first of a 15-part series. Was it always your plan to make such a lengthy series?
What a great question! Actually no, I didn’t intend to have 15 projected books when I first sat down to write. Now, I had always intended to write a series. I believe that multiple installments is the only way to adequately develop a universe, and the characters in that universe, without boring the readers to death at any one time. At least I hope I’m not boring them to death!

I planned maybe three or four books. I was originally going to write about a mortal who had gotten serendipitously enlightened to Immortality through accidental exposure to Immortal Ka. He would then go on Immortal Masters' missions to protect mortals from extinction at the hands of diabolical Immortals feeding off of mortal sapients like herd animals ignorant to advance their own cultivations. It still seems cool to me, and, who knows . . . I may still write it someday. But when I started putting words on the screen for this idea, I thought that it was much more interesting to bring an Immortal down to mortality and have them go through the levels of mortal cultivation to Transcendence and beyond . . . And then I decided that these cultivators would need to also save the multiverse . . . As formidable as Josh and Sen are . . . to accomplish these lofty goals, it will take quite some doing. I have them slated for 12-13 books to get through mortal cultivation and two to three books in Immortal Transcendence to get the Multiverse out of trouble.


What can we expect in future books?
Hehe, I am just about finished with the copy edit on the second book: “Karma and Bigger Fish.” Which I plan to release March 2024. When that is done, I will start the developmental edit on the third: “The Lover’s Trove.” Which has been all out of my head and in electrons since mid-July. I am about to start writing the fourth: “Star Child / Void Child.” So, I have pretty good ideas what to expect in these.

In general, Josh and Sen realize that they are just small actors on a much larger cosmic stage. But for some reason, Karma, Balance and Reality have taken notice of Josh and Sophie’s separation, and are actively working to empower Josh enough to reunite them. We will learn that Sophie has a major role in this show as well. We will also see that, as powerful and ‘all knowing’ as Immortals are, they may be subject to the same failings and foibles that we all are. Josh and Sen will advance in general advance in cultivation one step per book. They make new friends, and some new enemies. Josh and Sen will need to clean up some of the trash in their part of the galaxy before it cleans them up. They also learn that they are multiversal persons of interest and will need to continue their growth before some very old and powerful cultivatory monsters decide it is better to be rid of them then to allow Karma and Balance to wreak havoc with the ongoing multiversal plans.

Do you have a plan for how often or when they’ll be released?
Assuming people like reading about Josh & Sen as much as I like writing about them, I plan on releasing a new installment every five to six months.

Let’s talk about Josh and Sen. Where did they come from?
On really good days, sometimes it feels like I’m just recording a story that has already occurred. I know a good deal of Josh and Sen comes from this blessing of the Muses. On top of this, it is true that you write what you know. I know a little about the law, medicine, Chicago, Florida, divorce, science, history, martial arts, being separated from your kids, feeling powerless but not being able to give up, unattainable family expectations . . . a bit about science fiction, fantasy, pop culture and mythology. . . So I would have to say that Josh and Sen came from little parts of this knowledge rolling around inside of my brain and how I apply them in my own life. Much of this is absolutely magnified out of proportion in the books to their actual representation in my life, but definitely from there.

Lastly, at a certain point, the people you are writing about take on a life of their own. If you keep writing about them, their reactions are shaped by how they reacted in their past.

How do the two get along through the course of the book?
Without any spoilers . . . there are some definite rough patches for Josh & Sen. But at their core, each is a good sort and they work through them. By the end of the Path of One, their relationship is moving to what it will become in the remainder of the series . . . brotherhood. They come to depend on each other for more than their skills, powers, and abilities . . . but find in one another a guy they trust and can count on when the chips are down and the light at the end of the tunnel is indeed a train with its brakes out and hauling several boxcars of loose nitroglycerine.

This is your first book. What led you to pursue writing?
The pandemic had a tremendous effect on the entire world. This was particularly true in third-world countries that relied on tourism for their incomes.

In 2021, we were visiting family in Bali, and saw how desperate the people were for help and hope. My wife and I have a tremendous love for the Balinese people so we invested in our local community with time and funds. But, somehow my word-fevered mind wondered what it would be like to have a couple of guys, who in our time of need, would go to the mattresses for us all. It triggered in me the idea of Josh and Sen Saving the Multiverse. So, incredibly, at least to me, I started working on a goal I’d had since I was a kid in high school but had long forgotten. I began writing.

