Tag: Michael Hurley

Miscellaneous Grief

Went to an open mic last night, bitched about my uncle being kinda famous. I read two poems. A guy from WDVR offered to have me come on his radio talk show and talk about my book. I told him when the new one comes out I will. I did manage 4 hours of writing yesterday. My friend video recorded me reading the poems, and maybe I’ll upload them at some point, but neither poems is published yet. And next time I read, I’ll make more of an effort as to my appearance!–I’ll wash my hair! I don’t think I’ll ever be a drunk because I purposefully didn’t finish my drink.

I decided to include these videos in this post because Mom had suggested these songs for Uncle Michael’s memorial, but it ended up being mostly live music with people playing Michael Hurley music or contributing other stuff. Mom recited a lullaby that Nanna used to sing to them, but I don’t think she actually identified it as such.

Snark

I willfully drove to to the courthouse in Astoria today. After 26 years a bureaucrat, I always feel a sort of kindred connection with those behind the plexiglass. Snark is the name of my deceased uncle’s car. Michael Hurley, if people want to look him up. The car has squishy brakes and loose steering and it stalls sometimes and it’s a gas hog. He could’ve had a sweet purring Prius but he chose a Dodge Snark. I understand.

One More Hipster in Heaven

Michael Hurley, folk legend who once called Vermont home, dies at 83

He was my uncle and now he’s gone. In large part, he provided the soundtrack to my childhood. I am near Portland, Oregon in his house, along with my cousin and my mother. Grief can rock a person to sleep, I suppose.

Let’s call it “Silver Pants.”! Great clip of Uncle Michael (Michael Hurley) playing in Philly, April ’24. Peeps were packed like sardines down below. I was up in reserved seats in the balcony.