Peter Jesperson, noted record store maestro, music executive, DJ, manager, tour manager, label founder, and life-long music hound has confirmed new live events this September in support of his memoir (Minnesota Historical Society Press).
The first three events will include book conversation & signing with both Jesperson and Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) as well as a brief live solo performance by Tommy. Dates include:
*Sept. 10 – Gman Tavern, Chicago, IL. Doors 6:30 pm / Q&A 7:30 with Tommy Stinson. Moderator: Jill Hopkins, music journalist, producer Metro/GMan Tavern. Free with RSVP. Tix available here.
*Sept. 12 – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland OH. No Cover. Doors 7 pm / Q&A 7:30. Moderator: Andy Leach, Sr. Director of Museum and Archival Collections
, Barnes & Noble – Lennox Town. No Cover. 5:30 pm. Moderator: Curt Schieber, Schoolkids & Used Kids Records / Promoter/DJ at WWCD
(Note: Tommy Stinson will also do a solo acoustic, ticketed show at nearby Used Kids Records that evening; doors at 8 pm/show 8:30 pm (2500 Summit St. Columbus, OH 43202)
*Sept. 26 – POP Montreal, Montreal QB CANADA. Club House Rialto 3:30 – 4pm. Moderator: Howard Bilerman, Musician, Record Producer
*Sept. 29, Golden Notebook Presents (Venue TBD), Woodstock, NY. No Cover. 3:00 pm – with musician Steve Almaas (Suicide Commandos/Beat Rodeo). Moderator: Holly George-Warren, author, music journalist (Steve Almaas will perform a few acoustic songs)
Since its release, Euphoric Recall has received glowing reviews from readers and media outlets: The Wire (UK), NPR, Uncut (UK), Mojo (UK), PopMatters, Houston Chronicle, Spill, The Ox (Germany) and Rhythms Magazine (AU). Additionally, musicians such as Jody Stephens (Big Star), Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) have praised the book for its behind-the-scenes tales; for Jesperson’s music-obsessed background, his own experiences living a rock-n-roll life, and evangelizing & supporting artists he believed in. The fourteen book events in various cities so far have all been packed and audience response has been immensely gratifying.
A passionate music lover since childhood, Peter Jesperson found his way into the Minneapolis music world just as it was blossoming in the 1970s and ‘80s. While managing the influential Oar Folkjokeopus record store and DJing at Jay’s Longhorn bar, Jesperson also cofounded Twin/Tone Records, which launched such groundbreaking artists as Soul Asylum, The Suburbs, Babes In Toyland, the Jayhawks, and many more. By the early ‘80s Jesperson made the discovery that changed his life: The Replacements. As A&R man and manager, he guided this talented and out-of-control foursome, taking a short break to road-manage an upcoming sensation out of Athens, Georgia: R.E.M. But as his career was on the rise, Jesperson began his own descent into substance abuse.
Motivated by his love of music, Jesperson rallied and made his way to Los Angeles for the next phase of his career. While working with New West Records alongside artists such as Dwight Yoakam, Kris Kristofferson, Vic Chesnutt, and Steve Earle, Jesperson experienced firsthand the dramatic changes in the music industry of the 1990s. After a half century in the music business, Jesperson shares insights, anecdotes, and lessons from his unique vantage point. The book features a forward by noted music journalist & Sirius XM DJ David Fricke.
“An entertaining collection of stories from a rock and roll life, and an astute study of music and music lovers. Peter Jesperson takes us on an amazing journey through record-store counters, band vans, backstages, label offices, and late night record-listening sessions. Throughout, his love for the performers and songs that sent him down this path shine through, illuminating and inspiring.”
– Craig Finn, The Hold Steady.