I like how the book is comedic. What’s your preferred kind of humor and how did you weave it into the book?
Thank you! In a group setting, I always find it easiest to laugh at myself. So I aim the humor at embarrassing moments for Josh & Sen in the books. They make pretty easy targets in their own individual ways

Did any aspects of your own life help in the writing process?
According to a study published about 20 years ago, the one quality all medical students share is not intelligence, a desire to help others, or to study science. It is the ability to delay gratification. I suspect that this helps me with writing. When writing, there are no rewards until you have invested a significant amount of time, energy, blood, sweat and tears. In my case, I’ve been writing every day for over a year . . . and I’m still waiting to see if people will like what I offer.

I read in your bio that you’re a “born sci-fi, fantasy, and video game admirer.” Any books or games that inspired you in any way?
Many and many more!

As I’m sure they have for many authors, J.R.R Tolkien’s books, “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” have inspired me greatly. His way of creating ultimate good vs evil has always made me to want to create my own world also reflecting these qualities.

In the genre of game literature, The 12-book Cradle Series. Will Wight’s broadly sweeping creativity, world building and taking his hero from less than nothing to the heights of absolute, world-shattering power has inspired me to see if I can do the same for my heroes.

But perhaps as much as any of these, Advanced Dungeon and Dragons. I was a kid, in a group of kids that would sit around a table on Saturday afternoons, exploring our imaginations through a world created by one of us. Taking our chances, rolling our dice and seeing how the fates of our characters unfolded. I’m so old that several of our group are now gone. But I can still see our faces over a shared pizza. Excited when we won. Laughing when we lost. Very good times!

Lastly, I have played WoW since its release almost 20 years ago (11/2004). I have been inspired by the depth and richness of the world Azeroth. The intricacy of its quest/story lines. The need to rely on groups to get to the universe's darkest corners and not least of all its humor, some subtle, some not so much.

But read the books and see where else. I’m not very subtle when I steal from any of the hundreds of the movies I have loved watching over the last 50 years!

T.C. Morrison shows us the funny side of the law

T.C. Morrison

By Max Bowen

Who doesn’t love a good joke about lawyers?

That was the thinking that led T.C. Morrison to publish his first book, “TORT$ ‘R’ US,” debuting the memorable pairing of Pap and Pup. Since then, he’s found great success in his series of farcical legal shenanigans, continuing with his latest release, “Send in The Tort Lawyer$,” available on Sept. 12 through iBooks.

In this interview, Morrison talks about the continuation of the series, how his 45-year legal career spawned the book series, and his satirical take on the legal profession.


Let’s begin with what motivated you to turn to writing?
I love novels and have always wanted to write one. In fact, during my four years in the Air Force JAG Corps. I wrote a “spy” novel. Fortunately, the three publishers I sent it to all turned it down.

Forty-five years later, as I was in my final year of practicing law, I again began thinking about writing a novel. This time I thought I should write about something I knew about. Having tried cases and argued appeals throughout the country for 45 years, modern day litigation was a natural subject for me.

What about your profession made you think it’d be good for a book?
I didn’t want to write a “serious” book about the legal profession, who would read it? And I didn’t want to write a legal thriller, they’re a dime a dozen. But who doesn’t enjoy a good joke about lawyers? The New Yorker even has an entire book of lawyer cartoons! I have always believed there is lots of humor in the law, even in many of my own cases. So, I decided to make my books not merely humorous, but farcical. That gave me the leeway to create partners, associates, clients, expert witnesses, judges and opposing counsel who are bizarre, wacky and, frequently, over-the-top zany.

Do the stories ever take inspiration from cases you’ve worked on?
The first part of the first book in the series, TORT$ ‘R’ US, portrays the childhood and then early professional life of the two protagonists, Pap and Pup, before they broke away from their blue chip law firms to start up a small class action firm. Virtually all of the cases they engage in during those early years are takeoffs on cases I personally tried during my years in practice - thus proving that there was considerable humor even in my own cases. However, as I did not do class action litigation, all the cases brought by Peters and Peters are takeoffs on actual class action cases that I have read about.

