October 10, 2013: A train from London to Canterbury where Elaine Randall and Ian Rose met us, stashed our heavy bags in their car, and took us over (in the rain) to The Good Shed –a marvelous combo of farmer’s market and locavore food restaurant. Also possessing good parking, a rarity in Canterbury.
We had daunting directions to our reading that night at The Veg Box, aka Free Range. Something about walking through parking lots to the back fire escape. So I thought NYC with a ladder-like set of very steep narrow iron steps. How in the hell will Baz get his gamy leg up?
Turned out to be normal enough, just metal and concrete. “Fireproof.” And about six steps in all.
There we met Sam Bailey…who very shyly asked if we’d mind his opening the evening with some piano playing by him. We are guests. Of course we said yes. But had sinking feelings. What music would he play? He’d already done yeoman’s service running back & forth to his apartment for the right cables and computer attachments to make showing the Basil King film possible.
Our doubts justified? Not at all! Give a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXxsApcxB-c
We were surprised too how many people showed up: some were BMC fans (Ian Brinton, e.g.) but many others crowded in. From Kent University, Christ Church University, University College. Townspeople too. From their attention and the questions asked, the audience was full of readers. Per David Herd, who heads modern literature at Kent, this is one place where multiple streams can gather. We need such in New York City!
