It's a Music-Meets-Books Event featuring Ken Baxter and Friends!

The Otto Bookstore is excited to welcome Ken Baxter and Friends for a fun evening of music and books. Ken is a multifaceted artist and author originally from New England and now living in central Pennsylvania. Baxter is known for his wide-ranging talents as a writer, singer-songwriter, and playwright. His memoir, The Philosophy of Arson is a powerful true story of personal redemption that explores themes of childhood trauma, loss, incarceration, and self-forgiveness. The book has earned strong ratings on both Goodreads and Amazon, and it was released alongside a soundtrack of seven original songs now available on Apple Music, Deezer, and other platforms.

A sequel, The Philosophy of Hope, is on the way and has already inspired a series of benefit concerts in support of the Jana Marie Foundation’s suicide prevention efforts. These performances often feature Baxter’s son, Nick Baxter, a Hollywood music producer, and show Baxter’s long-standing dedication to using art and music as a way to connect and uplift. Over the years, his musical career has produced several award-winning albums, including Blink of an Eye, and his stage work includes original musicals as well as parodies written for the Olympia Comedy Network and Bob Rivera’s Twisted Tunes.

As a former firefighter, martial arts expert, and dynamic storyteller, Baxter is known for his energetic presence in venues like Pine Grove Hall and The State Theatre in State College. His performances blend original songs with heartfelt covers and always carry a strong commitment to mental health causes.

Host or Publisher The Otto Bookstore