Who are Pap and Pup?
Patrick A. Peters (“Pap”) and Prescott U. Peters (“Pup”) were introduced in the first book in the series. They are twin brothers who grew up in the wealthy Connecticut town of Greenwich where Pup still lives and where the brothers still have a weekly golf game at a swanky country club in that town (where a hilarious scene with Pap’s neighbor Mona Lott takes place in the first book). Both became successful lawyers in prominent New York City law firms before Pap convinces Pup that they should leave their respective firms and start up a plaintiffs class action firm.

Pap, a terrific athlete, is the Alpha male - street smart, aggressive, full of ideas for new cases, and is always the lead speaker in the courtroom. Pup is more cautious and intellectual and is always trying to talk Pap out of the latest case he has dreamed up. Pup frequently complains that he should never have let Pap talk him into leaving a blue chip law firm to start up a hare-brained class action firm. But Pup’s legal brilliance comes in handy in all of their cases.

What can fans expect from the new book?
First of all, they can expect a continuation of the hilarious meetings and banter of the lawyers at the Peters and Peters law firm, and of course more sexual conquests by associate Chip Pierpont, a former college quarterback who manages to bed every woman he meets.

But the core of the book is a continuation of the madcap class action lawsuits that filled the first two books in the series. For example, Pap – over the objection and skepticism of Pup – insists on yet another attempt to free the chimps “held against their will” in the Bronx Zoo. And of course, there is yet another new case on behalf of their most famous client, the gorgeous Lydia Lowlace, a former lap dancer turned Playboy Centerfold, who’s image is being used without her knowledge or consent on a series of nonfungible tokens (NFTs).

New clients include Dr. Irene Goodknight, a sleep doctor whose office is in her husband’s funeral home; Dr. Goodknight becomes the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the celebrities and well-known sports figures who shamelessly promoted the now-worthless cryptocurrency issued by the now-bankrupt FUX, once a darling of the investment community and the media. There is also a lawsuit on behalf of all the lawyers who have been prevented from attending events at New York’s Radio City and Madison Square Circle because their law firms are involved in litigation against the owner of those venues. And Pap finally succeeds in finding ice cream purchasers and a small Connecticut dairy who are willing to take on Vermont ice cream maker Jen and Barry’s over the claim that its ice cream is made from the milk and cream of “happy cows.” A unique feature of this book is that the cryptocurrency case – which is straight out of today’s news – is an example of an appropriate use of the class action mechanism.

How would you say your books satirize the legal system?
The books satirize everyone involved in the American legal system: Pap and Pup and the associates in their law firm; their many lovable but wacky clients; their bizarre and sometimes unscrupulous adversaries; their bizarre expert witnesses such as Dr. Doolittle, who testifies about his conversations with animals; and the frequently befuddled judges who preside over the cases.

Because the books are intended as farce, all of the characters who populate the books are considerably exaggerated. This over-the-top satire is inspired by my belief, based on 45 years of trying cases around the country, that (1) there is lots of humor in the cases we lawyers are involved in and (2) many lawyers take themselves far too seriously.

The one serious message in the books is that the class action system has run amuck and that class action cases frequently involve illusory “harms” and that, far too often, benefit only the class action lawyers who file the cases.

“Plus 1s” has its big debut before a sold-out crowd!

The crew from the romantic comedy “Plus 1s” is back on the show, but this time it’s a few new faces. Producers Kimmie Johnson, Emily Baeza and Aries Fung join me to talk about the film’s debut as part of the recent Roxbury International Film Festival before a sold-out audience. The producers and I talk about the experience and what the fans wanted to know.

Kimmie, Emily and Aries’ roles went well beyond being producers and we talk about the different challenges they took on during the filming. Trust me when I say they had a lot to deal with, but took it on with their diverse film backgrounds. They also share what about the movie made them say “I want in.”

Back at the Rhode Island Author Expo

Author Amanda Quay Blount

One of my favorite events to cover is the Rhode Island Author Expo. Held in early December, it’s a showcase of more than 100 members of the Association of Rhode Island Authors. This event is an amazing collection of local authors, and in this episode, we’ve got a collection of interviews with just a few of them.

