This week, we’re speaking to local writer Don Billie about his recently published graphic novel Hey You Punks! — a coming-of-age memoir about his true, wild teen antics growing up in Cleveland’s West Side in the 1970s.
Set in Cleveland’s gritty past, bullying was a rite of passage, fun and hooliganism were synonymous, and getting swatted at school was a badge of honor. Billie’s graphic novel narrates his true experience of growing up as a young punk. On this episode, he talks us through some of the capers he got up to, why the graphic novel format was perfect for telling his story and how he’s seen Cleveland change over the years.
Don Billie will be at Visible Books on October 26th for a free reading and signing event.
Also on this episode, we feature two local singer/songwriters. Kim Kennedy (pictured above) will be performing at Sparky’s Place in Conneaut, Ohio on October 26th.
Cleveland-based musician Diana Chittester (pictured above) invites one Ohio-based songwriter, and one artist she’s met while on the road to join her for an intimate evening of music and storytelling at Bop Stop at The Music Settlement. Tickets are available for Travelin’ Troubadours, on November 15th, an event that brings together three local singer-songwriters to share one stage, swapping songs and stories influenced by personal experience, touring, and digs deep into their music making process.
