The Robert Philipson poetry book release party at the SF LGBT Center. Jazz/R&B musician Andre Dos Santos Morgan, author Philipson and drummer Nancy Geimar. There was music, a reading, a Q&A and a reception. PHOTO BY RINK

Cool music and a friendly audience saluted author and videographer Robert Philipson at his poetry book release party at the LGBT Center on May 22, Harvey Milk Day in California. Though the new holiday drew large crowds to more than a dozen venues, Philipson was feted by a sizable group of fellow Oakland citizens, and some fans from Marin and even Danville. His family also joined to hear jazz/R&B musician Andre Dos Santos Morgan on a keyboard and Nancy Geimar on drums and percussion before Philipson read and Q&A’ed. Then they mingled at a reception in The Center’s 4th floor Ceremonial Room. Morgan was exceptional in creating a mood with his unique music, and the sound system that was brought in certainly helped.
His CD’s are something to be experienced and are highly recommended. 

The book Very Good-Looking Seeks Same: Gay Profiles in Search of Love, A New Volume of Transgressive, Internet Inspired Poems is inspired by the male-on-male ads on the Internet. There was a lot of lust and sexuality to wade through to get to the love part, and the gathering of mostly friends and relatives seemed to enjoy the humor.

And the direct approach to the narrow types that were wanted was harsh but also realistic for many, and it was or was not autobiographical.
This journalist may be too used to Bruce Vilanch jokes that are more biting and topical, with multiple meanings, and Tom Ammiano political humor (“Those gay Republicans! Their motto is “We’re Here! We’re Queer! We’re Sorry”) to relate to the book.

The wine and taste treat reception following the reading was jovial, and books were signed and there were introductions all around. Jack Vincent, the partner of much-missed acclaimed filmmaker Marlon Riggs made an appearance and greeted fellow Oaklanders, as did author Philipson’s editing teacher Peter Freund