First up is Alison O’Donnell, author of “Stupid Cupid: A Survivor's Guide to Online Dating” and “The Adventures of Gizmo,” and also longtime comedian. We talk about what led to both books and how her work in comedy ties into being a writer.

Next up is Amanda Quay Blount for her debut novel, “Meet Me At the Biltmore,” a deep dive into the history behind one of the most famous hotels in Rhode Island. She shares the different (and somewhat odd) stories she captures from the hotel’s 100-year history.

To wrap things up its Richard Rezendes, author of “A Haunting in Mattapoisett,” based in part on the town’s history as the epicenter of Bridgewater Triangle, an area known for its many supernatural occurrences.

Glenn Rockowitz's book shares he and his father's cancer journey

Diagnosed with an aggressive, terminal cancer in 1998, Glenn Rockowitz was told he had three months to live. After the diagnosis, his father prayed to take his cancer from him. So, when Glenn’s father received his own terminal diagnosis less than a week later, the two faced their final moments of life alone, and together. That journey is captured in Rockowitz's new book, “Cotton Teeth.”



In this interview, Glenn talks about the day he received the diagnosis, his conversations with his father, and how their relationship changed during their treatment. Glenn shares the writing process and how he approached sharing such a personal time of his life with the world. Included in the book is a letter that Glenn wrote to his son when he thought his diagnosis would prove terminal.

Robert Steven Goldstein takes on a new perspective with “Will’s Surreal Period”

After reading just a couple chapters of Robert Goldstein's fourth novel, “Will's Surreal Period,” I have to say I was completely hooked, so it was a blast to speak with the writer on the various ins and outs of the characters, theme, and setting. Here's a quick look at the synopsis:

When William Wozniak, a San Francisco artist who has struggled for years in obscurity, suddenly and inexplicably finds himself painting in a startlingly new surreal style, he is embraced by the art world.

But health issues lead him to a neurologist, where Will discovers that his new artistic style is the result of a life-threatening brain tumor. He must decide whether to have surgery to remove it—relegating him to painting once again in the drab style that defined his years of anonymity—or allow the tumor to grow and most likely kill him.

To make matters worse, William and his wife Rosemary are struggling financially, having been disowned by William’s father Arthur, a cantankerous and homophobic old widower. Arthur is cared for by his younger son, Bertram, in a big house in Scarsdale, New York. But when Bertram, a gay man in the closet due to his fear of being disinherited, finally comes out, Arthur decides to switch allegiance to Will and move to California.

A mess ensues.

And it remains to be seen whether Laurel, a portly, progressively minded California real estate agent who’s taken an improbable liking to Arthur, will make the situation better—or worse.

Robert and I look into the choice that his main character has to make and how this blends with the other storyline of the dysfunctional family. We talk about his choice to retire in his 50s and pursue writing and how it's defined him as a person. Robert shares the stories of his first three novels, how they're all tied together and at the same time, stand alone.

Rhode Island Author Expo returns!

Me with Angelina Singer

A couple weeks ago, one of my favorite events, the Rhode Island Author Expo, saw its big return to an in-person format. Over 100 authors attended, and there were panels for book marketing, hybrid publishing, world-building and much more. I was there to emcee the show, as well as interview some of the great writers.

Opening this episode is Tim Jones, creator of the Sour Grapes comic. We go into the origins of the comic, its many characters, and how Tim's gotten it into so many newspapers over the years.

After that, Angelina Singer and I catch up after two years, and she has quite a bit to share. She's released her Rewind Duology and worked with Chelsea Kwoka to create the audiobook version.

To close out this episode, MC Madjoucoff and I talk about her book, “Fried Catfish,” a comedy/drama all about the world of catfishing.

Arechan's back on Citywide to discuss the final episodes of LUFF

Arechan returns to discuss the final episode of her amazing LUFF series on Webtoon. This one is full of spoilers as we go in-depth on the final episodes. We talk about the story's conclusion and what it means for the cast, just what happens to them following the conclusion of LUFF, and perhaps most importantly, which guy was the perfect match for Beatriz Torres. We also look at the song “Someone Else's Deam” by Absofacto, which was used in the final episode. 

