In Modesto, some people are surprised to learn that they have such a lively character from their home town and that he’s not more well known.
But a few folks are changing that.
Gordon Preston, Mark Nicoll- Johnson, and Tom Myers are spreading the word about Modesto’s interesting poet predecessor: James Broughton.
They do that by inviting people into their homes for Big Joy salons. They talk about James, share his work, and watch the Big Joy trailer… only they make it even more interesting.
They watch the trailer once. Then they watch it again pointing out many interesting things about James and Modesto in the trailer… for instance, the trailer depicts a scene from James’ 1974 film Testament—which he filmed while he was in Modesto to dedicate the local library. Residents know the woman who introduced James on the day of the dedication.
They’ve also heard of Alan Watts, a good friend of Broughton’s, who appears in the trailer and used one of Broughton’s poems in his book entitled The Book.
They learn that Broughton’s autobiography Coming Unbuttoned was commissioned by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and sold first in San Francisco’s famous City Lights Books.
Residents are surprised to hear that Modesto’s local chapter of PEN Women Writers (one that has been operating in the town for 100 years) often invited Broughton to come and read.
At these salons, there are PEN Women Writers, librarians, and teachers. For them, it’s like pointing out a piece of joint history to present-day representatives of these timeless groups.
Like at any good gathering, refreshments are provided, but so are copies of James’s work. Examples like his box set High Kukus are available to borrow. And, to use as an example of a possible creative writing exercise in the classroom.
In November Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton is coming to Modesto for Broughton’s 100th birthday, and these three men will ensure that Modestans will be prepared to appreciate the story of one of their more creative hometown heroes. He is, after all, a piece of their life too.