Alvin Orloff’s acclaimed queer memoir DISASTERAMA: Adventures in the Queer Underground 1977-1997 is set for an October 8 release, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. In support of the book, Alvin will be reading, signing, and discussing this brilliant new book, which author Alexander Chee, in his introduction, raves, “This book in your hands is one you could say I’ve waited for, and I’m not alone.”

Tour dates so far (as of 09/01/2019) include:

SEPTEMBER 21
BURLINGAME, CA
NCIBA Discovery Show
The Hyatt, Burlingame
Featured author at Author’s Reception
Complete show schedule and ticket info here.

OCTOBER 18
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Official Launch for DISASTERAMA!
Dog Eared Books
489 Castro Street, San Francisco
(part of Litquake!)

Celebrate the release of Alvin Orloff’s new memoir, Disasterama!: Adventures in the Queer Underground 1977 – 1997. Orloff will be in conversation with Alia Volz, do a reading, and present some of his favorite talent: The Disasterama Dancers, Tony Vaguely as Mrs. Miller, and surprise guests!
More info and RSVP here.

OCTOBER 23
NEW YORK, NY
An Evening with Alvin Orloff and Friends
Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker Street, NYC

Gala event featuring live reading from Disasterama! author Alvin Orloff, plus live performances from NYC trans-genre artist Justin Vivian Bond; SF punk pioneer Jennifer Blowdryer; essayist, novelist, actor and performance artist Beth Lisick (Everybody into the Pool); and pop-up power punk trio The NYC Babes. Tickets: free. Reservations recommended.

NOVEMBER 1
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
The Year that Was: 1978 and the Making of Contemporary San Francisco
Panel Discussion with Lincoln Mitchell, Art Agnos, Corey Busch, Louise Renne, Alvin Orloff

The Commonwealth Club
110 The Embarcadero
Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium
San Francisco

In 1978, three key events occurred that shaped the future of San Francisco: The Assassination of Mayor George Moscone and SF Supervisor Harvey Milk; the explosion of the SF punk rock scene, and a breakthrough season for San Francisco Giants. The panel will discuss the rifts that developed between the city’s pro-business and progressive-Left politicians, the increasing province of the LGBT community, punk’s reinvigoration of radical cultural politics, and the way that the Giants helped unify one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the nation. Panel at noon, followed by book signing at 1 pm. Tickets $20, available here.

NOVEMBER 9
SEATTLE, WA
Reading/Signing with Alvin Orloff and Trebor Healy
Elliott Bay Books
1521 Tenth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122

Reading & signing by Disasterama! author Alvin Orloff with Trebor Healey, author, Falling: Stories (University of Wisconsin Press). Details here.

NOVEMBER 22
LOS ANGELES, CA
Reading/Signing with Alvin Orloff and Michelle Tea, Tara Jepson, and Trebor Healy
Skylight Books
1818 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Reading & signing by Disasterama! author Alvin Orloff with Michelle Tea (author, Against Memoir); Tara Jepson (author, Like a Dog); and Trebor Healey (author, Falling: Stories). Info here.

DECEMBER 5
OAKLAND, CA
Reading/Signing with Alvin Orloff, Trebor Healy, and Brontez Purnell
E.M. Wolfman Books
410 13th St.
Oakland, CA 94612

Reading & signing by Disasterama! author Alvin Orloff, with Trebor Healey (author, Falling: Stories), and Brontez Purnell (author, Since I Laid My Burden Down). Info here.

DECEMBER 14
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Writers With Drinks presents
Alvin Orloff, with additional readers
The Make Out Room
3225 22nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Writers With Drinks is a monthly reading series that combines literature, stand-up comedy, science fiction, erotica, poetry and essays. Plus mystery, romance, memoir, rants and “other.” $5-$10 sliding scale, All proceeds benefit local non-profits, including the Center for Sex and Culture. Charlie Jane Anders MCs and vamps.

Check back here and on our events pages for updates!