Movie adaptation: ‘The Reincarnationist Papers’ by D. Eric Maikranz

The movie adaptation of D. Eric Maikranz’ ‘The Reincarnationist Papers’ will be released in May. Photo: google

D. Eric Maikranz is the author of “The Reincarnationist Papers,” the electrifying debut novel that introduces readers to the Cognomina, a secret society of people who reincarnate with total recall of their collected past lives. As a world traveler, he was a foreign correspondent while living in Rome, translated for relief doctors in Nicaragua during a cholera epidemic, and was once forcibly expelled from the nation of Laos. He has worked as a tour guide, a radio host, a bouncer, and a Silicon Valley software executive. The Reincarnationist Papers is the electrifying book that introduces readers to the Cognomina, a secret society of people who possess total recall of their past lives. It is the basis for the Paramount Pictures movie Infinite, scheduled for release in May 2021, and starring Mark Wahlberg and Dylan O’Brien.

In “The Reincarnationist Papers,” discovered in an antique store in Rome at the turn of the millennium, The Reincarnationist Papers offers a tantalizing glimpse into the Cognomina, a secret society of people who possess total recall of their past lives. Evan Michaels struggles with being different, with having the complete memories of two other people who lived sequentially before him. He fights loneliness and believes his ‘condition’ is unique until he meets Poppy. She recognizes his struggle because she has the same ‘condition,’ except that she is much older, remembering back seven consecutive lives. There is something else she must share with Evan – she is a member of a secret society of others like them. They are, in effect, near immortals – compiling experiences and skills over lifetimes into near superhuman abilities that they have used to drive history toward their own agenda on a longer timeline. Through Poppy, Evan is invited into the Cognomina but he must decide if he can face their tests before entering this new mysterious society as their equal.

Bluegrass Pride presents virtual Valentine’s Day sing along

Bluegrass Pride invites public to join them for a special Valentine’s Day edition of their series. Photo: google

Bluegrass Pride, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ folks in American roots music, invites the public to join them for a special Valentine’s Day edition of their monthly livestream series, Live With Bluegrass Pride. On Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 1p.m. PST / 4p.m. EST old-time musicians, multi-instrumentalists, and educators Rachel Eddy & Em Hammond will lead Bluegrass Pride members and fans in a beginner-friendly jam-along of queer-centered love songs to celebrate the occasion. Viewers will be able to watch via BGP’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website. (IVPR, 2021)

Live With Bluegrass Pride benefits each month’s featured artists as well as supporting the ongoing work of Bluegrass Pride. The virtual event is free to attend, but there is a suggested $25 donation.

Launched in the fall of 2020 after the smashing success of Bluegrass Pride’s flagship virtual event, Porch Pride, Live with Bluegrass Pride is a periodic livestream series celebrating LGBTQ+ folks and their allies in bluegrass, old-time, country, and beyond. Most months, viewers enjoy songs and casual conversation from the Bluegrass Pride family of artists and bands, but on occasion, they like to include the public. So, on February 14, BGP and featured musicians Rachel Eddy (they/them) & Em Hammond (they/them) will also display lyrics, chords, and simple instructions so that anyone can play along and enjoy a beginner, slow-jam flow. As a holiday celebrating traditional and consumerist ideas of love and romance, BGP realizes that Valentine’s Day can leave queer folks feeling erased, left out, and isolated. As such, BGP has purposefully created this space for queer folks and roots music fans from across the country and around the world to join the music, fellowship, and celebration of queer, non-binary, non-heteronormative love.

Rachel Eddy is a native of West Virginia who grew up in a musical family steeped in the traditions of Appalachian music and dance. Now based in Washington, D.C., they are known throughout the world as both a dynamic, emotionally powerful performer and an engaging, thoughtful teacher. Eddy’s soulful singing and multi-instrumental finesse—including fiddle, banjo, guitar, and mandolin—may be heard on numerous solo and collaborative recordings as well as at dances and jam sessions, where they are dedicated to fostering community and sharing a love of music with others. Eddy will be joined by special guest, their partner, multi-instrumentalist Em Hammond.