In a world of books about Nirvana's demise, tragedy and after-fame, author Gillian Gaar's new book, Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana, is a refreshing, detailed look into the rise of the band that birthed grunge.
"The book looks at each recording and radio session, examining each song; keeping the focus on the music. Also, it looks in such depth at the band's pre-fame years. So much is known about Nirvana after they became famous," said Gaar in an online interview.
The Seattle journalist is the author of many books, including Return Of The
King: Elvis Presley's Great Comeback, She's A Rebel: The History Of Women In Rock &
Roll, Green Day: Rebels With A Cause and The Rough Guide To Nirvana. She has also
written for Mojo, Rolling Stone, Record Collector, Goldmine, and the Experience Music
Project museum, among others, and served as project consultant on Nirvana's 2004 box
set With The Lights Out.
The accomplished writer has strong ties in the northwest music community and is no stranger to Olympia.
"I liked seeing shows at the Capitol Theatre when they were "backstage," when you just went into the backstage area. I saw Sleater-Kinney there numerous times and my first interview with them was done at the Spar! I like the laidback feel of Olympia," she said.
Welcome Gaar back to Olympia this Saturday at 3 p.m. She will be sharing Entertain Us:The Rise of Nirvana at Orca Books, located at 509 E 4th Ave. 360.352.0123.