Grier doesn't take any shit

We had no idea how this whole impromptu book party thing would work out…we just kinda threw it together.  But here’s the thing:  we know the most talented people in the world. And they came.  And they did their thing.  And it was seriously…awe-inspiring.  And wild.

Maybe, since the book is about a boy obsessed with Kerouac, we subconsciously made the whole thing feel like a 1954 beat reading:

However it happened…it was the greatest and most eclectic configuration of people I’ve ever seen.  And they had the best time!

There was Ned and Renee, who organized the whole thing at Ned’s family-run vintage store in Brooklyn, Sunday Love:

This is the best store, run by Ned, his son Scott, and Scott’s girlfriend Grier.  They make a lot of the stuff…we have their crazy, visionary constructions all over our apartment.  And Renee is this whip-smart business lady, with the biggest heart I’ve ever seen.  I mean, this is one freaking talented family.  The other son, Ned Jr., is a model.  And whatever your preconcieved notions about models are – his crew of  model friends are funny, smart and real.

Ned Jr., Scott, Taylor and Friend

And yeah…did I mention they are hot?  Well, they are models.  Not to get all superficial, but having gorgeous people at your book party is kinda cool.

Taylor and Ned modeling shot…yes, they really are in love.

But there’s more…like I said, weirdest and best configuration of people EVER:

Ned, Renee, Tony, Will 1, Loretta, Hot Danish Artist Thomas Warming

One of the best parts of the evening (and emotional, for me) was that Will 1 came from Philly for the party.  I haven’t talked much about Will 1 on this site, mainly because he’s private.  But I guess he’s gotta get over that now, because he’s got a book coming out.  Will Smith 1 is the father of Will Smith the actor (and grandfather of Jaden the Karate Kid)…and once you get to know him, you start to realize exactly WHY his family is so talented and extraordinary – they got it from him.

I met him over a year ago (he lives in a condo near my parents in Philly).  He’s become a kind of surrogate grandfather to me  (I think of him as my black grandaddy).  I helped him with his novel…and now it is getting published!  (check it out here)  More on that later…but his book getting picked up was almost more exciting for me than when I found out my own book was getting published.  He’s one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met, and I’m so blessed to have him in my life…he’s taught me more about being strong than I can possibly explain in a blog.

And I can’t believe he came to my party!

Will and Renee having a deep conversation

And Will brought Tony, his co-author on The Waymor…and Tony played the trumpet!  He is probably one of the best trumpet players in America.

Tony TORE IT UP.

And we had this incredible DJ, Peter Munch (his website).  Also Danish, and completely innovative.  He really feels the crowd and goes with their energy…he did an impromptu mix with Tony.  Later, when the NYPD arrived, he blared “F— the Cops”

I love Danes.

And Will’s lady friend, Loretta, sang.  I’ve been waiting to hear her live for AGES.  Her voice is gorgeous.  Really, she took that rowdy, semi-drunken crowd and shut them up instantly.  Nobody wanted to miss a note.

And then we had these  burlesque performers who pretty much donated their time (they usually make real money for this)…and they were INCREDIBLE.

This is the sexy and hilarious Kat Mandu.  Be her fan on Facebook:

And the adorable and alluring Anja Keister, which you pronounce “On Your Keister”.  Here is her Facebook :

PS, this photo by Dale Rio, the bestest burlesque photog in America...I WILL meet you in person, Dale!

Here they are in action…but honestly, you gotta see ‘em LIVE!

i love the look on Munch's face

And Emily Johnson (see Emo Goes Postal) acted as the “kitten” (the woman who picks up all the clothes between sets). And she is the only Kitten I’ve ever seen who was a) wearing a fanny pack and b) can make a fanny pack look hot.

Gorgeous ladies: Beth, Emily, Golbie

And we had David, a great stand up comedian:

And yeah, I actually read from the book too.  Of course I made a sappy, sappy, heartfelt speech beforehand that essentially came down to this:  I love Thomas Warming.  Then I did a short reading, and  Thomas backed me up on the guitar, and I made Will sit behind me so I wouldn’t see his face when I said the dirty words (he is my grandad, after all).

And then we went kinda crazy, until the cops came.  Actually, everyone kept going crazy inside, and I went out to shoot photos.  They took the IDs of these poor people for “public drinking” (meaning out of plastic cups):

Sure, they were pissed. But they played it up a bit for my photo.

Then the cops proceeded to make them wait for an hour while they sat around in their NYPD van and chatted with locals and flirted with chicks:

PS  The one undercover cop looked like any other club-kid guy, with his cheesy ass Ed Hardy shirt.  And he loved being like, “‘Yo, dudes!” then flashing his badge at the drinkers to freak ‘em out.  I mean, C’MON.  No offense to Brooklyn’s finest…and I DO respect cops…but this was ridiculous.  They made these people wait for an hour, then left, FORGETTING to give them back their ID’s.  Seriously, some of the craziest (ie illegal) shit goes down in this neighborhood…so this was ridiculous.  But then again, kinda cool to get a BOOK READING busted, what can I say?

Then we spent the rest of the evening dancing, drinking, etc.  And the wonderful Manuel Arjona took pictures…he does this professionally, and donated his time out of the goodness of his heart.  And the pictures rock:

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Overall, it was one of the best nights of my life.  Not kidding.  I felt surrounded by so many people I love and adore.  New friends (Renee, Peter, Liat) and ones I haven’t seen in ages (Allen!!!!!).  And to all the people who made this happen and donated their talent, time and energy….THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH.

And everyone author should get to make out with their amazing Danish boyfriend while signing books:

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