Spring Connections Opens with Author Randy Fertel, March 2

New Orleans author Randy Fertel will read from his New Orleans memoir “The Gorilla Man and the Empress of Steak” beginning at 7:30 p.m., March 2, at CSM’s Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium.

The memoir weaves the stories of his iconic New Orleanian parents, one famous – Ruth, founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House – and one infamous – Rodney, known as “The Gorilla Man” for his quixotic 1969 run for mayor and promise to get a gorilla for the zoo. It is a bittersweet story of one of New Orleans’ most legendary families, and the famous steak house that bears their mother’s name. Roy Blound Jr. said, “Lots of New Orleans history in this family story, which is wilder than the gorillas and almost as juicy as the steaks.”

Fertel will join CSM President Dr. Bradley Gottfried on Feb. 12 for the Sunday radio show, “Southern Maryland Perspectives” on Southern Maryland Radio with SOMAR Communications. The program is 30 minutes long and airs at 7 a.m. on WKIK 102.9 FM; 7:30 a.m. on WYRX 97.7 FM and 8 a.m. on WSMD 98.3 FM.

For information on Connections, study guides and author links visit www.csmd.edu/connections. Books featured are available at any CSM College Store or online at www.csmd.edu/CollegeStore.

CSM’s campuses are accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two week advanced notice. If you are interested in these services, please contact the academic support/ADA coordinator at 301-934-7614.

 

Calendar Listing

CSM’s Connections Literary Series: Randy Fertel. 7:30 p.m., March 2, College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. CSM’s Connections Literary Series welcomes New Orleans author, Randy Fertel to read and discuss his memoir “The Gorilla Man and the Empress of Steak,” about the rise of his mother’s restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Tickets are $3 advanced sale through the CSM box office and $3 at the door with a student ID. General admission at the door is $5. 301-934-7864, 240-725-5499, 443-550-6199, 301-870-2309, Ext. 7864 or www.csmd.edu/connections.