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Every Monday, Joe posts answers to questions he receives over at the Frankophiles Forum. Ask your question now, and come back Monday to see if it was answered.

April 9, 2007

Hi Joe, I think "Fire" is one of the strongest and most disturbing of your recent shows. Given that the "Renee" character seems to have been, uh, inspired by your former boss at KCRW (whose name I won't mention here), do you know if she has heard the show, and if so, has there been any feedback or fallout from it? Are you still in contact with her? Thanks,
ghastly_fop

A. I don't know if she's heard the show. I'm sure others have, and I imagine they've told her about it. The last encounter I had with her was volatile and unpleasant, and I haven't spoken to her for years.

I wonder if you realize how much art you inspire, and how much comfort you bring. I almost always listen to your shows when I'm painting, especially deep in the early morning hours - And I know I'm not the only one. I met an artist online (who) also loves your art - it helped open the door to that friendship, to trust one another's judgment; your work is sort of a Rorschach for me, and was for her also.

I've often wanted to tell you how important your art is to me, how great it is to listen to whatever show as I drive across West Texas, or wherever else, how comforting to have your voice coloring my nights, easing my way through this thing. I hope that this finds you well. Peace.
dancestoblue Austin Texas

A. It's always good to hear that my work is appreciated. And I agree entirely that anyone who does not respond favorably to my radio programs is unworthy of your friendship. These damned people who just "don't get" my shows, what can you say about them?

Anyway, thanks for taking me out on the road with you through West Texas. I've enjoyed your company, the ride and the landscape -- the cactus, tumbleweeds, armadillos and that big Texas sky.

When you refer to "this thing," I guess you're talking about life itself -- and that just about says it all. My advice: grab it, beat the hell out of it, stomp on it, wrestle it to the ground, and don't give it a chance to break free, rise up and overwhelm you. Actually, that isn't my advice. I have no advice. "This thing" is too big for both of us.

There was a question on another part of this forum about future live performances. I don't go to NY or LA very often so I have never caught a performance but I have read that they are very interesting. I gather that your health is much better now and I see on the website that a performance is in the planning stages for 2007 in LA. Firstly, do you plan to schedule these on any sort of regular basis in the future? And secondly, how does the preparation and execution of these live performances compare to the weekly shows that you did on radio?

Finally, I have been a fan since the late 80's/early 90's and I am glad to hear that things are going better for you health-wise. All the best,
Roger

A. We're making arrangements for a series of performances in September at a club here in Los Angeles. When everything is finalized, a notice will go out to everyone signed up for the Joe Frank Newsletter.

In the past, my live shows have been readings of selected material from past programs, accompanied by musicians, dancers and videos. I've never really been satisfied with them. This new performance will be a dramatic departure, far more elemental, grittier, and I hope a lot more powerful. Of course, I could be wrong. Usually, I am. But that's my aim.

See you next week,
Joe