I Learned In My Punk Rock Days That Action Was My Own Responsibility

Recently I came upon a collection of fliers promoting shows at the great Jockey Club in Newport, Kentucky.

The Jockey Club, just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, was the best punk rock club in all the midwest. It closed in 1988. There is a Jockey Club Facebook page you can join.

You can read a series of Jockey Club recollections in Stories for Shorty. I have an entry in this book that was published by Cincinnati’s Aurore Press.

One of the best things about our punk rock scene in Cincinnati is that we did stuff ourselves.

We made our own fliers, staged our own shows, formed our own bands, we printed fanzines that had interviews with touring bands and we had our own radio show on a local station. I co-hosted a punk radio show on Cincinnati’s WAIF-FM 88.3 for three years.

This was—and still is—the way to go. Working by ourselves and working together, we made our own scene no matter how moronic and narrow the world around us might be.

Whether it is getting on the Mayflower to exercise your beliefs in a new place, Occupying something in the name of economic fair play and a more just society, finding the internal resources to fulfill a creative vision, or working with others who share your thoughts and hopes to make something of value—It is in the end your responsibility to do the work to accomplish what you hope to accomplish.

This does not mean that luck and circumstance do not matter. These things matter a great deal. It is possible that you will get sick or be hit by a truck.

Yet in the end, here is what I would say—

Make and print your own fliers, start a blog, form a band, occupy something, be part of your local and national scene, take responsibility for your own future, generate your own content so somebody else does not generate it for you, help out those on your own side of the aisle, and don’t just hang around when there is work to be done. The ways to get these things done may change over the years, but the underlying concept does not shift.

Cincinnati Punk Rock Legend Seeks Bandmates For New Acoustic Protest Band—Find A Use For Your Talents In The Big Political Year Ahead

This is from my longtime friend Robert “Jughead” Sturdevant of Cincinnati, Ohio—

“I am looking to form an acoustic guitar-based jam band where all members sing left wing protest /labor/progressive songs in the alternative scene/occupy protests/coffee shops/and places they won’t let my hardcore band play. I have an excellent practice space and I want to get out and play on the weekends.”

Jughead is a king of the Cincinnati punk rock. Above you see Robert front and center performing at Newport, Kentucky’s legendary Jockey Club at some point in the 1980’s. The odds are decent that I was at the show in the picture.

Robert’s band is SS-20. They are mainstays of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky music scene.

Robert also does spoken word performances in Cincinnati, and has written for Cincinnati’s great local publishing house Aurore Press.

If you’re interested in joining the band Jughead is looking to form in Cincinnati, please leave a comment at the blog. I’ll make sure he gets in touch with you.

There is always something that you can take part in to help bring about a better and more hopeful world.

If you’re not looking to join a band in Cincinnati, then please consider some way you can be part of the action in the big political year of 2012.

This blog will in 2012 be focusing on ways that everyday people can make the best use of their talents, and about how everyday people can assume responsibility for their futures in our democracy.

The work of democracy and freedom is up to each of us.

Jockey Club Reunion Punk Rock Blast In Newport, Kentucky On Saturday, November 12.

There will be a big punk rock blast this upcoming Saturday at the Southgate House in Newport, Kentucky.

Newport is just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

I’m sorry I’ll not be able to attend this fine event.

This concert is another Jockey Club reunion concert being put on by Cincinnati’s Aurore Press.

The Jockey Club, which closed in 1988, was the best punk rock club in all the midwest.

Aurore Press is Cincinnati’s leading forum for dissenting views.

I’ve been fortunate enough in the past few years to contribute to three Aurore Press books and to host one of the Jockey Club reunion shows.

Here are my best punk rock moments.  

Public Speaking Schedule And New Publicity Shot

While you did not realize that you wanted to know my speaking schedule and see my new publicity shot, please allow me to offer these things to the blog reading public.

As I mentioned a few days back, I’ll be on a blogger panel sponsored by Texas Democratic Women on Monday, August 22 at 6:30 PM. This panel discussion will take place at Harris County Democratic Party headquarters at  1445 North Loop West, Suite 110.

I’m not certain what I’ll be saying at this event, though, like Howard Cosell, I’m certain that I will “Tell it like it is.”

Also, on the night of Saturday, September 3, I’ll be taking part in the spoken word event being staged by Cincinnati’s Aurore Press that is described below—

“Living in the Lap of Labor book Release September 3 at The Comet— As many of you know already, we like to put our best foot forward by putting out a collection of writings, musings, rantings, etc. on the topic of our choice with the help of many of our (much more) talented friends followed by a spoken word performance.  We’ve had our next topic in our pocket for some time now but it’s fortunately (or unfortunately) an extremely timely one: WORK. This is a labor book featuring a few of our favorite writers.”

The Comet is at located at 4579 Hamilton Avenue in Cincinnati.

With such an agressive speaking schedule—I intend to put my all into these two grueling appearances—I thought I should have a publicity shot ready to go.

A lobster bib lends a measure of dignity to any individual and will enhance my reputation as a serious observer of the political scene.

Legal Sea Foods is free to comp me a meal any time in exchange for the free plug.

