Former bandmates John Strohm and Freda Love Smith reunite for a special event to celebrate both the release of John’s new solo album, Something to Look Forward To, and Freda’s new memoir, I Quit Everything. This night of conversation and live music will begin at 7 pm on Sunday, October 22 at Evanston’s Space. John and Freda met as teenagers in Bloomington, Indiana and moved to Boston in 1985. There they formed the seminal indie rock band the Blake Babies with Juliana Hatfield, and subsequently had long careers in music both together and separately, in bands such as Antenna, the Lemonheads, Some Girls, Mysteries of Life, Gentleman Caller, and Sunshine Boys. Beyond their careers as working musicians, the two have carved paths in the creative industries: John has been a music business attorney in Nashville since 2011 and was the president of Rounder Records from 2017 to 2022. Freda published her first book, Red Velvet Underground, in 2015 and works as a creative writing professor at Lesley University and Northwestern University.  “John has been my longest creative collaborator and I have him to thank for launching my 36-year journey as an indie rock drummer,” says Smith. “I can’t wait to talk to him about my new book, which touches on themes of work, creativity, habits, and aging, and about his gorgeous new album, which explores much of the same territory.” The night will begin with a conversation between the two old friends, with time for questions and comments from the audience. After that comes a short reading from I Quit Everything, followed by a full band performance of songs from Something to Look Forward To and others from John’s back catalogue. Books and albums will be available for sale and signing.