Former Reb George Plasketes Reads From His Book, “Warren Zevon,” Thursday at 6 p.m.

George Plasketes, who played defensive end for the Ole Miss Rebels (1975-77), returns to Oxford this Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at Off Square Books (129 Courthouse Square).

Plasketes will discuss his new book, “Warren Zevon: Desperado of Los Angeles (Rowan and Littlefield).” The book is the first critical exploration of one of rock music’s most talented – and tormented – songwriters.

Plasketes’s appearance is part of The Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, which will also feature novelist Cassandra King. King will discuss the release of “A Lowcountry Heart (Doubleday),” a posthumous collection of essays by her late husband, Pat Conroy.

Following the radio show, a brief reception for Plasketes will be held at the Shelter on Van Buren at 7 p.m., across the street from Off Square Books in the basement of Neilson’s. Both events are free and open to the public. The radio broadcast can be heard from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. on WUMS, 92.1 FM in Oxford.

Other guests on the program will include jazz singer Rhonda Richmond and West Virginia songwriter, Christian Lopez.

Since graduating from Ole Miss, Plasketes has been professor of media studies and popular culture in the School of Communication and Journalism at Auburn University. Plasketes was co-captain of the 1977 Rebel football team that defeated Notre Dame 20-13 in Jackson. That Irish team went on to win the national championship with the Ole Miss game as their only loss. Plasketes was later voted Colonel Rebel by the Ole Miss student body.

Courtesy of Jim Dees. For questions or comments, email randall.haley@hottytoddy.com.