Aurore Press Is A Leading Forum For Dissenting Views In Cincinnati—You Have The Ability To Communicate Your Values

This evening I worked on my entry for the Aurore Press book you see discussed below–

“Living in the Lap of Labor book Release September 3 at The Comet— As many of you know already, we like to put our best foot forward by putting out a collection of writings, musings, rantings, etc. on the topic of our choice with the help of many of our (much more) talented friends followed by a spoken word performance.  We’ve had our next topic in our pocket for some time now but it’s fortunately (or unfortunately) an extremely timely one: WORK. This is a labor book featuring a few of our favorite writers.”

Aurore Press is a leading forum for dissenting views in Cincinnati. I’m glad to say that I’ve contributed to two Aurore books already. I’ve also been fortunate enough to serve as MC for one of the Cincinnati punk rock reunion shows that Aurore holds each year.

The Comet is a well-known Cincinnati bar  I’ll be taking part in the September 3 spoken word event at The Comet.

Click here to learn more about Aurore. They have accomplished a lot so far and they have much more in the works.

Here is what Aurore has to say about themselves—

“Aurore Press began publishing as an independent micro press in 2007. Headquartered in the Northside neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, Aurore Press is the sweat of co-publishers Betsy Young and Chuck Byrd who felt after many drunken, but dead serious, conversations with the most amazing and creative people we knew there was a definite need to showcase some of these unique viewpoints, ideas and talents stewing in Cincinnati’s creative scene on any given time (and not just when the media decides Cincinnati is “in”).

Thnaks to Aurore for allowing me to be a small part of their success.

Every person has the ability to take action and make a difference in the fashion that the founders of Aurore have achieved. Nobody is powerless. Think about the way that you can best contribute . Don’t let the Tea Party and our most regressive people define our futures.

Cincinnati’s Aurore Press Has Many Fine Holiday Gifts

Cincinnati’s Aurore Press has many fine holiday gifts.

Above is the chapter book godLess. The book is a series of short essays about God and the absence of God in the lives of the contributing writers.

I have an essay in godLess.

This book would be an excellent  gift for whatever holiday it is that you observe or do not observe.

Also available at Aurore is a recording of the Jockey Club reunion concert from November of 2008.

The Jockey Club, located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in Newport, Kentucky, was the leading punk rock venue in all the midwest in the 1980’s.

Click here to see all that Aurore Press has to offer.

Be sure to visit the Aurore Press site often to see what is new.

I’ll Be Hosting The Biggest Punk Rock Show Of 2009 On August 15—Please Attend If You Are Able

This is going to be a great show. Please attend if you are able.

Spoken Word Event To Mark Release Of godLess by Aurore Press—I’ve Got An Essay In The Book

Cincinnati’s Aurore Press will be holding a spoken word event on July 25 to mark the release of the new book godLess. Above you see the cover of godLess.

The event will be held Cincinnati’s famous The Comet located at 4579 Hamilton Ave. The spoken word begins at 7 PM and will be followed by a musical performance by Jughead and Pedro from Cincinnati’s own SS-20. 

Here is the link for The Comet.

Below is a description of godLess. You’ll note that this blogger is a contributing writer. (I’ve highlighted my name and put it in a bold font so that you won’t miss it.)  

Our latest project is a chapbook we call godLESS, a critical view of religion. Tough subject, especially in this town, but it has to be said.21 varied works in all. Plus a preface by Matt Hart and fantastic cover art by Amy Kreitzer! 

The book, edited by Chuck Byrd, Mary Anne Cowgill and Betsy Young will feature pieces by John Welte, Sr., Neil Aquino, Jacurutu:3, Jana Vaught, Marilyn Phelps, Abiyah, Vivien Vinyl, Chuck Byrd, Justin Patrick Moore, Nathan Singer, Megan Shepherd, Mary Anne Cowgill, Kim Maurer, Mark Messerly, Betsy Young, Kathy Holwadel, Robert W. Sturdevant, Daniel Jones, Susie Martin, J.J. Staples, Jughead…And true to our usual style, we’ll be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Free Inquiry Group of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Aurore Press is Cincinnati’s forum for dissenting views. Please click here to see all that they have going on.

Please don’t forget that I’ll be the host of the most immense punk rock blast in all the nation on August 15 at Newport Kentucky’s Southgate House. This event is also being put on by Aurore Press.

Immense Punk Rock Blast On August 15—Top Blogger To Host The Event

Below is the poster for the punk rock blast of the year. It’s being promoted by Cincinnati’s Aurore Press. Please click here to read about all that is going on with Aurore Press. Aurore Press is the forum for dissenting views in Cincinnati and in the entire tri-state area. And that’s just the beginning for these folks! Today Cincinnati and tri-state—Tomorrow Michigan and West Virginia.

Please note on the art below that this blogger is on the bill. I’ll be hosting the event.

I hope to see you there and please keep reading Texas Liberal.

Top Texas Blogger To Host Nation’s Biggest Punk Rock Blast

I’m glad to report that this upcoming August 15 I’ll be the master of ceremonies at Newport, Kentucky’s Southgate House for America’s biggest punk rock blast of 2009. 

