The Strange Story of What Happened When Sullivan County, IN Ended Up in the National Headlines.

Walter Beck writes about what happened the Christians of Sullivan County wanted to ban gays from the prom in the name of Jesus. Supposedly.

“The Westboro folk made their grand entrance to the fine city of Terre Haute with the heiress herself, Shirley Phelps-Roper taking center stage, with four signs in her hands and a couple of inverted flags tied around her waist (the American flag, Rainbow Flag and I do believe I saw the Vatican flag as well).”

Thinking Big.

Walter Beck talks to Raymond Luczak about the influences on his writing, and the great, wide-ranging ideas that animate the book How To Kill Poetry.

“I needed to kick my old poems aside. I had to think big. I had to mock my old poet self. I had to get down and dirty with my verse.”

Terri Cole, by Walter Beck.

To celebrate LGBT History Month, 2013, Polari is publishing a daily series of LGBT Heroes, selected by the magazine’s team of writers and special contributors.

“Terri has had the drive and passion to raise the Pride Flag high here in the heartland of America.”

Jefferson Airplane, ‘Volunteers’.

To mark LGBT History Month, 2013, Polari asked its contributors to recall a song that had an impact their own stories.

“My brother had me listen to Jefferson Airplane with the magic words, “Dude, trust me, this is cool”. Even though at the age of nine, the concepts of the ’60s social revolution eluded me, the music still stuck in my head.”

[rating=5]
109 pages • Sibling Rivalry Press • March 12, 2013 [PB]

Raymond Luczak’s How To Kill Poetry is a three-headed gonzo beast that’s part history, part character and part futuristic.

“This book is simply astounding, there is nothing like it out there today.”

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Released June 29, 1999

Slipknot changed the sound of nu metal with their debut album. Classic Music Review.

“What metal was looking for was a new band with a new sound. Slipknot’s sound definitely had tinges of commercial nu metal to it, but they also mixed in noise influences and riffs from the heaviest thrash and death bands. “

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Released January 11, 2013
The latest release from Eli Van Sickel sees him stare into the dark night and find beauty there.

“Eli has delivered a masterpiece, a mix of traditional folk songs, his own originals, some unexpected experimental moments and a poet’s feel for the love and passion for the life under the moon.”

Holy Hate-Roller!

A (Sort Of) Satirical Review of the Westboro Baptist Church’s 2010 I-70 God Smack Tour, as seen by Walter Beck.

“The Westboro folk made their grand entrance to the fine city of Terre Haute with the heiress herself, Shirley Phelps-Roper taking center stage, with four signs in her hands and a couple of inverted flags tied around her waist (the American flag, Rainbow Flag and I do believe I saw the Vatican flag as well).”

Nightlife.

Walter Beck talks to independent folk musician Eli Van Sickel about his latest album Nightlife, his past records, and what the future holds.

“Bad experiences are worse at night. But by the same token, those deserted streets are also incredibly beautiful. And good experiences are always grander or ‘epic’ or bigger at night.”

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40.46 min • Rebel Records • April 19, 2011

An album of old-time blues gospel from Ralph Stanley, the undisputed King of American Bluegrass.

“Even if you’re not a religious person, give this album a spin, it may not save your soul, but it’s still a joy to listen to.”