The Vinyl Diaries Toronto book launch with Pete Crighton

Another Story Bookshop and Random House Canada present PETE CRIGHTON in conversation with Rachel Giese

Join the daring memoirist as he discusses his provocative new book THE VINYL DIARIES: Sex, Deep Cuts, and My Soundtrack to Queer Joy

Featuring performances by Mintz and Queer Songbook Orchestra

Please note new day of Monday May 5th!

Doors open at 6pm for dinner reservations
Event begins at 7pm
Free!

Tickets are general admission and do not guarantee seating.
For guaranteed seating reserve a table to enjoy Lula’s menu before the
show: https://www.lula.ca/reservations or call 416-588-0307.

Co-presented with Lula Music and Arts Centre.

Pete Crighton came of age in the early/mid 1980s in the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Growing up in Toronto, he was terrified that his friends and schoolmates would find out that he was “different” at a time when being gay felt like a death sentence. His only comfort was music, the songs a balm to his painful adolescence.

Struggling to make sense of his sexuality and fear of the disease stifled Crighton as a sexual being. Instead of exploring sex, he began curating a massive music library. He then took what he thought was a safe path and entered into two long-term monogamous relationships, both doomed to fail. Finally, in his 40s, Crighton decided to ignore his fear and live his queer life to the fullest.

The Vinyl Diaries is the story of Crighton’s mid-life sexual awakening. From one-night trysts to friendships resulting from app-based hookups, Crighton is honest and unapologetic as he chronicles the pursuit of his erotic desires. Each new connection and lover is linked to an artist, song, or album from his vast collection and backdrops the stories Crighton tells about his life, interconnected with the artists' work and histories. Kate Bush, the B-52s, Prince, The Smiths, Yoko Ono, and Stevie Nicks are just a few of the artists who provide an extraordinary soundtrack to Crighton’s adventures.

Big-hearted, funny, thoughtful, and wildly entertaining, The Vinyl Diaries is a celebration of sex, music and the discovery of our true selves.

PETE CRIGHTON has worked as a marketing executive in the arts for many years. He has also studied comedy at Second City, graduating from their Conservatory Program in improv, scene writing and performance and still sings (badly) in the Dolly Parton choir “the Tennessee Mountain Homos.” He lives in Toronto.

‍