Happy Saturday, everyone! I’m excited to share a few updates with you about the new book. There’s a lot going on, so let’s get to it!
New Book Trailer!
First off is the third trailer for my new 232-page novel, “Beyond What We Know.” All three trailers tease at what you can expect as you read the story of Mike Collins. Please let me know what you think in the comments:
Book Signing Event
On Saturday, September 6th I’ll be at the Barnes & Noble Southmont Plaza in Easton, PA signing copies of the new book. I’ll be giving away bookmarks, 4×6 images of the book cover and stickers. You’ll also be able to do your own signing on an 11×17 poster of the cover. If you’re in the area, please stop by and say hello.
ARC Team Info
Interested in being on the Beyond What We Know ARC (Advance Reader Copy) Team? It’s easy. Click on this link and fill out the form for a chance to receive a free copy of the new book on your Kindle (or free Kindle reader app) in exchange for a review.
New Interview
I recently shared an interview I did on the new book for Medium. If you’re interested in learning more about the story, characters and the writing process then Click Here.
The book will be released on August 31st, 2025 but is available now for pre-order at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
They’re dubbed “The Galaxy’s Most Excellent ’80s Tribute Band” for good reason. It’s because the members of Rubix Kube pride themselves on re-creating the music from the decade of decadence with gnarly note-for-note precision.
Their high-energy, costume-fueled, interactive extravaganzas have not only earned them critical acclaim as the premier ’80s act, but many of the original artists whose music they cover have actually joined their stage, with Rubix Kube performing as the artist’s backing band for extended sets.
On Monday, Rubix Kube will once again bring the soundtrack of the 80’s to Musikfest’s Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks for a summer performance every fan of the decade should experience.
Just be sure to bring along your neon socks, Aqua Net and a few spare quarters for Galaga and Pac-Man (I’m kidding).
I recently spoke to Rubix Kube founder and frontwoman Cherie Martorana Neve about the band’s Musikfest appearance, what makes the music of the 1980s so timeless and more in this new interview.
Q. What can fans expect from Rubix Kube’s performance at Musikfest?
Cherie Martorana Neve: They can expect an all-out ’80s extravaganza of endless energy taking them back to the best decade of music of all time.
Q. In your opinion what makes the music of the ’80s so timeless?
First of all it’s the only decade of music that has so many sub genres. The ’80s had pop, hair metal, new wave, dance, punk. It’s something that continues to appeal to so many demographics even after all of these decades. We’re doing just as many college parties now in 2025 for people who are between the ages of 18-22 who didn’t even grow up in the ’80s. It’s a testament to how appealing the music is to have so many different types of people and age groups as fans. The ’80s also had MTV — the first generation to have videos and picture stories put to the music. So you were no longer just listening to the music but were also seeing it. It was a really exciting and fun time.
Read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Rubix Kube by clicking here!
We’re now less than 30 days away from the release of my new book “Beyond What We Know.” Here are the latest updates:
BRAND NEW INTERVIEW: Medium has a new interview with me about the book where I share details about the story, including the inspiration behind it, character development and more. Check it out here and get some behind the scenes info.
Here’s a sneak peek of the interview:
You’ve mentioned that the story is fiction but also part memoir. How so?
James Wood: A lot of the visualization and places you read about in this story are based off places from my own childhood. The idea of working on classic cars was also something my own father did. He was an avid Ford Mustang guy and nearly every weekend and all throughout the summers he’d be tinkering away in the garage. In the story, Mike Collins got to share that experience with his father. In my personal life I was too young and that shared experience happened with my older brother. The story is kind of a how things might have been if it had been me.
Interested in the opportunity to join the ARC team (Advance Reader Copy) of the new book? It’s easy, simply fill out this form for a chance to read Beyond What We Know before it’s released in exchange for a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Good Reads.
On Saturday, September 6th I’ll be at the Barnes & Noble in Easton, PA at Southmont Plaza signing copies of the new book. If you’re in the area, stop by and say hello. I’ll be giving away bookmarks, stickers and images of the cover, plus you’ll get to do a signing of your own on an 11×17 poster of the book.
Want to learn more about Beyond What Know? Check out the official book trailers below:
Pre-order for paperback and e-book versions of Beyond What We Know are now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
If you’re on Good Reads, please add Beyond What We Know to your Want to Read list.
The release of my new book, “Beyond What We Know” is less than 5 weeks away. Here’s a quick way on how you can become a part of the story:
Are you interested in being part of the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) team for “Beyond What We Know”? If you’re an avid reader who likes to review books and want to be in the mix to receive an advance copy in exchange for a review, fill out the form below. The official release date is August 31st, 2025.
ARC stands for “Advance Reader Copy” and is a common practice in the publishing world, where you receive a free copy of the new book in exchange for an honest review.
Before you fill out this form, please read the following carefully:
* ARC’s are not guaranteed and are limited to ten copies.
* To have a better chance at being selected for an ARC, please follow the instructions carefully.
* There is no financial compensation for reviews.
* You agree to read and review this book when it releases on August 31st (and are, of course, welcome to review prior to release date on Good Reads or social media – this would also be very much appreciated).
You will find out by Wednesday, August 6th if you’ve been selected to receive a free copy.
If you are selected, you will receive a free .epub version of “Beyond What We Know.” sent to you via Kindle. The Kindle app is available for free on your phone of computer, so no need to physically own a Kindle. To receive an ebook this way you will need (1) a valid Kindle email address and (2) to follow the instructions below very carefully.
If you’re interested, please fill out the form by Clicking Here!
We are now just seven weeks away from the release of my new book, “Beyond What We Know” and I’m so excited to share with you the brand new trailer for the 232-page story. I hope you enjoy it. Please be sure to like, comment and share.
Beyond What We Know is available now for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Are you on GoodReads? Let’s connect, and add Beyond What We Know to your “Want To Read” list.
Follow my author pages on Facebook and Instagram and join the conversation!
Book SigningEvent on Saturday, September 6th from 1-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Southmont Center 4445 Southmont Way – Easton, PA 18045
It’s official! The first book signing event for “Beyond What We Know” has been confirmed – so save the date!!
On Saturday, September 6th I’ll be at the Barnes & Noble in the Southmont Center 4445 Southmont Way in Easton, PA from 1 – 4 p.m. to celebrate the release of the new book, sign copies, answer questions and more! More details to come in the days ahead but if you’re in the area, hope to see you there. The book officially releases on Sunday, August 31st.
Pre-order Beyond What We Know from Barnes & Noble by clicking here.
I’m so excited to share the news that the paperback version of my new 232-page novel, “Beyond What We Know,” is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
Click here to be taken to the pre-order page where you can find out all the details. The book officially arrives on August 31st.
Synopsis:
Riddled with guilt over the death of his father, high school graduate Mike Collins spends his last summer at home disquieted by thoughts of leaving behind his mother and first love as he prepares to depart for college. Unbeknownst to him, Mike will soon meet his musical hero, Chris Steele, whose perspective of life will teach him to believe in the possibility of second chances.
Filled with rich imagery from the 1980s, “Beyond What We Know” is a coming-of-age story exploring life’s obstacles, the music and the machinery, while illuminating the power of friendship with the metaphysical transcendence of the unknown.
Official Trailer:
Early reviews:
“Beyond What We Know” is the kind of story that hits both heart and memory. It’s grief, growth, and a second chance wrapped in 80s nostalgia and music. For fans of coming-of-age stories with soul, this one’s calling.”
“A tender, nostalgic journey through grief, growth, and the unexpected ways we heal. Set against a vivid 1980s backdrop, this coming-of-age tale reminds us that even in our darkest moments, music, friendship, and second chances can light the way. A must read!”
Since their formation in 2000, Steep Canyon Rangers have been wowing audiences with their eclectic mix of bluegrass and Americana.
The Grammy-Award winning band, which features Graham Sharp on banjo, Mike Guggino on mandolin, Aaron Burdett on guitar, Nicky Sanders on fiddle, Mike Ashworth on drums and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, all provide vocals and have released 14 studio albums as well as three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin.
The band credits its longevity to a culture and community among its members, most of whom have known each other since their college days. It’s a foundation of friendship that really comes across to audiences whenever they perform.
Steep Canyon Rangers have also served as the “house band” for Steve Martin and Martin Short’s comedy show, having performed with them several times at Wind Creek Event Center. Now the band from North Carolina is gearing up for their first appearance in Bethlehem on their own, performing at The Musikfest Café in Bethlehem on Sunday.
I recently spoke with Barrett Smith of Steep Canyon Rangers about the band’s upcoming performance in Bethlehem and more in this new interview.
Q: What can fans expect from the band’s upcoming performance at Musikfest Café?
Smith: What we hang our hat on is a really good live show. Each is tailor made for the space where we are. So we’ll land in Bethlehem earlier in the day, get a feel for what the night’s going to be like and then make a set list. Maybe we’ll stick to it and maybe we won’t. We like real engagement with the crowd and making it as fun a night as we can. We’ve already played several times at the [Wind Creek] casino as the house band for the comedy show Steve Martin and Martin Short so we know the area well.
You can read the rest of my interview with Steep Canyon Rangers by Clicking Here.
You can’t say the words “The Beach Boys” without instantly conjuring up images of California sun, surf, infectious harmonies and sophisticated musical arrangement.
The band’s indelible catalog has sold more than 100 million records over the last six decades and their ubiquitous album, Pet Sounds from 1966, is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums of all time. Even Paul McCartney, who knows a thing or two about the craft of songwriting, once proclaimed a track from that album, “God Only Knows,” as being the perfect song.
The Beach Boys arsenal of music includes nearly 40 Top 40 hits like “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “California Girls,” Surfin’ USA,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” and “Kokomo,” to name but a few.
Fans of the legendary group can relive the magic, music and memories when The Beach Boys bring their Sounds of Summer Tour to Easton’s historic State Theatre on Sunday, at a special time of 3 p.m.
I recently spoke with Mike Love about The Beach Boys upcoming performance in Easton, the band’s timeless career and more in this new interview.
What can Lehigh Valley fans expect from your upcoming performance in Easton?
Mike Love: A lot of music. We do a two-hour show: an hour followed by a 20-minute intermission and then another hour. In the first hour we like to get retro, so I like to do the “surfer” and “car” songs like “Don’t Worry Baby” and “I Get Around.” After intermission we get a little more introspective. We’ll do some Pet Sounds stuff like “God Only Knows,” “Sloop John B” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” I like to do songs I wrote with my cousin Brian [Wilson] and tell stories about the songs. I remember in November of 1963 we wrote this beautiful song called “The Warmth of The Sun” and were awakened the next morning to the news that President Kennedy had been taken to the hospital in Dallas. We recorded that song about a month later with a tremendous amount of emotion.
Of course we have to do “Good Vibrations” and wouldn’t want to leave the area without doing “California Girls,” “Fun Fun Fun,” “Barbara Ann,” and “Help Me Rhonda.”
You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Mike Love by Clicking Here.
Widely regarded as one of rock’s most quintessential and influential bands, KISS became a worldwide phenomenon in the early 70’s, not only for their music but also for their whimsical make-up, blood spitting and fire-breathing antics, a massive pyrotechnical display and the desire to rock and roll all night and party every day.
After a half century of gold and platinum albums and global touring, KISS finally decided to end its run in December of 2023.
As one of the founding members of KISS, Gene Simmons (and his alter ego “The Demon,”) has helped sell more than 100 million albums. And once the band retired from the road Simmons thought he’d keep himself busy with his many businesses ventures but soon felt the urge to return to the stage with his solo group The Gene Simmons Band. An outlet which allows him to perform both fan favorite and obscure KISS songs and covers as well as sharing stories about his life and career, including one about discovering a then unknown band named Van-Halen.
On Thursday, May 8, fans will get a chance to experience all of the iconic artistry when Gene Simmons brings his legendary music to Bethlehem for a performance at Wind Creek Event Center.
I recently spoke with Gene Simmons about the show, his career and more in this exclusive new interview.
It’s now been more than a year since KISS retired from touring. What made you decide to return to the stage?
Gene Simmons: Obviously, I’m very proud of what KISS has done which is, to be blunt, changed the face of stage performances. I got tired of seeing some of my favorite bands because they just didn’t live up to the sounds that I heard. I loved the records but when you went to see them live they were just looking down at their shoes. We decided to put together KISS as the band we never saw on stage. No rules, just one big spectacle. We stopped after half a century.
I thought I’d be able to stay busy with my restaurant chain and film company but there’s magic that happens on stage that you can’t verbalize. It’s like electric church. But the difference between KISS and the Gene Simmons Band is that in KISS we couldn’t invite anybody up on stage because if they stepped in the wrong place it literally wouldn’t be safe.
The Gene Simmons Band is totally different in the sense that I have three killer musicians who are multi-instrumentalists who can (and do) sing live. We’re flexible enough that if someone yelled out, “Hey, how come you never did “Spit?” (an obscure track off of the Revenge album), we can do it as well as some unrecorded tunes I’ve written and, for the first time, we do covers.
You can read the rest of my Morning Call interview with Gene Simmons by Clicking Here!
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