Buffalo author Michael Farrell has released his latest book called When the Lights Go Out, which he says revolves around a barroom guitarist who unexpectedly must rethink his path as a musician. The guitarist suddenly comes to grip with the music as it relates to his life and family, which have taken on a new meaning in the wake of a crises.
In true Farrell fashion, the author has chosen to mix things up a bit – by holding a book signing in conjunction with a music performance by Buffalo’s own singer/songwriter Sara Elizabeth. It’s an ode to the theme of the book, set in one of the settings that inspired Farrell’s writings.
“Many of this novel’s most critical scenes happen in rock clubs just like Mohawk,” said Farrell, whose first novel, Running with Buffalo, was released in 2007. “To have its release event there, aside the music of Sara Elizabeth, is going to be special.”
When asked if his hometown played a role in the formation of the storyline, Farrell said, “Buffalo is absolutely a main character. It’s the entire story’s backdrop, whether inside fictional rock clubs (based on places like Mohawk, Nietzsche’s and the late Lafayette Tap Room) or actual locations like Lafayette Square, LaSalle Park, Canalside or the observation deck of City Hall.”
Johnny “Nighthawk” Nolan is an acoustic guitarist in Buffalo whose dreams of music stardom never extended much past his considerable Friday night notoriety. But after unexpected tragedy, Nolan retires from tavern stages to pursue a more familial-oriented, stable existence. When these plans are obliterated by renewed conflict with a local blues hero and rival, he leans on the help of a mysterious Allentown barista and the scene’s only garage band-leading Catholic priest to eventually discover the whole of his purpose and capabilities—when the lights go out.
Buffalo author Michael Farrell will join local singer/songwriter Sara Elizabeth for a Happy Hour event to celebrate the recent release of Farrell’s new novel, When the Lights Go Out inside Buffalo’s Mohawk Place (47 E. Mohawk St.) on December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Elizabeth’s performance will run from 6 to 8 pm. Farrell will sign and sell books during the performance. See Facebook event for details.
Books published by No Frills Buffalo can be purchased online at www.amazon.com, www.powells.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.ECKO.com and www.nofrillsbuffalo.com. No Frills Buffalo titles can also be found in Western New York bookstores, including Talking Leaves; Dog Ears Bookstore; The Second Reader; Monkey See, Monkey Do; Lift Bridge Books in Brockport; and Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca.