Kevin Chong Launches “Neil Young Nation” in Winnipeg

Bill Laing and his wife Lauren, Kevin Chong and Rock Historian John Einarson

Recently, we observed that The Neil Young Nation is Here as Kevin Chong makes the rounds promoting his new book.

Bill Laing writes this report from Winnipeg on Kevin's recent visit:

"Last week in Winnipeg at the McNally-Robinson Book Store, Kevin Chong launched his new book, “Neil Young Nation”. Prior to Kevin’s introduction I played a five song set of Neil favorites, which included, Journey Through the Past, Old Man, Sugar Mountain, Heart of Gold, and The Painter.

On hand to introduce myself as well as Kevin was Canadian Rock-n-Roll Historian John Einarson. John began by relating the story of how Kevin first contacted him regarding factual information about Neil’s Winnipeg days. At first John thought,”Oh no, not another Neil biography”. However, as he talked to Kevin, he realized that this was not so much about Neil Young, as it was the story of a devoted Neil Young fan. John went on to describe the time spent with Kevin, while Kevin visited the “Peg”on his journey to recreate Neil’s trip from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay, Toronto. and finally, Los Angeles.

After John’s introduction, it was then Kevin’s turn to take the podium and read from “Neil Young Nation”. Kevin related many humorous stories from his trip. On hand in the audience were many Neil fans and others who had simply attended Kelvin High School at the same time Neil had attended during the early sixties.

As an added bonus, McNally- Robinson Book Store provided a birthday cake in honor of Neil’s upcoming sixtieth birthday. Fans lined up for both cake and a chance to purchase an autographed copy of ‘Neil Young Nation”. Of course for me the best part of the evening was the honor of being asked to play for this event. A special thanks goes out to McNally-Robinson Books, Mr. Kevin Chong, and especially, Mr. John Einarson for allowing me this opportunity to be part of a very special evening."

More on Bill's Winnipeg hometown. Thanks Bill!

Support Neil Young Nation by Kevin Chong. (Thanks! You'll also be supporting Thrasher's Wheat).

And if you are in New York City on Wednesday, November 16, Neil Young Nation author Kevin Chong will be at "The Writer`s Voice Visiting Author Series" at West Side YMCA, 5 W. 63rd Street (between Central Park West and Broadway). More details here.