Are You Famous? Touring America with Alaska's Fiddling Poet

by Ken Waldman

Book Overview

Ken Waldman has toured throughout North America as Alaska's Fiddling Poet since 1995. He is the author of six poetry collections and has released seven CDs. This, his first book of prose, is part... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0980208106
• ISBN13: 9780980208108
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Catalyst Book Press
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A few nice things said about ARE YOU FAMOUS?

"A primer for anyone considering the arts as a profession, Are You Famous? clearly describes the pitfalls and joys of a life on tour. Especially fascinating reading for musicians and writers, no matter the experience or ability." -- Tom Druckenmiller, contributing writer Sing Out! Magazine, radio host "In the Tradition" WDIY-FM "Without self-aggrandizing and without whining, Ken Waldman shows the risks as well as the rewards of following one's passion in an era when the dream of the open road seems to grow ever more distant. Are You Famous? is a book about making music and poems, about America, but finally, it is a book about hope....I really loved the book." -- Al Maginnes, music critic and poet, author of Ghost Alphabet, Film History, and The Light in Our Houses "A suggested must-read for our staff, Ken reminds us of the passion and tenacity that must stay alive among and between artists and presenters if we are to survive and thrive in these challenging times." -- Scott D. Stoner, Chief Program Officer, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, Washington D.C. "Is Ken Waldman famous? Not yet, but this volume of prose might change that for Alaska's Fiddling Poet. Those of us who know Waldman as a musician can forget he is first and foremost a writer. A few pages of Are You Famous? corrects that perception permanently. Waldman... keeps the reader turning pages as he skillfully weaves themes of romance and commitment, finding one's muse, overcoming hurdles daily, self-determination, career change, credit card debt, learning music and then the music business, surviving both chronic illness and a plane crash, and approaching age 50. Waldman makes real life as engaging as fiction." - Art Menius, Director, Appalshop, Whitesburg, Kentucky "A fabulous read, chatty, friendly prose, that makes you feel like Ken is sitting right beside you. Great lessons of perseverance and of creativity. I love the book!" -Deborah Smith, Director, Newberry Opera House, Newberry, South Carolina "If you have ever seriously considered pursuing a career in the music business or any other like profession where you must travel and self-promote, this is a must read. [Waldman] has captured beautifully the frustration, challenges and payoffs of the lifestyle his works dictates. A remarkable story about a man just trying to get by as best he can, like anyone else, but in a way most people could never imagine. Come tour along with Alaska's Fiddling Poet and enjoy the ride." -Employee Reviews, The Reader's Cove, Fort Collins, Colorado

Life in the business of music is not all about groupies flocking around

Life in the business of music is not all about groupies flocking around. "Are You Famous?: Touring America With Alaska's Fiddling Poet" is the story of Ken Waldman and his times touring the country known as Alaska's Fiddling Poet. A memoir of an accomplished and known musician who doesn't have girls throwing their underwear at him on stage, Highly recommended for personal, academic, and community library collections, "Are You Famous?" is an honest and candid perspective on the music industry from the inside.