Fairfield Theatre Company & Vinyl Street Co. present: Sad Dads Book Club - Q&A with Nabil Ayers, "My Life in the Sunshine"

Fri Aug 15 , 12 – 1:30 pm

Hosted by Fairfield Theatre Company, Vinyl Street Company, Sad Dads Book Club
Details The Sad Dads Book Club & Author Talk Series at Fairfield Theatre Company is a new series of conversations with authors about their works and lives that kicks off on Sunday, 10/13 with featured author Nabil Ayers, & continues into December with Ezra Furman, August Thompson, and Mike Ayers. From re-examining the boundaries of family and race, uncovering the secrets of Lou Reed’s Transformer,’ a coming-of-age tale of first love, discovery, and grief, and asking top musicians what song they’d want to hear last — you’ll find plenty of inspiration at the Sad Dads Book Club.



About Nabil Ayers My Life in the Sunshine”



A memoir about one man’s journey to connect with his musician father, ultimately re-drawing the lines that define family and race.



Throughout his adult life, whether he was opening a Seattle record store in the 90s or touring the world as the only non-white band member in alternative rock bands, Nabil Ayers felt the shadow and legacy of his father’s musical genius, and his race, everywhere.



In 1971, a white, Jewish, former ballerina, chose to have a child with the famous Black jazz musician Roy Ayers, fully expecting and agreeing that he would not be involved in the child’s life. In this highly original memoir, their son, Nabil Ayers, recounts a life spent living with the aftermath of that decision, and his journey to build an identity of his own despite and in spite of his father’s absence.

Growing up, Nabil only meets his father a handful of times. But Roy’s influence is strong, showing itself in Nabil’s instinctual love of music, and later, in the music industry — Nabil’s chosen career path. By turns hopeful – wanting to connect with the man who passed down his genetic predisposition for musical talent — and frustrated with Roy’s continued emotional distance, Nabil struggles with how much DNA can define a family… and a person.



Unable to fully connect with Roy, Nabil ultimately discovers the existence of several half-siblings as well as a paternal ancestor who was enslaved. Following these connections, Nabil meets and befriends the descendant of the plantation owner, which, strangely, paves the way for him to make meaningful connections with extended family he never knew existed. Undeterred by his father’s absence, Nabil, through sheer will and a drive to understand his roots, re-draws the lines that define family and race.





VINYL STREET Co. Presents Sad Dads Book Club & Author Series @ FTC

The Sad Dads Book Club & Author Talk Series at Fairfield Theatre Company is a new series of conversations with authors about their works and lives that kicks off on Sunday, 10/13 with featured author Nabil Ayers, & continues into December with Ezra Furman, August Thompson, and Mike Ayers. From re-examining the boundaries of family and race, uncovering the secrets of Lou Reed’s Transformer,’ a coming-of-age tale of first love, discovery, and grief, and asking top musicians what song they’d want to hear last — you’ll find plenty of inspiration at the Sad Dads Book Club.



Get your tickets now for one, some, or all… Click here to purchase tickets via FTC’s website, or visit their on-site box office, or stop on by Vinyl Street Co.



The Sad Dads Book Club is a community-driven group dedicated to exploring the deep connections between literature and music. Founded on the idea that both art forms can tell powerful stories, the club focuses on books that delve into the creative process of musicians, the emotional landscapes of artists, and the cultural impact of music on society. Its reading selections, ranging from memoirs to fiction, often tie directly into the world of music, with past titles including Patti Smith’s Just Kids and Tiffanie DeBartolo’s Sorrow.



A distinctive feature of the Sad Dads Book Club is its commitment to engaging directly with the authors through regular Q&A sessions. These discussions are central to the club’s mission, offering members a chance to deepen their understanding of each book by interacting with the minds behind the stories. The Q&As provide valuable insights into the inspiration and creative processes of the authors, giving readers a rare opportunity to explore how music and writing intersect. These conversations not only enrich the reading experience but also build a sense of community among members, who come together to reflect on the broader themes of creativity, identity, and art.



The club’s dedication to fostering meaningful dialogue makes these author Q&A sessions an essential part of its mission. By offering a platform for readers to connect with authors, the Sad Dads Book Club bridges the gap between the stories on the page and the lived experiences behind them, allowing members to engage more deeply with the books and the music that inspire them.



Expanding on its literary focus, the Sad Dads Book Club recently launched High Fidelity Book Club in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing’s 33 1/3 book series. This new offshoot is dedicated to exploring books about iconic albums and their cultural significance. High Fidelity provides another dimension to the club’s love of music, focusing on works that chronicle legendary records and their lasting influence on both artists and fans. Also with in-person Q&A events with the authors, High Fidelity broadens the scope of the club’s reach while maintaining the same intimate, thoughtful approach to literature and music.



The Sad Dads Book Club, along with its High Fidelity initiative, continues to thrive as a space where readers and music lovers alike can connect, engage, and explore the transformative power of storytelling and song.
Admission $20
Location Fairfield Theatre Company
Where
More Info info link
When Daily, starting from Oct 13, 2024, forever
All Upcoming Dates
  • Sun Dec 22, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Mon Dec 23, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Tue Dec 24, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Wed Dec 25, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Thu Dec 26, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Fri Dec 27, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Sat Dec 28, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Sun Dec 29, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Mon Dec 30, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm
  • Tue Dec 31, 2024
    12:00pm – 1:30pm