Last year, Nabil Ayers published a memoir that was one of our favorite books of 2022. It’s called My Life In the Sunshine (Viking Press) and it recounts his estranged/non-existent relationship with his father, jazz great Roy Ayers, along with the mental gymnastics required to navigate race in America as a mixed-race person. That story anchors the primary narrative but the book also covers Nabil’s experiences playing in indie and major label bands, working in and owning independent record stores and his move into the record label side of the business as an executive at 4AD and Beggars Group. Ayers has been traveling around the country, appearing at indie record shops and bookstores, to recount his tales and sign copies of his book. He just announced the Southern leg of his book tour which will bring him to Grimey’s on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 5:00 PM. Allison Russell will conduct a Q&A and drummer Eric Slick (Dr. Dog, Natalie Prass) will DJ a set beginning at 4:00 PM so get here a little early to enjoy that if you can.
Throughout his adult life, whether he was opening a Seattle record store in the '90s or touring the world as the only non-white band member in alternative rock bands, Nabil Ayers felt the shadow and legacy of his father Roy’s musical genius, and his race, everywhere. Growing up, Nabil only meets his father a handful of times. But Roy’s influence is strong, showing itself in Nabil’s instinctual love of music, and later, in the music industry—Nabil’s chosen career path. By turns hopeful–wanting to connect with the man who passed down his genetic predisposition for musical talent—and frustrated with Roy’s continued emotional distance, Nabil struggles with how much DNA can define a family… and a person. Despite his father’s absence, Nabil, through sheer will and a drive to understand his roots, redefines what family truly is.
This is going to be an intriguing event and it’s free and all ages. I hope you can join us on February 22nd at 4:00 PM! We’ll have copies of My Life In the Sunshine on hand and Nabil will sign them following the event.
