Smart Bets: Readings from author Brian Lee Knopp

On Aug. 6, 1981, the five members of the mysterious and previously unknown Ida Lupino Liberation Organization took over Central Florida’s largest FM radio station, WDIZ Rock 100 Orlando. No shots were fired, no one was hurt or arrested. The getaway vehicle was a beater Plymouth Fire Arrow. That escapade is the subtitle of author Brian Lee Knopp’s new book, Dreams I’m Never Gonna See: The Takeover of WDIZ Rock 100/FM and Other Essays. On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe will host a hybrid event (both in person and virtual) featuring Knopp reading from that tall tale — perhaps answering the burning questions of who, how and why — along with excerpts from some of the nine other essays. Among the subjects and life experiences Knopp delves into are a 1920s Flapper ghost; coming face to face with a wolf while shearing a sheep; Knopp’s personal hero, French high-wire artist Philippe Petit; and underground Disney World circa 1979. Knopp spent nearly three decades as a private investigator, working primarily in WNC, where he still lives. His 2009 memoir Mayhem in Mayberry: Misadventures of a P.I. in Southern Appalachia, was Malaprop’s top seller in 2010. The reading begins at 6 p.m. and will include time for audience Q&As. Knopp will also appear at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. Register for the Malaprop’s event at avl.mx/eep. For more on the Sylva event, visit avl.mx/eew. Image courtesy of the author

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 12 to correct the spelling of the author’s last name.

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About Kay West
Kay West began her writing career in NYC, then was a freelance journalist in Nashville for more than 30 years, including contributing writer for the Nashville Scene, Nashville correspondent for People magazine, author of five books and mother of two happily launched grown-up kids. In 2019 she moved to Asheville and continued writing (minus Red Carpet coverage) with a focus on food, farming and hospitality. She is a die-hard NY Yankees fan.

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2 thoughts on “Smart Bets: Readings from author Brian Lee Knopp

  1. Brian Lee Knopp

    I am puzzled as to how my last name of K N O P P became K O P P, particularly since all of my correspondence with Ms. West bore the correct spelling of my last name, including but not limited to an image file of the book’s front cover and the signature line of my email. Maybe it was removed in the final printing after she turned the Smart Bets piece in? I would love an explanation for this error or, failing that, at least a printed correction.
    BRIAN LEE KNOPP

    • Gina Smith

      As one of the primary editors on this piece, I want to extend my sincere apologies for the typo, Mr. Knopp. Believe me, we do our absolute best to avoid errors like this (especially with people’s names!), but unfortunately, they sometimes slip by us anyway. The problem has been corrected online, and we will run a correction in an upcoming print issue as well. Again, please accept my apologies for the mistake. I wish you the best with your new book and your upcoming events!

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