Pittsburgh Celebrities, Book Enthusiasts Support Local Author

Pittsburgh author Sarah Beth Martin, penname sbr martin, celebrated the , “In Wake of Water,” with a book launch party on Saturday evening.

Dozens of book enthusiasts, including well-known celebrities, came out to The Smiling Moose in the South Side to purchase Martin’s book and support her entry into the literary world.

When members of her growing readership asked her what her book was about, Martin explained it as “a perverse pastoral, where life is anything but idyllic.

“The central narrative addresses two very different outlooks on death and loss and exposes the complexity of the human condition,” she said. “But, don’t worry, it’s not just about death! As the narrative progresses, a lot of dirty little secrets are revealed in interesting side stories and crazy supporting characters.”

Martin’s publisher is The Artists’ Orchard, an independent publishing house self-started by Peters Township resident Sherry Linger Kaier, who was at the launch event.

Kaier said that she was very proud of Martin and of all the hard work that went into the book.

“I’m eager to see the public response to my author’s work, especially since (Martin) gives a very unique spin on the big three topics that everyone loves to read about,” said Kaier.

“You know, ‘the big three’: sex, religion and politics,” Kaier clarified with air quotes.

The event also featured a musical performance by Pittsburgh musician Gary Musisko.

Musisko played a 45-minute set of soulful acoustic music, which transcended various genres. His rich voice and skilled strumming captivated the audience with folk, Americana and alternative appeal.

The lyrics of Musisko’s original songs were touching, poetic and powerful. Lines like “I shoot at the tower on the day of my release||You can have me yesterday, but for today at least||I’ve got the sun shining on me,” sang to a complex human condition similar to that of which Martin writes.

It was a fitting performance to accompany Martin’s debut.

Musisko was joined on stage by Jenn Wertz, former member of the '90s powerhouse folk group Rusted Root. Together, Musisko and Wertz delivered a crowd-pleasing cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.”

These days, Wertz continues to create as a solo musician and mixed-media visual artist. An avid advocate of local arts and artists, she said she attended the book launch to show her support of both Musisko’s music and Martin’s writing.

Before Musisko and Wertz took the stage, Martin’s husband, Matt, provided background music for the affair. Operating as RockStar Productions, Matt is a disc jockey who regularly provides DJ and karaoke services to several Pittsburgh bars, including The Smiling Moose, where the launch was held.

For more information on “In Wake of Water,” including buying info and upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/inwakeofwater.