How do you even begin to describe someone who has so profoundly effected the music scene in your area and then has gone on to take those talents and successfully transfer them into the form of a novel? Well, you can't and luckily for me I am a photographer who's sole purpose is to capture and present a visual documentation. As for this introduction, I can only humbly present to you the facts. The fact that Frank Portman, who is also referred to as Dr. Frank, helped start the seminal punk rock band The Mr. T Experience back in 1985, does not go unnoticed by those who are keenly aware of their influence on numerous subsequent bands.The fact that Dr. Frank is now a successful author is no surprise to the legion of fans who have enjoyed the lyrics he has crafted over the years. The fact that we cannot wait to hear another song about a girl...
I met Dr. Frank back in 1997 when I photographed MTX for their 11th album "Revenge Is Sweet, and So Are You" on Lookout! Records. His kind and gentle nature was a pleasure to be around and his wit and quick observations reflected a mind fully awake and firing on all cylinders. It was with great anticipation that Dr. Frank agreed to let me follow him for a day, documenting him for my Day In The Life of series. We decided that documenting him on the day of his book signing for his 3rd novel "King Dork, Approximately" might prove to be interesting.
What ensued was a day I wont soon forget. He and his lovely gal Dina graciously allowed me a peek into their private world which included practicing "King Dork, Approximately" the song in his bedroom! The day unfolded into night as we headed over to 1,2,3,4 Go! Records for his official book signing. It was a night filled with music by Dr. Frank and MTX, Bye Bye Blackbirds, Chuck Prophet, Dina Graves and Her Sliding Trombone, John Denery with Virgil & Judy and dramatic readings by Paige O' Donoghue surrounded by The Devil-Ettes, Jack Boulware and the amazing Karen Finlay all presented by Lookout!'s own Christopher Applegren. It was truly a night to remember and thee best book signing I've ever attended.
It is therefore with great pleasure that I present to you, "Dr. Frank: A Day In The Life of a Rock 'n' Roller"!
Julie Pavlowski Green
December 27, 2014
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