Book Focusing on Rockford, Illinois Has Been Released
"Gary Hill's Rockford Beet" Features Articles from Early 21st Century
August 16th, 2018, Rockford, IL – Released on August 15th (or "Rockford Day"), "Gary Hill's Rockford Beet: A Collection of Articles Originally Published at BeetCafe.com" features stories written about the Rockford area business and entertainment scene of the first decade of the 21st century. The articles were written and published at that time, making them contemporary to the era they were talking about. That also makes them a slice of nostalgia today.
There is an extensive music section in the book. It includes CD/DVD reviews, concert reviews and features. While there are national and international acts covered in that section, many local artists of the time were included. The list of those names includes: The Snaggs, Steve Laputa, Steve Ditzell, Andy Spitson, Judah The Lyrical Rev, The Bridge, Problem Addict, Harlan Jefferson, Blood of Creation, X51, The Basement Blues Band, Cheap Trick and The Bridge.
Area dining establishments (some still around and some now gone) featured in the book are: Kiki B's, Leonardi's Charhouse, Cronies Grill, Chocolat By Daniel, Thai Hut, San Jose Taqueria, Basil Cafe, Firehouse Pub, Grazie, The Olympic Tavern, 10th Inning Bar and Grill, Meg's Daily Grind, Kuma's Underground and Marc's Fusion Cafe.
There are three articles in the book dedicated to exploring the spooky nature of the greater Rockford area. A number of features are dedicated to various festivals that were coming up at the time including Byron Fest, Beloit Riverfest and Hotfest for Hospice. There are articles suited for specific times of the year including a look at look Christmas tree farm options and one that showcased businesses with beer gardens.
Quite a few stores of the time were also featured in articles. As with the dining, some of these places are still around (although one has moved), while others are gone. That list of stores include Cleo's Aroma-Pothecary, Tomorrow Is Yesterday, Phoenix Traders, The Pumpkin Patch, Leonidas and CD Source. There are also features on attractions like the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, Historic Auto Attractions, Laser Quest and more.
The book will make a good companion to the upcoming Spooky Rockford: Creepy Tales in the Greater Forest City Area, which will be released on September 4th. As the title suggests, that book focuses on tales meant to be at least a little scary and all set in the greater Rockford, Illinois area (stretching as far afield as the Southern Chicago area). It includes non-fiction, fictionalized non-fiction and fiction stories. Including contributions from Heath D. Alberts, Ernie Fuhr, Diane Hill, Gary Hill and Kathi Kresol, this collection also includes lots of photos.
The new book is available in paperback at lulu.com/strangesound and Amazon.com and other book retailers. A hardcover edition will be available exclusively at lulu.com/strangesound. Gary Hill will have copies of them at a book signing at Katie's Cup on the 22nd of September at noon.. For more information you can find that event on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/211674196215718/
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Contact: pr@musicstreetjournal.com
lulu.com/strangesound
www.facebook.com/events/211674196215718
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