Party Across America Author Interview
Nomadic Matt: What inspired you to write this book?
Michael Guerriero: The inspiration for Party Across America came from a few different places. I love to travel and I love a good party, so why not combine the two? The guidebook format works well because it provides every ounce of information that a person needs to explore these annual events without being too wordy. Although I think the real inspiration comes from the fact that everyone goes to Las Vegas when they want to have some fun. But the reality is that our country is teeming with incredible events that blow the doors off of a Las Vegas weekend.
How did you go about researching the parties for the book?
The research for Party Across America was intense – lots of driving and flying… and lots of partying with a notebook in my hands. It started back in my ski bumming days, when my friends and I would drive from the east coast to the west coast before the ski season started in Tahoe, California. We’d plan these cross-country trips according to the parties we wanted to hit, and stretch the drives out for weeks. I think we took 8 of them all together. After I got the book deal it was a matter of re-visiting the events and deciding which celebrations should make the cut. The only rule is that the celebration has to occur in the same place every year.
Do you feel that some of the parties are “better” than others? Or are all parties here equal?One of the things that I’m most proud of is that there is such a diverse cross section of events in the book. There are motorcycle rallies, Halloween celebrations, music festivals, football tailgates, raves, food extravaganzas, and every other type of party that you can think of.
So no matter what type of person you are, there will be something in here for you…they’re all guaranteed to take the idea of a long weekend to a completely different level. It just depends on the person and what type of a long weekend he or she is in the mood for.
What is your favorite party?
My favorite party in the book is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, Florida. It’s was amazing – 500,000 people, tons of great energy, incredible weather, people letting loose, and puffy pirate shirts of course.
If you could go back and re research any of the parties for this book, which one would you choose?
I’m not a NASCAR fan, but the Talladega 500 was one that I’d like to go back to. After a weekend in Alabama, I understood why so many people love that sport and why so many others buy tickets for that particular race a year in advance. The infield of the Talladega is one of the wildest places I’ve ever seen—hands down.
Did you tell people you were researching a party book? What was their reaction?
Most people were very interested and extremely inquisitive about the project when I told them about it. I guess it’s not every day that someone says “I’m writing a travel guide to the 101 greatest annual celebrations in the country.” In fact the reaction from people, both young and old, was so positive and encouraging that it really helped to push me through a few bouts of writers block!
What did you learn by traveling across the country to all these parties? Anything really strike you?
We live in an incredible country, and although it’s difficult to say that in the current economic climate, there are so many reasons to celebrate life on a regular basis.
What you cannot learn about a place by seeing it, you can learn by partying in it. Every area of the United States is filled with unique culture, and these parties tell fascinating stories about the cities or towns in which they occur. These events are about more than just beer drinking and uninhibited behavior – they weave the social fabric of America.
Are there any plans to write party books for other countries or continents?
I’ve thought a lot about that and it would be a blast. Maybe when the exchange rate improves a bit.
For more information about the book, head to Michael Guerriero’s website. If you are interested in my review, you can check it out at Matador Goods.
Matt- Great interview! I think you could write the party Thailand book! And by the way, love the new header on your blog.
Hey Matt, another great interview! You’re really good at asking some interesting questions that get away from the usual stuff.
great interview..i always thought travelling was like partying …the energy, meeting new people …:)
Boo YEAH! Gasparilla really is the best party. It always surprises me that it’s not more well known.
Hey Matt, the site looks great now !
Sounds like a great one that surely gets you psyched about those festivals…I’ve been looking for a new book so this is good timing.