Newport is just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.  

You’d think I’d be content with being the top blogger in Texas and with being a member of the Academy of Political Science.

Nope–That’s not enough.  

The event is a release party for the CD of last year’s Jockey Club reunion concert at the Southgate House. The Jockey Club was the greatest punk rock venue of the 1980’s. 

( Above–Another excellent night at the Jockey Club back in the late 80’s. Please click here for some more Jockey Club pictures.  The Jockey Club can also be found on My Space and on Facebook.)

This concert is being put on by Cincinnati-based publisher Aurore Press. Aurore Press is the forum for dissenting views in Cincinnati. Please click the link and see what’s going on at Aurore Press.

Below are the details as they stand at the moment.    

Roast/Benefit for “Handsome” Clem and his Family—

You can’t have a CD release without a party and Aurore Press knows this so with the help of The Southgate House, we’re putting on another Jockey Club inspired shindig to benefit our friend and Cincy punk legend “Handsome” Clem Carpenter and his family. Clem has had a few rough years as of late and his friends want to thank him for everything he’s done over the years with a benefit/roast in his honor! The show on August 15, will feature: Gang Green, SS-20, Libertines US, and Human Zoo. We’re working on one more JC era band to top off the bill and we’ll let everyone know when that comes together–so, 5 bands in all coming together again for a night for the scrapbooks hosted by “Hockeypunk” Neil Aquino, so come early and stay late, get yer CD (proceeds from the CD will also be donated to the Carpenter family) and have a ball!

I hope to see you there on August 15.

Top Texas Blogger Now America’s Most Beloved Published Author

 

Already the leading political blogger in Texas (Note–This view is not shared by anyone else.), I’m now also America’s most beloved published author.

Cincinnati’s Aurore Press has released Stories for Shorty: A Collection of Recollections from the Jockey Club 1982-1988. This book details the famous Jockey Club in Newport, Kentucky. The Jockey Club (photo above.) was at one point the finest punk rock club in the United States.

The book is a series of reminiscences by patrons of the Jockey Club and by the members of the bands that played there.  My contribution to the book is on pages 188 and 189. I’m now a published author.

On this past November 22, a book release party and Jockey Club reunion concert was held at the Southgate House in Newport, Kentucky.  I was lucky enough to be in Cincinnati for the concert. Northern Kentucky University Professor Ken Katkin, a leading academic in the Cincinnati area,  has written a review of the show that you can read by clicking this link. Mr. Katkin is a professor of constitutional law at NKU. 

Also, please allow me to note that Cincinnati punk legend Robert (Jughead) Sturdevant of SS-20, will be talking up his new Aurore Press release ” A Pardon’s Prism”  at the Mount Washington Creamy Whip and Bakery at 2069 Beechmont Avenue in Cincinnati. This limited release chapter book discusses the history of presidential pardons. The event will be Saturday, December 27 at 8 PM.

It is great to have old friends that we can see from time to time and keep in touch with over the years.

It is also great to be the leading political blogger in all Texas and to be America’s most beloved published author. What will really be great is if someday I can make my first dollar off of these distinctions. If you’d like to send me that dollar please leave a comment here and I’ll get back to you.

Aurore Press To Release Jockey Club Book—Old Punk Rockers To Have Reunion Concert

 

Cincinnati’s Aurore Press will soon be releasing Stories For Shorty: A Collection Of Recollections From The Jockey Club 1982-1988. 

If you were lucky, you spent some time at Newport, Kentucky’s Jockey Club in the years mentioned above. 

The picture above from inside the Jockey Club above captures the essence of the place well.

Stories From Shorty will feature remembrances from Jockey Club patrons and performers. I think the book will be the publishing sensation of the fall.

Also, a Jockey Club reunion concert will be held Saturday night November 22 at Newport’s Southgate House. The doors open at 8. November 22 is the day of the release of the Jockey Club book.

Local giants such as The Thangs, SS-20, The Reduced and BPA will be just part of the musical lineup for the reunion show.  

Stories For Shorty will be released earlier in the day on November 22 at Shake It Records in Cincinnati. This event will take place at 5 PM at Shake It.      

I’m glad to report that I’ll be at the Southgate House for the show. I hope to see you there.

( Please click here for my greatest punk rock moments.)

Book Being Written On World’s Finest Punk Rock Club—The Jockey Club

I got an e-mail a few days ago with news of a book being written about The Jockey Club. This was a punk rock club in Newport, Kentucky that operated from 1982 until 1988.

It was a lot of fun.

I hope you have a place you recall fondly from a well-spent youth of hanging around with your friends.

The Jockey Club book is being compiled by Aurore Press of Cincinnati. Newport, Kentucky is just across the river from Cincinnati.   

I will write something for the book. Hopefully whatever I submit will be included.

In those days I was the Hockeypunk. I was known in punk rock circles from Dayton to Louisville and a few places in-between.

20 years later I’m Texas Liberal.

It’s all the same act.

Please click here for the time Johnny Rotten spoke to me and my other greatest punk rock moments.