Frank Portman, frontman of the East Bay pop-punkers the Mr. T Experience, has written his first novel King Dork (named after one of MTX's songs) due to be released April 11 by Delacorte/Random House. Portman (a.k.a. Dr. Frank), guitarist, singer and songwriter for MTX, will celebrate the release of the book, "a mystery, and a comedy of high school manners, but more than anything, it's a treasure trove of musical references and opinions," at Cato's Ale House in Oakland. There, he will also perform a set of MTX material, as well as music written for his fictional character's high school band. There will be a guest performance by country/folk songwriter Chuck Prophet and Dr. Frank will also read excerpts from the book. King Dork is a mystery novel of sorts, however injected with Portman's usual brand of humor. The characters, in high school, attempt to start a band, and "authentic hilarity" ensues. The novel also serves as his own critiquing forum, wherein he sets out to rank rock's greatest (in this list Foghat is beat out by the Who). Portman also suggested there is a chance he might perform his new, previously unpremiered song, "Cingular Wireless, Worse Than Hitler," which has only been performed over the phone to a customer service rep, during which she "hung up during the bridge." www.doktorfrank.com www.themrtexperience.com