Arechan and I also look at the meaning behind the series and the message that she hopes all the readers took away once LUFF concluded. She talks about the different directions that the story went in and how she planned it all out. She also talks a bit about some other ideas she's hoping to begin work on.

It's no secret that Arechan and LUFF have a slew of fans, and for this episode, we asked them what they'd like to know. The response was tremendous, as around 100 people posted questions to Instagram and Twitter. These include whether Beatriz, Daniel, and Julian enter into a polygamous relationship, the mixture of the romance side of the story with the political, and what led to her to pursue webcomics in the first place.

Arechan takes us on a tour of the world of LUFF

I've been looking forward to this one for awhile! Arechan—writer/artist behind the Webtoon title LUFF—joins me to give listeners a tour of the world behind this amazing comic. We talk about the worldbuilding that went into it, including the LUFF system and how it becomes such a central force that influences all aspects of people's lives. We go into the characters, Daniel, Julian, and Beatriz, and how they've changed over the course of 89 episodes.

The creators of The Sandbox Police give us a new take on comedy

In this episode, I'm talking with Sharisse Zeroonian [Flynn], Stephanie Wang [Ellie and Caroline], and 

Evan Gabovitch [Charlie], the creators and cast of the new YouTube series, The Sandbox Police. The show is a comedy about a podcast and was going to take place in a fictional college radio station. 

But when the pandemic happened, the trio decided to make the show happen anyway and instead began filming episodes entirely on Zoom. We talk about the story behind the show, the role that each character fills, and what we can expect in future episodes.

The dark [and kinda funny] future of New England

Author/musician Jim Infantino joins me to talk about his experience at the recent Boskone book expo. It was his first time there and we talk panels, Jim's fellow writers, and how the event compares to others.

We take a long look at Jim's first book, “ The Wakeful Wanderer’s Guide to New New England & Beyond.” The book shows a climate-changed future seen from two starkly different cultural perspectives.

Following this, check out two songs from Jim's band, Jim's Big Ego—“In My Cult,” followed by “The Ballad of Barry Allen.”

June 2, 2016: People Eating Machines/Comedian Steve Scarfo/Project2Studios

Max and Gina with People Eating Machines

The metal band People Eating Machines make some amazing music, and they open the show an epic as hell live set! They've got new music in the works, plus a show on June 17, and we talk about how they formed, and new music they have in the works.

We spent a lot of time watching the hilarious comedy stylings of Steve Scarfo, and he calls in to talk about the many real-life things that make it into his act, as well as his recent foray into major and independent film.

Musicians looking to make a music video won't want to miss our interview with the guys from Project 2 Studios. This Manchester-based company has made some amazing videos, including one with a rocket chair! That's right, rocket chair.

May 19, 2016: EBASS/Cape Ann Brewing/Confused by Love

Hailey Magee, founder of the Emerging Boston Area Singer Songwriters group is back to talk about how best to engage with an audience as part of our monthly EBASS segment This is a pretty insightful discussion that touches on how to really connect with fans both in person and online.
Plus, singer-songwriter Nate Taylor is coming with her, and he's got a new album coming out, "Harboring Hope." We also talk about a promise he made to himself in 2013 to make music his career.

Ben Lauranzano of Cape Ann Brewing shares a few beers with the Citywide crew and tells us about how the business got its start and the many
flavors that they offer. We talk about what makes a really good beer, the seasonal flavors, and how New England has made a name for itself in
the beer industry.

Filmmaker Crosby Tatum, producer Opal Thompson and actor Keith Mascoll are on for the award-winning romantic comedy, Confused by Love. The movie was recently accepted into the Roxbury International Film Festival in June. When a couple is facing foreclosure on their home, an offer to
save them brings some secrets to light.

May 5, 2016: The Head/Corey Rodrigues/Eternal Embrace/Ruby Rose Fox

Max, Gina, and Corey Rodrigues

This week was a huge one! Author Gina House begins her co-host residency and does an absolutely awesome job! Plus, Matt Zappa comes back to join the show in between touring with Math the Band and recording new music!

Jack Shaw of The Head joins us to talk about the band's 80-spot tour that they just did over the last few months. They did this all on their own, and that's a real testament to what DIY can accomplish. Now that the tour has been put to bed, they're working on a new 13-song album.

Comedian Corey Rodrigues is far more than a funny personality. He's done a lot of work in film and music videos, and is always working towards that next big milestone. He shares some of his experiences on stage and a few brain-teasers.

Ethan Peasley is the author of the vampire-themed books "Immortal Touch" and "Eternal Embrace." He's been a reader of vampire lore and hopes to bring the genre back to its roots that made it so good in the first place.

Ruby Rose Fox is a name that's well known in Boston and for good reason! The band has put on some stellar shows over the years, and now have a debut EP to release later this month. Ruby shares some of the personal tales behind these new songs and we play a few of them.

July 2, 2015: Allen McRae/Gene O'Neil/Outside the Box/Janet Spurr

Max and Matt with Georgia Lyman of Outside the Box

Get ready to laugh, because, Allen McRae of ImprovBoston joins us to talk about his ongoing show, "Comedy, America!" The show debuted last year to a sold-out crowd, and it's back! We talk about how last year's show was such a success, the plan for this and future years, and do an in-depth analysis of the Goosebumps book series. Seriously, we do that.

Author Gene O'Neil is next, and we learn about his book, "An Upraised Chalice." Gene chronicles near-death experiences and worldwide journey to the most sacred places across the globe, and how these encounters can brought him to a closer understanding of what lies beyond this world.

Two years ago, we had the privilege of attending the first Outside the Box festival, a week-long experience of local artists and performers of all kinds. And this year it's back!
We talk to Artistic Director Georgia Lyman, one of the many minds behind this eclectic and exciting showcase. Learn about the more than 100 artists to be featured at this year's OTB.

Author Janet Spurr closed out the show with her book "Beach Chair Diaries." Whether it was last month or 10 years ago, odds are that everyone has fond memories of the sun, sand, and surf. Janet's book captures her many experiences from Maine to Maui.

Dec. 11, 2014: Bigfoot/Nick Cincotta/Shea Rose

The rock jam band Bigfoot opens the show with a funky as hell live set, including some great cover tunes and their own original creations.

Hip-hop artist Nick Cincotta joins us to talk about his upcoming sold-out show at the Middle East. He also talks about some of the stories behind his music-the problems with bullying, the need to support the troops, and what drove him to keep going despite some harsh criticism.

Award-winning singer Shea Rose helps us wrap up the show with her fundraiser for the "Safer is S.E.X.Y." campaign, and all the highlights of her 2014.

BONUS-We've got songs from the bands Hammer and Snake, The Kominas and Saraswathi Jones, who will be performing at TT The Bear's Place on Dec. 18.

Nov. 6, 2014: Bent Knee/Deadfall

Bent Knee

Bent Knee returns for a live set with less than a week before the release of their new album,"Shiny Eyed Babies." There's been a lot of talk about this new collection of tunes, and you'll get an exclusive of what's in store on this episode.

The prog/metal band Deadfall is next up, and they've got shows galore coming up and a recent album release to talk about. We hit them with the big question: what was the first metal album they ever bought?

Citywide Blackout, April 24, 2014-The Big Lonesome

The Citywide crew with Chad and Joe of The Big Lonesome

This week we feature The Big Lonesome. Chad and Joe from the band stop by the studio to give us taste of what went into the making of their debut EP, "Undone," and to play us a few acoustic tunes including an unreleased song.

They are at TT the Bears Place on May 2 to celebrate the release of their EP, along with The Grownup Noise, Silhouette Rising, and Lannen. Tickets are at http://thebiglonesome.net. 

Citywide Blackout, Jan. 26: Damn Shame/Jade Sylvan

We mark our final Sunday show with the band Damn Shame, who will be playing this Saturday, Feb. 1, at Copperfield's. The band has been together for a solid year, but their history with the local music scene goes back a lot further.

Later on, Jade Sylvan is back, and she tells us about her upcoming show, "All You Need Is Myth," a journey through the mythology of The Beatles, which happens on Feb. 9, at The Somerville Theatre. Co-written by Jade and Steve Wagner, with orchestration by The Number Nines led by Brian King, and dancing by Mary Widow, Jane Doe, and Honey Pie.

Don't forget to tune in to our new day and time, Thursdays at 8 p.m., only on Dig Radio Boston!